Remaking the analog synth from the 1983 song "True" by Spandau Ballet can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "True" analog patch and play this iconic sound on most hardware or software subtractive synthesizers (Serum, Vital, Pigments, Prophet, Korg, Moog, etc). We've included the preset download directly for your convenience, but we strongly recommend you use our programming tutorial to recreate it yourself.
Original Audio
Spandau Ballet’s 1983 hit “True” features a lush synth pad that establishes the track’s emotional foundation. The warm, resonant chords heard from the song’s opening moments were created using a Sequential Prophet-5, a classic analog polyphonic synthesizer known for its rich, layered timbres. This sound combines gentle filter modulation, producing a shimmering texture that underscores the song’s romantic lyrics.
Original Performing Instrument
Sequential Prophet-5
Our Remake of The Analog Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the analog synth from the song "True" by Spandau Ballet, giving you a reference point as you design your own synthesizer preset. Play it as often as you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the sound.
Synth Patch Programming Recipe
Remake This Sound Yourself
Learn how to program this synth preset with Syntorial, all by ear. Download the demo and try unlimited famous sound challenges for free.
Getting Started
- Start by initializing your synthesizer to a plain saw with no filter, modulation or effects. For soft synths use the "init"/"default" preset or the the button to reset all parameters to their default factory values.
- No two synths are exactly alike, so treat the values below as approximate, and use your ear.
- Percentage values (e.g. 50%) represent the relative position of a knob or slider within its full range. The full range of each parameter may differ from synth to synth, so use your ear.
Voices
- Voice Mode: Poly
- Voice Count: 6
Amp Envelope
- Attack: 60 ms
- Decay: 4700 ms
- Sustain: 0%
- Release: 20 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Saw
- Volume: 100%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 2
- Detune Range: 9 Cents
- Stereo Spread: 100%
- Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: No
Filter
- Type: Low Pass
- Cutoff: 40%
- Key Tracking: 50%
Filter Envelope
- Modulation Amount: 30%
- Attack: 0 ms
- Decay: 2950 ms
- Sustain: 30%
Velocity
- Destination: Volume
- Modulation Amount: 100%
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Nord User Forum: Recreating “True” Synth Pad (Prophet 5/Nord Stage 2/3)
- SonicProjects OPX PRO II: “Spandau True Brass” Preset Demo
- narfsounds: Prophet-5 & Nord Stage 3 Cover of “True” (Intro Sound)
Preset Downloads
Don't want to learn synth programming now? Use our synth preset as your starting point and tweak it from there. Register an account with Audible Genius and download the presets for free for the following synths:
- Primer, our free synthesizer VST
