{"id":16319,"date":"2022-10-20T09:00:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T08:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/?p=16319"},"modified":"2022-10-20T11:01:01","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T10:01:01","slug":"top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Suspiria_1977\" >Suspiria (1977)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Software\" >Software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Hardware\" >Hardware<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Stranger_Things_2016_%E2%80%93_present\" >Stranger Things (2016 &#8211; present)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Software-2\" >Software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Hardware-2\" >Hardware<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#i\" >\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Saw_2004_%E2%80%93_present\" >Saw (2004 &#8211; present)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Software-3\" >Software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Other_hardware\" >Other hardware<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Synthesizers\" >Synthesizers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Halloween_1978\" >Halloween (1978)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Software-4\" >Software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Hardware-3\" >Hardware<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#It_Follows_2014\" >It Follows (2014)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Software-5\" >Software<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Create_your_own_spine-tingling_horror_soundtrack\" >Create your own spine-tingling horror soundtrack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#Final_tips\" >Final tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Horror soundtracks often require a lot of the most unique and creative techniques to create the bone-chilling sounds we know and love. So, how do we go about making these kinds of tracks, and what do the real composers use to do it? Let\u2019s break down the sounds behind some of our favourite horror media.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Suspiria (1977)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suspiria_1977\"><\/span><em>Suspiria<\/em> (1977)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_16558\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16558\" class=\"wp-image-16558 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Suspiria.jpg\" alt=\"A screenshot of a scene in Suspiria (1977)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Suspiria.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Suspiria-600x255.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Suspiria-768x326.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Suspiria-980x416.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Suspiria-480x204.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-16558\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creative Commons License by <a href=\"https:\/\/picryl.com\/media\/suspiria-1977-dd678c?action=upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Picryl<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>For <em>Suspiria<\/em>, Italian rock band Goblin took advantage of a broad range of folk instruments and melded them with synthesizers, blending this with their established prog-rock stylings.<\/p>\n<p>The opening theme starts slow and atmospheric, driven by the new folk instruments they\u2019ve added to their style before erupting into a galloping, chaotic piece of cinematic rock.<\/p>\n<p>The bouzouki, tabla, and music box are as central to this soundtrack as guitars, drums, and keyboards. Entire bands are rarely employed to score films, but Goblin show that a collective approach to creating unsettling music can work just as well.<\/p>\n<p><em>Suspiria<\/em>\u2019s soundtrack feels like a full album in its own right, but it also makes for the perfect accompaniment to Dario Argento\u2019s beautiful, otherworldly film.<\/p>\n<p>As the film gradually descends into supernatural chaos, we start to hear more keyboards: organs, Mellotron, and Moog synthesizers (both the Minimoog and the System 55).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Software\"><\/span>Software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-16388 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/perfect-selection-393x300.jpg\" alt=\"A studio with Native Instruments\u2019 Komplete Standard bundle\" width=\"393\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/perfect-selection-393x300.jpg 393w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/perfect-selection-480x366.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/perfect-selection.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>A wide range of sampling is needed to recreate Goblin\u2019s work for <em>Suspiria<\/em>, and a few sample packs would be up to the task.<\/p>\n<p>Having said this, <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Native-Instruments-Komplete-14-Standard\/541P\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments\u2019 Komplete Standard bundle<\/a><\/strong> is ideal for getting you started.<\/p>\n<p>There are some folk instrument libraries within Native Instruments\u2019 Spotlight Collection that include the tabla.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, you can find some Turkish instruments such as the Oud, Saz, Tanbur, and Kemen\u00e7e which share enough in common with the bouzouki that they can take up similar sonic timbres despite their differing origins.<\/p>\n<p>Combine this with some music box sample libraries to run in Kontakt, and you\u2019re ready to get into the strange, organic soundscapes of Goblin.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, without software emulations of the various keyboards, this soundtrack wouldn\u2019t be achievable. The band relied on the Mellotron, Elka organ, Celesta, Rhodes electric piano, grand piano, Minimoog, and System 55 for key sounds.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, Celesta, Rhodes and grand piano sounds are included within Native Instruments Komplete Standard, so this should already be covered.<\/p>\n<p>And the best option to cover the rest &#8211; if you\u2019re into keyboard sounds &#8211; might just be <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Arturia-V-Collection-9\/4TTH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arturia\u2019s V-Collection 9<\/a><\/strong>. A full software collection of famous keyboards throughout history, it includes the Mellotron, a range of organs, Rhodes, Minimoog, and Moog modular emulations.<\/p>\n<p>It also recreates many of the synthesizers we\u2019ll see throughout this list, as well as plenty of other synth emulations that might help you achieve your own unique sonic palette.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hardware\"><\/span>Hardware<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>For the rest of the instruments, the band use exactly what you\u2019d expect: drums, electric and acoustic guitars, and bass. There isn\u2019t any specific information on most of these instruments, and whatever you have to hand should be more than enough to get the job done.<\/p>\n<p>So, what about the less common instruments? Fortunately, bouzoukis and tablas are commonly used throughout music production and are readily available. The <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Ozark-2222-Flat-Back-Bouzouki\/ZBT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ozark 2222 Flat Back Bouzouki<\/a><\/strong> is the perfect entry-level version of this instrument to learn on. Combine this with our <strong><a href=\"\/Drums-and-Percussion\/Tabla-Set-by-Gear4music\/GBB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tabla Set by Gear4music<\/a><\/strong>, and use whatever microphones you have to hand to capture the proggy, atmospheric chaos!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Stranger Things (2016 &#8211; present)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stranger_Things_2016_%E2%80%93_present\"><\/span><em>Stranger Things<\/em> (2016 &#8211; present)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_16500\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16500\" class=\"wp-image-16500 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-1024x511.jpg\" alt=\"A snapshot of three characters in Stranger Things\" width=\"1024\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-1024x511.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-768x383.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-1080x539.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-1280x638.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-980x489.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-480x239.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-16500\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Creative Commons License by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/malique\/52093893872\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Budiey<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p>We all love the retro, &#8217;80s-tinged experimentation and texture of Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon\u2019s work in the <em>Stranger Things<\/em> soundtrack. The duo from the synthwave band S U R V I V E have drawn from &#8217;80s synthpop, experimental electronic music, and classic horror soundtracks of the &#8217;70s and &#8217;80s to create the sonic palette of the show.<\/p>\n<p>The main theme for the show was played by hand on an Oberheim Two-Voice, with keys from a Sequential Prophet 5, bass from the Roland SH-2, and a heartbeat sound effect from the Sequential Pro One.<\/p>\n<p>There are other synths in their arsenal throughout their scoring.<\/p>\n<p>Primarily, the composers say they\u2019ve used a lot of the Sequential Prophet 6 \u2013 the main synth behind the bouncy, upbeat track \u201cKids\u201d, the ARP 2600 for bass and sound effects, and Moog\u2019s modular System 55. The latter comprised many unique sound effects, as well as the theme for the Upside Down &#8211; which couldn\u2019t be made with a keyboard synth as its unique notes are microtonal.