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Amelie Lens's gear: the instruments behind their career

Amelie Lens is a defining figure in contemporary techno, known for a high-energy sound that blends dark, industrial aesthetics with minimalist precision. By integrating hardware samplers and synthesizers into her setup, she creates a visceral, rhythmically complex experience that sets her apart in the electronic music landscape.

Amelie Lens
Amelie Lens

Transition to Techno Mastery

Pivoting from a career in fashion to pursue an obsession with electronic music, Amelie Lens has become one of Belgium's most successful exports. Her rise to global stardom was fueled by a relentless dedication to the craft, culminating in the founding of her Lenske label and the Exhale residency. To manage her sophisticated studio productions, she utilizes Ableton Live 12 as her primary DAW, paired with an RME Fireface UFX audio interface to ensure high-fidelity signal routing for her dark, heavy-hitting compositions.

Performance and Monitoring

Lens is renowned for technical precision during her marathon sets at festivals like Tomorrowland and Awakenings. Her standard monitoring choice is the Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones, a staple for DJs requiring clear sound isolation in loud environments. At the heart of her performance rig is the Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2 mixer, which serves as the hub for her transition-heavy style. To add texture and manipulate her tracks in real-time, she frequently employs the Pioneer DJ RMX-1000 and the Pioneer DJ RMX-1000 Remix Station, allowing for the haunting vocal snippets and builds that define her sets.

Elektron Analog Four MKII
Elektron Analog Four MKII

Live Hardware Integration

To differentiate her sound from traditional DJing, Lens incorporates live hardware to add improvisational layers. The Roland AIRA TR-8 is a key component for generating industrial-leaning percussion, while the Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 and Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 Sampler allow her to trigger and manipulate samples on the fly. This setup ensures that her fast-tempo sets remain rhythmically complex and physically engaging for the audience.

Synthesizers and Sound Design

The minimalist and dark aesthetic of Lens's music is often rooted in powerful hardware synthesizers. She utilizes the Access Virus TI2 Desktop and the Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2 for rich, textured leads and basslines. For acid-inflected sequences, she relies on the Roland AIRA TB-3, Roland TB-3, and Pioneer AIRA TB-3. Additionally, the Elektron Analog Four and Novation Circuit contribute to the layered synths found in her productions, while the Elektron Octatrack DPS-1 serves as a versatile tool for sound manipulation.

MIDI and Control Interfaces

In the studio, Lens maintains tactile control over her digital environment through various MIDI controllers. She uses the M-Audio Axiom Pro 25 for melodic input and the Evolution UC-33e for parameter mapping. These tools allow her to maintain the technical precision required for her signature minimalist sound, ensuring her production workflow is as efficient as her stage presence is intense.

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Frequently asked questions

What headphones does Amelie Lens use?
She uses the **Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones** for her performances.
Which mixer is central to her DJ setup?
The **Pioneer DJ DJM-900NXS2** is her primary mixer.
How does Amelie Lens incorporate live drums into her sets?
She integrates the **Roland AIRA TR-8** to add live percussion and improvisational layers.
What software does she use for music production?
She uses **Ableton Live 12**.
Which sampler does she use for her techno performances?
She uses the **Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 Sampler** and **Pioneer Toraiz SP-16**.
What synthesizers are responsible for her acid techno sounds?
She uses the **Roland AIRA TB-3**, **Roland TB-3**, and **Pioneer AIRA TB-3**.
What audio interface does she use in her studio?
She uses the **RME Fireface UFX**.
Does Amelie Lens use any Elektron gear?
Yes, she uses the **Elektron Octatrack DPS-1** and the **Elektron Analog Four**.
Which MIDI keyboard does she use?
She uses the **M-Audio Axiom Pro 25**.
What effects units does she use to remix tracks live?
She uses the **Pioneer DJ RMX-1000** and **Pioneer DJ RMX-1000 Remix Station**.
What other synthesizers are in her gear list?
Her setup includes the **Access Virus TI2 Desktop**, **Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2**, and the **Novation Circuit**.
What MIDI controller does she use for parameter mixing?
She utilizes the **Evolution UC-33e**.

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