03 - The Synths That Shaped The Sound Of The ’80s

For those of us who are a little nostalgic, the 1980s were truly unforgettable. That’s putting it lightly! We all remember the bright neon colors, the over-the-top fashion, the electrifying pop culture, and the surge of new technologies. But for many, this decade is defined above all by its music, especially by that distinctive synthetic sound that still influences artists across genres today.

From Michael Jackson and Madonna, to Prince, Freddie Mercury and Whitney Houston, the list of iconic hits is endless. This period marked a real turning point in the use of synthesizers, many of which helped define that instantly recognizable sound. Today, we take a closer look at some of the machines that crafted the greatest classics of the 1980s.

Talking about pioneering synths is impossible without going back to the origins. Released in 1979, the Fairlight CMI was the first commercial synthesizer to offer true sound sampling. For the first time, musicians could record real-world sounds and play them chromatically across the keyboard, opening up a whole new realm of creative possibilities. Users could experiment freely, visually editing waveforms and sequences, instead of being limited to scrolling through pre-programmed sound libraries.

Many artists quickly embraced this technological marvel. Kate Bush famously used it extensively on her albums and her iconic track “Running Up That Hill”, but pioneers like Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, and Paul McCartney also fell under the Fairlight’s spell. While it wasn’t the first synthesizer ever, the CMI truly revolutionized music production, paving the way for creative possibilities previously unheard of.

Fun fact, some consider the very first synthesizer to be the Telharmonium (aka the Dynamophone), built sometime between 1896 and 1906. This 200-ton machine generated electrical sounds using enormous dynamos, long before analog synths existed, already hinting at the principles of additive synthesis.

 

Another game-changer was the Roland TR-808, a drum machine that was initially misunderstood but went on to define the sound of the 1980s. Producing fully analog drum sounds, it wasn’t designed to mimic reality. On the contrary, its synthetic, futuristic timbre encouraged producers to experiment with new rhythms. They could build beats faster than ever and tweak them however they liked. By the late ’80s, the 808 had already heavily influenced pop music and helped accelerate the rise of electronic music. It continued shaping the industry in the decades to come, as hip-hop producers stretched, tuned, and saturated its analog kicks. Those tweaks gave birth to the modern 808: a deep sub-bass used both rhythmically and melodically.

The Oberheim OB-XA is another prime example of technological innovation from the decade of excess. With up to 8 voices of analog sound and 2 oscillators per voice, it made waves when it debuted in 1980. At the time, most synths were monophonic, meaning they could only play one note at a time. The OB-XA completely changed the game, allowing musicians to play up to 8 notes simultaneously and layer two sounds per note, creating richer textures and arrangements. On top of that, it offered intuitive hands-on control, with dedicated knobs and sliders for every parameter. No more digging through complex menus: musicians could shape their sound in real time, whether in the studio or on stage.

The most iconic synth of the era remains undoubtedly the Yamaha DX7. Released in 1983, it sold over 100,000 units, an enormous number for the time. It represented a true technological breakthrough thanks to FM synthesis (Frequency Modulation), producing sounds radically different from anything else on the market. The DX7 was capable of metallic, crystalline, percussive, and ethereal tones that became the sonic signature of the 1980s. Ultra-versatile, it appeared on almost every production imaginable: pop, R&B, new wave, dance, even rock and jazz. You can hear it on countless hits like “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson, “Purple Rain” by Prince, “Africa” by Toto, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics, or “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, the list goes on. The DX7 wasn’t just an instrument; it was a revolutionary tool that redefined the sound of the ’80s and whose influence is still felt in modern music.

Many other synths also left their mark on the decade, including the Korg M1, Roland Jupiter-8, Sequential Prophet-5, and Roland Juno-106, to name just a few. One thing is clear: the 1980s left an indelible mark on music history. There was a clear “before” and “after,” opening the door to emerging genres like EDM, indie, synthwave, and contemporary hip-hop. The decade served as a bridge between analog and digital, introducing tools and sounds that continue to define modern music’s sonic identity. Synths, drum machines, and samplers have evolved, but they still form the foundation of contemporary music production today.

Text by: Mikaël Simard