<\/p>\n<p>There are just a few problems: Dixon and Stein\u2019s extensive synth collection is both extremely expensive and consists of a lot of rare vintage units that are very difficult to pin down. So, let\u2019s get creative and see how we can get close to a fraction of their stacked studio.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Software-2\"><\/span>Software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Firstly, for the main theme arpeggio, we have the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/GForce-Software-Oberheim-SEM\/4Z5A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GForce Oberheim SEM<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This is a recreation of the Oberheim SEM module, the monophonic synth voice on which the Two-Voice was based. There are other excellent software recreations available, but this is the only one approved by Tom Oberheim himself.<\/p>\n<p>For the keys and heartbeat effect, <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/u-he-Repro\/3YW1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">u-he\u2019s Repro<\/a><\/strong> is perfect. A spiritual software successor to the Sequential Prophet 5 and Pro One simultaneously, this gives you the exact sonic palette used by Stein and Dixon in an instant &#8211; as both of these instruments are used all over the soundtrack.<\/p>\n<p>The other approach to software is an all-in-one solution. Something like <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/u-he-Diva-Virtual-Analog-Synthesizer\/3YVM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">u-he\u2019s Diva<\/a><\/strong>, a virtual analog software synth that recreates oscillators and filters from the most famous vintage hardware.<\/p>\n<p>With some creative thinking and programming, you can accurately recreate all these sounds from scratch.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16563 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-1024x556.jpg\" alt=\"The u-he Diva Virtual Analog Synthesizer\" width=\"1024\" height=\"556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-1024x556.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-552x300.jpg 552w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-768x417.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-1080x587.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-980x532.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-480x261.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hardware-2\"><\/span>Hardware<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>For anyone interested in hands-on synthesis, keeping with the workflow of Stein and Dixon, there&#8217;s a range of hardware synths out there. You could blend these with software or a few other units whilst retaining the spirit of the soundtrack.<\/p>\n<p>First up is the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-2600-Analog-Synthesizer\/3BBX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Behringer 2600<\/a><\/strong>. The original vintage unit this semi-modular behemoth was based on is used all over the duo\u2019s work. It could easily fill in for the Roland SH-2 for dark, growling bass, and it creates the same sound effects, leads, and basses as the Pro One. Plus, the 2600 gives you access to a range of modular capabilities and unique sound design options. All of this in a single unit is a great value place to start!<\/p>\n<p>Next, I recommend Moog\u2019s semi-modular offerings. Going back to their roots and original designs, the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Moog-Mother-32-Analog-Modular-Synthesizer\/1DZI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mother-32<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Moog-Grandmother-Semi-Modular-Analog-Synthesizer\/2HQV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grandmother<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Moog-Matriarch-Paraphonic-Analog-Synth\/2YID\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matriarch<\/a><\/strong> all pull their heritage from Moog\u2019s old modular systems. The oscillators taken from these systems, their beautifully saturating mixer, and the classic ladder filter, again, give you the palette of vintage modular in a modern package.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Sequential-Prophet-6-6-Voice-Analog-Synthesizer\/16LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sequential Prophet 6<\/a><\/strong> is probably the go-to choice for emulating that <em>Stranger Things<\/em> sound. Dixon and Stein leaned heavily on a lot of Sequential synths, and the Prophet 6 is foundational to the classic-yet-modern sound of <em>Stranger Things<\/em>. Whilst offering many of the same modulation routings as its vintage sibling, the Prophet 6 adds modern features like stereo panning, sequencing, arpeggiation, built-in effects, and a gnarly distortion that\u2019ll easily drive you into those horror-tinged sounds.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16386 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/P-6-Angle-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Sequential Prophet 6 6-Voice Analog Synthesizer\" width=\"1024\" height=\"524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/P-6-Angle-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/P-6-Angle-1-586x300.jpg 586w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/P-6-Angle-1-768x393.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/P-6-Angle-1-980x501.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/P-6-Angle-1-480x246.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Saw (2004 &#8211; present)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Saw_2004_%E2%80%93_present\"><\/span><em>Saw<\/em> (2004 &#8211; present)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>An enduring classic of modern horror, the sounds of the <em>Saw<\/em> franchise are metallic, creepy, and atmospheric. Composer Charlie Clouser is known for injecting fast-paced percussion, synthesizers, and pedal steel guitar into his work, matching the frantic, urgent atmosphere of the movies. Charlie\u2019s work as a keyboard player with Nine Inch Nails has definitely influenced the industrial textures heard in <em>Saw<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The sounds of <em>Saw<\/em> are less focused on synthesizers and more on organic sounds and unique drones. In the first film, for example, Charlie\u2019s main goal was to structure noise, drones, metallic percussion, and mangled samples throughout the soundtrack. He tried to avoid traditional musical structure as much as possible until the now-iconic twist reveal and the introduction of \u201cHello Zepp\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>To achieve these sounds, Charlie would take field recordings or samples from libraries he&#8217;d purchased and manipulate them through guitar pedals and plug-ins afterwards, or use lap steel guitars, guitar synths, or hardware synthesizers as otherworldly drones. Clouser even describes taking recordings of trains and throwing wire coat hangers and tiled floors and then time-stretching them.<\/p>\n<p>Pushing every sound to its limit is the only real rule here.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Software-3\"><\/span>Software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>For software, Charlie mainly relies on the ES2 software synthesizer and EXS24 sampler built into Logic Pro X, his DAW of choice. If you aren\u2019t a Logic user or are already settled on the DAW you want, however, there are still plenty of viable options.<\/p>\n<p>Generally, I\u2019d advise using whatever\u2019s built into your DAW and investing in some sample libraries. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Audiomodern-Shift\/43ZC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audiomodern\u2019s Shift<\/a><\/strong> series of found sounds and percussive loops keeps with Charlie\u2019s style. Anything metallic, percussive, and atmospheric would work well.<\/p>\n<p>With a focus on sampling and a mention of Native Instruments\u2019 Reaktor in some interviews, a <strong><a href=\"\/Music_Software\/Native_Instruments.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments Komplete bundle<\/a><\/strong> is a great place to start. It&#8217;s full of sample libraries, sampling tools, audio effects, software synthesizers, and plenty of effects to create your own unique sounds from scratch.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16374 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"The Native Instruments Komplete bundle\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_hardware\"><\/span>Other hardware<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16377 size-medium alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"The Lap Steel Guitar, Slide and Stand by Gear4music in a living room, standing in front of a sofa\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>As mentioned, Charlie relies a lot on samples and field recordings. A handheld field recorder to record your own material is essential to this process.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Zoom-H4n-Pro-Handy-Recorder-Black\/33V5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoom\u2019s H4n Pro<\/a><\/strong> is an ideal starting point to get out into the world or around your studio and record some strange, textured sounds to manipulate in your DAW.<\/p>\n<p>Another major aspect of <em>Saw<\/em>\u2019s sound comes from guitars. Charlie uses lap steel guitars in conjunction with guitar synth pedals, octave pedals, distortion, reverbs, and delays to create warped, semi-organic drones.<\/p>\n<p>A good entry point into this style would be Gear4music\u2019s own <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Lap-Steel-Guitar-Slide-and-Stand-by-Gear4music\/2L45\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lap Steel Guitar<\/a><\/strong>, which comes with its own slide and stand to get you started right off the bat.