Talking Shop: Mike Schommer

The Detroit dub techno master talks gear

After rising to prominence in ’90s as co-founder of lauded dub techno label Deepchord, Mike Schommer took a 15-year hiatus. When we heard of his recent return to studio life, we asked him what’s changed since then. FM: What DAW are you using? “When I first experimented with the use of a computer DAW instead of my analogue machines in the early 00s I absolutely hated it. I wasted many days working with buggy software on computers that didn’t have enough processing power. All I wanted to do was stack 12 reverbs and six delays on a chord hit. Was I asking too much?

“I got so frustrated that I vowed to never use a computer again. After 20 years of struggling, criticising and denials I’ve finally accepted the fact that there can be a healthy balance between hardware and software in today’s studio. When I use a DAW, I usually go to Ableton Live and pair it with a Push controller or something. Nothing too exciting.”

What’s the latest studio addition?

“I recently built a small custom plate reverb that I’m enjoying. It’s one-of-a-kind and has some very unique sonic qualities that couldn’t be easily reproduced. When it’s not in use, I hang it on the wall – people often mistake it for modern art.”

What dream bit of gear would you love to have in your studio?

“A Fairlight CMI Series or II with the waveform drawing capability. Probably the IIx, since it has MIDI and it’s 8-bit. There’s one on eBay right now, and I find my mouse hovering over the Buy Now button.”