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If you are a music producer, whether seasoned or an absolute beginner, if you are interested in learning how to make music that mirrors the 1980s synthwave or retrowave, this is for you! Find out what was used to create music in the 1980s and the tools you need for your DAW to re-create those retro-sounds!
The 1980s were a transformative era for music production. With the advent of digital technology, synthesizers, and drum machines, artists and producers had an exciting array of tools at their disposal to craft new and innovative sounds. Here we will delve into some of the music production techniques that defined the iconic sound of the '80s.
To achieve an authentic 80s sound in your music, you can use Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins that emulate the characteristics of the hardware and effects used during that era. Here are some essential VST plugins:
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
The introduction of MIDI technology in the early '80s revolutionized music production. MIDI allowed different electronic musical instruments and computers to communicate with each other, enabling greater control and synchronization of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers.
This innovation paved the way for more complex arrangements and the seamless integration of electronic and acoustic instruments. The use of MIDI became a hallmark of '80s music, enabling artists to experiment with layered compositions and intricate arrangements.
You can download Reaper and LMMS free! Or any choice of DAW!
Analog Synthesizers:
This brings us to Synthesizers and the Rise of Synth-Pop.
The '80s were synonymous with synthesizers. With iconic synthesizers like the Yamaha DX7 and the Roland Juno-106, musicians were able to explore a vast palette of sounds. The DX7, in particular, popularized the use of FM synthesis, leading to the creation of bell-like tones and otherworldly textures.
Synth-pop, a genre characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers, was born in the '80s. Artists like Depeche Mode, New Order, and A-ha used synthesizers to craft catchy melodies and futuristic soundscapes, creating an enduring legacy for the genre.
The extensive use of analog synthesizers is a hallmark of 80s music. Instruments like the Roland Juno, Yamaha DX7, and Oberheim OB-Xa produced warm, rich tones that define the era.
Some other popular options include Arturia V Collection, U-He Diva, and Dexed (for DX7 emulation).
Click on the buttons below to learn more about these useful tools!
Drum Machines:
What are the sounds that come to your mind when you think of the 1980s? Cheesy pop music? Big synths, punchy digital drums and lots of gated reverb? Exactly. Those style elements have been re-discovered by contemporary producers and in genres like Synthwave. VICE comes with everything you need to create drum tracks for anything from authentic â80s to Synthwave.
Next is the Drum Machines and Drum Programming. One of the most prominent developments in '80s music production was the widespread use of drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909. These machines allowed producers to create precise and repetitive drum patterns that became a hallmark of '80s pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
The distinct, deep kick drum and snappy snares of the TR-808, for example, can be heard in countless '80s hits. Producers often programmed these machines to produce intricate rhythms, such as the famous "funky drummer" beat that became the foundation of hip-hop music.
VSTs like D16 Group's Drumazon (TR-909 emulation) and AudioRealism's ADM (TR-808 emulation) can help you recreate the classic drum machine sounds. They were widely used in 80s music, contributing to the iconic drum patterns and rhythms of the time.
To learn more about these 80s drum tools, click on the buttons below!
Reverb and Delay:
Next we have Reverb and Studio Effects. The '80s were characterized by a love affair with reverb and studio effects. The Lexicon 224 and AMS RMX16, two iconic digital reverb units, became staples in recording studios during this era. Artists and producers used these tools to create a sense of space and grandeur in their music.
From the lush, cavernous drum sounds of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" to the dreamy, ethereal vocals in The Police's "Every Breath You Take," the '80s saw a renaissance of reverb-drenched production techniques.
Lets also not forget about the old school Gated Reverb. This effect, popularized by producer Hugh Padgham, was often applied to drums, creating the signature "big drum" sound of the era.
A lot of 80s music features heavy use of reverb and delay effects, creating a sense of space and depth in the mix. To replicate the 80s' spacious and ethereal sound, you can use reverb and delay plugins like Valhalla VintageVerb, Waves H-Delay, and Soundtoys EchoBoy.
Click on the buttons below to find out about each one of these reverbs that can put that special retro spark to your music!
Punchy Basslines:
Synth basslines with a punchy and often funky quality were prevalent in 80s music, adding a strong rhythmic foundation.
The basslines in 80s music are distinctive for their punchy, groovy, and often funky qualities. They typically feature a prominent, driving rhythm that anchors the song, creating a strong sense of danceability. Many 80s basslines use analog synthesizers, giving them a warm and round tone with a touch of grit. These basslines often employ repetitive, syncopated patterns, enhancing the overall catchiness and memorability of the music. Whether in pop, funk, new wave, or synthwave genres, 80s basslines are a signature element that adds a unique and infectious energy to the era's musical landscape.
Chorus and Flanger:
Chorus and flanger effects were used on both vocals and instruments to add a lush, swirling quality to the sound.
Chorus and flanger effects were integral to the signature sound of 80s music. Chorus adds a lush, shimmering quality to instruments and vocals, creating a sense of width and depth in the mix. It's often used to fatten up synthesizers and make them sound more expansive. Flanger, on the other hand, imparts a distinctive "swooshing" or "jet plane" effect to the sound, contributing to a psychedelic and futuristic vibe. In the 80s, these effects were generously applied to everything from electric guitars to drum machines and vocals, helping to define the era's rich, textured, and sometimes otherworldly sonic landscape. When used judiciously in modern music production, these effects can evoke the nostalgia and charm of the 80s, adding a retro touch to contemporary compositions.
Plugins like TAL-Chorus-LX and AudioThing OuterSpace are great for adding chorus and flanger effects to your tracks. Click on the buttons below to find out more!
Arpeggios:
Arpeggiated synth patterns were a common feature in many 80s songs, creating a sense of movement and energy.
They are a fundamental tool in crafting the distinctive sound of synthwave music. To use arpeggios effectively, start by selecting a suitable synthesizer or VST with a classic 80s-inspired sound. Create a simple chord progression, typically using major or minor chords, and then apply the arpeggiator function. Experiment with different arpeggio patterns such as up, down, or random sequences, adjusting the speed to match the desired energy level of your track. By layering arpeggios alongside other synth elements like pads and leads, you can create captivating melodies and rhythmic textures that define the nostalgic and futuristic vibe of synthwave music, helping transport listeners to a neon-lit, retro-futuristic world.
Some DAWs come with built-in arpeggiators, but you can also find dedicated arpeggiator VSTs like Xfer Records Cthulhu.
Conclusion
Remember that while VST plugins can help you achieve an 80s sound, the composition, arrangement, and production techniques used in 80s music are equally important in capturing the era's essence. Experimentation and creativity are key to crafting your unique retro sound.
The music production techniques of the 1980s left an indelible mark on the music industry. The era's embrace of drum machines, synthesizers, sampling, reverb, and MIDI technology set the stage for the electronic and pop music we enjoy today. These innovations not only shaped the sound of the '80s but also laid the groundwork for the ongoing evolution of music production techniques in the digital age. The '80s were a time of sonic experimentation, and the legacy of that era continues to inspire musicians and producers worldwide.
If you wish to learn more about how you can produce Synthwave music, visit Sonic Academy's Synthwave Music Masterclass series below!
Best of luck on your music making journey!
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