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of guitar pedals to process this lap steel with, the <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-Superego-Plus-Super-Synth-Engine\/24XY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Electro Harmonix Superego Plus<\/a><\/strong> guitar synth is one of Charlie\u2019s go-to choices.<\/p>\n<p>He also uses pitch-shifting devices like the <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-Pitch-Fork-Polyphonic-Pitch-Shifter\/148E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pitch Fork<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-POG-2-Polyphonic-Octave-Generator\/B69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POG 2<\/a><\/strong>, as well as their <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-Freeze-Sound-Retainer\/DMB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freeze sound retainer<\/a><\/strong>. In case you couldn\u2019t tell, he\u2019s a fan of Electro Harmonix pedals!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Synthesizers\"><\/span>Synthesizers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>For synthesizers, Charlie uses a lot of early digital synths and a lot of modular synths, as well as an old ARP Solus, a Moog Minimoog, and a Korg MS-20. A lot of the old rack-based units Charlie uses for his strange and unique digital drones aren\u2019t available anymore, but the Waldorf Microwave is a personal favourite of his.<\/p>\n<p>To achieve the sounds of the ARP Solus, the Korg reissue of the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Korg-ARP-Odyssey-Duophonic-Analog-Synthesizer-MK3-Black-and-Orange\/169A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ARP Odyssey<\/a><\/strong> comes extremely close. Pairing this with a <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-Model-D-Analog-Synthesizer-Module\/28TD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Behringer Model D<\/a><\/strong> for that distinctive Mini sound will let you access the analog keyboard side of Charlie\u2019s synthesis.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the more digital sounds can be achieved through the Microwave\u2019s successor, the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Waldorf-M-Wavetable-Synthesizer\/431M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waldorf M<\/a><\/strong>. However, the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Waldorf-Blofeld-Synthesizer-Desktop-Module-White\/932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waldorf Blofeld<\/a><\/strong> is also a good budget-friendly option that features many wavetables from the Microwave as well.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16379 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-1024x454.jpg\" alt=\"The Waldorf M Wavetable Synthesizer in blue, against a grey background\" width=\"1024\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-1024x454.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-600x266.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-768x340.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-1536x681.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-1080x479.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-1280x567.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-980x434.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-480x213.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Halloween (1978)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Halloween_1978\"><\/span><em>Halloween<\/em> (1978)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16564 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-1024x375.jpg\" alt=\"A modular synth with a black background \" width=\"1024\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-1024x375.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-600x220.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-768x282.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-1080x396.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-1280x469.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-980x359.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-480x176.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The soundtrack work of John Carpenter\u2019s bone-chilling, synth-driven music is very much synthesizer-focused.<\/p>\n<p>Using a dark atmosphere that would go on to inspire countless composers, Carpenter\u2019s work has set the standard for horror soundtracks to this day. Not only that, but Carpenter also wrote the film alongside Debra Hill, and directed it himself!<\/p>\n<p>Carpenter\u2019s talent is undeniable, and his approach is primarily focused on setting up musical themes through improvisation while rarely referencing or synchronizing to what\u2019s on-screen.<\/p>\n<p>Drawing from the work of Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and Goblin\u2019s work on <em>Suspiria<\/em>, Carpenter\u2019s approach is minimal, tense, and driven by piano, with just a few synthesizer layers as accompaniment.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, when meeting Goblin for the first time, Carpenter told them \u201cI know you, I stole all your music\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The soundtrack for <em>Halloween<\/em> was made using whatever equipment the studio had &#8211; namely, a Moog IIIC modular system and a piano. Built between 1967 and 1973, this system pre-dates the popular System 55.<\/p>\n<p>Moog\u2019s modular reissues and vintage units cost close to \u00a350,000 &#8211; and it\u2019s safe to assume that this is probably out of reach for most of us. However, there are plenty of alternatives \u2013 both software and hardware.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Software-4\"><\/span>Software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16393 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-508x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"337\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-508x300.jpg 508w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-1024x604.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-768x453.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-1080x637.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-980x578.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-480x283.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 337px) 100vw, 337px\" \/>The best way to recreate this minimal setup would be to directly cover piano sounds and modular.<\/p>\n<p>For piano, <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Addictive-Keys-Modern-Upright\/3YJP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Addictive Keys: Modern Upright<\/a><\/strong> is a great way of getting upright piano sounds that can fit the unnerving, sharp key strikes that feel way too close.<\/p>\n<p>Combine this with Cherry Audio\u2019s ever-expandable <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Cherry-Audio-Voltage-Modular-Ignite-2\/3ZEP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Voltage Modular Ignite 2<\/a><\/strong> system, and you can explore modular synthesis in a VST easily, with plenty of bolt-on packages to expand and explore your own sounds as you go.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hardware-3\"><\/span>Hardware<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16364 size-medium alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-414x300.jpg\" alt=\"Behringer SYSTEM modular synthesizer\" width=\"414\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-414x300.jpg 414w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-1024x742.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-768x556.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-1536x1113.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-1080x782.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-1280x927.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-980x710.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-480x348.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/>As far as hardware is concerned, a digital piano or hammer-weighted MIDI keyboard is a good place to start.<\/p>\n<p>Korg\u2019s <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Korg-C1-Air-Digital-Piano-Black-Wood-Grain\/3F9Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">C1 Digital Piano<\/a><\/strong> has a fantastic keybed and MIDI connectivity if you can fit the wooden frame into your space.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re tighter on space though, a weighted MIDI keyboard like the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Arturia-Keylab-88-MKII-White\/316I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arturia Keylab 88<\/a><\/strong> would work well as it features DAW integration, CV connectivity for working with modular synths, and integration with Arturia\u2019s software synthesizers.<\/p>\n<p>For synths, Behringer offer a range of systems at different price points, such as their <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-SYSTEM-15-Complete-Modular-Synthesizer-with-16-Modules\/3YTX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYSTEM 15<\/a><\/strong>,<a>\u00a0<\/a><strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-SYSTEM-35-Complete-Modular-Synthesizer-with-25-Modules\/3YU0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYSTEM 35<\/a><\/strong>, and<a>\u00a0<\/a><strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-Complete-Modular-Synthesizer-with-38-Modules\/3YU1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYSTEM 55<\/a><\/strong> modular.<\/p>\n<p>These are great places to get some of the modular sound explorations that the original System III would have encouraged.<\/p>\n<p>While the original experience is difficult to fully mimic, these options are as close as it gets.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;It Follows (2014)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_Follows_2014\"><\/span><em>It Follows<\/em> (2014)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The synth-driven work of composer Richard Vreeland, known as Disasterpeace, in <em>It Follows<\/em> is probably one of the most unique horror soundtracks to be released in the modern era.