STUDIO
When checking out an artists website, I’m always happy to find pics of their studios, synthesizers, drum machines and studio related stuff. So why not share some of my own?
Might serve your thirst for knowledge concerning more technical things.
Roland TR-808
Very popular drum machine from 1980. Not midified, all original. I usually keep it in write mode and use the A/B variation switch for fills. Perfect for triggering 101/jx3p/pro one style sequencers.
External article tip: 40 years of 808 (Roland)
Roland TR-8
The perfect drum machine for live use. Does the 909 very well, 707 is spot on too. Better implementation of scatter/reverse fx than the follow-up 8S, and all sound parameter knobs do exactly what they are labeled.
Roland TR-8S
A drum machine. Does nice 808/909 emulation and a whole lotta other things. A workhorse. Sends triggers to Pro-1 and also plays samples from drums machines, that are too big to setup like the Casio RZ-1, where i just use the clap + hihats.
For studio work it is perfect.
Arturia MicroFreak
A mostly digital poly-synth with a single analog filter. There is only one filter, so this means technically it is not a real poly synth, that’s why «paraphonic» is written on the front switch. However it still works really nice for oldschool string sounds and almost everything else. You can also play back your amen loops if you like, but of course no chopping/fancy sequencing is possible.
Favourite use: Loading one shots and using it as a sampler, kinda like an akai S950 with direct access to VCF and VCA envelope.
Casio CZ-101
A digital phase distortion synth from 1984. Mine is missing a key, but is fully functional. Realtime control is non existent, programming is hands on tho with easily accessible operating elements.
It contains a famous organ preset heard in «Bomb Scare» by 2 Bad Mice and various other uk hardcore classics.
Doepfer MS-404
I guess this was one of Doepfers first products, before they stated doing the modular stuff. Analog mono synth with the typical doepfer knobs. 1994. Never finished a track with this thing tho.
The LFO can go crazy fast.
Roland TB-03
I find this to be a really good 303 emulation. All digital, so why not embrace the plus points: stable osc, consitent sound, nice overdrive fx, extended note range compared to a 303, but still delivers a nice squelchy sound if you need it. If you can’t program a good bassline with it, then the fault lies with the user, not the machine.
Can be operated by your older friends who own real TB-303s, as you cen switch between classic programming mode and some other modes that i don’t know how they work.
Allen&Heath WZ4 16:2
A compact analog mixer, used to bring all signals to a suitable level for recording, some eq/filter work before the recording and also nice for jam recoding. The mixer has direct outs for all channels, and they are wired to a 16-channel interface. Is also contains a internal USB sound card, however as of 2024 the drivers are no longer supported, so i’m not using it anymore.
Really cool: 2x swept mids, direct outs configurable to be post eq/fader/mute, nice built in fx as a bonus.
Arturia Keystep
This sequencer is very similar to the one found on the Roland JX-3P. I’m using it to sequence machines that don’t have sequencing built in or have a crappy implementation. Store 8 sequences, switchable with a dedicated knob. Supports shuffle and is polyphonic.
Hot features: Shuffle, polyphonic step sequencing.
Not so cool: Even when clocked by pulse, it always uses it’s its internal clock, so you can’t do sh-101 style sequencing by using a sequenced trigger. Instead you have to program in the pauses too and send straight triggers to it. Also won’t restart on the beat while stop/run during midi sync.
E-RM Multiclock
It clocks all my gear with MIDI, DIN-Sync, Trigger, and is slaved to the DAW by audio clock. Originally made by Erfindungsbüro RM in Berlin, which closed their company in 2022. You can get the same thing from Floatingpoint Instruments.
Hot: reliable, shuffle per channel.
Not so hot: can’t resync on next beat while running, like the SBX-1 can.
Neumann KH 150
I use these monitors since my old Genelec 1030 broke down in 2023. I also have a KH 750 DSP Subwoofer.
Hot: built in dsp (eq) so you can adjust to your listening habits.
Not so hot: switching DSP settings is slow, and takes at least 15s. Genelecs GLM system is much faster to switch and configure.
Behringer BCR2000
I used this controller for live PAs a lot. Can be configured to send pretty complex sysex messages and the killer feature for me: one button can reset several other knobs with one simple press. Perfect for live usage. Hopefully Behringer will ship the BCR64 soon, although i think the formfactor of the old one was perfect for live use. Tried to replace it with other stuff many times, always came back to this.
Pas de baiser pour maman
A poster by Tomi Ungerer.
“Pas de baiser pour maman” (No Kiss for Mama) is a children’s book written and illustrated by Tomi Ungerer. The book tells the story of a young cat named Toby who finds his mother’s constant affection a bit overwhelming.
I also have some photos of the studio construction in 2017. Check it out: