My newest toy is the Korg MS2000R, the rackmount version of the Korg MS2000 synthesiser, and I’m already buzzing with excitement. Finding it was a stroke of local luck. I picked it up from LoFi Music in Gosford—if you’re on the Central Coast and looking for excellent vintage gear, seriously check them out. It’s always satisfying to support a local supplier who understands quality hardware.

I already love working with Korg gear, especially my Korg Kronos 2, and I know the MS-20 heritage well from messing around with the software version in the Korg Legacy Collection. But nothing beats the real thing, especially when you need true, hands-on, tactile control.

That’s what this MS2000R delivers in spades! For those tech heads out there, this beauty is a virtual analogue synth known for its huge sound. It typically features four-voice polyphony and combines powerful analogue modelling oscillators with Korg’s classic filter types, including the self-oscillating filters found in the original MS-20. It boasts 16 step-sequence patterns, a deep modulation matrix, and, crucially, a dedicated knob for virtually every major parameter. This level of physical interface is exactly what you need when you’re laying down sounds in Cubase.

After spending so much time tweaking parameters digitally, having all those analogue knobs right there is a dream come true. The joy of sweeping a filter or adjusting the LFO rate on the fly, without staring at a screen, brings back the raw, creative energy of early production work. This thing is going to be perfect for cranking out those high N-R-G tracks for a rave set.

Expect some seriously huge sounds coming out of the studio soon, folks. This is going to be stella!

The New Beast Has Landed: Why the Kurzweil K2500X is the Final Piece of the Studio Puzzle!
Whaaaa! It’s been far too long since I’ve had some proper news about new gear gracing the studio, but let me tell you, this latest acquisition is going to change the game entirely. Fresh off the truck and settled into its spot is the monumental Kurzweil K2500X! This thing is an absolute beast, and I’m buzzing with excitement to see how it integrates with the rest of my setup, especially after putting in all the work building out a dedicated production space.

If you know anything about classic synthesis and workstations, you know the pedigree of Kurzweil, and the K2500X is legendary. It’s famed for its incredible V.A.S.T. (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology) engine, which allows for programming sounds with a depth and complexity that few other machines can touch. Forget simple samples; this is about deep sonic manipulation. The onboard effects and expansive routing capabilities mean I can use it not just as a killer sound source for new tracks, but as a brain for processing some of my other outboard synths, like my Kawai K4r (now happily firmware-updated, thank goodness). Seriously, the creative possibilities are endless. This level of power and flexibility is exactly what you need when you’re laying down sounds in Cubase.

I finally have a full 88-key, fully weighted monster sitting permanently in the studio!

Seriously, the struggle is real when you’re constantly having to pack down and set up controllers, or rely on smaller keyboards for serious piano work. Since building out the studio, the goal has always been to have reliable, accessible gear that encourages creativity, rather than being a mood killer due to technical hiccups, like the issues I used to have with my old audio interface dropping out. Having a full-sized, permanently installed, weighted keyboard means no more fiddling with stands or cables, and definitely no more packing it down and setting it up all the time. It is ready to rock 24/7.

This K2500X isn’t just an addition; it’s a cornerstone. Whether I’m building high N-R-G tracks for a rave set, mixing an epic stream for the Sydney Rave History crew, or just practicing those keyboard parts for the band, having this level of tactile control combined with the sheer sound engine power is going to elevate everything I produce. I already love the feel of quality hardware, from my Korg Kronos 2 to my MOTU interfaces, and this Kurzweil fits right into that mindset of quality and depth.
Expect some seriously huge sounds coming out of the studio soon, folks. This is going to be stella!