Introduction to Synthwave & Retrowave Production
Synthwave and Retrowave are genres that thrive on nostalgia, blending the lush, analog synths of the 1980s with modern production techniques. To craft authentic tracks, you’ll need to nail the BPM, key signatures, drum patterns, and instrumentation—just like in classic boom bap production. Whether you're sampling dusty jazz records or layering retro synths, this guide will break down the essentials for producing Synthwave/Retrowave that sounds like it was plucked straight from a VHS tape.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- BPM and key signatures for cohesion
- Drum programming with swing and groove
- Essential plugins and instruments for that vintage feel
- Mixing tips to enhance authenticity
Let’s dive in and create something timeless.
Setting Your BPM & Key Signatures for Synthwave/Retrowave
Synthwave and Retrowave tracks typically sit in a mid-tempo range, giving them that hypnotic, driving rhythm. For classic boom bap-inspired Synthwave, set your project to 85-95 BPM. This tempo allows for punchy drums, lush arpeggios, and a steady groove that feels both nostalgic and modern.
Best Key Signatures for Synthwave/Retrowave
Sticking to a single key throughout your track maintains cohesion and enhances the retro vibe. Here are the most popular choices:
- C minor – A moody, cinematic foundation (e.g., Kavinsky’s Nightcall).
- A minor – Bright yet melancholic, great for melodic leads (e.g., The Midnight’s Sunset).
- Eb minor – Dark and jazzy, perfect for a dusty, lo-fi feel.
- F minor – Warm and soulful, ideal for sampling vintage jazz.
- D minor & G minor – Versatile for soul/jazz-infused Synthwave, offering a balance of warmth and energy.
Pro Tip: Use a piano roll with a subtle reverb tail (around 20-30%) to glue your chords together. If you're sampling, pitch your loops to match your chosen key to avoid clashing frequencies.
Drum Patterns & Drum Programming for That Classic Groove
Drums are the backbone of Synthwave/Retrowave. Unlike trap or modern hip-hop, these genres rely on swing, organic textures, and subtle imperfections to evoke a vintage feel. Here’s how to program drums that sound like they were sampled from a dusty MPC or SP-1200.
Kick Drum Programming
The kick in Synthwave/Retrowave should be punchy, mid-focused, and slightly compressed to cut through the mix. Start with a classic MPC-style pattern:
- Place kicks on every downbeat (1 and 3).
- Add syncopation by placing a kick on the ‘and’ of 2 or 4 for a laid-back groove.
- Use a short decay (40-80ms) to avoid muddiness.
Recommended samples:
For authenticity, layer a sub-bass sine wave (40-60Hz) underneath to reinforce the low-end without overpowering the kick.
Snare Drum & Ghost Notes
Snares should be snappy, mid-focused, and slightly compressed to cut through the mix. Place them on 2 and 4, but add variation:
- Use velocity randomization (e.g., 80-95% velocity on 2, 90-100% on 4).
- Add ghost notes (e.g., 16th-note snare hits on the ‘e’ of 1 and 3).
- For a lo-fi feel, layer a vinyl crackle or tape hiss underneath.
Recommended samples:
Hi-Hats & Percussion
Hi-hats should be 16th-note closed hats with swing (55-60% groove). This slight delay mimics the feel of a human drummer and adds groove:
- Use a vinyl crackle or tape hiss hi-hat for texture (e.g., Vinyl Conga 01).
- Add open hats on offbeats for variation.
- Layer congas, tambourines, or shakers on the offbeats to enhance the organic feel.
Recommended samples:
Pro Tip: Sidechain your hi-hats to the kick (using a compressor like FabFilter Pro-Q) to create space and tighten the groove.
Essential Plugins & Instruments for Synthwave/Retrowave
To achieve that authentic 80s sound, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s a breakdown of the best samplers, synths, and effects for Synthwave/Retrowave production.
