synth from “englishman in new york” by sting | ToneDB
englishman in new york
sting
synth
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.
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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 DX7Shop on Reverb
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
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- Yamaha DX7Shop on Reverb(synth)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Modern recreation of DX7 FM synthesis with authentic DX7 algorithms and sound engine, perfect for recreating classic 80s FM tones
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Advanced FM synthesis plugin that includes classic DX7 presets and can accurately recreate the bright, metallic FM tones
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Authentic emulation of the original DX7 with exact same algorithms and additional modern features for enhanced programming
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Modern FM synthesis hardware with 8-operator FM that can create similar bright, resonant tones with contemporary workflow improvements
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Open-source DX7 emulation that accurately recreates the original 6-operator FM synthesis and can load original DX7 patches
Frequently Asked Questions
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