For fans of crime drama with a side of psychological intrigue, The Mentalist stands out. Beyond the captivating storylines and Simon Baker’s charismatic performance as Patrick Jane, there’s another layer that often goes unnoticed but significantly enriches the viewing experience: the show’s distinctive music. If you’ve ever found yourself drawn into the show’s atmosphere, a big part of that is thanks to its synth-heavy soundtrack. This leads many viewers, especially those with a musical ear, to wonder about the sonic palette behind The Mentalist. What are those intriguing synth sounds that composer Blake Neely masterfully weaves into each episode? And more importantly for new viewers and returning fans alike, Where Can I Watch The Mentalist to fully appreciate this auditory dimension?
The question about the synths used in The Mentalist isn’t new. In fact, online forums where music enthusiasts gather, like the one we’re referencing from taxi.com, have seen discussions exactly like this. One user, kevinmathie, a “Committed Musician,” initiated a thread titled “Anyone watch The Mentalist? What synths are used?” back in 2009, seeking to unravel the mystery behind Blake Neely’s sound.
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Kevinmathie’s post highlights a key aspect of the show’s music: its subtlety and effectiveness. He notes, “Even the percussive and arpeggiated sounds seem to be transparent enough to be used under dialog.” This observation gets to the heart of effective TV scoring – music that enhances the scene without overpowering the dialogue or becoming distracting. He further elaborates on his quest, “So many of the synths I have are filled with biting ‘please-pay-attention-to-me’ type sounds. But, I’d like to invest in synths that have a lot of ‘play-me-underneath-dialog’ type sounds.” This perfectly encapsulates the desire of many aspiring composers and producers to understand the nuances of creating music that serves the narrative effectively.
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In response, mazz, identified as a “Total Pro” in the forum, offered insightful advice that transcends the specific synths used. Mazz points out, “Part of using a synth is modifying the sounds to give them the character that you are looking for.” This underscores a crucial element of sound design: it’s not just about the instrument, but how you manipulate it. He further encourages exploration and learning: “I would suggest you learn the controls in your synths that allow you to change the sounds, like filters, oscillators, effects, envelopes, etc. Buying a synth for it’s factory sounds is one thing. Hearing those factory sounds in your own music and all over the TV and film is quite another.” This is a valuable lesson for anyone interested in music production, emphasizing the importance of mastering the tools at hand rather than solely chasing after specific gear. Mazz concludes with an empowering statement: “You can get those sounds with any synth, bottom line.”
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However, for those seeking more concrete synth suggestions, orest, a “Serious Musician,” chimes in with a specific recommendation: “I don’t know exactly what kind of synth he uses, but the Omnisphere synth is great to create this kind of music. It has everything, and you do pretty much what you want to.” Omnisphere, by Spectrasonics, is indeed a powerhouse synthesizer known for its vast sonic capabilities and versatility, making it a plausible choice for a composer like Blake Neely working across diverse scenes and moods.
Later in the thread, matto, another “Serious Musician,” reinforces the Omnisphere suggestion and adds another name to the mix: “The Theme from the Mentalist sounds like it is mostly Omnisphere, I think it also has some Plektrum in it too.” Plectrum, likely referring to Vir2 Instruments’ Plectrum (or possibly Vital Arts’ Plectrum as clarified later), is a virtual instrument specializing in plucked string sounds, which could contribute to the percussive and textural elements noted by Kevinmathie. Matto also highlights the collaborative nature of film and TV scoring, mentioning “he credits a guy for ‘programming’ and another for ‘musical sound design’ which would tell you that he doesn’t just use stock sounds.” This reveals the depth of production often involved, with dedicated sound designers shaping and crafting unique sonic palettes.
Chuck, under the username crs7string, further elaborates on Plectrum: “I’ve had Plectrum since it was first released…It’s a cool instrument. Very playable and very unique…It adds an acoustic instrument sound that the listener can’t place as something they have heard before.” This description aligns with the subtle yet intriguing nature of The Mentalist‘s soundtrack, where electronic and acoustic elements blend seamlessly.
Mazz returns to reassure Kevinmathie about the quality of his existing synths, mentioning Rob Papen’s “Blue” and “Albino” and MOTU’s MX4 as “totally pro synths.” He debunks the myth that specific “high-end” synths are essential for professional work, drawing an analogy to orchestral sample libraries where quality differences can be more pronounced. Mazz emphasizes the timelessness of synths and the creativity of the user: “Even now, there’s certain types of filter sounds that are more hip than others…So yes, you have excellent synths in your library of sounds. You should be able to create modern music with them no problem. Learning what the controls do will allow you to create your own library of sounds and your own ‘voice’.”
So, while pinpointing the exact synths Blake Neely uses in The Mentalist might require a direct interview, the forum discussion offers valuable insights. It suggests that Omnisphere and Plectrum are likely candidates, but more importantly, it underscores that the artistry lies in sound design, manipulation, and the composer’s vision, rather than solely relying on specific, expensive instruments. Any capable synth, when wielded creatively, can achieve similar results.
Now, circling back to the initial question: where can you watch The Mentalist and truly appreciate its soundtrack? For viewers in the US, The Mentalist is currently available for streaming on platforms like:
- Max (formerly HBO Max): This is often a primary destination for Warner Bros. Television shows, which produced The Mentalist.
- Amazon Prime Video: Depending on your region, The Mentalist might be available through Prime Video, either included with your subscription or for purchase/rent.
- Apple TV: You can typically purchase or rent episodes and seasons of The Mentalist on Apple TV.
- Vudu: Similar to Apple TV, Vudu offers options to buy or rent the series.
Availability can fluctuate depending on licensing agreements and your geographical location. It’s always best to check these platforms directly to confirm if The Mentalist is currently streaming in your region. You can also utilize online services like JustWatch, which aggregates streaming availability for TV shows and movies across various platforms.
Whether you’re a budding composer inspired by Blake Neely’s subtle synth work, or simply a fan wanting to re-experience the captivating world of Patrick Jane, knowing where to watch The Mentalist is key. So, tune in, listen closely, and let the show’s unique blend of mystery, drama, and synth-infused soundtrack transport you.
