MattJohnsonskeyspace Opens Up His Groovy Studio Treasure Chest

Buckle up, synth junkies, ’cause Matt from MattJohnsonskeyspace kicks things off by navigating us through his legendary collection of studio gear. We’re talking an SSL xLogic summing mixer with that oh-so-desired bus compressor, which, as Matt says, “really glues tracks together.” Highlighted next, the Apogee Rosetta 800 shows off its historical chops, sticking around in Matt’s setup for over two decades. Riding above are the GML 8300 preamps, providing that high-fidelity magic that screams quality over quantity in preamp land. While Matt’s got a thing for top-tier toys, he mentions starting with basic gear and leveling up—a classic underdog story we can all vibe with.

Now, Matt’s taking us on a tour through his preamp wonderland, where the GML 8300 meets the Early Bird 2.2 Valve preamp in a funky battle of sonic spice. The GML is all about that clear, uncolored sound, perfect when you want transparency in your mix. But when warmth is on the menu, the Early Bird steps up, serving those vintage vibes without drowning in syrupy overtones. Matt’s got that real studio rat wisdom, saying for fast, tight tracks, ditch the valves—”valves slow down the transients.” It’s like knowing when to swap your skateboard for a sleek longboard; each tool has its ride.

Compressors get their fair share of spotlight, with Matt showing off his Hair Child and the indispensable Distressor. Sure, the Hair Child’s a charmer, applying a snug sonic hug just like a Fairchild, but it’s a flavor, not a default. He riffs about using it on the track “Earth’s Mysteries” for some heartfelt warmth. Enter the Distressor—a trusty mono knight, perfect for when Matt wants to flex some hardcore compression or squeeze in some distortion. Even more, the URI-1176 sits on the throne for almost all of Matt’s mono signals. “Once you find a setting that hits right, why mess with it?” is the motto he rides with, nudging us to discover that sweet spot and hold tight.

MattJohnson’s got a real soft spot for echoes and reverbs, and his gear proves it. From the beloved Roland Space Echo RE-201 serving up spring reverb with a dash of nostalgia, it’s a vintage dreamland. Although its echo capabilities are a bit worn, Matt just can’t resist that lo-fi shimmer it brings to the table, especially with the Clav—his go-to for that perfect combo of wah and spring. He’s also got a stash of quality mics each with their own flavor. Even when blunders happen, like zapping a Neumann U87 with phantom power, you can almost hear Matt chuckling it off as part of the game. It’s that kind of loose, giggling wisdom you get from years in the trenches.