πΉ Synth Icons is the podcast where legendary keyboards come back to life. Hosted by producer and synth expert Andy Whitmore, each episode dives into the worldβs most iconic synthesizers β from the lush analog power of the Yamaha CS-80, to the digital sparkle of the DX7, to the unmistakable sounds of the Korg M1.
Andy recreates famous riffs, compares hardware to modern software emulations, and reveals the stories, sounds, and production secrets behind the instruments that shaped pop, film, and electronic music.
If you're a synth enthusiast, a producer, or just love classic hits, Synth Icons lets you hear the legends for yourself.
π Follow for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories. Β π§ Watch the full video versions on YouTube β @AndyWhitmore
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Andy Whitmore recreates 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1, featuring music associated with Madonna, Queen, Robin S, Black Box, Crystal Waters, Snap!, OMD, Aerosmith and many more.
In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 46 iconic riffs, hooks and sounds using the legendary Korg M1.
The M1 helped define the sound of the late β80s, β90s and beyond, appearing across house, dance, pop and rock records.
Youβll hear some of its most recognisable presets and sounds, including Piano 16', Organ 2, Universe, Symphonic, Choir, Pick Bass, Slap Bass, Pan Flute, Solo Sax, Lore and Ooh/Ahh.
Some of these sounds became so familiar that an entire generation heard them without necessarily knowing they came from one of the most important digital synthesizers ever made.
βSadenessβ is an M1-style recreation/approximation. The original flute is widely believed to have been sampler-based and derived from more than one source rather than being a single Korg M1 preset.
Which Korg M1 riff or sound is your favourite β and which important one have I missed?
Andy Whitmore compares the Rhodes Clav Pro directly with an original Hohner Clavinet D6 across 16 iconic riffs from Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Bill Withers and more. Can the software really capture the sound and character of the real vintage instrument?
Can Rhodes Clav Pro really capture the sound and character of a genuine vintage Hohner Clavinet D6?
In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I compare Rhodes Clav Pro directly with my original Hohner Clavinet D6 using 16 iconic Clavinet riffs.
Listen closely to the attack, bite, pickup combinations, muted sounds, wah, drive and effects as we put the software against the real instrument.
Rhodes Clav Pro was deeply sampled from a rare 1977 Clav D6 βtransitionβ model and includes authentic pickup and EQ controls, a mute slider, drive, compression, envelope wah, amp models and studio effects.
Which do you prefer: the original Hohner Clavinet D6 or Rhodes Clav Pro? And how many of the 16 comparisons could you identify correctly?
FEATURED TRACKS
Stevie Wonder β Superstition Stevie Wonder β Higher Ground Rufus β Tell Me Something Good Bill Withers β Use Me Led Zeppelin β Trampled Under Foot Bob Marley β Could You Be Loved The Gap Band β Oops Upside Your Head Kool & The Gang β Jungle Boogie Stevie Wonder β You Havenβt Done Nothinβ ELO β Last Train to London The Rolling Stones β Heartbreaker Heatwave β Super Soul Sister Tina Turner β Nutbush City Limits Greg Kihn Band β Jeopardy John Paul Young β Love Is in the Air Sherbet β Howzat
RHODES CLAV PRO
Find out more about Rhodes Clav Pro:
Roland Jupiter-4: 23 Iconic Riffs You Know β But Didnβt Realise Were Jupiter-4!
Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic synth riffs, sequences, bass lines and pads on an original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.
The Roland Jupiter-4 was Rolandβs first polyphonic synthesizerβand one of its most distinctive. Andy Whitmore recreates 23 famous synth parts associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, The Cars, Styx, LCD Soundsystem, Sharon Van Etten and more, using an original vintage Jupiter-4.
The Roland Jupiter-4 was Rolandβs first polyphonic synthesizerβand although it was later overshadowed by the Jupiter-8, it appeared on some enormous records.
In this episode, record producer and keyboard player Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic riffs, sequences, bass lines, brass sounds, pads and synth hooks using his original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.
Its raw oscillators, distinctive ensemble effect, unusual modulation and famously unpredictable arpeggiator gave the Jupiter-4 a character unlike almost any other synthesizer. It growls, spits, wobbles and frequently sounds as though it has a mind of its own.
The episode features music associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17, Thomas Dolby, John Foxx, The Cars, Styx, Michael Jackson, LCD Soundsystem and Sharon Van Etten.
Every musical example has been recreated and performed on Andyβs original vintage Jupiter-4.
TRACKS FEATURED
Spandau Ballet β To Cut a Long Story Short Main lead line β 1980
The Human League β Donβt You Want Me Bass β 1981
Depeche Mode β New Life Intro synths β 1981
Duran Duran β Rio Arpeggiated sequence β 1982
Duran Duran β RioMiddle-eight brass pad β 1982
Oberheim OB-8: 20 Iconic Riffs You Know β But Didnβt Realise Were Oberheim!
