TONEDB

synth from “the way you make me feel” by michael jackson | ToneDB

the way you make me feel

michael jackson

synth

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

This synth pad has a warm, evolving character, with a slightly detuned and chorused quality that gives it a wide, lush sound. It fills out the harmony and provides a bed for the vocals and other instruments.

Gear

Yamaha DX7instrument
ReverbSweetwater
Roland Dimension Dprocessing
ReverbSweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

The Story

The lush synth pad on Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" was recorded at Westlake Recording Studios under the production guidance of Quincy Jones and engineer Bruce Swedien. The warm, evolving character was achieved using a Yamaha DX7 for its FM synthesis capabilities, processed through a Roland Dimension D to add stereo width and the characteristic chorused quality that gives the pad its signature spacious feel.

Production Credits

Producer: Quincy Jones

Engineer: Bruce Swedien

Recorded at: Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha DX7

Processing: Roland Dimension D

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a sawtooth or square wave on a synth with FM capabilities. Use FM to modulate the waveform and create movement and depth.
  • Add a subtle chorus effect to create a wider stereo image and add to the lushness of the sound.
  • Use a slow attack and release on an amplitude envelope to create a gradual swell and fade.
  • Experiment with detuning oscillators slightly to create a thicker, more animated sound.

Original Gear

  • Yamaha DX7(synth)
  • Roland Dimension D(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia DX7 V$99-$199

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Authentic emulation of the original DX7 FM synthesis engine with the exact presets and sonic character needed for this evolving pad sound

ReverbSweetwater
UAD Roland Dimension D$149-$299

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Precise digital recreation of the original hardware's subtle chorus and stereo widening that was essential for the lush, spacious character

ReverbSweetwater
Elektron Digitone$600-$700

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Modern FM synthesizer that can recreate the DX7's evolving pad textures with additional modern sequencing capabilities

ReverbSweetwater
Boss DC-2W Dimension C Waza Craft$150-$180

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Modern recreation of Roland's Dimension series effects, providing the same stereo imaging and subtle modulation as the original

ReverbSweetwater
Dexed VSTFree

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Free open-source DX7 emulation that accurately reproduces FM synthesis with access to original DX7 patch libraries

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!