Jean-Michel Jarre's album Oxygène (1976) is a foundational work of electronic music1. Its unique sonic textures, both spatial and organic, stem from a highly specific selection of hardware instruments used in his Parisian apartment2. If you're looking to capture this analog magic and recreate these legendary soundscapes in your modern productions3, here is the history of the original machines and our selection of the best virtual emulations (VSTs) available.
This analog semi-modular synthesizer was used to create complex sound effects and deep basses4. According to Jarre, this instrument was "fabulous for creating noise sequences, rhythms, water drop effects, or evolving sounds"5. Its patching versatility and distinctive filter grain, which the composer preferred over the Moog's5, made it one of the studio's centerpieces6. The instrument is even credited as "A.R.P. Synthesizer" on the album cover7.
Often nicknamed "The Putney," this British modular synthesizer lacks a built-in traditional keyboard (which was optional) and uses a pin matrix for routing8. Its unstable oscillators and joystick allow for generating random modulations9. Jarre described it as his main tool, alongside a Farfisa organ and two Revox tape recorders, for producing raw sounds and spatial effects10.
A portable "suitcase" version of the Synthi A (an instrument similar to the VCS3)11, the Synthi AKS stands out with its small built-in two-octave keyboard12. It also features a primary 256-event sequencer13. This tool was specifically used by Jarre to create the out-of-sync sequences that run throughout the work13.
The Mellotron plays back samples of acoustic instruments recorded on individual linear magnetic tapes for each key14. Its sound banks made it possible to add choirs and strings that blend perfectly with the analog oscillators15. The instrument is officially credited on the album cover16.
Released in 1974, it is one of the first synthesizers to offer additive synthesis through a hybrid additive/analog approach17. It produces clear and bright timbres18. Jarre notably used it to create the chorus sound for the famous "Oxygène Part 4" as well as the sequence in "Part 5"19.
This Dutch electronic home organ is the source of the famous warm "strings ensemble" pads that define the album's sound20. Jarre actually considered it a very important instrument, generating "the most beautiful string sounds you can imagine"21. The sound was often processed with a phaser effect (notably the Electro-Harmonix Small Stone MK1), and sometimes a flanger on certain parts, to accentuate the swirling sweep effect22.
An Italian transistor organ used by Jarre from his early days to support the harmonic structure of the album with its highly characteristic sounds23. It is credited as "Farfisa Organ" on the cover24.
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The recognizable analog drum machine on the hit "Oxygène Part 4"25. One of its key technical features was the ability to press multiple rhythm preset buttons simultaneously26. To achieve this, Jean-Michel Jarre modified his unit using tape to combine multiple patterns at the same time, creating new hybrid rhythmic patterns.
An extremely rare Italian drum machine that was ahead of its time27. It featured a novel programming method using punch cards or push buttons to build complex percussive sequences on the fly28. It is credited as "Rythmin' Computer" on the album cover29.