This, my first real studio, is a converted 6mx3m garage and therefore is no more than a simple "project studio" where all tracks are laid down using digital and VST instruments, with the ultimate emphasis on mastering.

 

I therefore spared no expense in calling in Auralex-certified acoustic engineers to analyse the room, and provide appropriate materials to elimiate unwanted acoustic effects when monitoring.

 

The room is not sound proof, and therefore not suitable for recording acoustic instruments or voices, which is a pity.  But at least I am able to get an accurate impression of the sounds within the system thanks to the Auralex, and my trusted Mackies.

 

I still find that although the Yamaha DX7 was the most playable keyboard in my arsenal thanks to its weight, the tone wheels, and the keyboard itself, the new Yamaha Motif XS7 takes playing the keyboard to another level.  So now I can move between the stacked RD170 and the DX7 (using a bass patch) for comping, and the Motif XS7 for soloing (and boy, are there some great solo patches!).  Then, I use the Edirol to lay down ensemble tracks (i.e. flutes, clarinets, brass etc.)

 

The Roland RD170 is a fine instrument, and apart from the acoustic piano and Rhodes patches, I enjoy the strings, flute and voices in particular.  And when I make use of the fine Rhodes sounds available within HALion One, I use the RD170 as the MIDI keyboard.  This feels as good as playing my old Rhodes pianos, and I recall the glory of my two Rhodes pianos (72 suitcase, and 73 stage) that I respectively owned in my early twenties (in Joburg), and then again in my thirties (in London).

 

The Steinberg software makes life very easy and is a superb tool for someone like me who grew up in traditional studios in Johannesburg such as at EMI, Gallo, and others.  I was also lucky enough to have done some work at several studios in London (including Abbey Road) and I always made a point of learning as much as I could form the engineers and producers.  All of this has helped me to get the most from Cubase, and of course Sound Forge when it comes to the mastering.