Mike Dean Building a Track Is Analog Synth Mayhem | The Process

Even if you don't know his name, you know Mike Dean's sound. The super-producer and "Synth God" solo artist is a pillar of modern music production. The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Madonna, Jay-Z, Christine and the Queens-these artists and more have made classics with Dean, and that's just his recent work.
Before that, he helped craft a whole era of Southern hip-hop with the likes of Scarface, Geto Boys, UGK, and Devin the Dude, after getting his start as Selena's keyboardist and musical director.
Ahead of an upcoming solo performance at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre on March 1, we got the chance to see the genius at work, learning first-hand exactly why so many artists seek him out.
Get tickets to the Wiltern show: bit.ly/3whQRMa
Shop Synths Like Mike's on Reverb: shorturl.at/BCINU
Mike Dean's KZbin Channel: shorturl.at/cfsI0
Mike Dean's Website: shorturl.at/bhBLX
Mike Dean on Instagram: shorturl.at/crT06
0:00-10:42 - Part One: The Studio
10:43 - Part Two: Building A Track

[@JustinKahrs]

"I always make the same sounds on each synth" me too Mike, me too

[@Projacked1]

yeah....

[@gobbsdj]

amen

[@Byronic19134]

“I repurposed the oscillator knobs into delay throws.” lol bruh

[@Projacked1]

@@Corleone01_Just follow the path you took with the other synth. Use the same waveforms.

[@Inflightmuzik]

loved hearing that

[@ScottThePisces]

"Yea, this synth was used on Thriller, no biggie...." *Lights bong*

[@DeathTrapProductions]

@@user-xq2yc3ep4h You literally have no idea what you're talking about hahaha

[@PumpScience]

@@user-xq2yc3ep4h do it better we r waitin

[@harryyharman5469]

@@user-xq2yc3ep4h”And you are know what you’re talking about?”

[@pushinpee3115]

you're so hilariously wrong @@user-xq2yc3ep4h

[@DeathTrapProductions]

@@user-xq2yc3ep4h I'm talking about an iconic synth that goes from $40,000 - $125,000 used. I'm just going to assume you're a a bot or an NPC at this point.

[@Azukawa]

Holy shit... Congratulations, people of reverb, you might have just created the best video on the internet.

[@jwizdum2103]

Yeah if ANYONE tries to say Mike ain't nice like that, show them this video, this is the epitome of sonically on fucking point. Mike just knows what he's doing better than most people on this earth.

[@yettey88]

Facts mike for the win

[@drummerac3]

Top 5 of all time for sure.

[@trackz2cold]

@@jwizdum2103 yea man Mike is insane wit it

[@ProdbyCeeSick]

Someone tell me please how every beat this guy makes imo sounds like the most incredibly humongous and epically astonishing intro on the planet and yet each one is bigger and better and more badazz than the last wtf🤯 he studied Beethoven he claims.. Thats quite obvious sir 😂

[@madacetv]

Whoever captured the audio for this did an incredible job

[@ronniedonnie6798]

Incredible

[@DJRetroKiddTV]

True statement 💯

[@FromPoetryToRap]

I agree, tho I'm pretty sure they just recorded everything and Mike mixed it for the video?

[@jeffkiess]

Great point, easily overlooked!

[@DigDugger-hg1xb]

Yes, they perfectly captured Mike’s bong phlegm sounds, as well as the beautiful and awe-inspiring music he creates. Package deal.

[@Van_Verder]

"I just like when everything sounds like The Terminator" same Mike, same

[@aboveaxis]

the first 2 things i play on every poly synth when checking it out... terminator and bladerunner theme

[@Boogalyhu]

Me listening to this new Yeat album

[@musicman2047]

He definitely uses the guitar like Brad fiedel does in his movies

[@jwizdum2103]

Only a matter of time before Mike scores a feature film. Imagine him and Hans Zimmer in the studio together.

[@jerrystackpaper]

Yeah how has he not done a soundtrack before?

[@jim_beau]

I was thinking the exact same thing, he's like a modern-day Vangelis

[@24Secrets]

He already did TENET with Travis Scott. Admittedly, it's a Travis Scott song, but on the side of production Mike perfected it.

