bass synth from “smooth criminal” by michael jackson | ToneDB
smooth criminal
michael jackson
bass synth
Tone Profile
The bass synth in "Smooth Criminal" delivers a clean and punchy sound, providing a solid foundation for the track with a simple yet effective patch.
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The Story
The bass synth in Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" was created using a Yamaha DX7, the iconic FM synthesizer that dominated 1980s pop production. The track was recorded at Westlake Recording Studios with producer Quincy Jones and engineer Bruce Swedien, who were known for their meticulous approach to capturing synthesizer sounds directly to tape. The DX7's signature FM synthesis capabilities provided the clean, punchy bass foundation that anchors the entire arrangement.
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 wave on a synth with FM capabilities.
- Use FM synthesis to add a slightly metallic and bright edge to the sound.
- Adjust the ADSR envelope for a quick attack and moderate decay to achieve the punchy character.
- Apply a touch of compression to even out the dynamics and enhance the presence in the mix.
- EQ to cut any muddiness in the low-mids and boost slightly in the high frequencies for clarity.
Original Gear
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- Yamaha DX7Shop on Reverb(synth)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Authentic FM synthesis engine based on the original DX7 with modern convenience and the same core sound character
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Advanced FM synthesis plugin that includes DX7 presets and can recreate the metallic, punchy bass tones of 80s FM synths
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Faithful emulation of the original DX7 with enhanced features, includes many of the classic bass patches used in 80s productions
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Modern FM synthesizer with 8-operator engine that can produce similar punchy bass tones with contemporary workflow improvements
Alternative to: Yamaha DX7
Budget-friendly 3-operator FM synth that can approximate DX7-style bass sounds, perfect for recreating 80s synth bass tones
Sources
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