In an interview with [KMAG](http://www.kmag.co.uk/editorial/features/black-sun-empire-interview.html) Black Sun Empire say "We have two rooms. The main one and the small one are almost the same when it comes to PCs and synths; [Cubase5](https://equipboard.com/items/steinberg-cubase-5) with RME soundcards, Nord Modular G1 and [G2](https://equipboard.com/items/clavia-nord-modular-g2-synthesizer) and some random machines like [Waldorf Pulse](https://equipboard.com/items/waldorf-pulse-synthesizer), Korg Z1 and an Evolver Keyboard."
moreWhen asked in this [reddit thread](http://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/1vagak/i_am_optical_ama_virus_recordings/) what kind of equipment Optical uses, he responds: "I have owned (and still do mostly) as best as I can remember: Mackie 32/8 32 channel - (I have had 3 altogether), 3 x Emu [E6400 Ultra](https://equipboard.com/items/e-mu-6400-ultra) (also [E6400 orig](https://equipboard.com/items/e-mu-6400)), Akai S750, [S900](https://equipboard.com/items/akai-s900), [S1100](https://equipboard.com/items/akai-s1100), [S3000](https://equipboard.com/items/akai-s3000xl) samplers, Alesis Quadraverb, [Focusrite Green Eq](https://equipboard.com/items/focusrite-green-eq) x2, Focusrite Green Compressor, [Focusrite ISA430 Producer Pack](https://equipboard.com/items/focusrite-isa430-mkii-producer-pack), [Lexicon Alex](https://equipboard.com/items/lexicon-alex-digital-effects-processor), [Lexicon MPX1](https://equipboard.com/items/lexicon-mpx1), [Alesis MidiVerb4](https://equipboard.com/items/alesis-midiverb4-dual-channel-parallel-processor), [TC Electronics Fireworx](https://equipboard.com/items/tc-electronic-fireworx-multi-effect-processor), [TC Electronics Finalizer](https://equipboard.com/items/tc-electronic-finalizer-plus-studio-mastering-processor), [Joe Meek VC1](https://equipboard.com/items/joemeek-vc1-studio-channel), [Drawmer MX40](https://equipboard.com/items/drawmer-mx40-pro-four-channel-punch-gate), [Sherman Filterbank](https://equipboard.com/items/sherman-filterbank), [CryBaby Wah Pedal Boss Pedals](https://equipboard.com/items/dunlop-cry-baby-wah-pedal) - Too many, [Novation Basstation](https://equipboard.com/items/novation-bass-station), [OSCar](https://equipboard.com/items/oxford-synthesiser-company-oscar-synthesizer), [Sequential Circuits Pro1](https://equipboard.com/items/sequential-circuits-pro-one-synthesizer), [Prophet 5](https://equipboard.com/items/sequential-circuits-prophet-5), Wurlitzer, PPG Wave 2.1, [Neumann TLM 105](https://equipboard.com/items/neumann-tlm-103-condenser-microphone)*, Fender Strat 1972, [Oberheim/Viscount GM1000](https://equipboard.com/items/oberheim-gm1000), Korg Z1, [Kawai K1r](https://equipboard.com/items/kawai-k1), Otari Status 16R Mixing Console with Eagle Automation. [BSS DPR-402 Compressor](https://equipboard.com/items/bss-dpr-402). and more I can't recall right ow ;o)." *The Neumann links to the 103 because the moderator who approved this post believes Optical wrote 105 by mistake. If anyone believes this to be an error please follow up in the comments section so that we can adjust :)
moreBetween the Korg Z1 and the Triton, the sounds are all there for me. I'll occasionally use samplers when working on film and TV music, especially if I need some crazy loops or grooves, but mostly I use my Korg synths.
moreIn this Slices Tech Talk, Electronic Beats TV looks to delve into the heart of Ian Pooley's Berlin studio
moreEquipment & Software used on 'SYNTHWAVES':THORSTEN QUAESCHNING: Software: Steinberg Cubase 8 &8.5Hardware: Manikin Schrittmacher Step-Sequencer x 2Manikin MemotronRoland Jupiter 8 synthesizerRoland JD800 synthesizerDave Smith Prophet 8 synthesizerARP Solina MK2 string synthesizerKorg Wavestation Ex synthesizerWaldorf Microwave synthesizerMoog Voyager monophonic synthesizerModular synthesizerRoland V Synth synthesizerKorg Z1 synthesiserKorg Prophecy synthesiserKorg M1 synthesizerClavia Nordwave synthesizerYamaha TG77 synthesizer moduleRoland System 1 synthesizerRoland JU06 synthesizer moduleKorg MS20 monophonic synthesizerRoland JP08 synthesizer moduleRoland TR-8 Rhythm Performer drum machineOberheim DMX drum machineRoland Promars synthesizerFender Starcaster guitarFender Telecaster guitarFender Stratocaster guitarScrewdriver on wood and contact microphones,Several boxes with contact microphonesA field recording of bees in Thorsten's garden, edited on Cubase and then treated with Melodyne & Halion - and finally used for the lead melody line on 'A Calm But Steady Flow'.(Software synthesizers): Spectrasonics Omnisphere synthesizer, Spectrasonics Keyscape
more" In the planning stage, I have developed an intense activity in deeply programming new sounds in my habitual equipment, my beloved Korg Triton & Korg Z1, and sound processing outboard expansion units such Reverbs and Delays, as well some other esoteric gear. I have tried to create all the songs of this work "inside" my synthesizers exclusively, inside this deeply isolated world, an amniotic-like innerspace that develops in the synth and multieffects circuits, without insert any "external" element except for the voices in the first song. Also, I have experimented more and more with long, spacious reverbs and looping treatments "
moreused lots by artist such as ed rush & optical to make fat pad sounds and strange effects in 90s drum and bass.
A lot of the drum'n'bass I liked in the mid to late 90s used this synth (Optical, Underfire label, etc.).
...that I can say about this monster: It is, in my opinion, the best digital synth ever.
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