Studio Interviews: Record-Noize Studio

Michael has more software plug-ins in his studio in the Netherlands than we have space to list on these pages, but he also has a core of great hardware – not to mention an enthusiastic outlook and lots of helpful advice to go with it (and some damn fine studio lights)…

Interviewee: Michael van Thoor
Contact: info@recordnoize.nl
Web: www.re-noize.com

• Access Virus TI2 synth
• A fine DJ setup
• Genelec 8040 monitors
• Focusrite interface

Tell us about your studio…

Record-Noize Studio has been around since 2014 and located in a multi-purpose building in Sittard at the very south of the Netherlands and exactly in between both Belgium and Germany.

What about all of that fantastic gear?

• Main hardware:
  • PC workstation Intel Core i7-3820
  • ASUS P9X79 64GB
  • GTX 1050 Ti
  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 audio interface
  • 2x Genelec 8040 monitors
  • Access Virus TI2 Desktop
  • Novation Impulse 61 MIDI keyboard
  • sE Electronics X1 studio mic
  • 2x Pioneer CDJ 800MK2 DJ decks
  • 2x Numark TT100 direct-drive turntables
  • Gemini PS-626i mixer
  • 2x KRK Rokit 8 G3 monitors
  • Jackson guitar;
  • Schlagwerk Cajon
  • Stagg MD-1500 Pro mic.
• Plug-ins:
  • reFX Nexus2
  • Access Virus TI2
  • Xfer Serum
  • u-he Zebra
  • Sylenth1
  • Native Instruments Pro-53 and Komplete
  • Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
  • VPS Avenger
  • Kick 2
  • Lethal
  • Z3ta
  • KV SynthMaster 2
  • Dune 2
  • Rob Papen RAW and Predator 2.
  • Plus loads of plug-in effects!

Which DAW is your favourite for production and why?

I prefer Fruity Loops because of its workflow and I’ve become quite an expert over time.

What’s your favourite piece of gear?

The Access Virus TI2 Desktop synth. I like it because of its unique and powerful sound and it features quite a fast sound-design flow.

How do you use your studio?

My core business mainly consists of composing music for different media companies – working in advertising, TV and short film. Other than that, I do some ghost producing for other DJs and at the end of the day, I like to produce my own hardstyle dance music.

Next on your gear-shopping list?

A hammer-weighted MIDI keyboard, because it’s the one thing I really miss.

Any top production advice?

All you really need is a good set of ears… and to be critical of yourself. Ask for serious and honest feedback from people who know what they’re talking about.

Any final studio advice?

Make sure you’re having fun, keep it simple and become a master with your software. Create your own sound and experiment with VSTs and synths. Beginners should use the internet to find tutorials – it can be a good, free education! Don’t underestimate the need for a good network – different social-media channels, yes, but it’s even more important to get out and visit fairs (Dancefair, NAMM) and meet producers. Good luck to y’all and Godspeed.