How to Recreate Jon Hopkins’ Emerald Rush Synth Sound in Ableton Live

Ever wondered if you could get Jon Hopkins’ iconic Emerald Rush synth sound without his custom plugin? The short answer, yes, you can. And you can do it with Ableton Live’s stock plugins in under ten minutes.

Key Points

• Jon Hopkins used a custom plugin built by Tim XL

• You can recreate it with Ableton’s Gate and Compressor

• Use a sustained synth sound for maximum effect

• Rhythm is the magic ingredient

• Save your effect chain for future use

What Makes the Emerald Rush Synth Unique?

The main synth in Emerald Rush sounds glitchy, weird, and alive. Hopkins achieved it using a custom-made plugin that isn’t available for download.

The challenge: recreate that same sound using only Ableton Live’s stock tools

Step 1 — Start With the Right Synth Source

The sound needs sustain to give the effects something to shape. Short stabs won’t work.

• Use two sawtooth waves, slightly detuned

• Filter down a little

• Set a long sustain for more information to sculpt

On its own, it will sound flat — but the effects will bring it to life.

Step 2 — Add a Gate for Rhythmic Chopping

Normally, a gate removes noise. Here, you’ll flip the idea — use the gate to let sound through when triggered by a rhythm.

• Set up a side chain source channel with a rhythm you want

• Route it to the gate on your synth track

• Experiment with the Flip button to invert the rhythm

• Use Attack, Hold, and Release to fine-tune:

  • Lower attack = more glitchy accents

  • Lower hold = more stutter and chop

  • Higher release = smoother transitions

Step 3 — Glue It With Side Chain Compression

Next, add a side chain compressor keyed to your kick. This glues the synth to the beat.

• Adjust compression until the synth breathes with the track

• Apply the same settings to the bass for a unified groove

Step 4 — Add Reverb (Optional)

Jon Hopkins’ style often includes lush space. You can:

• Use Ableton’s stock reverb

• Or go with a favourite third-party plugin like Valhalla for extra depth

Step 5 — Save It for Next Time

Once you’ve got the sound:

• Save the effect chain as an Audio Effects Rack

• Store your side chain rhythm pattern in your User Library

That way, you can drop the Jon Hopkins magic into any track instantly.

Top 5 FAQs

1. Can I recreate Jon Hopkins’ Emerald Rush sound without third-party plugins?
Yes, Ableton Live’s Gate and Compressor can get very close.

2. Why does the synth need a long sustain?
A long sustain provides more audio for the gate to chop into rhythmic patterns.

3. What does the Flip button on the gate do?
It inverts the gating rhythm, creating a different pattern feel.

4. Is side chain compression essential for this sound?
Yes, it helps the synth pulse with the beat and feel cohesive in the mix.

5. Can I save this setup for future use?
Yes, save it as an Audio Effects Rack and store your rhythm pattern.

Summary

If you want Jon Hopkins’ Emerald Rush style, use Ableton’s Gate for rhythmic chopping, side chain compression for groove, and a sustained synth tone. If you care about authenticity, experiment with the gate’s Flip and envelope settings; they’re where the glitchy magic lives.

See this trick in action here -