1980s Archives

Happy 808 Day! We look back at the heritage of the Roland TR-808

As an 808 Day celebration, we're looking back at the history of the Roland TR-808 and how it rose to prominence in global music culture.

Let It All Out: How To Sound Like Tears For Fears

01 Jul in Studio, Synths

Tears For Fears are known creating some of the most widely loved songs of all time. We look at their process and some of the gear they used.

The Best JUNO Synths for creating classic 1980s sounds

20 May in Synths

Launched way back in 1982, the Roland Juno series remains one of the most popular designs ever. We check out some of its modern recreations.

Why do we still use 1980s reverb?

26 Apr in Live, Studio

We discuss the magic of 1980s reverb, why it's still in use today, and the different ways to bring classic reverb sounds to your setup.

Analog Modelling: Recreating the iconic sound of the Roland SH-101

15 Apr in Other, Synths

We explore the significance of the Roland SH-101 in modern music and look at a few ways to reproduce its iconic sound using plug-ins.

Recreating the Classic Roland Jupiter 8 sound with Software Plugins

01 Apr in Synths

Easily one of the greatest synths of all time, we find out how to recreate the sound of the classic Roland Jupiter-8 with software plugins.

Electronic Evolution: How to sound like Depeche Mode

24 Mar in Other, Studio, Synths

As one of the most successful independent acts of all time, we check out the gear Depeche Mode used on some of their iconic tracks.

How to recreate the classic Roland Juno sound using software plugins

22 Mar in Synths

The Roland Juno has dominated music for over four decades! We take a look at some of the best synth plugins that capture its classic sound.

LinnDrum: Software tools to get THE 80s drum sound

11 Mar in Studio, Synths

The LinnDrum was the neon heartbeat of the 1980s: From EPROM emulation plug-ins to sample packs, here are the best software alternatives.

Get over 80% off the SSL X-Delay with this limited-time offer

21 Dec 2022 in Deals, Studio

Until January 5, you can get over 80% off the SSL X-Delay! We take a closer look at some of the features of this useful effects plugin.

How to sound like Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)

18 Jun 2022 in Other, Studio

Kate Bush is back in the charts again with her 1985 single, Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God). We take a deep dive into the song's production.

Emulation II+: More 80s sophistication than a permed mullet

25 Aug 2021 in Synths

Emulation II+ pulls in the sounds of the iconic 80s Emulator I, II and III samplers plus the Drumlator and SP12 for a massive Babycham and Snakebite party.

Blackstar Fly Neon: An ’80s neon-coloured ‘JEM’ of an amp

09 Feb 2021 in Guitar

The new Blackstar Fly Neon comes in three hot '80s neon colours, and looks like the perfect mini amp for hot shred riffs and more.

MFB-501 Pro: 80s analog drum computer revived with added samples

12 Jun 2020 in Synths

The MFB-501 Pro revives the classic MFB-501 drum analog computer and fuses it with the 8 sample slots of the MFB-KULT and wraps it up in an oddly authentic beige enclosure.

Chase Bliss Audio Dark World: 1980s 8-Bit Reverbs and a whole lot more

21 Nov 2018 in Guitar

Chase Bliss Audio has released a new reverb pedal along with Keeley and Cooper FX. Dark World took a hefty sip in the 1980s but can do more. Much more.

Fender Ryan Adams Master Blaster Stratocaster teased again

Is Fender’s Ryan Adams Signature Master Blaster Strat due for imminent release?

02 Jul 2018 in Guitar

That Ryan Adams MasterBlaster Stratocaster wasn't officially launched at Summer NAMM as we were all hoping, but Ryan has unboxed one via his Instagram account, so it can't be too long!

Subdecay Vector Preamp: Feel Good Hit of The Summer?

19 Aug 2017 in Guitar

With 4 Overdrive Channels, 3 Fuzz Channels and 4 Distortion Channels the Vector uses digital control and a fully analogue signal path to achieve its variety.

Dig up the 80s with JHS Pedals’ VCR Ryan Adams Signature pedal

26 Apr 2017 in Guitar

This new triple effect pedal is so '80s it hurts! The VCR takes three elements and combines them to take you back thirty-odd years to an age when TV programmes were recorded to tape...