Show Off Your Studio: Nico Morano’s home studio is a cosy synth chamber
The sophisticated sound of Nico Morano has been felt in the Belgian house scene for years, gracing the stages of Tomorrowland and Paradise City Festival with his presence. He lets us into his studio to show the gear behind his deep, melodic cuts.
Nico Morano @ Studio Morano
Studio Morano
Studio Owner: Nico Morano – Producer / DJ
Key kit:
- ADAM S3V monitors
- Moog Slim Phatty
- TC Helicon Voicelive Rack
- Roland SPD-SX
- Moog Sub37
- Roland SH-01A
- Sequential Prophet 6 (module)
- Dave Smith Prophet 12 (keyboard)
Tell us about the studio, Nico
Studio Morano is based in Weerde, in Belgium. It is in fact…in my house. The big advantage is I don’t have to travel far to get to work. The disadvantage is I (can) work 24/7, 7 days a week! It’s a cliché for home studios, I guess. The room is not super big (12mx2m), but it’s perfectly soundproof.
Which DAW do you use and why?
Ableton was my first love and I have always stayed true to it. I can’t really compare it, to be honest. I love the compatibility with the APC40 and Push 2, it makes life much easier. No time is wasted this way, so I can devote your time to the creative process.
What is your favourite piece of gear and why?
My favourite piece of gear is definitely my Sequential Prophet 6. It’s completely my thing – the best combination of analogue and digital sound. For me, it’s one of the best poly synths on the market. I also love the fact that you don’t need to dive into menus to discover all the possibilities. This allows you to discover all the lovely vintage sounds this baby produces. And last but not least, I particularly like the analogue distortion for adding grit and texture.
How much time do you spend in your studio per week?
Five days a week. The other two days I will be in clubs and festivals. Call me a freak!
How do you use your studio?
My studio is used only by myself to make original tracks, collaborations or remixes. I also invite singers to my house, so it often gets cosy in my house.
What is next on your shopping list studio-wise and why?
So much stuff to name! I’d have to limit it, because I just don’t have the space to put all that gear. Plus, it’s better to limit yourself and work on completely understanding every machine you own instead of collecting them. I have already been in that situation before.
One thing I would really love to add to the collection, in the future, is a Dave Smith OB-6.
And dear Santa, if you can deliver that vintage Minimoog Model D for Christmas, that’d be great. I have been a good boy!
Do you have any frustrations with your current set-up and why?
No frustrations. Happy boy.
What is your top piece of production advice?
Trust your ears and don’t send your productions to ten people for their advice. Everybody has a different opinion. Just believe in your work.
What is the one piece of advice you would give someone who is starting out building a studio?
Make sure you have a sweet spot for a coffee machine in your studio, or a couch. You are going to spend a lot of hours in there!
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