[@CincinnatiBeats]

I think that would be an interaction worth filming. Mike Dean passes a blunt to Hans Zimmer and asks about his thoughts on a CS 80 split

[@bigbytebeats2316]

Hans has a whole team of composers, Mike rocks out solo.

[@KevinStCroix]

He just drops his hands and everything sounds like a new song!

[@cropcircle5693]

Welp, new bar set for studio documentary. No possible way for anything to be cooler than this.

[@GlazeonthewickeR]

100% truth

[@miffebarbez]

oh, the pinnacle of studio tours is legowelts "synthesizer" doc ;) Just joking :)

[@OfficiallyMaidenless]

This was great, if only it was a full length documentary honestly. Reminds me of when I used to actually buy CDs and they'd sometimes come with a 'making of' DVD that had some fooling around, but a lot of REALLY great insights into the process of writing and recording. Coheed & Cambria GAIBS:IV is a great example, Rick Rubin is featured in there a few times along with a couple of STILL unreleased jams.

[@bveracka]

@@OfficiallyMaidenless ​ I miss the days of CDs, and back then they were really pushing their sales by including stuff like DVDs because record companies knew everyone was downloading stuff for free. *Coheed & Cambria* though…oh man, what a blast from the past! Here's a cool story for you: In October 2002 Co&Ca were on a small tour of the Northeast US - in a crappy van pulling a tiny trailer full of their equipment - self-promoting their Delirium Trigger EP. They were playing this little church's parish hall in Middleboro, MA to roughly 100 people, and only 40 were really watching. Their set was messy, and Claudio's glasses kept falling off as he bounced his head and got sweatier and sweatier. Still, the music was _excellent_ and they had an unquestionably powerful presence. After the show I bought their EP. They were looking some good cheap pizza, so I walked them to the nearby Central Café. The whole time I was getting tidbits about their DIY tour and Claudio's complex and fantastical themes behind his lyrics. I was blown away by his creativity, which was very inspirational to me at just 16. A couple years later, they were signed and playing huge shows - they were even on MTV. Though I never got to hang with them again, it was _AWESOME_ to meet them under those circumstances.

[@paultindall1235]

Why are all of his synth videos the best thing I’ve ever heard musically

[@smaodrte4960]

cause hes mike dean aka the synth god

[@phamphiletsoalo6101]

If there's anyone in this world it is probably him😂

[@michaelcalderon6693]

Analog sound

[@lukehunnable]

Cause you haven't listened to much music, lol. 90% of what he did here were standard synth tricks (arpeggios and reverb), based on two or three diatonic chords. Very simple arrangements. But you're entitled to love it of course. I also like it. But it's predictable and simple to the extreme.

[@phamphiletsoalo6101]

@@lukehunnable he's probably talking about the quality of the sound. Most producers/musicians use synth emulators. He uses the real stuff

[@1_Devs]

17:51 Imagine saying everything you do is improv, then casually mentioning being classically trained and studying Bach at 8, then leaning back and hitting ur remote with an antenna to trigger ur fog machine because THAT'S what makes the track better 😂😂😂

[@user-pt1kj5uw3b]

That moment blew my mind

[@turunturun]

I mean, just even having a fog machine in your studio (I mean a real one not just a glass one). The guy is an entertainer showman without even trying.

[@EnryMusica]

Saw Mike Dean live on November 2023, in Buenos Aires. He was one of the opening acts for The Weeknd. Mike did an amazing concert, very conceptual, very musically driven, definitely a very accomplished artist. Despite the fact that the crowd was waiting for the main concert, every single person in the River Plate stadium got hypnotized by his presence and his sounds.

[@monoblock15beats51]

amigo cuando estaba viendo el video me puse a pensar ,mike dean y the weeknd habran hecho musica?ahora leo que fue telonero cuando vino a river ..me la re perdi,como .habran sonado esos sintes ahi ,zarpado no?

[@EnryMusica]

@@monoblock15beats51 Fué un concierto sensacional, una super producción.

[@arielcernadas]

la intro fué épica

[@gagealbright]

does he do shows under his own name? or was it with a band? thanks

[@EnryMusica]

@@gagealbright he was on his own, playing guitar and keys but I can't remember what was his stage name in that concert. I tried to look for the poster to see if I could find his stage name at that instance but I haven't found it. Sorry my friend.

