The Midlife Synthesist Unleashes a Portable Powerhouse: MPC Live 3 + Astrolab 37

The MPC Live 3 gets a proper workout, and it doesn’t disappoint. The screen is more responsive than ever, making MIDI editing a breeze – no more laggy touchscreen tantrums. Multiple audio tracks mean you can layer up sounds without running out of space or patience. The Midlife Synthesist highlights how easy it is to jump between plug-in tracks, audio tracks, and presets, all without losing the creative thread.

He’s not shy about calling out what works: the piano presets are lush, and the organ VSTs are solid, but it’s the seamless integration with the Astrolab that really shines. Editing, recording, and tweaking happen at the speed of thought. If you’re the sort who hates menu-diving, this setup might just restore your faith in modern gear.

Covering ‘Fix You’ isn’t about slavishly copying the original – it’s about capturing the essence. The Midlife Synthesist zeroes in on three core sounds: a shimmering organ, that unmistakable guitar riff, and the right vocal FX. He grabs organ presets from the Astrolab, records guitar through an HX Stomp XL, and isn’t afraid to get hands-on with effects to mask the quirks of clip-based recording.

There’s a bit of real talk here: recording in clips can leave awkward silences, so he uses reverb, delay, and fades to smooth things out. It’s a reminder that even with top-tier gear, you’ve got to work smart to get pro results. The focus is always on the sound, not the gear flex.

Getting the emotional punch of ‘Fix You’ isn’t just about presets – it’s about performance. The Midlife Synthesist lays down live piano parts using the Astrolab as a MIDI controller, embracing the imperfections that come with playing in real time. He’s honest about the Astrolab’s keys – short travel, hard suspension, and a bit of clack – but it’s a price worth paying for a more human touch.

On the vocal front, he leans into the MPC’s onboard mic, stacking harmonies and using compressors, reverb, and delay to build that big, churchy vibe. Rather than relying on a vocal harmoniser, he records each harmony part by hand, chasing those little imperfections that make a chorus feel real. The 16 audio tracks on the MPC Live 3 are a game-changer here, letting him layer vocals without hitting a wall.

He even throws in some Astrolab choir presets for extra lift, doubling parts an octave up and experimenting with different chorus sounds. It’s a full-on production approach, but always with an ear for what serves the song, not just the gear.