Fascination with the 1980s: Exploring Favorite Synthesizers

When discussing the synthesizers of the 1980s, the choice of a favorite can be both delightful and daunting. This era was marked by technological advancements that transformed music production, and several synths stand out as classics. In this article, I will explore why the Oberheim OBX and the Roland Jupiter 8 are among my favorites.

The Roland Jupiter 8: Beauty in Simplicity

The Roland Jupiter 8 is a true masterpiece of 1980s synthesizer design. Not only does it produce a beautiful and crisp sound, but its aesthetic appeal is also noteworthy. I have dreams of owning a Jupiter 8, reflecting its enduring charm. Its complexity and flexibility make it a versatile tool in any musician's arsenal.

The Jupiter 8's sound is particularly crystalline and delicate. It integrates seamlessly into a mix, offering a wonderfully well-behaved sonic profile. Among Roland's 1980s analog synths, the Jupiter 8 stands out for its clarity and refinement, setting it apart from its contemporaries. However, the synthesizer's reliability leaves something to be desired. I have had to replace every capacitor in its power supply board, and even after the repairs, it continues to overheat. The internal design is densely packed, making it intimidating to work on.

The Oberheim OBX: Raw and Mysterious

The Oberheim OBX is a different beast entirely. While it is less visually appealing, its sound is incredibly raw, warm, and alive. The OBX's unique quality lies in the way it produces notes that sound different every time. This mysterious and hypnotic attribute makes it a pleasure to work with but also challenging to integrate into a mix. It requires a more hands-on approach, often necessitating compositions to be started directly on the OBX.

Thankfully, the Oberheim OBX has proven to be far more reliable than the Jupiter 8. It has arrived from 4000 miles away and has shown no signs of wear. The internal design is spacious with fewer intricate parts, making it easier to repair and modify if necessary. This simplicity also ensures that standard parts are readily available, reducing the likelihood of costly and rare IC replacements.

My Favorite: The New England Digital Synclavier

While the Roland Jupiter 8 is my favorite pure synthesizer, I must mention the New England Digital Synclavier, which holds a special place in my heart. It is an expensive and complex machine, ideal for larger music production studios and not commonly owned by smaller artists. However, its multifaceted capabilities make it a must-have for professionals. The Synclavier excelled in additive synthesis and featured sampling and sequencing capabilities, transforming it into a music production workstation rather than just a synthesizer.

Despite its complexity, the New England Digital Synclavier's advanced features and sound have influenced modern music production in profound ways. Its influence can still be heard in contemporary electronic music, further cementing its legacy in the world of synthesizers.

Ultimately, choosing a single favorite synthesizer from the 1980s is not a task I take lightly. The Roland Jupiter 8 and the Oberheim OBX each offer unique experiences, and the New England Digital Synclavier reminds us of the incredible possibilities that existed in a time when music technology was still in its formative stages.