what instruments were used to record these traxxx

*** this chapter is for the gear nerds only***

the main instrument for this production was ableton live suite,
my go-to tool for music production
(though not my choice for jam sessions).

with the push 2/3 controllers, ableton transforms into a complete production setup, perfect for layin down both traditional tracks
and experimental pieces.

i avoid being a "vst jockey", instead i focus on a select few softsynths and effects rather than drowning in
dozens or hundreds of plugins.

software weapons of choice:

• d16: the 303 / 808 / 909 and lush2
• ninja tune: zen delay virtual
• arturia: e II / jupiter8 / fragments / motions
• sonic charge: permut8
• native instruments: ashlight / pharlight / playbox / traktor4
• (yes. traktor as production tool - great to re-arrange the
  
• experimental vocals and noises)
• sugar bytes: effectrix2 / graindad
• softube: weiss compressor / eq / deesser
• valhalla: reverb
• ableton native plugins: drumbus, eq8, delay, reverb, glue compressor, autopan

i don’t master my tracks, but i keep the
weiss eq and compressor
in the master channel. always.
during the creative phase, they’re bypassed,
but in the later stages, i switch them on to refine the
overall sound.

hardware highlights:

• erica synths syntrx: killer for analog noises and glitches.
• sequential pro3se: fantastic for mono synth voices with a "normal" touch.
• asm hydrasynth: excellent for creating dark, dangerous zombie atmospheres, especially with the zen delay.
• erica synths dada noise system: perfect for massively fkk’ing up loops, drums, and vocals.
• liquid sky ufo system: exceptional for techno basslines, aggressive sequences, and glitch/random sounds.

drum machines:

• erica synths perkons: amazing for
• dark, deep, bad-ass drum sounds.
• teenage engineering ko2: a fun, fast beat production tool.
• ableton move: small display, but solid and intuitive
• for quick results.
• ableton push3 standalone: my favorite for beat production,
• both live and in the studio.

experimental gear:
special shout-out to error instruments for their crazy,
innovative boxes, effects, and modules. paul's designs are
pure madness in the best way possible.

for example, layering a 303 bassline with error instruments
adds glitches and weird noises to the acid core.
the result? powerful sub-bass with completely
new elements on top. a perfect balance of classic acid
and nu skool experimental sound design.

the basic rule for production is: don't overthink it, just do it.
​fast n dirty.

​