Bonobo
UK electronic artist Simon Green
Genre
Group
Genre
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Bonobo's Gear
In this video from MTV, (1:15) Bonobo plays the Prophet 5 and explains how it was all over his most recent album, The North Borders.
Towards the middle of the interview he says "After talking to Kieran Hebden [aka Four Tet], I decided to get the Arturia V Collection, and it sounds fantastic."
In this photo from Bonobo's studio, the OP-1 can be spotted in front of Bonobo's laptop. The design of the keys and interface are distinct to the OP-1.
At 1:45 in this live performance video, Bonobo can be seen using a Novation Bass Station II.
"Massive is the most versatile synth out there. I use it relentlessly for a huge variety of sounds — from atmospheric pads to deep, layered basslines. Its capabilities seem endless."
Bonobo has been using a Korg Minilogue as part of his live set up for the Migration tour. It can be seen in this instagram video.
In an interview with XLR8R, Simon Green is asked how he records, and if he goes through a pre-amp into his computer. He responds, "I've been using an Avalon [VT-737SP] as a front end. It's a mono vacuum-tube compressor and EQ, and it's really nice... I use it for everything. Then the whole thing goes into [Apple] Logic. With the exception of a few reverbs and some other outboard stuff, I'm doing everything with Logic and [Native Instruments] Kontakt."
In this Instagram photo, the two distinct large knobs of the Mininova are on the keyboard controller on the right of his performance setup. Additionally, when asked "Is the MicroKorg XL any good??", Bonobo responded with "I wouldn't know. That's a Novation MiniNova".
In the this video from MTV (1:27), Bonobo plays the Prophet 5 through the Eventide Space pedal.
In this Reddit Thread interview, Bonobo states that everything he did before was analog. He used Logic for years and recently switched to Ableton. It didn't state which exact version he's using, but it's most likely the latest version (Ableton Live 9).
"Its varied over time. When I Started out, everything was analog. I made my first two records on Akai samplers, and an Atari ST running Cubase. I was on logic for years and now recently switched to Ableton."
In this video Bonobo shows how he made kiara. During the string parts he clearly pulls up the miroslav philharmonik plugin. Although for the actual song kiara he probably used real string players, this still proves that he owns and uses the plugin.
Very quickly (around :02s) you can see a flash frame of Bonobo's Pedalboard which includes the Crowther Hotcake. Source.
After being asked: "Is all of your processing/production work done inside Ableton Live?", he answered "There are a few third-party gizmos that I couldn't live without. The PSP Vintage Warmer is on everything; the SoundToys stuff goes well beyond anything you'd expect from a delay unit - it almost has a voice of its own; and CamelPhat is a versatile combined filter and overdrive - a very creative tool."
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After being asked: "Is all of your processing/production work done inside Ableton Live?", he answered "There are a few third-party gizmos that I couldn't live without. The PSP Vintage Warmer is on everything; the SoundToys stuff goes well beyond anything you'd expect from a delay unit - it almost has a voice of its own; and CamelPhat is a versatile combined filter and overdrive - a very creative tool."
"With wit, skill and irreprehensible craftsmanship, the London-based artist has created a career for himself, which simultaneously mirrors and adds significant momentum to Ninjatune, one of our favorite labels of all time." - AIAIAI
Bonobo mixes with a pair of TMA-2 S02-H02-E02-C02 Preset headphones around his neck in this Facebook photo.
In this video which shows Bonobo's studio setup, starting at 0:28 (and throughout the video) you can see he uses the Mackie Control Universal Pro control surface while producing his tracks. It sits on his desk for easy access, to the left of his midi keyboard and Mac keyboard.
The APC40 is on the right of Bonobo's laptop in his Instagram photo: "Rehearsals. Nashville. Day One."
In a live performance of "Sapphire" on KCRW, Bonobo is seen using the Stingray 4 Classic Collection bass guitar.
You can see Simon (Bonobo) playing his mustang bass in this picture. There are also several instagram posts of his studio showing the bass in his studio.
Bonobo is seen using Logic Pro 9 at 0:35 in this video.
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You can see his pocket piano at about 13 seconds
You can see his MicroKORG under the SP-404 and pedals at 2:18.
You can see his MG-1 on the left above his Mackie Universal Control.
You can see the Dark Energy behind the Kaoss Pad at 0:18
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"I've just switched over to a couple of little RME Fireface [UCX] audio cards, and they're fantastic for live work. "
As said in interview, in early days Bonobo used Akai S3000, which he recived from Amon Tobin.
This is a community-built gear list for Bonobo.
- Find relevant music gear like Bass Guitars, Amplifiers, Effects Pedals, Software Plugins and VSTs, Keyboards and Synthesizers, Instruments, Studio Equipment, Headphones, DJ Setup, and other instruments and add it to Bonobo.
- The best places to look for gear usage are typically on the artist's social media, YouTube, live performance images, and interviews.
- To receive email updates when Bonobo is seen with new gear, follow the artist.
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Discography
Animal Magic
2000
Dial 'M' for Monkey
2003
Days To Come
2006
Black Sands
2010
Black Sands Remixed
2012
The North Borders
2013
Late Night Tales: Bonobo
2013
The North Borders Tour. — Live.
2014
Migration
2017
fabric presents Bonobo (DJ Mix)
2019
Fragments
2022
Lazarus (Adult Swim Original Series Soundtrack)
2025
Album Credits
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