<\/p>\n<p>Richard Vreeland\u2019s sound palette is a cacophony of noisy, degraded synth sounds and softer digital noises that build tension with the slow-burning dread of the movie. It feels vaguely reminiscent of old video game chiptune music but modernised, warped, and distorted.<\/p>\n<p>Vreeland cited John Carpenter, John Cage, Penderecki, Vangelis, and Goblin as influences on his work for the film. Director David Robert Mitchell heavily utilised Vreeland\u2019s work on the video game FEZ, and it was placed as a temporary score, which made him reach out to the composer and offer him a copy of the script.<\/p>\n<p>Showing the value of making the best of what you have, Disasterpeace used a minimal approach, composing pieces on his upright piano before taking them into his DAW, using only Native Instruments\u2019 Massive software synthesizer and a range of effects plugins to shape the soundtrack.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Software-5\"><\/span>Software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-16368 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"a screenshot of the Soundtoys Effect Rack 5\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-980x980.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Disasterpeace only used software and his piano to compose the soundtrack for <em>It Follows<\/em>. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Native-Instruments-Komplete-14-Select\/541K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments Komplete 14 Select<\/a><\/strong> includes Massive, as well as a good range of other tools that you could use for your own compositions at a reasonable price. But you\u2019ll need some good sound design tools and effects plugins to go with it.<\/p>\n<p>We haven\u2019t discussed sound processing too much as everyone\u2019s tastes are different. However, for Vreeland\u2019s sound palette, he mentions relying heavily on extremely aggressive tape saturation \u2013 to the point that they were worried an initial mix of the score for the opening scene would blow people\u2019s subwoofers at home!<\/p>\n<p>We can also hear a lot of bitcrushing being used, and large, cavernous reverbs and delays for atmosphere and space.<\/p>\n<p>My go-to would be suites of creative tools that let you shape effects chains. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Soundtoys-Effect-Rack-5\/41NR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soundtoys Effect Rack 5<\/a><\/strong> is a good option here as it should creatively cover a lot of the territory you need, from naturalistic tape saturation to grainy preamp distortion in Decapitator, delays from EchoBoy, and a whole range of other modules that you can feed into each other.<\/p>\n<p>Pair with <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/D16-Group-Decimort-2-High-Quality-Bit-Crusher\/3XWA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">D16 Group\u2019s Decimort Bit Crusher<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Eventide-MangledVerb\/41JI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eventide\u2019s MangledVerb<\/a><\/strong> for bitcrushing and booming, modulated reverbs, and you can cover the warped, blown-out sounds of Vreeland\u2019s work.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Create your own spine-tingling horror soundtrack&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_your_own_spine-tingling_horror_soundtrack\"><\/span>Create your own spine-tingling horror soundtrack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s a wide range of instruments that are commonly used on horror soundtracks \u2013 most typically synths and guitars. But scoring horror is more about a mindset and approach that may seem unintuitive to many traditional musicians.<\/p>\n<p>Focusing on texture and manipulation of sounds to create emotion, horror soundtracking is about experimentation and mangling whatever you have to create sounds that nobody\u2019s ever really heard before.<\/p>\n<p>However, looking at a lot of the most commonly used equipment, we definitely see some trends that might help you figure out sound palettes that fit your style or let you emulate your favourites.<\/p>\n<p>Pianos and Moog and Sequential synthesizers are extremely popular. <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards--Modules\/Moog.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moog<\/a><\/strong> are relied on for their distinctive ladder filters and modular gear that promotes exploration and experimentation. Meanwhile, <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards--Modules\/Sequential\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sequential\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> Prophet series provides classic analog flavour and sonic flexibility thanks to the stranger, noisier side that its PolyMod routing section allows you to access.<\/p>\n<p>As far as software goes, a <strong><a href=\"\/Music_Software\/Native_Instruments.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments Komplete<\/a><\/strong> package includes a range of samples, synths, and effects to explore. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Arturia-V-Collection-9\/4TTH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arturia\u2019s V-Collection 9<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/u-he-Diva-Virtual-Analog-Synthesizer\/3YVM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">u-he\u2019s Diva<\/a><\/strong> are likely the best value for money.<\/p>\n<p>A wide range of modular and <strong><a href=\"\/synthesizer\/Semi-Modular\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">semi-modular synths<\/a><\/strong> are also used for horror scoring due to their unique ability to create sounds in more experimental ways, using patching to open up whole new worlds of sound. Whether you want to build a Eurorack system that\u2019s unique to you or purchase a <strong><a href=\"\/synthesizer\/Modular\/Modular-Systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pre-built modular system<\/a><\/strong>, we have plenty to offer in this range.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16385 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A man in the studio with synths and modular systems \" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;72b2aac8-2a26-4106-af58-67527d130293&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final tips&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_tips\"><\/span>Final tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If the products we\u2019ve discussed seem past your budget \u2013 look for synthesizers with flexible modulation options or cheaper alternatives from the same manufacturers. Anything that you can get deep with and explore is perfect for horror scoring. And so are semi-modular synths, if the steep initial cost of Eurorack is too much for you!<\/p>\n<p>For sound design, oscillator and filter FM and modulating parameters with a synth\u2019s internal noise generator are perfect ways of creating warped or noisy textures. Simple waveforms like sine and triangle shapes tend to take distortion better, so if you want to grunge up a basic sound, keep that in mind. Try to build a fairly basic patch and let the distortion shape your sound afterwards.<\/p>\n<p>Pitch modulation is a good way of making things sound subtly warbly, worn-down, or like a broken instrument as well!<\/p>\n<p>Feedback is also great for achieving those cinematic horror sounds, but it can be difficult to experiment with without risking your ears. When trying this, work at low volumes and place a limiter on any feedback channels to avoid damaging your hearing and clipping in your DAW.<\/p>\n<p>You can create feedback with just plugins too! Use buses or creative channel routing in your DAW to feed sounds into one another and create harsh or subtle yet foreboding noises.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, effects are everything to horror sounds. Really try to explore mangling sounds and putting effects plugins or pedals in orders that you usually wouldn\u2019t &#8211; time-stretch a drum hit, send it into a reverb, then that reverb into distortion, then the distortion into more reverb, or a warbly chorus. Experiment until you find what you think works best with whatever emotion\u2019s on-screen or in the script.<\/p>\n<p>Save the sounds you enjoy most to use as recurring themes or sonic motifs. And above all, there are no set rules with this kind of scoring, so remember to enjoy it!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Studio-Equipment.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP STUDIO EQUIPMENT&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6ee07a9-4e60-40b4-a547-e1aa0a89644a&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_border_radius=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;13.3vw||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|45px|9px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;15px|45px|15px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;||height: 44px !important;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b%22:%91%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_icon_color%22,%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; custom_css_main_element_tablet=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_icon_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_icon_color__hover=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_css_main_element_phone=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;http:\/\/gear4musicblog.kinsta.cloud\/category\/studio-production\/studio-guides\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE STUDIO GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;e6ee07a9-4e60-40b4-a547-e1aa0a89644a&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_border_radius=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||true|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;13.3vw||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|45px|9px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;15px|45px|15px|30px|true|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;||height: 44px !important;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-a3f0e0c4-68cb-4983-969e-b86a5466020b%22:%91%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_icon_color%22,%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; custom_css_main_element_tablet=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221; custom_css_main_element_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_text_color__hover=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_icon_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_icon_color__hover=&#8221;#000000&#8243; custom_css_main_element_phone=&#8221;width: 258px !important;||height: 55px !important;&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Horror soundtracks often require a lot of the most unique and creative techniques to create the bone-chilling sounds we know and love. So, how do we go about making these kinds of tracks, and what do the real composers use to do it? Let\u2019s break down the sounds behind some of our favourite horror media.Suspiria [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":16560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>Horror soundtracks often require a lot of the most unique and creative techniques to create the bone-chilling sounds we know and love. So, how do we go about making these kinds of tracks, and what do the real composers use to do it? Let\u2019s break down the sounds behind some of our favourite horror media.