1986
Key Features
- Three sampled 1980s keyboards -- Sequential Circuits Prophet VS, Roland JX-3P, and vintage Wurlitzer electric piano -- blended into a single instrument
- Main controller dial crossfades between digital synth samples and phaser-processed Wurlitzer tones for instant 80s character
- EP and Expression dials for controlling Wurlitzer presence and dynamic responsiveness across the full velocity range
- Four built-in effects: chorus for stereo width, quarter-beat delay, quarter-triplet delay, and convolution reverb
- Granular processing engine for stretching and transforming source samples into evolving ambient textures
- Runs inside the Vaults plugin platform with support for AU, VST, VST3, and AAX across macOS and Windows
Description
1986 by The Crow Hill Company is a synthesizer instrument built from samples of three classic 1980s keyboards: the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS, the Roland JX-3P, and a vintage Wurlitzer electric piano. It captures the bell-like synth pads, shimmering strings, and warm electric piano textures that defined mid-80s film scores from movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club.
The main controller dial blends the digital synth samples with the Wurlitzer layer, which has been processed through a sweeping phaser to give it an organic, slightly detuned quality. This crossfade approach lets you move from crystalline Prophet VS tones to warm, chorused electric piano sounds in a single gesture.
Two large dials handle the primary sound shaping: EP controls the Wurlitzer layer's presence for harmonic depth, while Expression adds dynamic range for more emotionally responsive playing. Four smaller encoders provide chorus for width and detuning, quarter-beat delay, quarter-triplet delay, and convolution reverb.
The plugin also includes granular processing capabilities for stretching and transforming the source samples into evolving textures beyond their original character. Combined with the built-in effects, this makes 1986 versatile enough for both straightforward 80s soundtrack work and experimental sound design.
1986 runs inside The Crow Hill Company's Vaults plugin, available in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats on macOS and Windows. It is currently available as a free download through the Vaults series, with a small charitable donation requested after the initial six-month promotional period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the Vaults plugin to use 1986?
Yes. 1986 is a library that runs inside The Crow Hill Company's Vaults plugin. You need to download the Vaults plugin first through the Crow Hill app, then add 1986 as an instrument within it. Vaults itself is a free plugin available in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats.
What synthesizers were sampled to create 1986?
1986 was built from recordings of three classic keyboards: the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS (a pioneering vector synthesizer), the Roland JX-3P (an early MIDI-equipped analog polysynth), and a vintage Wurlitzer electric piano with slightly detuned intonation. The combination aims to recreate the sound palette of mid-1980s film scores.
Will 1986 remain available after the free promotional period ends?
Yes. After six months, 1986 moves to The Crow Hill Company's archive where it becomes available for a small charitable donation (typically around 3-4 pounds). Previous Vaults instruments like Attic Grand and Celestatone have followed this model. Downloading during the free window is recommended to avoid the donation cost.
What does the main controller dial do in 1986?
The main dial blends between the digital synth samples (Prophet VS and JX-3P tones) and the Wurlitzer electric piano layer, which has been processed through a phaser effect. Turning it toward the EP side brings in warm, organic piano character, while the synth side delivers sharper, more crystalline bell and pad tones.
