Voltage Labs: Altinbas’ No-Laptop Live Rig – An Aussie’s Dream Jam Box

Altinbas kicks things off with a big statement – ditching the laptop and Octatrack for a rig that’s all about being present and hands-on. This is pure, unfiltered live electronic music, the kind of setup that belongs out in a warehouse or under the gum trees, not buried behind a screen. Every move is a risk, and every beat is born in the moment. It’s not about perfection, it’s about riding the wild wave and seeing where you land.

You can feel the energy in the way Altinbas works – sequences written on the fly, melodies auditioned before they hit the groove, and zero reliance on safety nets. If you’ve ever fancied a jam session where one wrong move might send your groove into a spin, this is the rig for you. It’s the closest thing to a synthesiser bungee jump, and Voltage Labs captures the raw excitement perfectly.

Front and centre is the Arturia KeyStep Pro, running the whole circus like a true ringmaster. Altinbas uses it to control everything: modular, Evolver, Blofeld, and even sending sync to the Model Samples. It’s all about muscle memory and a familiar workflow – no faffing about in menus, just four sequencers and a keyboard to rule them all.

What really stands out is the immediacy. Sequencing happens in real time, and the KeyStep’s hands-on approach means any idea can be thrown straight into the fire. If you’re after a controller that thrives in the chaos of live performance, this little beauty is tougher than a croc at a sausage sizzle.

The Evolver gets a starring role for basslines and main themes, and Altinbas doesn’t hold back on the praise. It’s a techno machine through and through, with a sound that’s thick, warm, and ready to shake the subs. Sure, the matrix layout might trip up the uninitiated, but once you wrestle it into submission, it rewards you with a world of modulations and a seriously hefty tone.

If you’re chasing the fat, analog vibe and aren’t scared of a learning curve steeper than a Byron Bay surf break, the Evolver’s got your back. Altinbas makes it clear: this is no beginner’s box, but master it and you’ll be running the dancefloor in no time.

For the lush stuff – pads, chords, and those floaty bits that glue a set together – the Waldorf Blofeld is Altinbas’ weapon of choice. He’s been using it for yonks, and you can hear why: it’s equally at home with simple, quick ideas as it is with deep, layered textures. A bit like a swagman’s toolkit, it’s got something for every situation.

The Blofeld’s versatility means you can write music just as easily as you can disappear down a rabbit hole of sound design. Whether you’re after instant gratification or want to spend an arvo sculpting atmospheres, this synth delivers. And let’s be honest, some of these pads need to be heard, not described – do yourself a favour and check the video for the full sonic spread.