Remaking the lead synth from the 1984 song "Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Axel F" lead patch and play this iconic sound on most hardware or software subtractive synthesizers (Serum, Vital, Pigments, Prophet, Korg, Moog, etc). We've included the preset download directly for your convenience, but we strongly recommend you use our programming tutorial to recreate it yourself.
Original Audio
The iconic lead synthesizer melody in Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F” was performed using a Roland Jupiter-8, renowned for its rich analog tones. This distinctive sound is characterized by its bright, dynamic presence, coupled with a touch of portamento that adds a smooth glide between notes. The Jupiter-8’s versatile filters and oscillators were crucial in crafting the playful, futuristic vibe of the melody.
You can hear the lead synthesizer prominently at the beginning of the track.
Original Performing Instrument
Roland Jupiter-8
Our Remake of The Lead Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the lead synth from the song "Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer, giving you a reference point as you design your own synthesizer preset. Play it as often as you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the sound.
Synth Patch Programming Recipe
Remake This Sound Yourself
Learn how to program this synth preset with Syntorial, all by ear. Download the demo and try up to three challenge packs for free.

Getting Started
- Start by initializing your synthesizer to a plain saw with no filter, modulation or effects. For soft synths use the "init"/"default" preset or the the button to reset all parameters to their default factory values.
- No two synths are exactly alike, so treat the values below as approximate, and use your ear.
- Percentage values (e.g. 50%) represent the relative position of a knob or slider within its full range. The full range of each parameter may differ from synth to synth, so use your ear.
Voices
- Voice Mode: Mono
Amp Envelope
- Attack: 10 ms
- Sustain: 100%
- Release: 70 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Pulse
- Pulse Width: 80%
- Volume: 100%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 2
- Detune Range: 4 Cents
- Stereo Spread: 100%
- Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: No
Filter
- Type: Low Pass
- Cutoff: 85%
LFO
- Destination: Pulse Width
- Waveform: Triangle
- Amount: 65%
- Rate: 1/4 Note
Delay
- Mix: 30% Wet
- Feedback: 30%
- Time: 1/8 Note
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Axel F (Wikipedia)
- The 40 greatest synth sounds of all time, No 36: Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F (MusicRadar)
- Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F – Get That Sound (YouTube)
- The Sound of Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F (MATRIXSYNTH)
- Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F Lead (PresetPatch)
Preset Downloads
Don't want to learn synth programming now? Use our synth preset as your starting point and tweak it from there. Register an account with Audible Genius and download the presets for free for the following synths:
- Primer, our free synthesizer VST