S  T  U  D  I  O     H  A  R  D  W  A  R  E

VisionDAW 4U Dual-Core Workstation
The heart of the studio: a powerful PC in a rackmount case.  Its 3.2GHz Intel Pentium D-940 processor and the 4GB-RAM make sure that the workflow remains constant and that multiple reverbs/effects and virtual instruments can run at the same time without slowing down or crashing the system.  Audio Card: RME Hammerfall HDSP9652.

Mixing PC
This system is almost identical to the main workstation but is used exclusively for mixing in Cubase, as well as video sync.

3 Sampler PC's
Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 processors, 2.66GHz; 2GB Memory.  Most of the sample libraries reside on these computers.

Lucid GENx6-96 Word/Super Clock Generator
This little box has to make up for its size by telling all other hardware which sample rate to use.  There is no doubt who is the boss in this studio!

Grace Design m906 monitor controller
This is a fancy box which takes incoming digital audio and converts it to an analog signal which is then sent to the speakers.

Adam Professional Audio S3A studio monitors
These large studio speakers are the absolute best I was able to find.  They accurately capture the entire frequency range, and the mid-range is especially detailed, which is very important.

AKG K240 Monitor
Reliable headphones.  I've had them forever; good, durable materials.

Doepfer LMK4+
MIDI keyboard controller with 88 weighted keys.  Trivia: This used to be a stand-by prop for Jack Black in the movie, The Holiday!
 
Peavey PC 1600x MIDI Command Station
Programmable MIDI faders and buttons for maximum control over dynamics, expression, parameters in virtual instruments, etc.

3 Dell 24" widescreen displays
You can never have too many computer monitors.  I have found the 24-inch size ideal.  30" is too large for me: the speakers get blocked to a certain extent.  It is important to always have a good overview over the many faders and plug-ins in your sequencing software.


S  O  F  T  W  A  R  E

Steinberg Cubase 4
Great-sounding audio editor and MIDI sequencer.  All music is recorded, edited and mixed in this program.  Cubase comes with a set of useful effects plug-ins, such as delay, chorus, metalizer, etc.

Steinberg HALion 3
A sampler which plugs into Cubase.  It's a great tool when you have a recording of an unusual sound, and you want to transform that recording into a musical instrument, so every key on the keyboard plays back that unusual sound at a different pitch.  Let the fun begin!

Tascam GigaStudio 3
Excellent and easy-to-use sampler.  Tascam is discontinuing this product so I am currently looking for a replacement which will, most likely, be Native Instruments Kontakt 3.

MusicLab MIDIoverLAN CP Platinum Edition
This program enables MIDI communication between all computers in the studio, through Ethernet cables and a Gigabit Switch.

Roger Nichols Digital Plug-ins
A very useful set of equalizers and other tools, used for individual audio files as well as whole audio tracks, and even the master recording.  It is nice to be able to "bring out" certain elements in the mix.  Sometimes a cue needs more "punch".  Sometimes you may want to enforce the "breathy" quality of a vocal track.  That's where these plug-ins come in handy.

AudioEase AltiVerb 6
This is an excellent-sounding convolution-reverb plug-in.  The software re-creates famous (or if you like, unusual) recording and concert venues, and you can place any audio inside those spaces.  The sound is very realistic.

M-Audio Wizoo WizooVerb W2
Stereo room emulator which puts the samples into a realistic sounding room/stage/hall environment.

Propellerhead ReCycle!
This toolkit enables the creation of loops from any recording.  The resulting files can be time-stretched or shortened without changing the character of the recording.

Finale 2008
Sophisticated notation software.  It imports MIDI files from Cubase.


S  A  M  P  L  E     L  I  B  R  A  R  I  E  S     &
V  I  R  T  U  A  L     I  N  S  T  R  U  M  E  N  T  S     ( S e l e c t i o n )

Please let me point out that NO sample-based performances - even the most sophisticated ones - can accurately replicate a "real" musician's performance with all its nuances and phrasings.

Vienna Instruments
The most prestigious and ambitious orchestral sample library out there.  It analyzes your playing and switches samples accordingly.

Spectrasonics Stylus RMX Realtime Groove Module
Arguably the most powerful rhythm plug-in on the market.  Loops can be edited and altered; random elements can be introduced; some very cool effects can be added.

EastWest / Quantum Leap Storm Drum
Loops and percussion banks; perfect for that big, massive movie percussion sound.

EastWest / Quantum Leap Symphonic Choirs
From regular "ahs" and "ohs" to clusters and whispers, to weird lyrics: this powerful plug-in got it covered.

Spectrasonics Symphony Of Voices
This library includes some nice avant-garde choral effects as well as phrases for soloists, and even some Gregorian chant phrases.

Spectrasonics Atmosphere Dream Synth Module
Perfect for ambient sounds and strange effects.  This synth is being used in the film industry for sound effects!

EastWest / Quantum Leap RA
Sample collection of rare and ethnic instruments.

Spectrasonics Trilogy Total Bass Module
The name says it all.