MusicTech Magazine

17 September 2020

Last time we noted a recurring pattern of artists and performers changing tack and settling into roles as producers. The reverse, however, remains quite the rarity. What’s even more surprising than that, though, is when global superstars the calibre of Deadmau5 develop commercially available music technology. Yes, there are countless high-profile endorsees of products but few with the international pull of Joel Zimmerman’s rodent alter ego. We talk to Joel about the concept behind the OSC/Pilot control surface (which we review this issue, too) and how it has developed alongside his live show, as well as his recent collaboration with The Neptunes and a potential alliance with Jean-Michel Jarre. Also this issue, we go deep on the humble reverb, we explain how approaching the effect with a creative mindset can yield a wholly different feel for your music, taking the process of building your virtual spaces beyond simply ‘sticking a reverb on it’. Elsewhere, we explore the prevalence of the felt piano in a lengthy feature highlighting its ubiquity in soundtracks, and tell you how best to incorporate it into your music. Under review this issue, we finally lay our hands on UDO’s Super 6, a barnstorming synth we first clapped eyes on last year. Does it live up to the hype? Other highlights find us getting down and dirty with Heavyocity’s Damage 2 and checking out a state-of-the-art new microphone from Golden Age Premier. As always, there’s a treasure trove of tutorials and studio features this month too.