Small is beautiful. Mihalis Safras shows us around his tiny studio.
Mihalis Safras – My Studio
So here it is: my 30-square-foot studio. Some of my gear is always on, like the Bass Station 2 and the Roland XP-80. As monitors, I decided to go with the Dynaudio BM6A mkIIs. When I got them, I understood why Radio Slave once said that these are just perfect for producing techno music. Ableton and a MOTU 8pre are the ones to go with for the DAW. The more time I have in studio the better…
Novation Bass Station 2
I used this one on the Barrage EP on Knee Deep in Sound. What I like most from this synthesiser is that it’s the perfect MIDI synth out there: portable, perfect-sized with huge capabilities. You’ve gotta love the aftertouch of it, and I can easily compare it to a Minimoog, Yes, I know it’s not a Moog but still a must for a studio!
Dave Smith Tempest
I also own the Akai MPC 2000XL, but for some reason I had to choose the Tempest. Recording drums in real time and, even better, arranging while playing with it makes it one of my beloved drum machines. In fact, using its samples on the ruff techno grooves is exactly what I’m looking for in a drum machine. In combination with the Evolver, I pay tribute to Dave Smith.
Pioneer RMX-500
Whether I use it in my DJ sets or not, this tool is great for production too. External effects give me the chance to experiment while producing. It’s got easy connectivity and can be used as a MIDI controller too, with the two big knobs being extra helpful. You can hear the reverse echo in a few of my Toolroom tunes in the past, like ‘Mastil’.
Roland XP-80
The oldest item in my studio. Actually, this one was a gift but it still does it for me. I use it only to add some nice hardy strings in the background of tracks. What I hate about it is that it’s too large and boxy, but on the other hand it’s the total 2000s expansion synth.
UAD Satellite QUAD-2
I suggest this item to any electronic music producer. Simple Firewire connectivity for hardware emulation in your DAW. Great processing that gives extra warmth in tracks especially the CS-1 channel strip. Thumbs up – I use it 100% in all of my productions.
Toilet Paper
If I had to decide on one of my favourite items while I am in the studio, the hands-down winner is toilet paper! Yeah, do not laugh – there are multiple usages for this item. Besides that, paper is always useful, because you can use the base of it as a cable holder. You put the cables inside it and now you do not have the ‘octopus situation’ in your studio… Safras TIP 🙂
Mihalis Safras’s Crazy Dogs EP is out this month on Material. Find him on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.
05.41 PM
Nice to see a smaller studio still work for him. I’m in that current position now. and yes UAD all the way!