Devo - Big Mess | Lead Synth Patch Remake

Remaking the lead synth from the 1982 song "Big Mess" by Devo can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Big Mess" 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

Devo’s song “Big Mess,” from their 1982 album Oh, No! It’s Devo, features a distinctive synth lead that reflects the band’s innovative use of synthesizers during that era. While the specific synthesizer used in the original recording isn’t definitively documented, Devo was known for employing instruments like the Minimoog Model D, ARP Odyssey, and Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 during the early 1980s.

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 "Big Mess" by Devo, 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 up to three challenge packs for free.

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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
  • Sustain: 100%
  • Release: 20 ms

Oscillators

  • Oscillator 1
    • Waveform: Pulse
    • Pulse Width: 50%
    • Volume: 50%
    • Pitch: +3 Cents
  • Oscillator 2
    • Waveform: Pulse
    • Pulse Width: 50%
    • Pitch: -3 Cents
    • Volume: 50%
  • Sub Oscillator
    • Waveform: Pulse
    • Pulse Width: 100%
    • Pitch: -1 Octave
    • Volume: 45%
  • Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: Yes

Filter

  • Type: Low Pass
  • Cutoff: 75%

LFO

  • Destination: Filter Cutoff
  • Waveform: Saw
  • Amount: 35%
  • Rate: 1/8 Note
  • Trigger: On

Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.

Notes And Observations

Starting with the Basics: The Saw Waveform

Begin with the most fundamental element—the saw waveform. We’ll be changing this waveform in a bit, but it’s a great universal starting point for any patch.

Modulating the Sound: LFO and Cutoff

Once you have your plain saw waveform, the next step involves modulation. Use a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) to modulate the cutoff frequency of the sound. Start by switching your LFO waveform to saw and increase the speed to introduce that repeating-note effect. Carefully adjust the cutoff frequency and the LFO amount so that the modulation starts at the brightest point and only brings it down about halfway through the frequency range.

Changing the Waveform: Medium Pulse

After getting the modulation right, switch the waveform from a saw to a medium pulse wave. This change adds a somewhat hollower and more videogame-like character to the sound.

The Smearing Effect: Doubling and Detuning

To give the sound that smeared, thick quality, you’ll need to double it and apply a slight detune. This moves the sound away from a solid stagnant timbre, and introduces a soft-textured pulsation.

Adding Depth: The Sub Oscillator

Finally, to add some weight to the sound, bring in a sub oscillator set to a square wave. This underpinning layer enriches the synth lead, providing a solid bottom end that will carry the lead and give it a full-bodied presence.

By following these steps, you can create a synth lead that not only emulates the Devo “Big Mess” sound but also gives you a foundation on which to build your own unique synth sounds. Experimentation is key, and as you become more comfortable with these techniques, you can start tweaking and adding your own personal touch to make it truly your own.

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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
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