MJ’s “Beat It” Intro - Real Sound & Story

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video Kevin Maloney demonstrates how the intro sound on “Beat It” from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album was inspired by the blue vinyl LP titled The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II [embedded below and previously posted here - you can find pics of the record and included brochures here. There's currently one on eBay for $259.95 here]. Kevin and Anthony Marinelli show you how the sound was programmed and performed in the studio for Michael to use on “Beat It”. This video also contains the story behind the sound and highlights how far Michael would go to satisfy his appetite for unusual sounds.

In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anthonymarinell...

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

The Incredible Sounds of Synclavier II (1981)

video upload by VCO8

"This is the full 24 minute blue vinyl record from 1981."

See this post from 2020 featuring an image of the vinyl and the brochures that came with it.

Blue Thunder: The Sounds I Made For The Film

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video I breakdown the FM Synclavier sounds/sequences I made for the 1981 movie Blue Thunder, Staring Roy Scheider & Malcolm McDowell.
https://archive.org/details/Hollywood...

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work 'In the Family Way', written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

https://www.discogs.com/release/19915...

Website: www.anthonymarinelli.com"

MJ's Billie Jean Bass - It’s 4 Instruments!

video upload by

See How to Synth Breakdowns by Anthony Marinelli Music for more.

"In this video I demonstrate how the bass sound on 'Billie Jean' from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album is actually 4 different instruments playing at the same time. I’ll show you how I programmed 3 different synthesizer instruments for the album (originally performed by Greg Phillinganes) and the 4th instrument (electric bass guitar originally performed by Luis Johnson) is demonstrated by Ernest Tibbs.

In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major."

How to Synth Breakdowns by Anthony Marinelli Music

video uploads by Anthony Marinelli Music



Also see: How to make the Baby Be Mine MiniMoog Bass from Michael Jackson's Thriller

And earlier: Bill Wolfer: It's the 50th Anniversary of my Minimoog! for another Minimoog used on Thriller.

"In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major."

Playlist at the time of this post:
How I Programmed the Baby Be Mine “warble” Mini Moog Lead on Michael Jackson’s Thriller
How I programmed the Baby Be Mine MiniMoog Bass on Michael Jackson's Thriller
How I Programmed The Bass On Michael Jackson's PYT
How I Programmed the Theremin Sound On Michael Jackson's Thriller
How I Programmed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Bass on my Tonus ARP 2600
How To Program The Synth Lead From The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights"
How to program the synth bass from Tyler, the Creator's "Igor's Theme"
How I Programmed The Synth Opening On Michael Jackson's Thriller: Prophet 5 Pt.1
How I Programmed The Synth Opening On Michael Jackson's Thriller: Jupiter 8 Pt.2
How To Make The Synth Bass from "Da Funk" by Daft Punk
How To Make Any Imaginable Kick Drum Sound
How I Create Dubstep on Analog Synths (without a computer)
How I Process my TR-808 Drum Machine with OTO EFX Pedals
How To Program The Synth Riff From Prince's 1999
How I Programmed The Synth Opening On Michael Jackson's Thriller: The Synclavier Pt.3
War Games: The Sounds I Made For The Film

Yamaha DX7 Patch Recreations by Valmont

Synclavier Church Bell recreated on Yamaha DX7 video upload by Valmont

"Check the Synclavier voices patch from Genesis 'Mama' recreated on DX7 as well here: [below]

The Synclavier being linear FM, one of the only suitable algorithm on a DX is the one with 3 parallel carrier/modulator. So in this patch, we have 3 partials but the original patch had 4. This is no big deal, as we can just detune more the DX operators. However, the Synclavier had a 1st harmonic on carrier 1 at 20% level, which is something we can't achieve on DXs because they aren't additive... Just use some feedback, to be honest it's absolutely unnoticeable ;p

The Synclavier vinyl: https://www.discogs.com/fr/release/67...

Based on 'init' patch:
Algorithm: 5
Output level: 99, 84, 99, 84, 99, 84
Coarse: 1, 1.43, 1.01, 1.44, 1.02, 1.45
Detune: 0, 0, -2, -2, -2, -2
Rate 1: 90, 75, 90, 75, 90, 75
Rate 2: 17, 0, 17, 0, 17, 0
Rate 3: 99, 20, 99, 20, 99, 20
Rate 4: 25, 20, 25, 20, 25, 20
Rate Scaling: 2
Feedback: 4
Transposition: C2"

Synclavier "Voices 1" from Genesis 'Mama' recreated on Yamaha DX7 [Supermax]

video upload by Valmont

"This one was more simple than the previous Synclavier patch. The subtlety is that the two triple-harmonic operators are doubled by the Synclavier chorus function, and that both use asynchronous LFOs. So you get a 2x6 linear operators sound, with two moving parts in the whole thing. We can't do this in a DX7, however we have the Supermax delay function which allows something in the very same spirit. Not having a Supermax results in a strictly halved-stack, which is noticeable but okay if you add thick chorus behind.

