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synth from “owner of a lonely heart” by yes | ToneDB

owner of a lonely heart

yes

synth

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A punchy, iconic, and slightly gritty sampled orchestral stab, characterized by its sharp attack and dramatic, reverberant decay. It's a hallmark of 80s pop production, defining the song's rhythmic drive and instantly recognizable sound.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fairlight CMI Series II (using 'ORCH5' sample)

Amp: Direct Input to mixing console (e.g., SSL 4000 E Series)

Processing: Console EQ (e.g., SSL E-Series), Console/Outboard Compression (e.g., SSL Channel Dynamics, Urei 1176), Digital Reverb (e.g., Lexicon 224, AMS RMX16)

Other: The core sound is the 'ORCH5' sample, a factory orchestral stab from the Fairlight. Gated reverb technique was likely applied for a tight, impactful sound. The Fairlight's 8-bit sampling contributes to its distinct timbre.

Recording Notes

  • The iconic synth stab is primarily from the Fairlight CMI Series II, a pioneering digital sampler.
  • Producer Trevor Horn heavily utilized the Fairlight's capabilities, particularly the 'ORCH5' orchestral stab sample from its factory library.
  • Recorded at SARM West Studios, London, likely using an SSL console, which would have provided EQ and compression.
  • Extensive use of digital reverb (e.g., Lexicon 224 or AMS RMX16) and gated reverb techniques shaped the sound's spacious yet controlled character.
  • The Fairlight's 8-bit resolution and converters imparted a unique, slightly gritty texture to the samples.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a sampler or ROMpler loaded with a classic 'orchestra hit' or '80s stab' sample. Many virtual instruments and sample packs offer these.
  • Apply a bright digital reverb with a medium-to-long decay. Consider using a noise gate after the reverb (gated reverb) to abruptly cut off the tail for a punchier effect.
  • Use EQ to boost upper-mids for presence and high frequencies for air, mimicking the Fairlight's characteristic bite.
  • Subtle bitcrushing or sample rate reduction can help emulate the lo-fi quality of the original Fairlight CMI.
  • Ensure the sample has a sharp, percussive attack via its amplitude envelope.
  • Consider layering two slightly different orchestra hit samples, perhaps panned slightly apart, for a wider or richer sound.

Sources