synth from “the way you make me feel” by michael jackson | ToneDB
the way you make me feel
michael jackson
synth
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.
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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 DX7Shop on Reverb
Processing: Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb
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
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- Yamaha DX7Shop on Reverb(synth)
- Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
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
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
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Modern FM synthesizer that can recreate the DX7's evolving pad textures with additional modern sequencing capabilities
Alternative to: Roland Dimension D
Modern recreation of Roland's Dimension series effects, providing the same stereo imaging and subtle modulation as the original
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Free open-source DX7 emulation that accurately reproduces FM synthesis with access to original DX7 patch libraries
Sources
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