The two Synclavier operators both contain harmonic 1, 2 and 3. They're detuned from each other, so until here the DX7 can follow. Then with the trigger-delayer, we ask the DX to play each note a second time very shortly after, with an augmented pitch. We get twice the sound, twice fatter. But we still only have one LFO for the voices, delayed or not, so the sound is phasing out a bit less. Just add a lil chorus on the output and there it goes. Tho we can remark that the patch used on 'Mama' by Genesis has less LFO modulation, it's smoother. But I wanted to recreate the real Synclavier sound x)

Also note that Depeche Mode used this patch on 'Love in Itself', just like the ChurchBell sound I recreated a month ago. [above]

Based on 'init' patch:

Algorithm: 32
Output level: 96, 84, 80, 96, 84, 80
Coarse: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2.02, 3
Detune: -4, +4, -4, +5, +5, +7
Rates for all operators: 50/99/99/40
Levels for all operators: 99/99/99/0
LFO wave: sine
LFO speed: 36
LFO delay: 16
LFO PM: 28
-----------------
Supermax functions:
Delay: 140
Volume: 3
PT: 0.38"

Synclavier "Voices 1" from Genesis 'Mama' recreated on Yamaha DX7 [Supermax]
video upload by

"This one was more simple than the previous Synclavier patch. The subtlety is that the two triple-harmonic operators are doubled by the Synclavier chorus function, and that both use asynchronous LFOs. So you get a 2x6 linear operators sound, with two moving parts in the whole thing. We can't do this in a DX7, however we have the Supermax delay function which allows something in the very same spirit. Not having a Supermax results in a strictly halved-stack, which is noticeable but okay if you add thick chorus behind.

The two Synclavier operators both contain harmonic 1, 2 and 3. They're detuned from each other, so until here the DX7 can follow. Then with the trigger-delayer, we ask the DX to play each note a second time very shortly after, with an augmented pitch. We get twice the sound, twice fatter. But we still only have one LFO for the voices, delayed or not, so the sound is phasing out a bit less. Just add a lil chorus on the output and there it goes. Tho we can remark that the patch used on "Mama" by Genesis has less LFO modulation, it's smoother. But I wanted to recreate the real Synclavier sound x)

Also note that Depeche Mode used this patch on 'Love in Itself', just like the ChurchBell sound I recreated a month ago. Check it here if you haven't seen it yet! [above]

Based on 'init' patch:

Algorithm: 32
Output level: 96, 84, 80, 96, 84, 80
Coarse: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2.02, 3
Detune: -4, +4, -4, +5, +5, +7
Rates for all operators: 50/99/99/40
Levels for all operators: 99/99/99/0
LFO wave: sine
LFO speed: 36
LFO delay: 16
LFO PM: 28
-----------------
Supermax functions:
Delay: 140
Volume: 3
PT: 0.38"

A visit to the Marche Synth Museum

video upload by Guido Scognamiglio

"A visit to the Marche Synth Museum
Museo Del Synth Marchigiano (e Italiano)
July 2023
https://www.museodelsynth.org/"

Some of the synths featured on their site:

Eko Computerrythm
Elka Synthex
CRB Oberon
Crumar Spirit
Farfisa Compact Duo
Welson Symphony
Crumar Compac Synth
CRB Uranus 2
Elka Rhapsody
Farfisa Syntorchestra
Milton Gemichord
Logan String Melody

I also spotted a Welson Syntex recently featured in Hainbach's Blast of Sirens promo video. Solton RSC Polyvox at 1:59.

Vintage Italian synths.

You can find additional posts mentioning Marche Synth Museum here.

Microtonal Regen

video upload by Synclavier Digital

Update: video re-uploaded.

"For this tutorial video, our collaborator maestro, Leith Fleming-Smith brings his Lumatone and things get seriously microtonal.

Regen supported MPE out of the gate and had controls, such as Octave Ratio, to vary tuning. Then firmware update 1.04 added Custom Tunings and the ability to load scala files, which massively opened up the possibilities for microtonalists.