<\/p><hr \/><h3><em>Suspiria<\/em> (1977)<\/h3>[caption id=\"attachment_16558\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<img class=\"wp-image-16558 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Suspiria.jpg\" alt=\"A screenshot of a scene in Suspiria (1977)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"435\" \/> Creative Commons License by <a href=\"https:\/\/picryl.com\/media\/suspiria-1977-dd678c?action=upgrade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Picryl<\/a>[\/caption]<p>For <em>Suspiria<\/em>, Goblin took advantage of a broad range of folk instruments and melded them with synthesizers, blending this with their established prog-rock stylings.<\/p><p>The opening theme starts slow and atmospheric, driven by the new folk instruments they\u2019ve added to their style before erupting into a galloping, chaotic piece of cinematic rock.<\/p><p>The bouzouki, tabla, and music box are as central to this soundtrack as guitars, drums, and keyboards. Entire bands are rarely employed to score films, but Goblin show that a collective approach to creating unsettling music can work just as well.<\/p><p><em>Suspiria<\/em>\u2019s soundtrack feels like a full album in its own right, but it also makes for the perfect accompaniment to Dario Argento\u2019s beautiful, otherworldly film.<\/p><p>As the film gradually descends into supernatural chaos, we start to hear more keyboards: organs, Mellotron, and Moog synthesizers (both the Minimoog and the System 55).<\/p><hr \/><h4>Software<\/h4><p><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-16388 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/perfect-selection-393x300.jpg\" alt=\"A studio with Native Instruments\u2019 Komplete Standard bundle\" width=\"393\" height=\"300\" \/>A wide range of sampling is needed to recreate Goblin\u2019s work for <em>Suspiria<\/em>, and a few sample packs would be up to the task.<\/p><p>Having said this, <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Native-Instruments-Komplete-14-Standard\/541P\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments\u2019 Komplete Standard bundle<\/a><\/strong> is ideal for getting you started.<\/p><p>There are some folk instrument libraries within Native Instruments\u2019 Spotlight Collection that include the tabla.<\/p><p>Plus, you can find some Turkish instruments such as the Oud, Saz, Tanbur, and Kemen\u00e7e which share enough in common with the bouzouki that they can take up similar sonic timbres despite their differing origins.<\/p><p>Combine this with some music box sample libraries to run in Kontakt, and you\u2019re ready to get into the strange, organic soundscapes of Goblin.<\/p><p>Of course, without software emulations of the various keyboards, this soundtrack wouldn\u2019t be achievable. The band relied on the Mellotron, Elka organ, Celesta, Rhodes electric piano, grand piano, Minimoog, and System 55 for key sounds.<\/p><p>Fortunately, Celesta, Rhodes and grand piano sounds are included within Native Instruments Komplete Standard, so this should already be covered.<\/p><p>And the best option to cover the rest - if you\u2019re into keyboard sounds - might just be <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Arturia-V-Collection-9\/4TTH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arturia\u2019s V-Collection 9<\/a><\/strong>. A full software collection of famous keyboards throughout history, it includes the Mellotron, a range of organs, Rhodes, Minimoog, and Moog modular emulations.<\/p><p>It also recreates many of the synthesizers we\u2019ll see throughout this list, as well as plenty of other synth emulations that might help you achieve your own unique sonic palette.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Hardware<\/h4><p>For the rest of the instruments, the band use exactly what you\u2019d expect: drums, electric and acoustic guitars, and bass. There isn\u2019t any specific information on most of these instruments, and whatever you have to hand should be more than enough to get the job done.<\/p><p>So, what about the less common instruments? Fortunately, bouzoukis and tablas are commonly used throughout music production and are readily available. The <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Ozark-2222-Flat-Back-Bouzouki\/ZBT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ozark 2222 Flat Back Bouzouki<\/a><\/strong> is the perfect entry-level version of this instrument to learn on. Combine this with our <strong><a href=\"\/Drums-and-Percussion\/Tabla-Set-by-Gear4music\/GBB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tabla Set by Gear4music<\/a><\/strong>, and use whatever microphones you have to hand to capture the proggy, atmospheric chaos!<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><hr \/><h3><em>Stranger Things<\/em> (2016 - present)<\/h3>[caption id=\"attachment_16500\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]<img class=\"wp-image-16500 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Stranger-Things-1024x511.jpg\" alt=\"A snapshot of three characters in Stranger Things\" width=\"1024\" height=\"511\" \/> Creative Commons License by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/malique\/52093893872\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Budiey<\/a>[\/caption]<p>We all love the retro, '80s-tinged experimentation and texture of Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon\u2019s work in the <em>Stranger Things<\/em> soundtrack. The duo from the synthwave band S U R V I V E have drawn from '80s synthpop, experimental electronic music, and classic horror soundtracks of the '70s and '80s to create the sonic palette of the show.<\/p><p>The main theme for the show was played by hand on an Oberheim Two-Voice, with keys from a Sequential Prophet 5, bass from the Roland SH-2, and a heartbeat sound effect from the Sequential Pro One.<\/p><p>There are other synths in their arsenal throughout their scoring.<\/p><p>Primarily, the composers say they\u2019ve used a lot of the Sequential Prophet 6 \u2013 the main synth behind the bouncy, upbeat track \u201cKids\u201d, the ARP 2600 for bass and sound effects, and Moog\u2019s modular System 55. The latter comprised many unique sound effects, as well as the theme for the Upside Down - which couldn\u2019t be made with a keyboard synth as its unique notes are microtonal.<\/p><p>There are just a few problems: Dixon and Stein\u2019s extensive synth collection is both extremely expensive and consists of a lot of rare vintage units that are very difficult to pin down. So, let\u2019s get creative and see how we can get close to a fraction of their stacked studio.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Software<\/h4><p>Firstly, for the main theme arpeggio, we have the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/GForce-Software-Oberheim-SEM\/4Z5A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GForce Oberheim SEM<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p><p>This is a recreation of the Oberheim SEM module, the monophonic synth voice on which the Two-Voice was based. There are other excellent software recreations available, but this is the only one approved by Tom Oberheim himself.<\/p><p>For the keys and heartbeat effect, <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/u-he-Repro\/3YW1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">u-he\u2019s Repro<\/a><\/strong> is perfect. As a spiritual software successor to the Sequential Prophet 5 and Pro One simultaneously, this gives you the exact sonic palette used by Stein and Dixon in an instant - as both of these instruments are used all over the soundtrack.<\/p><p>The other approach to software is an all-in-one solution. Something like <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/u-he-Diva-Virtual-Analog-Synthesizer\/3YVM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">u-he\u2019s Diva<\/a><\/strong>, a virtual analog software synth that recreates oscillators and filters from the most famous vintage hardware.<\/p><p>With some creative thinking and programming, you can accurately recreate all of these sounds from scratch.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16563 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/u-he-Diva-1024x556.jpg\" alt=\"The u-he Diva Virtual Analog Synthesizer\" width=\"1024\" height=\"556\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h4>Hardware<\/h4><p>For anyone interested in hands-on synthesis, keeping with the workflow of Stein and Dixon, there is a range of hardware synths out there. You could blend these with software or a few other units whilst retaining the spirit of the soundtrack.<\/p><p>First up is the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-2600-Analog-Synthesizer\/3BBX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Behringer 2600<\/a><\/strong>. The original vintage unit this semi-modular behemoth was based on is used all over the duo\u2019s work. It could easily fill in for the Roland SH-2 for dark, growling bass, and it creates the same sound effects, leads, and basses as the Pro One. Plus, the 2600 gives you access to a range of modular capabilities and unique sound design options. All of this in a single unit is a great value place to start!