Remaking the fx synth from the 2012 song "Paperbond" by Wiz Khalifa can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Paperbond" fx 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
Wiz Khalifa’s “Paperbond” introduces a searing FX lead synthesizer at 0:13, marked by a piercing whine. The sound relies on an amp envelope a band-pass filter envelope that swell in/out, creating fly-by doppler effect. This synth cuts through the track’s mellow arrangement of drums, guitar riffs, and basslines, adding a contrasting layer of tension.
Original Performing Instrument
Unknown
Our Remake of The FX Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the fx synth from the song "Paperbond" by Wiz Khalifa, 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: 60 ms
Amp Envelope
- Attack: 250 ms
- Decay: 1350 ms
- Sustain: 0%
- Release: 20 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Pulse
- Pulse Width: 30%
- Volume: 100%
- Noise Volume: 5%
Filter
- Type: Band Pass
- Cutoff: 55%
- Resonance: 50%
Filter Envelope
- Modulation Amount: 30%
- Attack: 0 ms
- Decay: 1350 ms
- Sustain: 0%
Delay
- Mix: 45% Wet
- Feedback: 25%
- Time: 1/8 Note
Reverb
- Mix: 20% Wet
- Size: Big
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Wiz Khalifa – Paperbond (FL Studio Remake) – YouTube
FL Studio remake tutorial analyzing synth layering and filter automation techniques used to recreate the lead sound’s dynamic envelope behavior. - Wiz Khalifa – Paperbond | FL Studio Remake – Image-Line Forum
Community discussion detailing high-accuracy recreation attempts, including envelope modulation and band-pass filter routing for the lead synth’s signature “searing” effect. - Wiz Khalifa – “Paperbond” – YouTube
Official audio reference for timing and tonal characteristics of the lead synth’s entrance at 0:13, though lacking technical breakdown.
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
- Vital
Comments
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