Studio essentials? A cat and a signed basketball, of course. Mark Farina shows us around his creative space.
Mark Farina – My Studio
I don’t have a computer in my studio, but I do have a basketball signed by Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Mixer & Units
The mixer is a Mackie Onyx 24×4. I like the analogue-style mixers.
Above the mixer you can see the Future Retro Revolution. It’s a 303-style hybrid with circular step sequencing. Nice.
The Jomox Xbase 999 on the right has that old Roland feel and punchiness to match.
On the desk there’s also a Teenage Engineering OP-1. It took a second to get my head around the controls, but it gives much enjoyment using it in hotel rooms and on the plane. Those ideas often turn into nice jams in the studio.
Behind the OP-1 you can see the new Korg Volca Sample, which is a fun little piece. Lovely step control and portability. I used it on my new EP, coming out on Doin’ Work.
EMU XL-Z and Akai MPC4000
I love this EMU unit – I have all the colours! Each track has sixteen parts that are individually mutable. Great bass, keys and drum kits. I used it on ‘Radio’ on Om and on ‘Dream Machine’ as well.
I’m an old school MPC guy. I love these. As well as the MPC4000 I have a 2500 and a 500, and my old MPC2000 too. I used to just make everything on that, like my Landscape EP on Panhandle.
Korg MicroSampler & Outboard Gear
The Korg MicroSampler is a little sampling keyboard with nice loop breakdown features and on-board sequencing. It’s a different feel than the MPCs entirely.
I have a MOTU 828 and MIDI Express but lately I’ve been in the outboard gear analogue mode.
Drum Machines
The Dave Smith Tempest is one of my newer additions. Very complex sound control. Drum machines have come a long way.
I was so happy when I got the Roland TR-8, and I’m still happy. Spot on drums with easy control. I’m enjoying the new 707 expansion sounds!
The Elektron Machinedrum has great sounds and feel. I use it all the time. I enjoy the control of individual sounds.
Compressors & Effects
Various compressors and effects including two Alesis Midiverb IIs and a Midiverb 4, an HHB Radius 5 Fatman 2, Vestax graphic EQ, Alesis 3630 and TC Helicon Voice Prism.
DJ area 1
The first of two DJ areas. This one includes Pioneer CDJ2000s and a DJM2000 mixer.
2nd DJ Setup
The second DJ setup has a Rane MP2015 mixer. I love this mixer!
Dexter
Meet Dexter, the studio cat.
Mark Farina plays Pacha Festival, Amsterdam on May 23rd. Find him on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.
07.58 PM
Studio Cat wins! 😀
08.38 PM
Thumbs up for no computer and Mark Farina.
09.36 PM
“I don’t really understand what a computer is, but I like saying I don’t have one!”
02.50 AM
The Emu Command Station are great machines. looks like he has two.
08.35 AM
I am counting three EMU XL-Z’s (one did not retain its original color)!
12.36 PM
Why is there no computer if there is a Motu 828 and a Midi Express?!?
05.24 PM
to Marc: several peeps told me I needed those to get digital few years back…but haven’t gotten around to hooking them up or how to integrate.
06.14 PM
where is the 3rd XL-7? there is something silver in the back… could be the PX-7.
06.16 PM
^^ lol i didn’t see the other pictures but i guess i was right. its true… the command stations are so versatile.
04.55 AM
the best section of the website. 🙂
06.07 AM
One of those command stations looks to have been circuit-bent notice the black plastic side-panel or am I mistaken?
06.20 AM
Actually looks like 2 PX-7’s one above the Korg Karma and another between the shelves with all the vinyl on them. Then the two XL-7’s one looks to be circuit-bent. So 4 command stations total. I really meed to buy another Korg Karma before they become to expensive + more expansions for my MP-7 before they are to hard to find.
07.52 PM
Mark is the best!!
05.43 PM
sos un maestro ! saludos desde argentina !! un placer escuchar tus pistas !
09.35 AM
Oh my god stop. I can only get so erect.