Topics Covered:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Detune control
2:40 Octave Ratio
5:52 Custom Tunings
10:45 Scala Files
13:57 MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)
17:53 With Lumatone
21:26 Launchpad X / Pro
26:04 Outro"

Synclavier Regen Desktop Digital FM Synthesizer w/ Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Up for sale is the mega-cool Synclavier Regen! This unit was pre-ordered directly from them in January and it showed up early-March.

This synth has to be one of the cleanest, most pristine and hi-fi sounding synths we’ve had. It’s great for weird atmospheres and pads, but the other samples on there are top-notch."

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Synclavier Digital's Regen Gets Wider Release

video upload by Synclavier Digital

Regen Tutorials


Regen Quickies


You can find additional posts featuring demos of the Regen here.

Press Release follows:

"Synclavier Digital releases regenerated Synclavier® II trailblazer as timeless Regen desktop synthesizer bolstered by present-day DSP developments

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA: soft-launched late last year to widespread critical acclaim at the Synthplex® synthesizer expo and electronic music festival hosted at the Marriott Convention Center in Burbank, CA, USA with pre-orders opening for fulfilment in 2023, timeless synthesis product manufacturer Synclavier Digital is proud to announce wider availability of Regen — released as a desktop synthesizer that is, in short, a real regeneration of New England Digital’s seminal Synclavier® II digital synthesizer that took the pro audio industry by storm when introduced in its initial incarnation in 1980 (evolving beyond that to blaze more technological trails with polyphonic sampling and, ultimately, DAW — Digital Audio Workstation — capabilities well before that term was invented, even), extended and enhanced to take advantage of the increased computing power available today to make it as compelling in a modern setting as the prohibitively pricey original did during its time (finding favour with top-tier film composers, record producers, and recording artists), while the considerable cost and size reductions associated with Regen’s present-day design criteria conversely position it well within reach of (almost) anyone — as of June 29…

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Synclavier PSMT FM and Sampling Sequence Demo INHALT

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"Here's a quick sequence done entirely on the Synclavier PSMT. Drums are a couple of factory samples coming from the PSV sample cards and the bass and lead are FM patches. Recorded straight from the Synclavier tower via an AMS Neve 8424 console at Infinite Power Studios."

Synclavier PSMT FM Synthesizer Free Play INHALT

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"The beautiful and vintage Synclavier PSMT. Here is a demo recorded straight from the Synclavier of some of the FM sounds that are possible via its digital synthesizer. Recorded at my studio in Los Angeles (Infinite Power Studios)."

Roland System 100m synth sequenced by Synclavier PSMT

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"Roland System 100m being sequenced by the Synclavier PSMT tower with drums coming from the Synclavier sampler … selling the 100m so hmu if interested."

New England Digital Synclavier II

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Synclavier II stereo 16 voice FM synthesizer in very good condition. The package comes with the ORK keyboard, the floppy drive with the boot up disc, the Winchester hard drive with loads of sounds, a Kennedy tape drive for sample to disc, a sample to disc module, the Apple Mac computer running the termulator software, and factory owners manuals.

I have always been fascinated by the lore of this instrument. It has definitely held up to its legendary history - it is capable of sounds unavailable anywhere else and is really fun to explore.

Now, the fine print: I bought this instrument in April, 2021 as a fully functional 16 voice FM system, and it works flawlessly. The unit comes with a sample to disc module, and tape drive to sample to, BUT the current operating system DOES NOT support those features. I am also selling a Synclavier VPK keyboard on a separate listing because it is not supported on this software release. There is plenty of support for this instrument, and obtaining an updated software release should be very easy, I just have not pursued it as I am downsizing my studio and need to sell most of my collection. Just keep in mind that while this Synclavier comes with these added features, you are buying a 16 voice stereo FM synth. It is being offered at the price that I have invested, so keep that in mind if you want to make an offer."

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Synclavier Regen INHALT Factory Patches Demo

video upload by INHALTVIDEO

"As a young guy I used to marvel at records that featured the Synclavier. It was the ultimate ephemeral instrument; both a source of confusion as to what it exactly was and a source of endless inspiration via the records that occupied my fascination. It also cost $500,000 US dollars in the mid 80s if you got a fully specced one.

Fast forward to 2023 and at the heart of my Los Angeles studio (Infinite Power Studios) is a fully loaded Synclavier PSMT tower. Both a workhorse sequencer, astounding sampler and superbly organic FM synth, it is my purest joy to work on it daily. Few instruments have moved me the way that the Synclavier has. To my ears, there's something complete and done about what it sounds and moves like.

Enter the Regen. I was invited to contribute patches to the latest venture that Cameron Jones and other former NED/Synclavier developers have created. It is an immense honor for me to be involved with such individuals who have shaped and shifted music so deeply, that I am still beside myself that it actually happened. Here is a long audio demo of some of the patches I have contributed to the new Synclavier Regen factory timbre library.

