Rank 1 Members, Gear & Sound

Rank 1 is a Dutch trance duo recognized for their influential presence in the progressive and uplifting trance genres. Originating from the Netherlands, the group consists of Piet Bervoets and Benno de Goeij, both of whom contribute to the production and composition of their music. Known for their iconic track "Airwave," Rank 1 has remained a staple in the trance scene with a sound that seamlessly blends euphoric melodies and driving beats. Their collaborations with other prominent artists and participation in major festivals have solidified their reputation as one of the most respected acts in trance music.

Rank 1's sound is characterized by its clean, melodic, and expansive nature, often combining lush synthesizer layers with rhythmic basslines that propel their tracks forward. To achieve their distinct sonic landscape, Benno de Goeij frequently utilizes synths like the Roland Jupiter-8 for its rich, analog textures and Native Instruments Massive Synth for its versatile and powerful digital capabilities. The duo's music typically features an ethereal quality, achieved through the use of multiband compression and tape saturation effects, as seen with the Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier and Universal Audio FATSO Jr./Sr. Tape Sim. & Compressor Plugin. This combination of analog warmth and digital precision creates a polished yet emotive sound that resonates deeply with listeners.