My Studio: Hardware
Keyboards & Synthesizers
Sequential Prophet REV2
When Dave Smith Instruments released the Prophet REV2 I just knew I had to buy it! This is a very high quality synthesizer from one of the pioneers and at a very affordable price. It is packed with features – there are so many modulation options compared to most other analog poly-synths and yet it is so easy and intuitive to use. I absolutely love this instrument!
Moog Subsequent-37
I have always wanted a Moog synthesizer and when I first tried a Moog Sub-37 I immediately fell in love with the sound and the features of this beast! However, before I had saved enough money to buy it the Sub-37 was replaced by the Moog Subsequent-37 so I bought that instead.
Some may prefer the classic Model D for that classic warm fat Moog bass sound but I love the advanced features on the Subsequent-37.
It sounds amazing, have a lot of features and is a great supplement to my REV2.
Roland Fantom-06
Back in high school I loved playing on the Roland Juno 106 in the music classes but sadly could not afford buying one myself. For some time I was considering buying either a Juno-X or Jupiter-X but after I listened to some sound demos and reviews of the Roland Fantom-06 I decided to buy this keyboard instead. I love the built-in sounds and with the ZEN-Core synthesis system it can be extended with other Roland synthesizer models like e.g. Juno or Jupiter.
Waldorf Iridium
When I heard the first demos of the Waldorf Quantum, I fell in love but sadly I could not afford it. I decided to save money to buy the Waldorf Iridium desktop, which offers most of the Quantum features and sound but for less money. But luckily Waldorf decided to release a keyboard version of the Iridium with an amazing polyphonic aftertouch and only slightly more expensive than the desktop version.
MIDI Keyboards & Controllers
Native Instruments Komplete S61
Novation Launchkey 37 MK3
In some situations bigger is not better; I often use my Novation Launchkey 37 MK3 instead of my main MIDI keyboard when trying out stuff in Ableton Live because it does not take up much space on my desk and can quickly be put away for storage when using my desk for work instead of music. I previously used the smaller Launchkey 25 Mk2 but needed some extra keys so I upgraded to the Launchkey 37 MK3 instead. All Novation Lauchkeys integrate well with Ableton Live, which is the reason I chose this MIDI keyboard/controller.
Akai APC 40 Mk2
When working with Ableton Live I use the Akai APC 40 Mk2 to control faders, start/stop clips, record automation etc. Being able to quickly push buttons and turn knobs is much more productive than using only the mouse. This is much cheaper than the Ableton Push and obviously not as advanced but still gets the work done.
Recording equipment
Solid State Logic - SSL 12
The Solid State Logic SSL 12 is my current USB audio interface. It has 4 input channels + 8 more digital audio inputs via ADAT, TRS jack output for 2 x 2 studio monitors and 2 headphone outputs. I love the big blue knob for quickly adjusting the monitor volume and also like the “Cut” button, which quickly mutes the monitor. It has great sound quality incl. a 4K button for emulating the classic SSL studio sound and low latency. I love having the inputs and outputs on the back, which make my desk look more tidy than with my previous audio interfaces, but the SSL 12 also have two inputs + headphone outputs on the front, which makes it very easy to hook another synth into the interface. It is not plug-and-play like cheaper audio interfaces but require a driver + software to be installed on PC before using it.
Allen & Heath ZED-10FX
The Allen & Heath ZED-10FX mixer has a very small footprint but provides me with enough mono/stereo channes to connect my synthesizers, microphones etc. I spend a lot of time reviewing different mixers from different brands before I decided on this one. Great build quality and very good sound quality. The built-in effects are the only weekness of this mixer – I prefer using VST effects in Ableton Live as that give me much more options and control.
ADAM a5x
Røde NT1
RØDE NT1 is a 1″ diaphragm condenser microphone with excellent build quality and impressive sound quality.
It has very low noice and a clear and crisp sound making it ideal for recording vocals but also great for recording acoustic guitars.
Miscellaneous
Jaspers 4D-105B
Jaspers 4D-105B is a 4 tier keyboard stand. You can easily adjust the height and angle of the keyboard holders. On the top tier I have added an extra set of holders for my mixer, which fits exactly next to my Moog Subsequent-37.