<\/p><p>Next, I recommend Moog\u2019s semi-modular offerings. Going back to their roots and original designs, the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Moog-Mother-32-Analog-Modular-Synthesizer\/1DZI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mother-32<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Moog-Grandmother-Semi-Modular-Analog-Synthesizer\/2HQV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grandmother<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Moog-Matriarch-Paraphonic-Analog-Synth\/2YID\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matriarch<\/a><\/strong> all pull their heritage from Moog\u2019s old modular systems. The oscillators taken from these systems, their beautifully saturating mixer, and the classic ladder filter, again, give you the palette of vintage modular in a modern package.<\/p><p>Finally, the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Sequential-Prophet-6-6-Voice-Analog-Synthesizer\/16LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sequential Prophet 6<\/a><\/strong> is probably the go-to choice for emulating that <em>Stranger Things<\/em> sound. Dixon and Stein leaned heavily on a lot of Sequential synths, and the Prophet 6 is foundational to the classic-yet-modern sound of <em>Stranger Things<\/em>. Whilst offering many of the same modulation routings as its vintage sibling, the Prophet 6 adds modern features like stereo panning, sequencing, arpeggiation, built-in effects, and a gnarly distortion that\u2019ll easily drive you into those horror-tinged sounds.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16386 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/P-6-Angle-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Sequential Prophet 6 6-Voice Analog Synthesizer\" width=\"1024\" height=\"524\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><em>Saw<\/em> (2004 - present)<\/h3><p>An enduring classic of modern horror, the sounds of the <em>Saw<\/em> franchise are metallic, creepy, and atmospheric. Composer Charlie Clouser is known for injecting fast-paced percussion, synthesizers, and pedal steel guitar into his work, matching the frantic, urgent atmosphere of the movies. Charlie\u2019s work as a keyboard player with Nine Inch Nails has definitely influenced the industrial textures heard in <em>Saw<\/em>.<\/p><p>The sounds of <em>Saw<\/em> are far less focused on synthesizers and far more focused on organic sounds and unique drones. In the first film, for example, Charlie\u2019s main goal was to structure noise, drones, metallic percussion, and mangled samples throughout the soundtrack. He tried to avoid traditional musical structure as much as possible until the now-iconic twist reveal and the introduction of \u201cHello Zepp\u201d.<\/p><p>To achieve these sounds, Charlie would take field recordings or samples from libraries he'd purchased and manipulate them through guitar pedals and plug-ins afterwards, or use lap steel guitars, guitar synths, or hardware synthesizers as otherworldly drones. Clouser even describes taking recordings of trains and throwing wire coat hangers and tiled floors and then time-stretching them.<\/p><p>Pushing every sound to its limit is the only real rule here.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Software<\/h4><p>For software, Charlie mainly relies on the ES2 software synthesizer and EXS24 sampler built into Logic Pro X, his DAW of choice. If you aren\u2019t a Logic user or are already settled on the DAW you want, however, there are still plenty of viable options.<\/p><p>Generally, I\u2019d advise using whatever\u2019s built into your DAW and investing in some sample libraries. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Audiomodern-Shift\/43ZC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audiomodern\u2019s Shift<\/a><\/strong> series of found sounds and percussive loops keeps with Charlie\u2019s style. Anything metallic, percussive, and atmospheric would work well.<\/p><p>With a focus on sampling and a mention of Native Instruments\u2019 Reaktor in some interviews, a <strong><a href=\"\/Music_Software\/Native_Instruments.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments Komplete bundle<\/a><\/strong> is a great place to start. It's full of sample libraries, sampling tools, audio effects, software synthesizers, and plenty of effects to create your own unique sounds from scratch.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16374 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/img-ce-seamless-crop-right-komplete-14-standard-product-page-07-percussion-tools1-1ff4a74f6cdfa0fbf000de2dbadee601-d-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"The Native Instruments Komplete bundle\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h4>Other hardware<\/h4><p><img class=\"wp-image-16377 size-medium alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Lap-Steel-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"The Lap Steel Guitar, Slide and Stand by Gear4music in a living room, standing in front of a sofa\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>As mentioned, Charlie relies a lot on samples and field recordings. Obtaining a handheld field recorder to record your own material is essential to this process.<\/p><p><strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Zoom-H4n-Pro-Handy-Recorder-Black\/33V5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoom\u2019s H4n Pro<\/a><\/strong> is an ideal starting point to get out into the world or around your studio and record some strange, textured sounds to manipulate in your DAW.<\/p><p>Another major aspect of <em>Saw<\/em>\u2019s sound comes from guitars. Charlie uses lap steel guitars in conjunction with guitar synth pedals, octave pedals, distortion, reverbs, and delays to create warped, semi-organic drones.<\/p><p>A good entry point into this style would be Gear4music\u2019s own <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Lap-Steel-Guitar-Slide-and-Stand-by-Gear4music\/2L45\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lap Steel Guitar<\/a><\/strong>, which comes with its own slide and stand to get you started right off the bat.<\/p><p>In terms of guitar pedals to process this lap steel with, the <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-Superego-Plus-Super-Synth-Engine\/24XY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Electro Harmonix Superego Plus<\/a><\/strong> guitar synth is one of Charlie\u2019s go-to choices.<\/p><p>He also uses pitch-shifting devices like the <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-Pitch-Fork-Polyphonic-Pitch-Shifter\/148E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pitch Fork<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-POG-2-Polyphonic-Octave-Generator\/B69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POG 2<\/a><\/strong>, as well as their <strong><a href=\"\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Electro-Harmonix-Freeze-Sound-Retainer\/DMB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freeze sound retainer<\/a><\/strong>. In case you couldn\u2019t tell, he\u2019s a fan of Electro Harmonix pedals!<\/p><hr \/><h4>Synthesizers<\/h4><p>For synthesizers, Charlie uses a lot of early digital synths and a lot of modular synths, as well as an old ARP Solus, a Moog Minimoog, and a Korg MS-20. A lot of the old rack-based units Charlie uses for his strange and unique digital drones aren\u2019t available anymore, but the Waldorf Microwave is a personal favourite of his.<\/p><p>To achieve the sounds of the ARP Solus, the Korg reissue of the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Korg-ARP-Odyssey-Duophonic-Analog-Synthesizer-MK3-Black-and-Orange\/169A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ARP Odyssey<\/a><\/strong> comes extremely close. Pairing this with a <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-Model-D-Analog-Synthesizer-Module\/28TD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Behringer Model D<\/a><\/strong> for that distinctive Mini sound will let you access the analog keyboard side of Charlie\u2019s synthesis.<\/p><p>Meanwhile, the more digital sounds can be achieved through the Microwave\u2019s successor, the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Waldorf-M-Wavetable-Synthesizer\/431M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waldorf M<\/a><\/strong>. However, the <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Waldorf-Blofeld-Synthesizer-Desktop-Module-White\/932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waldorf Blofeld<\/a><\/strong> is also a good budget-friendly option that features many wavetables from the Microwave as well.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16379 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/M_Banner-1024x454.jpg\" alt=\"The Waldorf M Wavetable Synthesizer in blue, against a grey background\" width=\"1024\" height=\"454\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><em>Halloween<\/em> (1978)<\/h3><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16564 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/mod-synth-1024x375.jpg\" alt=\"A modular synth with a black background \" width=\"1024\" height=\"375\" \/><\/p><p>The soundtrack work of John Carpenter\u2019s bone-chilling, synth-driven music is very much synthesizer-focused.<\/p><p>Using a dark atmosphere that would go on to inspire countless composers, Carpenter\u2019s work has set the standard for horror soundtracks to this day. Not only that, but Carpenter also wrote the film alongside Debra Hill, and directed it himself!<\/p><p>Carpenter\u2019s talent is undeniable, and his approach is primarily focused on setting up musical themes through improvisation while rarely referencing or synchronizing to what\u2019s on-screen.<\/p><p>Drawing from the work of Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and Goblin\u2019s work on <em>Suspiria<\/em>, Carpenter\u2019s approach is minimal, tense, and driven by piano, with just a few synthesizer layers as accompaniment.<\/p><p>In fact, when meeting Goblin for the first time, Carpenter told them \u201cI know you, I stole all your music\u201d.<\/p><p>The soundtrack for <em>Halloween<\/em> was made using whatever equipment the studio had - namely, a Moog IIIC modular system and a piano. Built between 1967 and 1973, this system pre-dates the popular System 55.<\/p><p>Moog\u2019s modular reissues and vintage units cost close to \u00a350,000 - and it\u2019s safe to assume that this is probably out of reach for most of us. However, there are plenty of alternatives \u2013 both software and hardware.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Software<\/h4><p>The best way to recreate this minimal setup would be to directly cover piano sounds and modular.<\/p><p>For piano, <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Addictive-Keys-Modern-Upright\/3YJP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Addictive Keys: Modern Upright<\/a><\/strong> is a great way of getting upright piano sounds that can fit the unnerving, sharp key strikes that feel way too close.<\/p><p>Combine this with Cherry Audio\u2019s ever-expandable <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Cherry-Audio-Voltage-Modular-Ignite-2\/3ZEP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Voltage Modular Ignite 2<\/a><\/strong> system, and you can explore modular synthesis in a VST easily, with plenty of bolt-on packages to expand and explore your own sounds as you go.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16393 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Voltage-Modular-e1666170418339-1024x604.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"604\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h4>Hardware<\/h4><p><img class=\"wp-image-16364 size-medium alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-414x300.jpg\" alt=\"Behringer SYSTEM modular synthesizer\" width=\"414\" height=\"300\" \/>As far as hardware is concerned, a digital piano or hammer-weighted MIDI keyboard is a good place to start.<\/p><p>Korg\u2019s <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Korg-C1-Air-Digital-Piano-Black-Wood-Grain\/3F9Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">C1 Digital Piano<\/a><\/strong> has a fantastic keybed and MIDI connectivity if you can fit the wooden frame into your space.<\/p><p>If you\u2019re tighter on space though, a weighted MIDI keyboard like the <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Arturia-Keylab-88-MKII-White\/316I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arturia Keylab 88<\/a><\/strong> would work well as it features DAW integration, CV connectivity for working with modular synths, and integration with Arturia\u2019s software synthesizers.<\/p><p>For synths, Behringer offer a range of systems at different price points, such as their <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-SYSTEM-15-Complete-Modular-Synthesizer-with-16-Modules\/3YTX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYSTEM 15<\/a><\/strong>,<a>\u00a0<\/a><strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-SYSTEM-35-Complete-Modular-Synthesizer-with-25-Modules\/3YU0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYSTEM 35<\/a><\/strong>, and<a>\u00a0<\/a><strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Behringer-SYSTEM-55-Complete-Modular-Synthesizer-with-38-Modules\/3YU1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SYSTEM 55<\/a><\/strong> modular.<\/p><p>These are great places to get some of the modular sound explorations that the original System III would have encouraged.<\/p><p>While the original experience is difficult to fully mimic, these options are as close as it gets.<\/p><hr \/><h3><em>It Follows<\/em> (2014)<\/h3><p>The synth-driven work of composer Richard Vreeland, known as Disasterpeace, in <em>It Follows<\/em> is probably one of the most unique horror soundtracks to be released in the modern era.<\/p><p>Richard Vreeland\u2019s sound palette is a cacophony of noisy, degraded synth sounds and softer digital noises that build tension with the slow-burning dread of the movie. It feels vaguely reminiscent of old video game chiptune music but modernised, warped, and distorted.<\/p><p>Vreeland cited John Carpenter, John Cage, Penderecki, Vangelis, and Goblin as influences on his work for the film. Director David Robert Mitchell heavily utilised Vreeland\u2019s work on the video game FEZ, and it was placed as a temporary score, which made him reach out to the composer and offer him a copy of the script.<\/p><p>Showing the value of making the best of what you have, Disasterpeace used a minimal approach, composing pieces on his upright piano before taking them into his DAW, using only Native Instruments\u2019 Massive software synthesizer and a range of effects plugins to shape the soundtrack.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Software<\/h4><p><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-16368 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/Effect-Rack-5-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"a screenshot of the Soundtoys Effect Rack 5\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Disasterpeace only used software and his piano to compose the soundtrack for <em>It Follows<\/em>. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Native-Instruments-Komplete-14-Select\/541K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments Komplete 14 Select<\/a><\/strong> includes Massive, as well as a good range of other tools that you could use for your own compositions at a reasonable price. But you\u2019ll need some good sound design tools and effects plugins to go with it.<\/p><p>We haven\u2019t discussed sound processing too much as everyone\u2019s tastes are different. However, for Vreeland\u2019s sound palette, he mentions relying heavily on extremely aggressive tape saturation \u2013 to the point that they were worried an initial mix of the score for the opening scene would blow people\u2019s subwoofers at home!<\/p><p>We can also hear a lot of bitcrushing being used, and large, cavernous reverbs and delays for atmosphere and space.<\/p><p>My go-to would be suites of creative tools that let you shape effects chains. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Soundtoys-Effect-Rack-5\/41NR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soundtoys Effect Rack 5<\/a><\/strong> is a good option here as it should creatively cover a lot of the territory you need, from naturalistic tape saturation to grainy preamp distortion in Decapitator, delays from EchoBoy, and a whole range of other modules that you can feed into each other.<\/p><p>Pair with <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/D16-Group-Decimort-2-High-Quality-Bit-Crusher\/3XWA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">D16 Group\u2019s Decimort Bit Crusher<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Eventide-MangledVerb\/41JI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eventide\u2019s MangledVerb<\/a><\/strong> for bitcrushing and booming, modulated reverbs, and you can cover the warped, blown-out sounds of Vreeland\u2019s work.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Create your own spine-tingling horror soundtrack<\/h3><p>There\u2019s a wide range of instruments that are commonly used on horror soundtracks \u2013 most typically synths and guitars. But scoring horror is more about a mindset and approach that may seem unintuitive to many traditional musicians.<\/p><p>Focusing on texture and manipulation of sounds to create emotion - horror soundtracking is about experimentation and mangling whatever you have to create sounds that nobody\u2019s ever really heard before.<\/p><p>However, looking at a lot of the most commonly used equipment, we definitely see some trends that might help you figure out sound palettes that fit your style or let you emulate your favourites.<\/p><p>Pianos and Moog and Sequential synthesizers are extremely popular. <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards--Modules\/Moog.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moog<\/a><\/strong> are relied on for their distinctive ladder filters and modular gear that promotes exploration and experimentation. Meanwhile, <strong><a href=\"\/Keyboards--Modules\/Sequential\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sequential\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> Prophet series provide classic analog flavour and sonic flexibility thanks to the stranger, noisier side that its PolyMod routing section allows you to access.<\/p><p>As far as software goes, a <strong><a href=\"\/Music_Software\/Native_Instruments.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Instruments Komplete<\/a><\/strong> package includes a range of samples, synths, and effects to explore. <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/Arturia-V-Collection-9\/4TTH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arturia\u2019s V-Collection 9<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or <strong><a href=\"\/Recording-and-Computers\/u-he-Diva-Virtual-Analog-Synthesizer\/3YVM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">u-he\u2019s Diva<\/a><\/strong> are likely the best value for money.<\/p><p>A wide range of modular and <strong><a href=\"\/synthesizer\/Semi-Modular\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">semi-modular synths<\/a><\/strong> are also used for horror scoring due to their unique ability to create sounds in more experimental ways, using patching to open up whole new worlds of sound. Whether you want to build a Eurorack system that\u2019s unique to you or purchase a <strong><a href=\"\/synthesizer\/Modular\/Modular-Systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pre-built modular system<\/a><\/strong>, we have plenty to offer in this range.