What synth did Nick Rhodes use on Rio by Duran Duran?

Nick Rhodes used a Roland Jupiter-8 synthesizer for the lead synth parts on "Rio." The Jupiter-8 was one of his primary instruments during this period and provided the bright, cutting sawtooth wave sound characteristic of the track.

How to get Duran Duran Rio synth sound?

Start with a sawtooth wave on a Jupiter-8 style synthesizer, then add wide stereo chorus similar to a Roland Dimension D. Use tape-style delay like a Space Echo for subtle rhythmic repeats, and adjust the filter cutoff for brightness without harshness.

What chorus effect did Duran Duran use in the 80s?

Duran Duran frequently used the Roland Dimension D chorus unit, which created their signature wide, lush synth textures. This unit was essential to their sound on tracks like "Rio" and gave their synths a distinctive stereo spread.

What delay did Nick Rhodes use on Rio?

Nick Rhodes used a Roland Space Echo RE-201 tape delay unit on "Rio." This vintage tape echo provided the warm, slightly degraded delay sound that added depth and rhythmic interest to the synth lead without overwhelming the mix.

Where was Rio by Duran Duran recorded?

"Rio" was recorded at EMI Studios (Abbey Road) in London with producer Colin Thurston and engineer Peter Wade. The professional studio environment allowed for the polished, wide stereo sound that became characteristic of early 80s Duran Duran recordings.

synth from "rio" by duran duran

rio

duran duran

synth

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Tone Profile

The synth lead has a bright, slightly metallic, and cutting tone that is still smooth. It's a classic 80s synth sound with a touch of chorus and subtle delay.

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Roland Jupiter-8(instrument)
Roland Dimension D(processing)
Roland Space Echo RE-201(processing)

The Story

The synth lead on "Rio" was created using a Roland Jupiter-8, which was a key instrument in Duran Duran's setup. Nick Rhodes processed the Jupiter-8 through a Roland Dimension D chorus unit to create the wide, lush texture, and added subtle rhythmic delay using a Roland Space Echo RE-201. The track was recorded at EMI Studios (Abbey Road) in London with producer Colin Thurston.

Production Credits

Producer: Colin Thurston

Engineer: Peter Wade

Recorded at: EMI Studios (Abbey Road), London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland Jupiter-8Shop on Reverb

Processing: Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb, Roland Space Echo RE-201Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a sawtooth wave on a synthesizer.
Add a chorus effect with a wide stereo image, similar to the Roland Dimension D.
Use a tape delay plugin for a warm, slightly degraded delay sound.
Adjust the filter cutoff and resonance to achieve the desired brightness without harshness.

Original Gear

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Roland Jupiter-8Shop on Reverb(synth)
Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb(pedal)
Roland Space Echo RE-201Shop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland Jupiter-XShop on Reverb$1800-$2000

Alternative to: Roland Jupiter-8

Features authentic Jupiter-8 modeling with the original's sawtooth waves and filter character essential for this bright, cutting lead tone

TAL-J-8 PluginPlugin Boutique$60-$80

Alternative to: Roland Jupiter-8

Software emulation of the Jupiter-8 that captures the sawtooth wave character and filter resonance needed for the metallic brightness

Boss DC-2W Dimension C Waza CraftShop on Reverb$150-$180

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Modern recreation of the Dimension D circuit that provides the same wide stereo chorus effect that gives the synth its lush texture

Strymon El CapistanShop on Reverb$280-$320

Alternative to: Roland Space Echo RE-201

Provides authentic tape echo emulation with the warm, slightly degraded delay character that adds depth to the lead sound

Universal Audio RE-201 Space Echo PluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200