Frankenstein Timbre?

Gaston · Post by **Gaston** » Mon Jul 31, 2023 10:23 pm

Dear Forum Members,
I'm curious if anyone might have a custom timbre for that long frequency resonating glissando/LFO effect near the end of Frankenstein (just before the last head section)? I've got a few strange stock timbres but if anyone has something better or close to the original version and is willing to share it, please let me know? Thanks so much!!!
Respectfully,
Gaston

pete.m · Post by **pete.m** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 8:26 am

Do you mean Frankenstein by Edgar Winter?

That was one of the first records I ever fell for, and it still sounds great to me. Sorry I can't answer your question, but I'd like to understand how it was done as well.

voip · Post by **voip** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 12:25 pm

If it's the bit I'm thinking of, an analogue synth was used, with a lot of control knob tweakery. At least that's what it was in this Old Grey Whistle Test version (listen around the 7 minute mark):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8f-Qb-bwlU

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Gaston · Post by **Gaston** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 3:27 pm

pete.m wrote:Do you mean Frankenstein by Edgar Winter?

That was one of the first records I ever fell for, and it still sounds great to me. Sorry I can't answer your question, but I'd like to understand how it was done as well.

Yes that it precisely. If i had an analog synth like a Jupiter 8 I could create that sound in about three minutes. But I struggle with synthesis on my Kronos, it's not the same for me.

Gaston · Post by **Gaston** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 3:32 pm

voip wrote:If it's the bit I'm thinking of, an analogue synth was used, with a lot of control knob tweakery. At least that's what it was in this Old Grey Whistle Test version (listen around the 7 minute mark):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8f-Qb-bwlU

.

That's a very cool live video! Never saw it before! But yes, that's just it. That kind of editing is much easier on a Jupiter 8 for me. I had one for many years and loved it. But it became unreliable, probably from too much road time and tossing around. I'm looking for a Kronos Timbre that will suffice. Just love the resonance and LFO compliments to the drum solo. But I've got nothing on board from stock that's even close... Thanks for sharing

Gaston · Post by **Gaston** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 4:27 pm

I kinda came up with my own hack glissando from some Korg stock SFX timbres, made a combi. It's pretty cool, way different than the original but I guess that's kind of the whole idea about redoing a song anyway right? Anxious to try it out on the band tomorrow night now!!! The band is outstanding!!

voip · Post by **voip** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 8:15 pm

The synth used by Edgar Winter in Frankenstein was the ARP2600.

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ITguy54 · Post by **ITguy54** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 1:44 pm

If I understand which sound is being discussed, I’m pretty sure it was created by an LFO controlling the cutoff frequency of the VCF that has had its resonance turned all the way up into oscillation. Manually turning the cutoff frequency down while the LFO continues creates the effect.

KingKronos · Post by **KingKronos** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 4:25 pm

The ARP2600 also has an overdriven sound to it.
I'd experiment with AL1's Drive and Low Boost on the Amp/Drive page.

I'd also put the sound through one of the amp/cab sims.
For both body and that vintage sound.

Another fave of mine is 2 or 3 voice Unison with 0 Detune with a bit of Spread.
It seems to provide more punch than just turning up the volume.

A few other FX faves for more punch and presence:
exciter (dark enhancer)
Stereo Tube Preamp (on the TFX over the whole combi/program)
mic modeling (several flavors to choose from, and close/on/off axis)

Lastly, don't forget about assigning things to the Aux Outputs.
I found this gives the program its own breathing space, and presence.
You could run the Frankensteing patch through a pedal.
Or even just another channel on the mixer with a bit of EQ and comp.

Anyway, good luck with that custom Frankenstein patch.
I'm jealous you found a band willing to do that song...

Xenophile · Post by **Xenophile** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 6:06 pm

ITguy54 wrote:If I understand which sound is being discussed, I’m pretty sure it was created by an LFO controlling the cutoff frequency of the VCF that has had its resonance turned all the way up into oscillation. Manually turning the cutoff frequency down while the LFO continues creates the effect.

That is pretty close to how I did it on my Jupiter 8 way back when. Except I didn't use filter resonance. I just modulated the oscillator with an LFO reverse sawtooth for that repeating "Pew! Pew! Pew!..." sound. Then I manually adjusted the oscillator coarse frequency gradually from high to low to get the sort of "landing flying saucer" kind of sound. I think Edgar fiddled with the coarse tuning at the end... Maybe bring in a sample-and-hold random pitch modulation... Kind of jamming with the drummer before the song breaks back into the head part.