Remaking the lead synth from the 2016 song "Closer" by The Chainsmokers can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Closer" lead 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
The lead synthesizer in The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” emerges prominently during the chorus at 1:10, delivering a plucky, distorted sound that anchors the track’s energetic drop. Characterized by its sharp attack and layered octave doubling, the synth combines unison detuning for width and distortion for grit. This sound is central to the track’s mix, cutting through with its stereo width and aggressive tone.
Original Performing Instrument
Unknown
Our Remake of The Lead Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the lead synth from the song "Closer" by The Chainsmokers, 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: Mono Legato
- Portamento: 20 ms
Amp Envelope
- Attack: 0 ms
- Decay: 850 ms
- Sustain: 0%
- Release: 40 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Saw
- Volume: 10%
- Oscillator 2
- Waveform: Pulse
- Pulse Width: 100%
- Pitch: +1 Octave and -2 Cents
- Volume: 90%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 2
- Detune Range: 17 Cents
- Stereo Spread: 100%
Filter
- Type: Low Pass
- Cutoff: 55%
LFO
- Destination: Pulse Width
- Waveform: Triangle
- Amount: 30%
- Rate: 1/8 Note
Distortion
- Drive: 100%
Reverb
- Mix: 10% Wet
- Size: Small
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Sound Design with Native Instruments Massive – Closer Lead Synth (YouTube)
- The Chainsmokers – Closer | Keys Synth Preset Remake (Syntorial)
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
