synth from “human nature” by michael jackson | ToneDB
human nature
michael jackson
synth
AI generatedv1.0
Tone Profile
This is a lush, warm synth pad with a smooth, slightly detuned character. It provides a soft, dreamy harmonic foundation.
Gear
- Yamaha DX7instrument
- ReverbSweetwater
- Chorus Pedalpedal
- ReverbSweetwater
- Reverb Pluginpedal
- ReverbSweetwater
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The Story
The lush synth pad on "Human Nature" was created using a Yamaha DX7, the groundbreaking FM synthesizer that defined much of 1980s pop music. The recording was produced by Quincy Jones and engineered by Bruce Swedien at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles. The DX7's digital FM synthesis was key to creating the evolving, warm textures, and the part was likely layered or doubled with slight detuning to create the chorus-like, dreamy character that sits perfectly in the mix.
Production Credits
Producer: Quincy Jones
Engineer: Bruce Swedien
Recorded at: Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles
Signal Chain
Instrument: Yamaha DX7
Recreation Tips
- Start with a basic sawtooth or sine wave and experiment with FM synthesis to create complex harmonics.
- Use subtle chorus or ensemble effects to thicken the sound and add movement.
- Apply gentle reverb to create a sense of space and depth.
- Layer multiple instances of the synth with slightly different settings for a richer, more complex sound.
Original Gear
- Yamaha DX7(synth)
- Chorus Pedal(pedal)
- Reverb Plugin(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Software emulation of the original DX7 with the exact same FM synthesis engine and presets used on the original recording
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Yamaha DX7
Modern hardware FM synthesizer with authentic DX7-style sounds in a compact format
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Yamaha DX7
Advanced FM synthesizer plugin that can recreate classic DX7 tones with additional modern features and effects
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Chorus/Detuning effect
Creates the subtle pitch variations and chorus-like movement essential to the dreamy pad character
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Studio reverb
Professional reverb algorithms that recreate the spacious, warm reverb character typical of 1980s pop productions
ReverbSweetwaterFrequently Asked Questions
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