The synth sounds of Blade Runner explored and replicated
Original hardware and software equivalents deployed
As Blade Runner 2049 is released in cinemas, we are reminded of how epic the first film was (and not just in its premise or duration). The original soundtrack still manages to make the hairs on the back of our necks stand on end.
This is mostly down to the exquisite work of Vangelis, who only a year earlier had turned the film-scoring world on its head with the seriously synth-heavy Chariots of Fire score. Like CoF, Blade Runner is often remembered for its electronic soundtrack, which perfectly draws the viewer further into the dystopian world created by director Ridley Scott.
In honour of the Greek composer’s classic brooding soundtrack, Justin DeLay from Reverb has been delving into the tools deployed on the OST for the 1982 sci-fi thriller, which was loosely based on Philip K Dick’s novel Do Android’s Dream of Electric Sheep.
This video focusses on how to recreate those vintage sounds on the original hardware and some newer equivalents, including the Roland Boutique SH-01A and Arturia CS-80V.
Head on over to Reverb to download the projects and samples to accompany the video.
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I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.
If, like me, you buy your own presents, these Reon Driftbox synths have come down so much in price that they could be the ideal Christmas gift for that synth-lover in your life
Forget Digitakt II, Elektron’s OG Digitakt is still a great instrument – and you can get it for less than £500 in this Cyber Monday deal