The Synth Sounds of Stranger Things

The recent Netflix summer smash Stranger Things has one of the coolest soundtracks in recent years. Invoking synth masters like Giorgio Moroder, Tangerine Dream and John Carpenter, the score created by composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein relies heavily on vintage analog and modular synths. Here are a few killer keyboards and synths that we carry, which can get you on your way to the spooky, 1980s vibes of this inspiring synth-laced series.

Korg Minilogue

This 4-voice, mini-key, analog synth packs a punch in a smaller size. With tons of options, this synth sports savable presets, built-in arpeggiator and sequencer, in addition to some fun onboard effects. The different voice modes like poly, unison and chord, add lots of cool functionality. Bonus, there’s a rad oscilloscope to display your current sound's waveforms!

 

Roland Boutique Series

Roland recently released three great throwbacks to some of their later analog-focused synthesizers. Compact and true to the original tone quality the Jupiter 8, Juno 6, and JX-3P all have their modern incarnations in the JP-08, JU-06, and JX-03 respectively. With the originals being used by horror score masters like Fabio Frizzi (Zombi 2), these reissue Roland synths are perfect for creating spooky compositions without hurting your budget.

 

Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet 6

Dave Smith's classic Prophet-5, the world’s first fully-programmable polyphonic synth, was used by many legendary horror film composers and has seen a rebirth of interest, thanks to his brand new Prophet-6. Filled with the vintage sounds of its predecessor, the Prophet-6 picks up where the Prophet-5 left off with warm, punchy sound, but adds studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer and an arpeggiator into the mix.

Eurorack Modular Gear

If you're looking to tailor a system to your own needs, we have an extensive selection of Eurorack modular synth gear perfect for the budding synthesist to the uber-experienced professional. Analog and digital; raw or pleasant, simple and deep, we can help you build a system small or large. Oh, the options! If you're looking for that 80s vibe, these two modules from Intelijell, the Atlantis and Korgasmatron II, are the perfect modules to get you started.

Bonus: Check out our own Dustin McLaughlin's take on the Stranger Things theme song with the Korg Minilogue.