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synth (the main theme) from “axel f” by harold faltermeyer | ToneDB

axel f

harold faltermeyer

synth (the main theme)

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Tone Profile

A bright, punchy, and iconic 80s polysynth lead, characterized by slightly detuned saw/square waves, a snappy filter envelope, portamento, and a rich chorus effect.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland Jupiter-8

Amp: Direct Input (Synth Engine)

Processing: Roland Jupiter-8 Internal Chorus, Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb, Console EQ (e.g., Pultec EQP-1A)

Other: This represents the primary melodic voice of the main theme. Patch likely used two oscillators (sawtooth and square wave), slightly detuned. Fast attack for both filter and amplitude envelopes, with moderate decay/sustain. Portamento/glide is crucial for the slides. The overall 'main theme' sound in the recording is a composite, with this Jupiter-8 lead layered with other synths like a Yamaha DX7 for bell-like textures.

Recording Notes

  • Composed and performed by Harold Faltermeyer primarily in his home studio using his personal collection of synthesizers.
  • The main theme is a layered composition. The Jupiter-8 provided the lead melody, a Moog Modular System 15 played the bassline, a Yamaha DX7 added percussive bell sounds, and a LinnDrum LM-1 supplied the drums.
  • The 'whoosh/grunt' sound introducing the theme was reportedly a combination of the Jupiter-8 and a Roland JX-3P.
  • Recorded to a multitrack tape recorder and mixed through a professional analog console, utilizing outboard effects like Lexicon reverbs and Pultec EQs.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a polyphonic analog or virtual analog synthesizer capable of producing classic 80s brassy tones.
  • Start with two oscillators: one sawtooth wave and one square wave. Slightly detune them against each other to create a thicker, phasing sound.
  • Set the filter to low-pass with a fast attack, medium decay, moderate sustain (around 50-70%), and a bit of release. Add some filter resonance (around 20-40%) to emphasize the brightness.
  • The amplitude envelope should also have a fast attack, medium decay, moderate sustain, and a short-to-medium release.
  • Apply a lush stereo chorus effect. The built-in chorus on the Jupiter-8 (similar to a Roland Dimension D) is key; aim for that wide, swirling character.
  • Add a spacious hall or plate reverb (e.g., Lexicon 224 style) with a decay time of around 1.5-2.5 seconds.
  • Enable portamento/glide and set the glide time appropriately to achieve the characteristic slides between notes in the melody.
  • For authenticity, consider layering this lead sound with a brighter, bell-like FM synth patch (e.g., from a DX7 emulation) playing the same melody or a harmony.

Sources