Mad Zach 38 posts 0 comments

Mad Zach emerges from tour mode to check out one of the more interesting standalone production tools released recently: the Akai MPC Live. Wondering what a real producer with years of MPC history thinks of this touchscreen-centric…

Last September, Native Instruments introduced the Maschine Jam, a complementary step sequencing, mixing, and arranging controller to the Maschine software. We asked Mad Zach to take a deep exploration of the new control surface and share…

One of the best things about having outboard gear in a studio is being able to step away from the computer and focus more on your ears, and the moment. It just so happens that the hardware often sounds great as well. That's why so much…

Enter the Seaboard RISE, an exciting new take on the piano-based MIDI controller which – for the first time in a while – brings us a truly new input mechanism. At first glance it doesn’t look like much, an elegant black rectangle which…

Mad Zach is back with another new video from his studio. This one takes a closer look at the brand new slicing features in the upcoming Ableton Live 9.7. Being able to quickly chop up a sample based on transients unlocks some powerful new…

Sampling from old records can be a great way to get inspiration from generations and times past. Vinyl is also a great source of analog tone to craft, mangle, and tune. In this quick tutorial, Mad Zach shares his techniques for building a…

Incorporating a performative element into a DJ set or live show is more popular than ever. For many producers and DJs, adding a finger drumming routine might seem challenging, but with a bit of practice it can quickly become the most…

At the crossroads of DJing and production lies the evolving role of the live producer/performer. Not truly a DJ, but more than a producer, it begs the question – what does "playing live" mean in this day and age? It's a personal decision -…