<\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16385 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/ow-section-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A man in the studio with synths and modular systems \" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3>Final tips<\/h3><p>If the products we\u2019ve discussed seem past your budget \u2013 look for synthesizers with flexible modulation options or cheaper alternatives from the same manufacturers. Anything that you can get deep with and explore is perfect for horror scoring. So are semi-modular synths, if the steep initial cost of Eurorack is too much for you!<\/p><p>For sound design, oscillator and filter FM and modulating parameters with a synth\u2019s internal noise generator are perfect ways of creating warped or noisy textures. Simple waveforms like sine and triangle shapes tend to take distortion better, so if you want to grunge up a basic sound, keep that in mind. Try to build a fairly basic patch and let the distortion shape your sound afterwards.<\/p><p>Pitch modulation is a good way of making things sound subtly warbly, worn-down, or like a broken instrument as well!<\/p><p>Feedback is also great for achieving those cinematic horror sounds, but it can be difficult to experiment with without risking your ears. When trying this, work at low volumes and place a limiter on any feedback channels to avoid damaging your hearing and clipping in your DAW.<\/p><p>You can create feedback with just plugins too! Use buses or creative channel routing in your DAW to feed sounds into one another and create harsh or subtle yet foreboding noises.<\/p><p>Finally, effects are everything to horror sounds. Really try to explore mangling sounds and putting effects plugins or pedals in orders that you usually wouldn\u2019t - time-stretch a drum hit, send it into a reverb, then that reverb into distortion, then the distortion into more reverb, or a warbly chorus. Experiment until you find what you think works best with whatever emotion\u2019s on-screen or in the script.<\/p><p>Save the sounds you enjoy most to use as recurring themes or sonic motifs. And above all, there are no set rules with this kind of scoring above all, so remember to enjoy it!<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[247,121],"tags":[290,104],"class_list":["post-16319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studio-guides","category-studio-production","tag-guide","tag-studio-production"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The sounds of horror soundtracks have lived on in musical memory for decades. But how can we get close to these sounds ourselves?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The sounds of horror soundtracks have lived on in musical memory for decades. But how can we get close to these sounds ourselves?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gear4music Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-10-20T08:00:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-10-20T10:01:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/horror-soundtracks.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"665\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Callum\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Callum\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"18 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Callum\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/434cc9082be6716206a1861b0c698f9a\"},\"headline\":\"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-10-20T08:00:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-10-20T10:01:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4230,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/horror-soundtracks.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Guide\",\"Studio &amp; Production\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\",\"Studio &amp; Production\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/\",\"name\":\"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/horror-soundtracks.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-10-20T08:00:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-10-20T10:01:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"The sounds of horror soundtracks have lived on in musical memory for decades. But how can we get close to these sounds ourselves?\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/horror-soundtracks.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/horror-soundtracks.jpg\",\"width\":1330,\"height\":665,\"caption\":\"A woman creating music in the studio, surrounded by synths, speakers, and plants\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gear4music Blog\",\"description\":\"News, tips, deals &amp; loads more...\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Gear4music\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png\",\"width\":600,\"height\":193,\"caption\":\"Gear4music\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Gear4music\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gear4music\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/gear4music\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/gear-4-music-limited\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/gear4music1\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/434cc9082be6716206a1861b0c698f9a\",\"name\":\"Callum\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4b296f74780c6227c0ea28ce75dceed062907535fc7e5663c5952a3c6892f40d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4b296f74780c6227c0ea28ce75dceed062907535fc7e5663c5952a3c6892f40d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/4b296f74780c6227c0ea28ce75dceed062907535fc7e5663c5952a3c6892f40d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Callum\"},\"description\":\"Callum is a former music technology student who has a love of punk, rock, metal, and electronic music. In his spare time, he produces music, and DJs occasionally. He's also a freelance engineer when possible, helping local bands make their noise even noisier.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/callumbarnham\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them","description":"The sounds of horror soundtracks have lived on in musical memory for decades. But how can we get close to these sounds ourselves?","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them","og_description":"The sounds of horror soundtracks have lived on in musical memory for decades. But how can we get close to these sounds ourselves?","og_url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/","og_site_name":"Gear4music Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music","article_published_time":"2022-10-20T08:00:38+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-10-20T10:01:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1330,"height":665,"url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/horror-soundtracks.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Callum","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gear4music","twitter_site":"@gear4music","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Callum","Est. reading time":"18 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/"},"author":{"name":"Callum","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/434cc9082be6716206a1861b0c698f9a"},"headline":"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them","datePublished":"2022-10-20T08:00:38+00:00","dateModified":"2022-10-20T10:01:01+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/"},"wordCount":4230,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/horror-soundtracks.jpg","keywords":["Guide","Studio &amp; Production"],"articleSection":["Guides","Studio &amp; Production"],"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/","name":"Top 5 Horror Soundtracks and How to Recreate Them","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/horror-soundtracks.jpg","datePublished":"2022-10-20T08:00:38+00:00","dateModified":"2022-10-20T10:01:01+00:00","description":"The sounds of horror soundtracks have lived on in musical memory for decades. But how can we get close to these sounds ourselves?","inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/top-5-horror-soundtracks-and-how-to-recreate-them\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/horror-soundtracks.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2022\/10\/horror-soundtracks.jpg","width":1330,"height":665,"caption":"A woman creating music in the studio, surrounded by synths, speakers, and plants"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/","name":"Gear4music Blog","description":"News, tips, deals &amp; loads more...","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Gear4music","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2021\/12\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2021\/12\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png","width":600,"height":193,"caption":"Gear4music"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music","https:\/\/x.com\/gear4music","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/gear4music\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gear-4-music-limited\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/gear4music1"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/434cc9082be6716206a1861b0c698f9a","name":"Callum","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4b296f74780c6227c0ea28ce75dceed062907535fc7e5663c5952a3c6892f40d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4b296f74780c6227c0ea28ce75dceed062907535fc7e5663c5952a3c6892f40d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4b296f74780c6227c0ea28ce75dceed062907535fc7e5663c5952a3c6892f40d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Callum"},"description":"Callum is a former music technology student who has a love of punk, rock, metal, and electronic music. In his spare time, he produces music, and DJs occasionally. He's also a freelance engineer when possible, helping local bands make their noise even noisier.","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/author\/callumbarnham\/"}]}},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-07-23 02:27:44","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16319","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16319"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16639,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16319\/revisions\/16639"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}