Lately, I've been digging the synth-funk-pop sound and have been trying to emulate that in my music. Does anyone have any good recommendations on some good VSTs/presets that are a good starting point. Also, any tips on how to tweak into this sound (I'm sort of a novice in that department).


A prime example of the types of synths/bass I'm interested in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUd1T_I2rpA

Thanks in advance

Bass : Its a real bass, so to get precisely this kind of sound a slap bass sample library might be your best choice.

Keys funky stabs : Besides a Clavia, you're looking for a VA synth.

I would recommand you testing Xils-Lab Oxium to see if it fits ( www.xils-lab.com ). Then for funky presets all our sound libraries contains some tasty funky/soulfull presets.

More info : www.lelotusbleu.fr, and especially check the NI FM8 and Oxium soundbanks. Might be, hopefully, happily surprised.

Examples :

Some Oxium Keys

www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8akMCNaix4

An FM8 only funkyish track ( different vibe from yours : Its all synths ! )

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVdyu14yBck

LtZ

Thanks for the quick reply. The main sound that I was interested in was the fat synth sound. No way that's a real bass (there's definitely one that layers it, but that's not what I'm referring to - I'm referring to the synth bass/guitar that you hear distinctively at the very beggining).

Can you please listen to it again and let me know what you think? I'm also interested in the synth sound that's playing in chords (it plays alone at :40 and also :59).

sounds like an electric bass layered with a Sine wave/filtered square wave going thru a heavily pumping limiter(probably side-chained with the kick drum)

Any tips on how to go about making this sound (i.e. which VST to buy, etc.)?

Anyone??

Check this! Is really funki!
Sounds for Camel Audio Alchemy, Michael Kastrup.
youtube-link-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuDTFI54izA

I've done synth funk for ages and some with freeware ONLY. It's a matter of listening to the style and emulating with whatever you have. Buying loads of gear won't help you much. Ideas and musicianship will.
It may sound a cliché but I found it to be very true.
Check my soundcloud, it's loaded with 80s thrash

Korg's MonoPoly is great for funky sounds

http://www.korg.com/LegacyMonoPoly

especially when loaded with Electric Himalaya's 'Funk Retrospective' soundbank

http://www.electric-himalaya.com/monopoly_funk_retrospective .html

Jon

I think GForce Oddity would be a viable option. It's an ARP Odyssey emulation loaded with a fair share of funky presets.