Remaking the arp synth from the 2012 song "Clarity" by Zedd can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Clarity" arp 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
In Zedd’s hit song “Clarity,” the arpeggiated soft pluck synthesizer sound is prominently featured at the beginning of the track. This sound is characterized by a gentle, repetitive pattern that sets the melodic foundation for the song. The pluck synthesizer is used to create an airy and ethereal atmosphere, adding depth to the track’s initial build-up.
Our Remake of The Arp Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the arp synth from the song "Clarity" by Zedd, 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
Amp Envelope
- Attack: 0 ms
- Decay: 200 ms
- Sustain: 70%
- Release: 120 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Saw
- Volume: 100%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 4
- Detune Range: 2 Cents
- Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: Yes
Filter
- Type: Low Pass
- Cutoff: 40%
- Resonance: 40%
Filter Envelope
- Modulation Amount: 20%
- Attack: 0 ms
- Decay: 1000 ms
- Sustain: 0%
- Release: 120 ms
Delay
- Mix: 10% Wet
- Feedback: 50%
- Time: 1/8 Note
Reverb
- Mix: 40% Wet
- Size: Medium
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Clarity by Zedd Chords, Melody, and Music Theory Analysis (Hooktheory)
- Zedd – Clarity Brass Melody (YouTube)
- How to make a Zedd style synth (YouTube)
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
