In the vibrant soundscape of the 1980s, the Thompson Twins carved out a unique niche, driven by innovative synth sounds. A recent interview unearthed insights into the machines that sculpted their iconic music, revealing a journey from accessible Korgs to the pioneering Synclavier, with a steadfast allegiance to the Prophet 5.
The band’s sonic architect revealed, “Prophet 5. I’ve been a Prophet 5 man for quite a long time.” This declaration underscores the Prophet 5’s central role in their sound. Before embracing this classic, their initial forays into synthesis began with Korg instruments. He elaborated, “I started out with Korg machines at first. My main horse for quite a long time was a Korg 800-DV, dual voices.” This Korg 800-DV served as a foundational tool, its dual-voice capability hinting at the layered textures that would become a Thompson Twins hallmark.
The narrative then shifts to a significant upgrade: “Then I switched onto the Prophet 5.” This transition marked a step towards greater sonic sophistication and flexibility. The Prophet 5, with its programmable polyphony, offered a richer palette for crafting their evolving sound.
The interview unveils an even more ambitious acquisition: “Then, before I could afford it, I was granted enough money in a publishing advance to get a Synclavier.” The Synclavier, a name synonymous with cutting-edge music technology in the 80s, enters the picture. Described as “a dinosaur today,” its imposing size and mainframe computer origins are highlighted, contrasting sharply with modern microcomputers.
Yet, despite its age, the Synclavier’s pioneering features are lauded. “It was one of the first machines ever to be able to sample. To be able to do some FM synthesis, which now is commonplace, like the DX7 and everything. To do notation on the screen, to have a hard drive, to have a floppy drive.” These features, now standard, were groundbreaking at the time, placing the Synclavier at the forefront of digital music production. Its quality wasn’t just about features; “The Synclavier had that thing that still makes it one of the best machines even today: The quality of the digital to analog converters. They are much better than the Pro Tools one even today.” This emphasis on sound quality reinforces the Synclavier’s enduring appeal, even finding its place in modern Hollywood productions like “Titanic.”
The Synclavier’s exclusivity is underscored by its cost: “Adding anything on to it was mind-bogglingly expensive, sixty thousand dollars just to add a four-track machine.” This price tag cements its status as a high-end, aspirational instrument, reflecting its pioneering nature and sonic capabilities. The Thompson Twins’ journey, from Korg to Prophet 5 to Synclavier, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of synth technology and the tools that shaped their distinctive 80s sound.