[@ProdAbyss]

Mike's ability to just throw down a spine chilling bassline in seconds is so crazy. Also loved the editing on this (I know it took hours).

[@b__wenner]

Mike Dean and Oneohtrix Point Never need to make an album together

[@galleryhouse510]

Don’t think we’re ready for that friend. I mean, imagine.

[@pseudohumano8037]

they are working together on the weeknd's new album

[@Sidepea]

There’s a picture of them together in the studio with The Weeknd.

[@BeyondTheMysteries]

Oooo I would shit my pants

[@zachgoldstein4411]

mike did the Atmos mixes of Again and they've def worked together on Weeknd stuff

[@PCcardboard1354]

So this is the magic that makes travis scott songs sound so good.

[@michaelespinel2263]

And like every other artist ever that’s worked with him

[@kierenmoore3236]

Part 0: Before anything else, get yourself toasted - nicely toasted … 🔥💨

[@LosingTeeth]

Reverb left the most important part out

[@christophschumacher640]

@@LosingTeeth😂 💁‍♂️

[@DmitryChmelyov]

@@LosingTeeth They didn't...At 3:18 he straight up fires up a bong lol

[@michealbrown4302]

is it really mike dean if hes not ripping the bong@@DmitryChmelyov

[@Strangelovefourever]

This is what the inside of omnisphere looks like

[@nogoogleplus]

That Oberheim 4 voice is bad ass

[@piggycity]

Mike Dean is awesome! The man creates amazing sounds for the greats, has been around the greats like Dave Pensado, and is still humble enough to go and play a piano recital for his childhood piano teacher after all his success. Dude is cool

[@MATALOMUSIC]

"Computer Keyboard" had me dying, we need more content like this please!!

[@danielwmwolf]

Great to know I don't have to feel alone. Thanks Mr.Dean.🙏

[@issNizz]

MIKE DEAN IS MY HERO, THAT TRACK HE MADE FOR THIS VIDEO IS ONE OF THE BEST THING'S THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD I LOVE YOU MIKE.

[@fritjofsounds]

I beg you please, release the track somewhere it's only been four days and I'm already tired of having to come back to this (fantastic) video to listen to it

[@jaxonpallone4377]

been wanting a video like this with mike dean for a decade. great work reverb

[@Reverb]

Big same-we had been trying to do this for years and jumped at the chance once we had it

[@martysmith2851]

That might be the best studio and music video I've ever seen

[@Producergrind]

needed this in our life!

[@twilightbiscuit]

so awesome. those synths sound so lush and soft. haven't found a vst that comes close to this 🔥🔥

[@methyod]

Man, I got to play an original minimoog the other day, and it was simultaneously really fun, and also frustrating. I've played so many VST and hardware emulations of that synth, gotten perfectly good sounds, and I figured that the real thing couldn't sound that much better. Holy shit was I wrong, the difference is not subtle, the real thing sounds so much better. Maybe the difference wouldn't be too noticeable in a busy track but even then, I'm not sure; either way it single handedly ruined emulations for me lol

[@GGonmyown]

​@methyod stem a track out through analog gear and every DAW will sound paper thin from then on 😂

[@tntshuffle-9799]

Analog bliss, my friend. It's incredible.

[@wiznz3659]

How wild is this man. I lost it when he popped out the smoke machine. Awesome video!

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

What an honor for you to take us on this synth journey. Awesome and informative. They all look amazing. Love what you do with the Oberheim among many other things. Then the guitar stuff!!! Great tone and FX.

[@tntshuffle-9799]

I am in my 50s, and just started taking piano lessons so I can play the synth due to Mike Dean! I never had the time when I was active duty. I have found new joy in playing with the Arturia Microfreak which is a small, budget synth but really cool to use inside a DAW or on its own. I hope one day to get an OB-6 or a Matriarch. Thanks reverb! This was awesome.

[@o.g.tommye7580]

Thank you Reverb🔥🔥🔥🙏🏾

[@jeffkiess]

I consider myself a knowledgeable musician and I was completely unaware of Mike Dean's existence until watching this video. Truly a kite-high mad scientist type and his choice of hairstyle perfectly channels that vibe. With an ear like his for melody and sound design, it's no wonder he has been successful. Superbly-produced video, Reverb, showcasing his amazing synth collection and abilities.

