Roland A-30 MIDI keyboard
This 76 key master keyboard I’ve been using since I got rid of my old good friend Roland D-70 synthesizer. MIDI keyboards do not make sounds, you either connect them to a sound module or sound bank (I used to own a Roland JV-1080), or to another synthesizer, or onto a computer. I am kind of grown together with this instrument in the last 10 years, so I definitely won’t sell it, it’s worth no money. But it might get a big brother.
M-Audio Axiom49 MIDI keyboard
I got this for two reasons, and none of them was to enhance stage image. One is, that currently (2007-2009) my bigger keyboard is in the city of Dunaújváros, in our rehearse room, so this smaller one makes me able to travel around with. The other reason is this M-Audio keyboard is over 10 years more up to date, and has well-utilizeable hands-on controls, sliders, nobs, infinite encoders, drumpads, which make me able to modify my music live pretty easily.
AKAI Professional APC40 Ableton Live Controller
Given the fact I use Ableton now for several years, it was just the time to get some Ableton-specific hands-on controller. At its first day APC had proven it is the most user-friendly tool I’ve ever used. I takes 2 minutes to compose a 4-5 track beat, it is useful for live playing, recording, and I have even programmed it to control M-Audio Torq DJ, combined with the turntables I consider this a fully functional DJ controller, as well.
Reloop RP-6000 Mk6 turntables
I gave up on DJ-ing in 2003, and I’ve been thinking ever since to rebuild with some more up to date equipment. In 2010 I have finally collected everything that was needed, only, my musical taste has changed. The turntables each weigh 11kg, and have a 4.5kg/cm torque, most of their parameters match the Technics SL-1210 MkII, but are stronger, at a somewhat lower price.
M-Audio Torq Conectiv
This is a 4in-4out sound card that produces quality input-output, as well as it is able to read timecode disks (CDs and vinyls). Using its own DJ software it connects the turntables to the computer so that I am able to play, modify, resample, scratch or vary my own sounds or my own music.
Soundcraft Compact4 mixer
To extend my sound card’s capabilities, as it does not have a pre-amp for a microphone, I needed this. I have sold all my DJ mixers years ago (I had an ESO Hip MkII and some sort of Omnitronic later), I needed something cheap and cool, no something with the number of channels I can’t even count. This one just did it.
Genius HF 1250X active speakers
Instead of studio monitors, for the time, I’m using this, and a pair of Sony headphones. Price of these were more or less a gift. I spend money on my hobby rationally, but later, I plan to invest into a pair of quality monitors, either a cheaper Yamaha or a pair of Dynaudios.
Casio VL-1 synthesizer and drum machine
Just a joke
I got this in 1982 from my cousin, and after having travelled the world, it came back to me in 2008. For the simple reason of having playd the drums and percussion during my first 10 years of musical education, probably this little guy is the reason I could play the piano in no time when I found out that was what I wanted.
Previous equipment:
M-Audio Firewire Audiophile external sound card
This external card was the one to bring me back to music production once again. I guess it’s pretty obvious how I as a former Roland-fan turned into an M-Audio fan in no time. This thing produces great quality sound, with minimum latency, and despite it’s quality – for a reasonable price. – I have replaced this in 2010 with an M-Audio Torq.
HP Omnibook nx6110 laptop
When last time I got a new laptop, music production was far not at the horizion, but still this machine serves me well. I use this PC to work as well, so it’s coming with me wherever I go. The kind of work I do defined that I couldn’t chose to have a Mac, but that seems to change now, and I can’t wait to shift. – I bought a Mac in 2009, and this laptop eventually broke by the end of the year.