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The Nyquist Frontier
Electronic Music From the Early 80s

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LinnDrumPage RAmbient ZoneFloor ArpsArt of Aliasing Surprise!

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Digital In, Analog Out

In the early 1980s, a significant shift occurred in music technology with the arrival of digital synthesizers. Before, electronic sounds were primarily produced using analog circuitry. Digital sampling revolutionized the process by allowing samples of audio recordings to be digitized and stored in memory. This advancement enabled synthesizers to produce new, unexpected sounds in the realm of synthesizers sounds, transforming the landscape of electronic music.

Initially, the storage capacity of the early digital machines was quite limited, allowing only short snippets of sound to be sampled, often just a few hundred milliseconds. This is why sampling technology first found its way into electronic drum machines, with the Linndrum being a notable example that inspired the 1980s. Although sampling technology was still in its infancy and had many imperfections, we now appreciate these as unique strengths. The LinnDrum, with its limited sample rate and bit depth, had a gritty character that defined an entire decade of music. Additionally, I incorporated the Fairlight CMI, a groundbreaking digital workstation and sampler that was quite expensive at the time. Its iconic ARR1 sound, characterized by a breathy, voice-like quality, became a defining feature of its unique sound palette.

An important concept in audio engineering is the Nyquist frequency, which sets a limit for digital systems. When signals exceed this frequency, digital devices can produce unwanted frequencies not present in the original sound, a phenomenon known as aliasing. In the early days of digital synthesizers, the Nyquist frequency was relatively low, making it easy for listeners to encounter these artifacts. As an audio engineer, I developed a dislike for the sound of aliasing, even in small amounts. However, I must admit that I find it quite charming in larger doses, especially in classic drum machines like the Linndrum!

This soundscape features a mix of analog and digital sounds, a typical blend of the early 1980s. Digital reverb machines were gaining popularity then, and producers enjoyed throwing reverb on almost everthing. We did that too.

Published by Stéphane on January 1st, 2025

User Stories

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  Wow, a new favorite! So nostalgic and atmospheric. Works great as "background music" but without all the little frustrations of finding an actual music playlist that's long enough and non-distracting enough. I agree that this one, in particular, shines with the slider animation turned on. Thank you to the other commenters for tipping me off!

  This generator is perfect for when I want to listen to music but don't want to listen to songs! The slider animation makes it shift just enough to keep me focused without being distracting.

  Reminds me a lot of Deus Ex (and not in a bad way), in particular when mixed with Distant Thunder (and probably other rainy generators).

  Wow. A new brand favorite!

  Be still my little Depeche Mode-loving heart...

  Totally not for me, I'm more into soundscapes and sounds, not music, but maybe others will like it.

  The slider animations really let this sound generator shine! Amazing, I love it!

  Sounds just like the '80s, feels as if I'm watching an episode of "Miami Vice"!

  This sound generator mixed with Xenobiota makes you feel like an 80s action hero exploring another planet! Likely using your cybernetic enhancements to discover more about the dangerous and strange world you find yourself in...

  Oh, those memories. Back in the 80s, synth groups often made experimental tunes that weren't focused on having hook lines and pop quality. I especially loved those. As I see you're giving away one of your inspirations in one of the preset names. I was just about to call it out. Great work again, I love it.