Hans Zimmer

In this interview for Universal Audio, Hans explains how he uses UAD plugins to shape his sounds. It was few years ago, back then when he was scoring Inception, but it should be still relevant today.

"It's all going through a Euphonix System 5. But, at the same time, everything in Cubase is really going through your stuff, the UAD plug-ins. I've actually become very particular about what I use these days. There are so many plug-ins around, especially soft synths, that you’ll never get any music written with all the tinkering. So I've really limited myself now to just a few that I think sound really good at their core."

Hans Zimmer uses the Godin ACS-SA Slim Nylon String Acoustic-Electric guitar during his live performances, as seen in the YouTube video "Hans Zimmer Live on Tour: 3M5 Guitars Echo In Eternity," featuring Johnny Marr. In the video, Zimmer alternates between sitting and standing with the guitar on stage.

Photo of Hans Zimmer performing live circa 2014. Based on this shape, size and the configuration of the input/output jacks, power button, etc., his keyboard is a Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK1.

In the video by Clevver Music, at the 00:42 mark, Hans Zimmer is seen holding a James Trussart Steelcaster Electric Guitar during Pharrell's 'Happy' performance at the 2015 Grammys.

The synthesizer is visible throughout the interview on the right.

“I like a GUI that is intended for a soft synth as opposed to an emulation,” Zimmer continued. “I experienced this years and years ago when I first got very excited about Arturia bringing out [its] Modular Moog soft synth. But, I spent as long making a sound on that as I would spend on the real thing, which was standing right next to me, so it took the same amount of time to end up with something that wasn’t quite as satisfying.”

At 1:16, the Blackhole plugin window is opened on Hans' right screen.

Hans Zimmer uses the AJH Synth RadioPhonic. According to an article by AJH Synth, this instrument was specifically made for him and was produced in a limited quantity.

Hans Zimmer is seen with the Solid State Logic UF8 on his desk in the video "Hans Zimmer presents THE LEGEND HZ Synthesizer" by Kevin Schroeder on YouTube.

Hans Zimmer uses the Solid State Logic UC1, as evidenced by its presence on his desk in the video "Hans Zimmer presents THE LEGEND HZ Synthesizer," authored by Kevin Schroeder on YouTube.

Hans Zimmer has the Expressive E Touché on his desk in this video.

As demonstrated in the video, Hans Zimmer uses his signature next-generation version of The Legend. The plugin has also Hans' own 914 filter bank integrated.

Testimonial from the LiquidSonics artist page by Hans Zimmer:

LiquidSonics Cinematic Rooms is the most musical reverb I’ve used. Totally immersive, which is exactly how it should be. Makes life better!