Hello, how are you all?

I’m currently working on a cover song and came across this synth part, which I find a bit challenging since I’m not 100% experienced with synthesizers.

Are you familiar with this synth riser sound?
I’ve already uploaded the audio sample.

At first, I thought it might be made using a distorted guitar VSTi with formant and filter automation, but the result still sounds quite far from the original.

Could anyone help explain how to recreate it using VST instruments?
I think this synth riser is pitch-playable based on musical notes.

Thank you in advance, and have a great day.
Arth

 

That sounds like a snippet of a Justice song.
But whatever. There is PWM or basic WT oscillator modulation or formant filter cutoff modulation. You can achieve this multiple ways. You can even do something similar with comb filtering (very short delay) modulation.
I did this quickly in Surge XT (very goa/trance-ish).

 

Regarding Justice, this riser snippet actually isn’t from Justice, but from one of doriko’s songs.
I also attached the full version snippet in the audio file.

After hearing your version, I was honestly amazed by the result.
The synth timbre you created sounds incredibly close to the original. Awesome work!

Since I don’t have Surge XT yet, I tried recreating it using what I currently have, so I used Serum instead.
After following your suggestions, the result I got still sounds quite different from yours. Hahaha.
You can check it out in the video I attached.

Do you have any suggestions on what I should tweak in my Serum settings?
Or to make things easier, would you recommend that I download Surge XT first?

 

To me it sounds just like a B maj chord layered with multiple synths with LP HP filters making an X shape movement if that makes sense. To replicate it 99% it would take a long time to get instruments, filters, dynamics and movement right.
Here is a quick attempt I made. Basically some synths have LP moving down and some HP moving up and crossing at some point obviously. Also there seems to be a wide eq boost coming from high frequencies and landing at the chord region where fundamentals live. At least that's what I did. I think it's probably 60-70% close.

 

It's too short but isn't the original a Sitar like sound (+ phaser or something)?

 

That's exactly what I first thought: sitar with some stereo widener fx going L to R, and maybe some short reverb.

@ARTHEMISC try some sitar sample pack.

@Baxter you're right! I was expecting an oldschool Goa choon to start off

 

Yes, you're right.

I agree.

This is interesting, the attempt you made actually sounds really cool.
What VSTi did you use?
And how did you process it?
_______

This is an interesting suggestion.
This morning, I’m going to try processing a sitar VSTi in the key of B (B major).
Thank you.

I will, thanks
_______

As an update, I’m still experimenting with Serum using a different approach. You can check it out in this video.

Considering there have been several great suggestions, I’m also going to try processing a sitar sample next.

Thank you, everyone.

 

Vital. Just vital processing, eq and volume automation.

I didn't realize you have the whole sample. Lmao. Reverse it and it will be easy to reconstruct.
Basically It is just a phaser that is giving that effect you are looking for.
Anyway, here is my second quick attempt. 80-85% there. It's just the matter of getting notes and synths right at this point.
Adding the main sample that is being phased in my example if you want to play around with it.

 

Could you please walk me through the steps?
I think your work is excellent.

I'm not very familiar with sound design. Is there a basic tutorial for beginners that's easy to understand when using Vital?

Yes, I have one with separate stems for each instrument.
But of course, I don't want to use it and want to see if there's a sound that can come close to the original.

Thanks for your suggestion, I've tried reversing it. What do you think?
It sounds similar to a sitar or Middle Eastern plucked instrument with a riser added?

Thank you for the sample you provided. Awesome!
I've tried import it into my project, and it sounds convincing.

And it will sounds great when combined with the suggestions from @orbitbooster and @clipper (thanks for both of you too) about the Sitar samples.
This is an example with just the sitar sample reversed.

What do you think guys?

Spoiler: .

PS: Additionally, I apologize in advance for the slow response due to having to download several Sitar libraries, which in my case was slow because I don't have a premium subscription to Rpidgtor or similar.

 

Last edited: May 26, 2026