Music Production

For programming and recording midi tracks I use N I’s Komplete Kontrol S61

For mixing, fading and arming tracks etc. I use the Korg Nano Kontrol 2 with NativeKontrol’s Arsenal software for tight integration with Live 9.

For tapping in drumbeats I have the Akai MPD32 that’s been upgraded with thicker pads and pad corks for a more responsive touch.

For recording dry vocals I have an sE 2200a and an LD Systems RF1 microphone filter. I also have a home made “vocal booth” to negate “fill” or unwanted echo from the room.

Pianos

For the full 88 keys and realistic grand piano touch, I have the Kawai ES8, which features samples from 3 grand pianos: the Shigeru Kawai SK EX; the EX Concert Grand; the SK-5 chamber grand and the K-800 upright.

As for virtual pianos, I have the Ravenscroft 275 from VI Labs…

…and the Hammersmith Pro Steinway D from Soniccouture.

Then there are the pianos that come with Komplete Ultimate: Alicia’s Keys; The Giant and the Definitive Piano Collection.

Software and plugins

I have Native Instrument’s Komplete Ultimate 11 which features a host of effects, plugins and instruments, which are hosted in their sampler, Kontakt.
Kontakt is the industry standard sampler and hosts 1,000s of independent instruments.

Solo Strings

UVI hosts the Bohemian Violin which is the best virtual violin on the market. I also have the Bohemian Cello for staccato, pizzicato and extended range (Tina Guo’s legato cello has only 3 octaves).

For legato patches I use Tina Guo’s cello from Cinesamples and to complete the set-up I use Embertone’s Fischer viola and Leonid bass

Orchestras

For the big Orchestra I have East West’s Hollywood Orchestra Platinum, which includes the four families of strings, brass, woodwind and percussion.

For a smaller, more intimate chamber orchestra sound I have Cinematic Studio Strings

Soniccouture

My favourite niche or boutique instruments are from Soniccouture and they include such gems as Imogen Heap’s, Box of Tricks; the Conservatoire Collection– a selection of Baroque and Late Renaissance instruments; Pan Drums; the Novachord (which was the first ever synth) and Glassworks – a collection of three glass instruments: the Cristal Baschet; Glass Armonica and Chamber Bowls.

Mastering Plugins

For mastering I have Izotope’s Music Production Bundle 2, which includes Neutron Advanced – a game changer in the world of mastering plugins.