1. Samplers for Vintage Drum Kits
Sampling is key to Synthwave/Retrowave. The MPC 2000XL and SP-1200 are legendary for their lo-fi, compressed sound. If you don’t have hardware, use emulations:
- MPC Beats – A free DAW with MPC-style sampling and sequencing.
- SP-1200 Emulations – Plugins like SP-1200 by Decap or 1200 Vintage replicate the gritty, compressed sound of the original sampler.
- Kontakt with Vintage Libraries – Libraries like the Cymatics SP-1200 Pack or 80s Drums provide authentic one-shot samples.
Recommended drum kits:
- Boom Bap Labs Alpha Centori Prismatik Drums 2 [WAV]
- Maxeyy Kits Maxeyy Boom Bap Stash Drum Kit [WAV]
2. Synths for Retro Leads & Bass
Synthwave thrives on analog-style synths with warm, detuned oscillators. Here are the best options:
- Serum – Great for wavetable leads and bass with a retro twist.
- Diva by u-he – A virtual analog synth with a warm, vintage sound.
- Arturia Jun-6 or Solina – For that classic Jupiter-6 or string machine sound.
- Omnisphere – For cinematic, evolving pads.
Recommended presets:
3. Effects for That Vintage Texture
- Tape Saturation – Use plugins like RC-20 or Klanghelm SDRR to add warmth and compression.
- Chorus & Phaser – For that 80s modulation effect (e.g., Soundtoys MicroShift).
- Reverb – A spring reverb (e.g., Valhalla VintageVerb) or plate reverb adds depth without washing out the mix.
- EQ – Use FabFilter Pro-Q to carve out space for your kick, snare, and bass.
Pro Tip: High-pass filter everything below 300Hz (except the kick and bass) to clean up the mix. Then, use a low-shelf cut at 80Hz on non-bass elements to reduce mud.
Mixing Tips for Synthwave/Retrowave
Mixing Synthwave/Retrowave is all about balance, warmth, and nostalgia. Here’s how to polish your track:
- Start with a reference track – Load a Synthwave classic (e.g., Kavinsky, The Midnight) and match your levels to theirs.
- Sidechain everything to the kick – Use a compressor to duck non-essential elements (e.g., pads, leads) when the kick hits.
- Saturate your drums – Add subtle tape saturation to your snare and hi-hats for a lo-fi feel.
- Automate reverb sends – Increase reverb on pads during breakdowns for a cinematic effect.
- Use mid/side EQ – Boost the mids (200Hz-2kHz) for warmth and cut the sides (100Hz-500Hz) to tighten the low-end.
Recommended tutorial:
Where to Find Synthwave/Retrowave Sample Packs & Plugins
Building a Synthwave/Retrowave library takes time, but these resources will speed up the process:
- Drum Kits: Boom Bap Labs Alpha Centori Prismatik Drums 3 [WAV], Sonic Mechanics Boom Bap Archives [MULTiFORMAT]
- Synth Presets: Production Master Retrowave Synthwave and 80s Retro [WAV, MiDi, Synth Presets]
- MIDI & Tutorials: SkillShare BOOM BAP FUNDAMENTALS: Make Hip Hop Beats That BANG - Music Production for Beginners [TUTORiAL]
For more free and premium packs, check out:
- Beat Production Sample Pack Store Boom Bap Addict [WAV, Ableton Live]
- Beats24-7 Real Hip Hop Beats [WAV, MiDi]
Final Thoughts: Crafting Your Signature Synthwave Sound
Producing Synthwave/Retrowave is about embracing imperfection—whether it’s the lo-fi compression of an SP-1200, the swing of a 16th-note hi-hat pattern, or the warmth of a detuned Jupiter-6. By focusing on BPM, key cohesion, drum groove, and vintage plugins, you’ll create tracks that sound like they’re straight out of a neon-lit 80s arcade.
Start with a simple chord progression, layer in dusty drums, and don’t be afraid to experiment with tape saturation and chorus. The key is to keep it cohesive—stick to one key, one vibe, and let the nostalgia guide your production.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out these resources: