bass synth from “another part of me” by michael jackson | ToneDB
another part of me
michael jackson
bass synth
Tone Profile
This bass synth sound is characterized by its warm, round fundamental and subtly buzzy harmonic content, providing a solid and rhythmic foundation for the track. It's a classic synth bass tone from the late 80s, tailored for pop sensibilities.
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The Story
The bass synth on "Another Part of Me" was likely created using a Yamaha DX7, which was a staple synthesizer during the late 1980s and widely used in pop production of that era. The track was produced by Quincy Jones and engineered by Bruce Swedien at Westlake Recording Studios, with the bass sound processed through SSL 4000 G+ console processing to achieve its warm, round fundamental with subtle harmonic complexity.
Production Credits
Producer: Quincy Jones
Engineer: Bruce Swedien
Recorded at: Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles
Signal Chain
Instrument: Yamaha DX7Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Yamaha DX7 or a software emulation. Initialize a patch and focus on creating a round, fundamental-rich tone.
- Experiment with FM synthesis parameters to add subtle harmonic complexity without making the sound overly aggressive.
- Use an SSL-style EQ to sculpt the bass, boosting the low frequencies for warmth and notching out any muddiness.
- Apply gentle compression using an SSL-style compressor to even out the dynamics and make the bass sit well in the mix.
Original Gear
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- Yamaha DX7Shop on Reverb(synth)
- SSL 4000 G+ ConsoleShop on Reverb(channel_strip)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Comprehensive FM synthesis plugin that can accurately recreate DX7-style bass patches with the warm, round fundamental and subtle harmonic buzz characteristic of this tone
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Modern FM synthesizer that excels at creating classic 80s bass tones with its 4-operator FM engine, perfect for recreating that rounded synth bass character
Alternative to: SSL 4000 G+ Console
Authentic SSL console modeling that provides the same EQ curves and compression characteristics used to shape the original bass sound
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Accurate open-source DX7 emulation that can load original DX7 patches and recreate authentic FM bass tones from the 1980s
Alternative to: SSL 4000 G+ Console
Provides the SSL console's signature compression characteristics to help the bass sit solidly in the mix like the original
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