Remaking the keys synth from the 1998 song "Turquoise Hexagon Sun" by Boards of Canada can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Turquoise Hexagon Sun" keys 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
Boards of Canada’s “Turquoise Hexagon Sun” opens with a haunting bell-like synthesizer sound that establishes its ethereal atmosphere. This timbre is achieved with a simple sine wave, subtle unison, and heavy reverb. The synthesizer appears immediately at the track’s start, dominating the mix before evolving into layered textures.
Original Performing Instrument
Unknown
Our Remake of The Keys Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the keys synth from the song "Turquoise Hexagon Sun" by Boards of Canada, 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: 0 ms
- Decay: 6050 ms
- Sustain: 0%
- Release: 6050 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Sine
- Volume: 100%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 2
- Detune Range: 2 Cents
- Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: Yes
Reverb
- Mix: 30% Wet
- Size: Big
Velocity
- Destination: Volume
- Modulation Amount: 100%
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Deconstructing the Boards of Canada Sound and Music
- Boards of Canada’s Turquoise Hexagon Sun – Korg Minilogue Tutorial
- BOARDS OF CANADA – Turquoise Hexagon Sun (Nord Lead 2X Cover)
- How to Recreate Turquoise Hexagon Sun in Ableton Live
- Patch Request: Boards of Canada – Turquoise Hexagon Sun (Syntorial Forum)
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
Comments
This recipe is the result of a Syntorial community preset remake request. Need support remaking this sound? Have comments?
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