Twenty famous riffs and keyboard parts from Prince, Van Halen, Rush, Eurythmics and more, recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. Andy also explores the history of the OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-SX, OB-8 and modern OB-X8.
In this episode of Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, I recreate 20 famous riffs and keyboard parts using my original vintage Oberheim OB-8.
Youβll recognise many of these songs immediatelyβbut you may not realise how many classic recordings featured an Oberheim synthesizer or a sound from the same family.
Although the episode contains 20 tracks, many of the recreations are constructed from several separate sounds and performances, including pads, brass stabs, bass lines, strings, sequences and filter sweeps.
Some of these sounds took several hours to program, and the complete video and podcast project took around five days to assemble.
Every sound in the episode was recreated on an original Oberheim OB-8. However, not every record was originally made using that exact model. Some featured the earlier OB-X or OB-Xa, while others belong more broadly to the classic Oberheim sonic family.
The episode concludes with the history of the OB series and a closer look at the OB-8βs most important relatives:
1979 β Oberheim OB-X
The predecessor to the OB-Xa and OB-8. Its more discrete, SEM-influenced architecture can give it a rawer, wider and slightly more unpredictable character.
1980 β Oberheim OB-Xa
The closest and most significant relative of the OB-8. It replaced the OB-X, used Curtis chips and provided switchable 12-decibel and 24-decibel low-pass filtering.
1980 β Oberheim OB-SX
A more preset-based OB-family instrument. It was less programmable than the OB-Xa or OB-8 but still belonged to the same era and sonic world.
Roland D-50 β 20 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Know Were D-50)
In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore dives into the digital, glassy world of the Roland D-50 β with 20 iconic riffs you definitely know, but maybe never realised were D-50.
Every sound in this episode comes from a real D-50, using classic factory presets like Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance, Staccato Heaven, Glass Voices, Metal Harp, Cathedral/pipe organs, Shakuhachi, Griitttarr and more. No other synths, no samples β just the D-50 doing what it does best.
π§ Tracks & sounds featured include:
Michael Jackson β Man in the Mirror (I-84 Afterthought)
Enya β Orinoco Flow (I-44 Pizzagogo)
Eric Clapton β Bad Love (I-77 O K Chorale)
Gary Numan β America (I-37 Soundtrack)
Star Trek: The Next Generation β Season 1 theme / OST (I-51 Glass Voices)
Paula Abdul β Straight Up (I-15 Horn Section)
Christopher Cross β Sailing (I-43 Basin Strat Blues)
Taylor Dayne β Tell It to My Heart (I-15 Horn Section)
George Michael β Faith (I-38 Cathedral Organ)
Mica Paris β My One Temptation (I-15 Horn Section)
Phil Collins β Another Day in Paradise (I-12 Metal Harp)
Bananarama β Love in the First Degree (I-15 Horn Section)
Mr. President β Coco Jamboo (I-16 Living Calliope)
Boy Meets Girl β Waiting for a Star to Fall (I-21 DigitalNativeDance)
Sabrina β Boys Boys Boys (I-15 Horn Section)
Spagna β Call Me (I-15 Horn Section)
George Michael β Father Figure (I-66 Shakuhachi)
Pink Floyd β Run Like Hell (I-26 Griitttarr β reimagined on D-50)
Michael Jackson β Dirty Diana (I-21 DigitalNativeDance)
Michael Cooper β Shoop Shoop (Never Stop Givinβ You Love) (I-61 Staccato Heaven)
Yamaha CS-80 β Vangelisβ Blade Runner & Chariots of Fire (Real Hardware, Full FX)
In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore fires up the real Yamaha CS-80 to recreate some of Vangelisβ most iconic moments β this time with the full effects chain rebuilt. Big reverbs, delays and chorus bring the CS-80 right back into that huge, cinematic Blade Runner / Chariots of Fire space.
Across the episode youβll hear eight classic Vangelis riffs, all played on an original CS-80, focusing on brass, strings, flutes and pads β with no soft synths and no emulations, just pure vintage hardware.
π§ Riffs featured:
Vangelis β Chariots of Fire β Brass melody
Vangelis β Blade Runner β Brass line
Vangelis β Blade Runner β String pad
Jon & Vangelis β I Hear You Now β Main theme
Vangelis β Chariots of Fire β Brass lick
Vangelis β To the Unknown Man β Intro melody
Vangelis β Blade Runner β Flute intro line
Vangelis β Blade Runner β Brass line (no bass)
Expect long, evolving notes, expressive vibrato and that unmistakable CS-80 warmth, all swimming in reverb and delay just like the original recordings.
