Roots Archives Forum

Ive always wondered what this particular sound was. Its found in a lot of songs some examples I can think of are "Jamaican Dub" by Mikey Dread right at the beginning. Yellowman's "Duppy or Gunman" at around 1:17 into the song you hear that bionic sound there. Also Greogory Isaacs feat. Trinity "Number One" (the long version) at around 1:11. What is that sound? Is it from an instrument? dub effect? mixing technique? How do they make that specific particular sound?? I know if anyone could answer that it would be here on Roots archives.

thanks and bless up
GREENITES

interesting I've noticed that in a few tracks, never really thought about what it could be.

This is pure speculation because I don't have a clue but:

It kinda sounds like a synth sound like maybe a preset little gimmick on a synth or something like that, probably put from some effects unit. I would guess it is added on by the person doing the dub mix at the time rather than in the original recording, but I wouldn't imagine it is an actual dub technique as such to make that sound... I'm probably completely wrong

I'm sure one of the knowledgeable folks on this board will know the proper answer to put me straight

You can find those sound effects almost in every Channel One produced tunes, especially in dubs (circa late 70's / early 80's).

I think it's just someone using a sine wave test tone oscillator and sweeping through frequencies with reverb and/or delay applied.

star wrote:I think it's just someone using a sine wave test tone oscillator and sweeping through frequencies with reverb and/or delay applied.

I knew someone here would know! I never ceased to be amazed by the range of knowledge of people on these boards

right on thanks for the replies seems like that might be the right answer.