What synth did Sting use on Englishman in New York?

Sting used a Yamaha DX7 for the distinctive synth lead on "Englishman in New York." The DX7 was the dominant digital synthesizer of the 1980s and was responsible for many iconic synth sounds of that era.

How to get Sting's synth tone from Englishman in New York?

Start with FM synthesis using a DX7 or modern FM synth. Focus on creating bright, metallic tones with clean attack and sustained resonance. Add subtle chorus or delay for width and use EQ to enhance the high-frequency clarity that cuts through the mix.

What makes the DX7 sound so distinctive on 80s records?

The DX7's FM synthesis creates harmonically complex tones that are both bright and metallic. Unlike analog subtractive synthesis, FM synthesis can generate bell-like, glassy textures that were revolutionary in the 1980s and became synonymous with that decade's pop sound.

Can you recreate DX7 sounds with modern synths?

Yes, many modern synthesizers and plugins can recreate DX7 sounds. Hardware options like the Yamaha Reface DX or software like Arturia DX7 V provide authentic recreation, while other FM-capable synths can achieve similar results with proper programming.

Where was Englishman in New York recorded?

"Englishman in New York" was recorded at AIR Studios in London with Neil Dorfsman serving as both producer and engineer. AIR Studios was a premier recording facility that hosted many major artists during the 1980s.

synth from "englishman in new york" by sting

englishman in new york

sting

synth

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A bright and clear synth lead with a slightly metallic and resonant character, providing a distinct melodic voice in the song. The sound is clean and present, cutting through the mix without being harsh.

Gear

Yamaha DX7instrument: Reverb Sweetwater

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The Story

The distinctive synth lead on "Englishman in New York" was recorded using a Yamaha DX7, a digital FM synthesis keyboard that was ubiquitous in 1980s pop production. The track was recorded at AIR Studios in London with Neil Dorfsman producing and engineering. The DX7's FM synthesis capabilities created the bright, metallic resonant character that cuts through the mix with clarity.

Production Credits

Producer: Neil Dorfsman

Engineer: Neil Dorfsman

Recorded at: AIR Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha DX7

Recreation Tips

Start with a basic sawtooth or sine wave and apply FM synthesis.
Adjust the LFO to modulate the pitch or filter cutoff for added movement.
Use a touch of chorus or delay to widen the sound and add depth.
EQ to remove any muddiness and boost the high frequencies for clarity.

Original Gear

Yamaha DX7(synth)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Yamaha Reface DX$300-$400

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Modern recreation of DX7 FM synthesis with authentic DX7 algorithms and sound engine, perfect for recreating classic 80s FM tones

Reverb Sweetwater

Native Instruments FM8$150-$200

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Advanced FM synthesis plugin that includes classic DX7 presets and can accurately recreate the bright, metallic FM tones

Reverb Sweetwater

Arturia DX7 V$100-$150

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Authentic emulation of the original DX7 with exact same algorithms and additional modern features for enhanced programming

Reverb Sweetwater

Elektron Digitone$600-$750

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Modern FM synthesis hardware with 8-operator FM that can create similar bright, resonant tones with contemporary workflow improvements

Reverb Sweetwater

Dexed (Free Plugin)Free

Alternative to: Yamaha DX7

Open-source DX7 emulation that accurately recreates the original 6-operator FM synthesis and can load original DX7 patches

TONEDB...

englishman in new york

Tone Profile

Gear

The Story

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recreation Tips

Original Gear

Substitutions & Recommendations

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

TONEDB...

synth from “englishman in new york” by sting | ToneDB

englishman in new york

Tone Profile

Gear

The Story

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recreation Tips

Original Gear

Substitutions & Recommendations

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What synth did Sting use on Englishman in New York?

How to get Sting's synth tone from Englishman in New York?

What makes the DX7 sound so distinctive on 80s records?

Can you recreate DX7 sounds with modern synths?

Where was Englishman in New York recorded?

Community Insights