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Mick Gordon's gear: the instruments behind their career
Mick Gordon is a versatile video game composer and sound designer whose work spans Industrial Metal, Electronic, and Stage & Screen genres. His sound is defined by a hybrid approach, blending high-gain extended-range guitars with complex digital synthesis and analogue signal processing.
Composition and DAWs
As a central figure in modern video game scoring, Gordon utilizes several Digital Audio Workstations to manage complex arrangements. He is known to use Image-Line FL Studio as well as Image-Line FL Studio 2026 for their sequencing capabilities. Additionally, his workflow incorporates Ableton Live and Ableton Live 12, which facilitate the real-time sound design and manipulation required for his dynamic soundtracks.
Extended-Range Guitars
To achieve the low-tuned, aggressive tones synonymous with his Industrial Metal work, Gordon employs specialized extended-range instruments. He utilizes the Schecter Damien 9, providing a massive tonal range for deep rhythmic textures. He also incorporates the Mayones Regius 8, an 8-string guitar known for the clarity and stability necessary when performing heavily processed, downtuned riffs.
Digital Synthesis and Sampling
Gordon's Electronic and Non-Music textures often begin within powerful software synthesisers. He uses Image-Line Harmor for additive synthesis and Xfer Records Serum 2 for wavetable manipulation. These tools allow him to craft unique sonic signatures from scratch. For sample-based work and realistic instrumentation, he integrates Native Instruments Kontakt 8 into his software environment.
Signal Processing and Effects
The 'industrial' character of Gordon's work is largely the result of his outboard and digital processing chain. He uses the Fractal Axe-Fx II for comprehensive amp modelling and effects. For harmonic distortion and saturation, he employs the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone, the Dunlop Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face, and the Darkglass Electronics Alpha Omega Ultra. More experimental textures are achieved through the Moogerfooger MF-107 FreqBox, the Retro Mechanical Labs 432K, and even the small-scale saturation of the Danelectro Honeytone N-10 amp.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is Mick Gordon's primary profession?
- He is an active video game composer, sound designer, music producer, and audio engineer.
- Which 9-string guitar does Mick Gordon use?
- He uses the **Schecter Damien 9**.
- What software does he use for wavetable synthesis?
- Gordon utilizes **Xfer Records Serum 2**.
- Does Mick Gordon use standard distortion pedals?
- Yes, he uses the **Boss MT-2 Metal Zone** and the **Darkglass Electronics Alpha Omega Ultra**.
- What digital audio workstations are in his setup?
- He uses **Image-Line FL Studio** (including **FL Studio 2026**) and **Ableton Live** (including **Ableton Live 12**).
- Which 8-string guitar is part of his collection?
- He uses the **Mayones Regius 8**.
- Does he use any Moog equipment?
- Yes, he uses the **Moogerfooger MF-107 FreqBox** for signal processing.
- What sampler software does he employ?
- He uses **Native Instruments Kontakt 8**.
- Does Mick Gordon use any vintage-style fuzz effects?
- Yes, he uses the **Dunlop Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face**.
- What amp modeller is part of his gear list?
- He uses the **Fractal Axe-Fx II** for various effects and amp tones.
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