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synth from “human nature” by michael jackson | ToneDB

human nature

michael jackson

synth

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This is a lush, warm synth pad with a smooth, slightly detuned character. It provides a soft, dreamy harmonic foundation.

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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 DX7Shop on Reverb

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

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia DX7 VPlugin Boutique$99-$149

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Software emulation of the original DX7 with the exact same FM synthesis engine and presets used on the original recording

Yamaha Reface DXShop on Reverb$299-$399

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Modern hardware FM synthesizer with authentic DX7-style sounds in a compact format

Native Instruments FM8Plugin Boutique$149-$199

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Advanced FM synthesizer plugin that can recreate classic DX7 tones with additional modern features and effects

Eventide MicroPitchPlugin Boutique$49-$79

Alternative to: Chorus/Detuning effect

Creates the subtle pitch variations and chorus-like movement essential to the dreamy pad character

Lexicon PCM Native Reverb BundlePlugin Boutique$299-$399

Alternative to: Studio reverb

Professional reverb algorithms that recreate the spacious, warm reverb character typical of 1980s pop productions

Sources

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