The Idea is simple… create a small bedroom set up to be able to create music, work on sample pack layouts, and have FUN with synths and samples WITHOUT my computer. I think with this set up I am off to a great start.
Everything sits atop the Zaor Studio Furniture Miza Jr desk. this helps keep the cables out of sight and the look matches the original 1960’s wall print in our bedroom. the Miza features a nice pull out tray designed for 61 key controllers and slim synths. here I have the jdxa on it which is admittedly a bit deep but, hey I just got it and wanted to feel it out. I will likely swap the Jdxa for the Deepmind 12 in the coming weeks. https://zaorstudiofurniture.com/index.php?page=miza
for monitoring I am using the Ik Multimedia iLoud micro monitors… whats great about these is that not only are they a sleek white that goes great with the wall, but they sound quite nice without being bulky or overbearing in the room. For added convenience they have bluetooth and the bluetooth MIXES with the incoming audio. so if you pair your phone to them you can still use them as monitors and a playback device. really nice!
The Arturia Minibrute 2s plus Rackbrute combo is allowing me to have a mini version of my larger modular rig for sample fodder. currently I am using the ReBach Catch vco-AB and VCF-AB along with the D-Env and TraniModule for the bulk of sound creation to add depth to the minibrute 2s sound engine. the onboard sequencer of the 2s is really quite powerful and allows me to get 3 melodic lanes of sequencing at once.
The main sequencer and overall scratch pad is the MPC live. This is a nice compact way to sample in my synth sources without having to rely on a laptop computer. Built in features like through put monitoring allow me to run all my gear through the mpc and jam in realtime. I then use the looper function to catch my sources in real time. often I like to work without midi to keep a loose human feel on the productions.
In the coming weeks I expect this set up to evolve with gear coming in and out of this set up but the goal will be for it to remain small and clean. pretty far opposite of my main studio set up.
studio furniture designer and manufacturer ZAOR Studio Furniture is proud to announce availability of its Maestro series — symbolising a new line of workflow-focused desk developments — as of January 14… A Maestro is often defined as a distinguished conductor or performer of classical music — or, alternatively, a distinguished figure in any sphere. So, given that ZAOR Studio Furniture’s latest line of desk designs were developed in close collaboration with some of the best mastering/mixing professionals around, as well as manufacturers of some of the best mastering gear available anywhere, such as award- winning audio gear developer SPL, theMaestro moniker is, indeed, highly appropriate. As such, the new product line’s many features were carefully chosen to suit. Starting with the larger Maestro 36, all aspects of its intended workflow were thoroughly analysed with new or improved solutions implemented for each as a direct result. Reality dictates that mastering Maestros will form its primary — though not necessarily exclusive — user base, so, since they will be applying final polishing touches to the sound of mixes or edits, listening experience enhancement lies at the heart of this thoroughbred design: an extra low profile prevents the desk from getting in the way of the all-important sound reproduction, aided by back- sited VMT absorption panels by self-styled Innovative Acoustics Solutionsprovider Vicoustic to minimise chaotic reflections and resonances, while the work surface itself is made from AERstop, an acoustic material that reduces reflections and deftly doubles as a mouse pad. Perfectly sized, an armrest aids smooth typing and reduces wrist stress. Since Maestro 36 itself is effectively more ‘air’ than structure, sound is not boxed in — improving the listening experience from an acoustic standpoint; it also allows air to flow freely — keeping working temperatures at optimal operating levels. Additionally, a dual (audio/power) cable path separates signals from power leads, thereby keeping hum and other inductive noise to a minimum. Meanwhile, chrome bars with pre-fitted Velcro strips allow for fast and clean (re-)cabling. As implied by name, Maestro 36 features 36 rack units, ultimately divided into three sections of 12U apiece, angled upwards at a gentle incline across the desk to accommodate all the tools essential to the job at hand. Here they are positioned within easy reach, realising focused workflow within a minimal footprint. Furthermore, an additional 18U of forward-facing rack space — split into three 6U sections — can be installed at floor level where visual contact is less important; installing only 12U of forward-facing rack space (split into the two 6U sections located to the left and right) as an alternative allows the user to stretch their legs in the space between them while working. Behind the angled rack units is a flat plane — lowered so as not to impede sound travel — that can comfortably carry computer screens at eye-level, near-field monitors — sited on optional isolators to avoid sound transmission through the desk itself, which would lead to smearing in the lower frequencies — for cross-checking mixes, and/or metering… nothing superfluous, nothing amiss, as ergonomics and acoustics are beautifully integrated to live together in perfect harmony. Mr McCartney might well approve; at any rate, his chosen mastering engineer would — with certainty! Again, as implied by name, the smaller Maestro 24 tempts users with packing 24U of the most essential pieces of rack gear (in two sections of 12U angled at a gentle incline) across a desk design superficially similar to its Maestro 36 bigger brother to form a processing powerhouse suited to smaller spaces with all attributes present and correct — cue padded armrest, dual cable path, low profile, acoustic optimisation, and integrated mouse pad. Again, taking its innovative design cues from its Maestro 36 bigger brother, an additional 12U of forward-facing rack space — split into two 6U sections this time — can be installed at floor level. Literally symbolising a new line of workflow-focused desk developments, then, the family Maestro members are constructed from MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) and hand-selected solid wood to cater for today’s production-savvy pro audio specialist. Simply put, they each encompass everything engineers, musicians, and producers always dreamed of owning. Of course, now that dream has become reality — realised as compact, great-looking, and affordable packages available to anyone. All are flat packed for easy transportation and assembled and disassembled easily, thanks to professional hardware. Handily, the must-see Maestro series will be showcased by ZAOR Studio Furniture on Booth 17214 at The 2019 NAMM Show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California. Come check them out!
review by Flux The Yesk is the latest production desk from boutique studio desk manufacturer ZAOR. The Yesk is a three tier desk with a slide out keyboard tray perfect for 49-61 keys. the center console features two bays of 4U of rack space at a nice working angle. The construction is of solid wood and feels extremely sturdy. One of my personal concerns about this review was that I know I will be moving in semi near future, will this desk hold up after a tear down and rebuild. I can say that after putting the desk together and seeing the smart anchor system that it uses to assemble the individual pieces (it comes flat packed), I have no doubts it will fair well in the move. Build time was pretty short (under two hours with me basically half paying attention to the build and half paying attention to another project I was working on. I’d bet with some focus I could have pulled it off in about 45 minutes. The instructions are very well layed out and it is really only about 11 parts or so you need to join together. The only gripes I had during the build was that the adapters for the rack screws could have come preinstalled and that the bottom row of them are a very tight fit to the desk. Nothing really upsetting just nitpicking for the sake of this article really. Continue reading →