[@DJ_Melech]

Guess you aren't looking at the credits of the biggest hip hop tunes of the past 20 years 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jeffkiess]

@@DJ_Melech Not being a fan of hip-hop, you are quite right. 🙂

[@sndsrc]

Video was really engaging and the audio quality was amazing. Thank you to everyone involved.

[@bjamiork]

That Oberheim is a beast with the bass

[@mddsddsdshs6397]

i cant ever imagine entering a room like that and not getting inspired, ive been producing few years and im still on the starter kit: laptop speakers midi keyboard

[@premieremediaconsulting]

The GOAT. Nice piece Reverb. Alot of people had no idea who Mike Dean was until the Scarface Tiny Desk. Absolute legend.

[@subatomicwarp]

Amazing musician!! Glad you guys had this recorded and shared to watch a legend jam 🎶

[@plutothegreat]

5:32 “this is the best synth in the 🌎

[@SnazzyGoodTimes]

I see you reuploaded and took the shot of Mike smoking a bong out…

[@Fl4ppers]

And the bit where he waves his dick about. And WHERE has the bit with the sheep sacrifice gone???

[@Whywhatwherehowwhen]

No more weed allowed on KZbin 😂

[@W4TSKY]

Good thing I downloaded the original version before it was deleted 😂

[@jjbing3]

I figured that was what it was! It was like a 3 second part. 😂

[@MatthewFolstad]

lol

[@philippezsiga1125]

Living legend. His music is like is personality: classy, charismatic, Anything he plays sounds huge and powerful but subtle and soft at the same time. I love his style . Best producer in the world too

[@jackodonnell3463]

Amazing video, super grateful to see the process of making that music

[@SauvCityOfficial]

LEGENDARY PRODUCER G.O.A.T I'm always inspired to watch him. I can watch for many hours at a stretch without getting bored by his sounds

[@GoodxJ]

Love the Kramer hair Mike’s got going on! 😁👍

[@peoplelikefrank]

😂 my thought was David Lynch

[@triplebeam23]

Mike is definitely a hero of mine.. his work on travis's production is so good .. he is the reason I bought my matriarch and plan on adding more analog to my collection

[@kunekshan]

F’kin loved this! Thanks to.all involved!!

[@Fluxwithit]

Fess with the “what’s up with that synthex “ lol I feel u fess.

[@smokey5100]

Mike is THE synth GOD but TBH been a fan since his work with Scarface and the Rap-A-Lot family 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@billysanchez-eh6nn]

in the rap and trap community yeah

[@legitimatefrenzy]

Dude I love that he says he wants everything to sound like Terminator this may be the greatest producer of all time. So much range and so many hits! Gotta get my trifecta built

[@can_dougie7581]

This might be the best video of the year so far. Literally goosebumps watching this

[@Trash-Beats]

Best video we have had here in Zimbabwe for a while now thanks Reverb❤

[@FKiMusic]

Happy to say I’ve worked with the goat 🐐

[@twilightbiscuit]

must be awesome 🔥

[@colinmusic3878]

been hoping for some new mike dean content mike's hair be on them mad scientist vibes , because he truly is a sonic genius ... loving it this whole sound he has uniquely mastered & expanded on is so fire & beyond its time

[@iam_elroy]

SYNTH HEAVEN!! Thank you Reverb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JoshCampbellGeekXL]

I could listen to him riff on a synth all fucking night. Mike, you're a genius, brother. 🔥

[@stereofloat]

Great synths, great producer, great moment captured, great sound!

[@tommyskeys]

The American Wakeman!! Love the CS80 and Oberheim Four Voice!

[@JasmineStunner]

Incredible I really appreciate being in the room hearing from the living legend! Houston got love for Mike Dean !!

[@Xeksirt]

Holy cats reverb. This was an incredible video. There’s nothing else on the Internet like this. make more.

[@soundzbylj2596]

The "Dean" of synths!

[@travyp_official]

I would love to learn the music theory behind what notes/chord progressions he chooses etc. It always sounds so different from anything I've ever heard and is so distinct. Is it cause he uses specific scales? If anyone can educate me on this please do!

