Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Heart of Gold
  • Vince Clarke's favourite synth
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • The Beatles' medley masterpiece
  1. Tech
  2. Synths

Me in my studio: Chris Carrier

News
By Simon Arblaster published 23 May 2019

Step inside the inner sanctum of renowned French DJ/producer

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

French DJ and Producer, Chris Carrier, has been filling dancefloors since releasing his debut EP back in 1994.

In the nineties, his Chronobrain label was a cornerstone of the French techno scene, with co-owner and mentor Guillaume la Tortue.

Over the last 20 years, Carrier has spanned a multitude of different labels, genres, and collaborations, garnering a vast worldwide following and respect for his skills as a DJ and producer.

So when the opportunity arose to take a peek inside his studio and check out the gear behind his productions, of course, we couldn't resist.

His current release, Mouche Vol. 1 (ft. Chris Carrier, Merv, TM Shuffle + more), is out now via Mouche and you can keep up with Chris Carrier on Facebook and Soundcloud.

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Roland TR-909

Roland TR-909

"This classic drum machine from Roland was created in 1984 and has never been equalled since. 

"I have had several since the '90s and this one I traded for an MPC 60 Akai 10 years ago. It works very well and I have use it from the beginning on many projects. 

"Over the last few years I have created a techno label called Sound Carrier where the tracks always come from here. I use this a lot, including effects like the Eventide H3000, the DP4 Ensoniq or on modules like the Multi-Delay Processor Verbos. Also, the filters and LFO modular still give off a modern sound."

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Toft ATB-08M

Toft ATB-08M

"This is an 8-Channel analog console, and the legacy of the Trident 80 series. I've been using it for some time; the sound is hot and it is patched to a Neutrik Bantam. 

"The 4-band EQs are the big highlight of this table, the same as on the Trident models. The only problem with this mixer is that it cracks quickly so it must be cleaned often. Other than that, a great piece of kit." 

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Roland TB-303

Roland TB-303

"Still a classic from Roland, this one is so often a feature of my music. The first (version) has a look identical to the TB-303. So it's very good for acid lines especially. I use it with this sequencer and also with MIDI, and I bought it 50 francs (less than €10) back in the early '90s in a store called Nation Music.

"I still remember, there was a box there filled with TB-303s and TR-606s which nobody had anything to do except artists like Thomas Bangalter (Daft Punk), Laurent Garnier and Ludovic Navarre (St Germain). Amazing!"

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Oberheim Matrix 1000

Oberheim Matrix 1000

"This is a small expander Oberheim with 1000 presets. It was rather difficult to edit with the Access control, though. Since Stereoping has released one it is easier to control. It works very well, and there are two models; a little the 1016r I have and a new Matrix 1000/6 /6R taller. I use it generally for the pads which give off a big sound. Indeed, I used it for my EP on Mouche Records while going through a modular filter."

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
ASQ10 Akai Roger Linn

ASQ10 Akai Roger Linn

"The ASQ10 from Akai is my favorite sequencer and is rather rare as it's the sequencer of the MPC 60.

"The groove from this is amazing; it can serve as a central sequencer in a configure. I used it for a long time with several Emulator samplers, on the labels Chronobrain, Taka, Combustible that I had with Guillaume La Tortue and still on my last album on Slapfunk."

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Simon Arblaster
Simon Arblaster
Social Links Navigation
Video Producer & Reviews Editor

I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.

Read more
deadmau5
Synths “I have severe Gear Acquisition Syndrome”: Deadmau5 shows off his insane synth collection
 
 
Secret Cinema delivers a techno masterclass in the studio
Tech "Record everything all the time – and keep it all": 8 pro techno producers explain how they create their tracks
 
 
Vince Clarke
Artists “I bought one in 1984 – I'm looking at it now": Vince Clarke reveals his favourite synth of all time
 
 
Hammer track from scratch
Tech 5 production tips we learned from watching house producer Hammer create a track from scratch
 
 
jasper tygner
Artists "There's something about it that you just don't get with soft synths": Jasper Tygner on why he loves his Moog Grandmother
 
 
British New Wave & Pop musician Howard Jones plays keyboards as he performs onstage at Forest Hills Stadium, Queens, New York, August 3, 1984. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
Artists "It will always be my favourite”: Howard Jones takes you on a tour of the synth he’s owned since 1983
 
 
Latest in Synths
Close up of Musician Hands Playing Synthesizer Keyboard in Neon Lighting. Artist Producing Music in Home Studio, Recording Audio with Professional Equipment. Creative Arts and Hobby Concept.
Gigs & Festivals Audience member steps in for ailing keyboard player during a live orchestral showing of La La Land
 
 
Vince Clarke
Artists “I bought one in 1984 – I'm looking at it now": Vince Clarke reveals his favourite synth of all time
 
 
Arturia Memory V synth plugin
Tech Arturia Memory V “resurrects the analogue majesty of the Memorymoog with breathtaking authenticity”
 
 
behringer
Tech Behringer "leak" reveals 14 unreleased products, including E-mu SP-1200, Yamaha CS-80, EMS VCS 3 and Korg Mini-Pops 7 clones
 
 
Portrait taken on September 13, 1982 shows British singer and drummer Phil Collins. Phil Collins combined his career as a drummer and singer with the band Genesis and a successful solo career.
Artists Phil Collins says that he gave away his Roland CR-78 then had to ask for it back
 
 
Superbooth 2026
Tech Stochastic sequences to a ‘render farm’ of drums: 8 great Eurorack releases from Superbooth 2026
 
 
Latest in News
(L-R) Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at the LA28 Olympic Handover Celebration
Artists Red Hot Chili Peppers, Extreme and Weezer all confirmed for Stage Tour, the Guitar Hero successor game
 
 
 The British band The Cure during a performance at the Parc del Forum in Barcelona, on 5 June 2026, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The band led by singer Robert Smith kicks off their festival tour this summer with this concert
Singles And Albums “The next one is more dismal, but the third one is really upbeat”: Robert Smith outlines the next two Cure albums
 
 
Indio, Ca– French duo Daft Punk performs at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Saturday night, April 29 2006.
Artists Thomas Bangalter reveals Daft Punk's extreme preparation for the heat of their iconic 2006 Coachella set
 
 
RHCP
Recording "The more you look at it like some tech-boy producer, the less you get it": 5 great songs with questionable mixes
 
 
Electro-Harmonix Pico Shimmer
Guitars EHX expands Pico series with a "cosmic reverb" for soundscape generation and otherworldly guitar tone
 
 
Anika Nilles of band Rush plays the drums at the KIA Forum on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Inglewood, CA
Drummers “The perfect choice for this!”: Mike Portnoy praises Anika Nilles’ performance at Rush comeback gig
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...