Felix Cartal’s production setup.

Felix Cartal’s (myspace) got a blog happening to detail his travels and progress on his forthcoming EP and LP. I was hoping he’d do a post on his setup and he has delivered, as the picture above illustrates. Refreshingly simple, following the trend of ‘new school’ producers to eschew analogue gear (for the most part) and reduce hardware for ease of travel. A full list of his gear includes:

• M-Box2 Mini
• M-Audio KeyRig 49
• MicroKorg
• MacBook
• Reason 3.0
• ProTools 7.0 LE
• Evolution UC-33 Controller (not shown)
• M-Box Micro (not shown)

Notably, he’s running with no monitors to speak of, just working off headphones. Cool. And he’s got one of those lamps which I electrocuted myself on a few years back (don’t grab both metal stems at once). Credit to Discodust for the find.

NAMM 2009 awesomeness: Akai APC40.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. As if two big technology shows last week wasn’t enough (CES and MacWorld), we not have NAMM on in Anaheim. As usual, the big brands are debuting some impressive new software and gear. Oliver has a nice little summary over here. But to borrow a bit, here’s something which blew my mind a little lot:

Behold, the Akai APC40. Not only is it Ableton specific, it’s designed in conjunction with Ableton. It was the Vestax VCM-600 which blew my mind last year, with its mixing desk-style design and metal body. But this, this is a cut above. While it looks less like a mixing desk and more like an MPD on steroids, the fact that it’s designed for Ableton is obvious straight away. Finally, an abundance of buttons for launching clips, toggling scenes etc. As well as the usual sliders and rotaries. What’s more, the controller is two-way, meaning it will display feedback from Ableton with blistering efficiency. Finally, with a nod to the digital DJ, it includes a crossfader in prime position — you know this thing wasn’t just made for the home studio.

Of course, it is bound to cost way more than a VCM-600, possible twice as much. But, by the looks of it, it could be worth it. This thing is premium.

PS. They debuted Ableton 8 … looks good.

Hot gizmo: Vestax VCM-600.

A host of new shiz was unveiled at winter NAMM the other week, but I’m particularly psyched about the new Vestax controller which is aimed squarely at Ableton geeks. Note the lack of CDJ-style control-wheels and the multitude of channels, faders, knobs and buttons. This has to be the first controller I’ve seen which has enough sliders AND push-buttons to keep any Ableton jock happy – previously a two-piece kit of Trigger-finger and UC33e was the only way to be this tactile.

Part of the reason why I’m so psyched about this is the simplicity – it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. There’s no soundcard (as far as I can see) and Vestax have the Traktor and Serato Itch kids covered with the VCI-300. So it’s pure and genious softsynth fun all the way.

This UK site is quoting a 300 quid price, so I’m guessing $AU1000 wouldn’t be far off with conversion etc. Though I’d expect the price to drop once the hype dies down (a la M-Audio Torq Exponent).

Read: wire to the ear report :: media release at skratchworx.