[@sea-saw2654]

What a truly wonderful video...👏👏👏

[@juggernautlila]

Casual half million in synths

[@andivax]

Best commercial ever! Mike is da man! Mike With the Attitude!!!

[@thmsdj]

That guitar tone is great! Sounds like there is an octaver on it

[@sebp400]

maybe a Pog...

[@Tomas.Mauleon]

apuesto a que es un vst jajajaj

[@TheProducerSchool]

Wow. This is amazing.

[@hvrmnd]

Already watched it thrice! Seeing Mike work his work is watching magic happen. Loved what he said : "LOVE ERRORS"

[@davidjames5415]

Quite something to see somebody who knows exactly what they're doing. Exactly what each machine will do and how to make it all 'sing'. Respect!

[@jussiniemi9560]

Very cool inside view of the studio. Gotta love when a distinguished guy confidently takes a bong hit in an interview.

[@astroblack11]

Great vid Reverb.

[@TonyAndersonMusic]

Rarely do you see a film where the song being made and the tools being used align to create a supercell of a storm this good. Mike’s vibe and abilities are really inspiring.

[@lukebussey5218]

the guitar tone is antares harmony engine

[@lilwombat]

I was just thinking to test that because it sounded like that to me too.

[@W4TSKY]

sounds like distortion plus and octave pedal to me

[@TNNLZ]

Wondering why it has to be kept on the DL?

[@nicholas6870]

@@TNNLZ because it’s sauce

[@DotdotdotBeats]

I love Mike so much. He really seems to be opening up about his proccess in the last few years too and I REALLY LOVE THAT

[@jeremyotaku2857]

11:55 those chords evoked life in me

[@user-zh1wd8pl6k]

This video was so well-mixed.

[@gotberg19]

Holy fucking shit this video was fucking amazing🔥🔥

[@jpa803]

This video is everything. Thank you

[@Jak6_]

This was Awesome. Mikes always been a gem to watch .

[@rotkerid462]

him playing the 808s straight from the keyboard was the hardest move in the whole video

[@acemcateerguitar]

great video was waiting for the guitar sound because that’s my instrument but hey i love the synths

[@bm-sp8cv]

Thank you sm for this!

[@PrinceCobra1]

The bong rip is a nice touch

[@cherryalav]

Mike The Synth God Dean. I love you. Your music really makes me happy.🔥🐐

[@PumpScience]

5:18 PlayStation 1

[@JacobLuevano]

Probably the same patch

[@Sidepea]

Love that “Mike Dean Sound”

[@davidallanmusic]

That was incredible! Never wanted an analogue synth until now haha

[@joncmusic4]

This whole video is amazing

[@KibweBrathwaite]

"...that's kind of a really cool fvck up!" should be the new meme. @ 11:45 Lol

[@leariox9xxx]

Does anyone know what that step input max4live device is called that he's using?

[@martincote7614]

looking for that too

[@neonether]

Very satisfying video. Killer sounds!

[@EthioMod]

Yup this vid will be a go to reference.

[@BeyondTheMysteries]

No one man should have all that power… Mike “hold my synth”

[@DeanArmband]

What was the max for live device mentioned at 11:00? Step input?

[@emma-iq3qs]

thank you sm for this

[@MorbidManoeuvres]

love how Mikes tracks are just one big epic 80s ripping jam

[@barkleymusic]

He needs to drop this track man 😭😭😭

[@Merrick_Carey]

fr bro

[@thundersnow819]

This is straight up tinnitus therapy thanks Mike!

[@turunturun]

Was just watching an interview with Lee Ritenour and he referred to Mike saying “he would be stoned the whole time, sat in the corner and stayed in the pocket so hard for hours on end. Nobody would really talk to him. He was just in the pocket.” What a legend.

[@ManCalledMif]

Cool video. Mike makes some great sounds. The guitar especially

[@estrathmeyer]

4:39 "I don't know why everybody doesn't make poly-aftertouch synths" Ditto. I love my ASM Hydrasynth!

[@theproducerlife]

Mike is a monster bro!! You guys should definitely try and get Chromeo on here, would love to see them cook up for this channel.

[@YoungNarcissixt]

Why hes not making crazy shi for movies with those synth? Mike Dean is a legend to me! Thatnks alot for this!

[@turbotambourine]

Oh my goodness! Gonna have to listen to that again! Wow!