Remaking the keys synth from the 2013 song "Retrograde" by James Blake can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Retrograde" 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
James Blake’s “Retrograde” features an ethereal and haunting synthesizer sound that layers organ-like keys on top of the lead at 1:45. This sound is characterized by its bright, wavering quality, achieved multiple detuned oscillators and a wide open filter. The layering of these keys creates a wall of sound that fills up the chorus.
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 "Retrograde" by James Blake, 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.

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
- Sustain: 100%
- Release: 200 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Saw
- Volume: 100%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 4
- Detune Range: 9 Cents
- Stereo Spread: 100%
- Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: No
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Notes And Observations
The Vital version of the patch has a subtle flanger effect, which is closer to the original sound
Explore More
- James Blake Retrograde Synth // ASM Hydrasynth (YouTube)
- Synth Tutorial: James Blake “Retrograde” (Syntorial)
- James Blake Synth Sounds (Reverbmachine)
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