πΉ More Synth Icons episodes:
Korg M1 β Famous Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Realise Were M1)
Yamaha DX7 β Classic 80s Riffs & Presets
Roland Jupiter-4 & Jupiter-8 β Hidden 80s Synth Gems
Sequential Prophet-5 β Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
Hohner Clavinet D6 β Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
Roland D-50 β Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Know Were D-50)
βοΈ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro β or youβd like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) β head over to Andyβs website and get in touch.
Sequential Prophet-5 β Famous Riffs You Instantly Know! (Radiohead, D Train, Cameo + more)
In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore puts the Sequential Prophet-5 Rev 3.2 through its paces with a stack of famous riffs β from moody pads to punchy bass lines and full-on synth leads.
Youβll hear classic parts from Radiohead, D Train, Cameo, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Daryl Hall & John Oates β all played on Andyβs own Prophet-5, with no other synths in the chain. The episode finishes with a fuller Prophet-5 recreation of βYouβre the One for Meβ by D Train.
Riffs & Sections
Radiohead β Everything In Its Right Place (main riff)
The Cars β Letβs Go (intro melody)
Talking Heads β This Must Be the Place (flute-style lead)
Phil Collins β In the Air Tonight (Prophet-5 pad)
Pink Floyd β Run Like Hell (driving synth line)
Frankie Goes to Hollywood β Relax (bass drops & brass licks)
D Train β Youβre the One for Me (bass, lead, extra synth parts, bass drops & organ-style solo)
Cameo β Sheβs Strange (moody Prophet-5 lines)
Daryl Hall & John Oates β I Canβt Go for That (No Can Do) (filter swell, main riff & flute lick)
D Train β Youβre the One for Me (Prophet-5 song recreation)
π§ More Synth Icons episodes:
Hohner Clavinet D6 β Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
Roland Jupiter-4 β Famous Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Realise Were Jupiter-4)
Korg M1 β Famous Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Realise Were M1)
In this episode of Synth Icons, we funk things up with one of the most instantly recognisable keyboards in music history β the Hohner Clavinet D6.
With its sharp, percussive tone and rhythm guitar-like attack, the Clavinet became a cornerstone of funk, soul and rock throughout the 70s and early 80s. I recreate 12 classic riffs that defined its legendary sound β all played on a real Clavinet D6, no software, no emulations.
π§ Featured riffs include:
Stevie Wonder β Superstition
Stevie Wonder β Higher Ground
The Gap Band β Oops Upside Your Head
Bob Marley β Could You Be Loved
Kool & The Gang β Jungle Boogie
Led Zeppelin β Trampled Under Foot
The Commodores β Machine Gun
The Meters β Just Kissed My Baby
Steely Dan β Kid Charlemagne
Billy Preston β Outa-Space β¦and more!
From Motown to rock arenas, reggae to jazz fusion β this keyboard changed groove music forever. If you love funk history, vintage keyboards and iconic riffs, this episode is for you. πΉπ₯
In this episode of Synth Icons, we shine a light on one of the most underrated classic analog synths of all time β the Roland Jupiter-4. Before the Juno-60 and Jupiter-8 stole the spotlight, this synth helped shape the sound of early synth-pop with its raw, punchy tone and lush analog character.
I recreate 15 famous Jupiter-4 riffs from legendary artists including Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Gary Numan, Michael Jackson, Heaven 17 and more. Expect shimmering brass pads, pulsing basses, eerie arps, vintage strings and bold leads β all played on a real Jupiter-4. β No plugins β No samples β 100% authentic analog
π§ Featured tracks include:
The Human League β Donβt You Want Me
Depeche Mode β I Just Canβt Get Enough
Doctor Who Theme β Peter Howell version
Duran Duran β Rio
Michael Jackson β Thriller
Gary Numan β The Wreckage
LCD Soundsystem β How Do You Sleep?
Sharon Van Etten β Jupiter 4 β¦and more synth classics.
If you love vintage synths, new wave, electro, Italo and synth-pop history, this episode is for you.
πΉ Listen to more Synth Icons episodes Korg M1 β Famous Riffs Yamaha DX7 β 21 Iconic Sounds Yamaha CS-80 Blind Test
The Korg M1 is one of the most iconic keyboards ever made β the sound of late-β80s and early-β90s pop, dance, and film music. In this episode of Synth Icons, producer and synth collector Andy Whitmore recreates 13 legendary riffs that defined the era.
From the unmistakable Piano 16β and Universe sounds to classic hits by House, Madonna, Inner City, and Pet Shop Boys, youβll instantly recognise how the M1 shaped the sound of a generation.
Every riff is performed on the original hardware β no samples, no emulations β giving you the real sound of the synth that changed everything.