As always, no additional fx processing was used. This is pure Regen piping out of its dual XLR balanced outputs straight into Pro Tools HD."

Synclavier Regen Demo

video upload by Paul Schilling

"A selection of my factory presets for the Regen, with the Hydrasynth set to MPE mode. I was thrilled to be able to work on this wonderful machine.

Plenty of examples of MPE poly-aftertouch. A couple of movie references are thrown in. :)

I like the ease with which you can throw together additive, subtractive and sample layers with this interface, and mold them in various ways. The Regen can sound very warm and organic, as well as a wide digital-sounding spectrum.

All reverb in this demo and other things that sound like FX (chorus etc.) are coming from the Regen."

NED Synclavier® PSMT Flagship Digital Workstation/Synthesizer Owned by Jam & Lewis

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This flagship studio system was originally custom built for Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for installation at the infamous Flyte Tyme recording studios in Minneapolis. It has a rich history of making hits including including being featured extensively on recordings by Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boys II Men, Human League and many other hit makers from that era. When Flyte Tyme closed, the current owner purchased the system and relocated to Nashville. Expert Synclavier technician Steve Hills was flown in from Synclavier Europe to completely go through and refurbish the system including updating software and expanding the already massive sound library.

The system has been an operation in Nashville ever since with tech support being provided by Synclavier Europe/500 Sound. This is one of the most powerful Synclaviers ever built by NED. Only two in this category were produced. The other was for world renowned producer Trevor Horn.

This is a very deep and complex system. Like many synths from the 1980s, this is still a very powerful and viable tool for music production, post and sound design. This is the undisputed CHAMP of FM synthesizers, and a sound designer's dream. The surface has yet to be scratched with this monster synthesizer/workstation. The massive sound library included is worth the price of admission alone. Please don't hesitate to ask us questions.

Original price tag when new was over $500,000. We strongly encourage pickup here in Nashville, otherwise buyerwill be responsible for freight. We will help facilitate freight service via a reputable music industry courier like Rock-It, etc.

SYSTEM INCLUDES:

Synclavier PSMT
Fully loaded memory
Fully loaded 32 sample voices
Fully loaded 16 FM voices with composite FM out
Full 32 channels of Direct to Disk (16 panable)
16 Winchester barracuda drives for DTD in custom separate NED blue flight cases
Midi option 8x8
Lock to SMPTE (frame accurate to 100,000/sec
Lock to pulse
CV in
32 XLR out output matrix for PSMT tower
32 channel custom ELCO to Male XLR output breakout snake for Direct To Disk System
Sample to memory option
Original NED Drives
Additional Winchester with huge custom library
New mains power supplies NOS
Full original NED blue flight cases for entire system
Original Pericom Terminal with op manual
Additional Apple 2 with NED start up NED custom start up for easy one key boot
Editview
VPK control software
Original refurbished VPK near mint condition
New VPK ribbon cable by Synclavier Europe
Additional ultra rare VPK remote with new ribbon extension cable by Synclavier Europe
Additional ultra rare DTD digital meter bridge
Original “R2-D2” custom 9600 style NED roll around dolly/terminal stand for Apple computer w computer rack and custom keyboard/trackball
All Original NED operation manuals"

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NED SYNCLAVIER II - Handmade Miniature 1/6 scale

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

Michael Whalen "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" on Synclavier 9600

video upload by Michael Whalen

"Michael Whalen creates a virtual "orchestra" with his Synclavier 9600 system. Drawing on the orginal score by Tchaikovsky, MW played all the parts while adapting samples and doing sound design for each part."

You can find additonal posts mentioning the 9600 here.

TIMELESS WINDS : SynthRphony final Movement (costellato)

video upload by KurtzMindfields

KurtzMindfields SynthRphony performances

"This final title is an improvisation played around a SynthR4 sequence, using internal delay & Shimmer effect. Ambiant composition.
New album : https://kurtzmindfields.bandcamp.com/...
1/ Session1 (below, camera 1 & 2) : SynthR4 in mono sequencer mode, Big Ancestor Moog Bass + Flanger BF2, Moog Sub37 bass & winds, Hansy mister M mellotron, Waldorf Zarembourg phased Strings, Rhodes Stage MKI + Delay MXR, Vpiano + delay.
2/ Session2 (above) : Arturia VST : Synclavier, ARP2600 kick, OBXA on Studiologic SL73 studio."

1984 New England Digital Synclavier 1 VPK Keyboard

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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