Remaking the keys synth from the 1996 song "Dire Dire Docks (Super Mario 64 Theme Song)" by Koji Kondo can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Dire Dire Docks (Super Mario 64 Theme Song)" 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
In “Dire, Dire Docks” from Super Mario 64, composer Koji Kondo utilized the “Crystal Rhodes” preset from the Roland JD-990 synthesizer to craft the track’s signature electric piano sound. This preset delivers a shimmering, bell-like tone that complements the underwater ambiance of the level. The melody, introduced at the beginning of the track, exemplifies Kondo’s skill in creating immersive and memorable game music. You can hear the synth lead at the start of the song.
Original Performing Instrument
Roland JD-990 - "Crystal Rhodes" preset
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 "Dire Dire Docks (Super Mario 64 Theme Song)" by Koji Kondo, 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
- Decay: 4450 ms
- Sustain: 0%
- Release: 3900 ms
Oscillators
- FM Amount: 50%
- Carrier
- Waveform: Sine
- Volume: 100%
- Modulator
- Waveform: Sine
- Pitch: +31 Semitones
- Volume: 0%
Modulation Envelope
- Destination: FM Amount
- Modulation Amount: 55%
- Attack: 0 ms
- Decay: 240 ms
- Sustain: 0%
- Release: 240 ms
Chorus
- Mix: 50% Wet
- Rate: Medium
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Recreate the Super Mario 64 Soundfont Using Original Sources
- Super Mario 64 – Dire, Dire Docks (Exploring the Yamaha DX7)
- Super Mario 64 Remastered – Dire, Dire Docks
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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