π Follow for more classic synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories from @AndyWhitmore. πΉ Watch the full video version on YouTube β @AndyWhitmore
π§ More Synth Icons episodes:
Hohner Clavinet D6 β Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
Roland Jupiter-4 β Famous Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Realise Were Jupiter-4)
Korg M1 β Famous Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Realise Were M1)
Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore, a podcast by Andy Whitmore (andy@andywhitmore.com) - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
https://youtu.be/lrGHQV-KpOU
This episode is a paid collaboration with Rhodes. The link above is an affiliate link, which means I may receive a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Simple Minds β Theme for Great Cities Lead, pad and distorted Jupiter-4 β 1981
Styx β Too Much Time on My Hands Bass and resonant drone β 1981
Depeche Mode β Just Canβt Get Enough Intro, lead, bass and Roland KR-55B drums β 1981
Michael Jackson β Thriller Intro brass-pad recreation β 1982 The original sound is more commonly associated with the Jupiter-8βs dual mode.
The Human League β Open Your Heart Bass and brass riff β 1981
The Cars β Shake It Up Arpeggiator and organ riff β 1981
Depeche Mode β Photographic Bass sequence, lead riff and upper sequence β 1981
Doctor Who Trombone part from the television theme β 1980
Thomas Dolby β Windpower Lead, bass and brass riff β 1982
The Human League β The Things That Dreams Are Made Of Lead and bass β 1981
The Human League β Dreams of Leaving Sequenced bass β 1980
Depeche Mode β Tora! Tora! Tora! Bass β 1981
The Human League β Seconds Bass, pad and strings β 1981
Heaven 17 β Geisha Boys and Temple Girls Random arpeggiator β 1981
Gary Numan β This Wreckage Multiple Jupiter-4 parts β 1980
LCD Soundsystem β How Do You Sleep? Sequence β 2017
Sharon Van Etten β Jupiter 4 Bass and outro lead β 2018
John Foxx β Europe After the Rain High string line β 1981
The Jupiter-8 may have become the superstar of Rolandβs Jupiter range, but the Jupiter-4 has a raw, unstable and slightly dangerous quality that remains completely its own.
Which Jupiter-4 sound surprised you most? Let me knowβand tell me which classic synthesizer I should explore next.
The instrument featured throughout this episode. It is renowned for its enormous brass sounds, wide pads, splits, unison mode, stereo spread and polished early-80s Oberheim character.
2022 β Oberheim OB-X8
A modern Oberheim that brings together elements of the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa and OB-8, including voice, filter and envelope characteristics inspired by the original instruments.
FEATURED TRACKS
Eurythmics β Sweet Dreams | OB-X | 1983 Van Halen β Why Canβt This Be Love | OB-8 | 1986 Rush β Subdivisions | OB-Xa | 1982 Sylvester Levay β Airwolf Theme | OB-Xa | 1984 Stevie Nicks β Stand Back | OB-Xa | 1983 Phil Collins β Sussudio | OB-8 | 1985 Simple Minds β Donβt You Forget About Me | OB-8 | 1985 Rush β Tom Sawyer | OB-X | 1981 Rod Stewart β Young Turks | OB-Xa | 1981 Van Halen β Jump | OB-X / OB-Xa | 1983 Prince β 1999 | OB-Xa | 1982 Styx β Mr. Roboto | OB-8 | 1983 Jean-Michel Jarre β LβOuverture | OB-Xa | 1982 Prince β Delirious | OB-Xa | 1983 Kenny G β Songbird | OB-Xa | 1987 The Police β Invisible Sun | OB-X | 1981 Grover Washington Jr. β Winelight | OB-Xa | 1980 Prince β Little Red Corvette | OB-8 | 1983 Pat Metheny Group and David Bowie β This Is Not America | OB-8 | 1985 Prince β Purple Rain | OB-8 | 1984
Plus preset demos: Intruder FX and Staccato Heaven
Expect plenty of βwaitβ¦ thatβs a D-50?!β moments as these factory patches pop up in huge pop, rock and TV themes from the late 80s and early 90s.
πΉ More Synth Icons episodes:
Korg M1 β Famous Riffs You Know (But Didnβt Realise Were M1)
Sequential Prophet-5 β Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
Roland Jupiter-8 & Jupiter-4 β Hidden 80s Synth Gems
Hohner Clavinet D6 β Famous Riffs You Instantly Know
CS-80 / Vangelis sounds and Yamaha DX7 specials
βοΈ 1-to-1 lessons & synth help If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro β or youβd like help programming synths (hardware or analogue-style VSTs) β head over to Andyβs website and get in touch.
If you enjoy this D-50 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth β or which artist β youβd like to hear next.
If you enjoy this CS-80 / Vangelis special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which Vangelis moment, which CS-80 sound, or which synth youβd like to hear next.
If you enjoy this Prophet-5 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth β or which artist β youβd like to hear next.
Roland Jupiter-4, Jupiter 4, Roland Synth, Vintage Synth, Analog Synth, Synth Pop, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, 80s Synths, Synth Icons, Music Production, Retro Synths
