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
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
More
  • NAMM 2026: Rumours, predictions and live updates
  • Mad World
  • The Cure's "happy land"
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Tech
  2. Recording
  3. Studios

Me in my studio: Boddhi Satva

News
By Ben Rogerson published 17 September 2015

The founding father of 'ancestral soul' shows you his streamlined setup

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

Welcome

Welcome

Boddhi Satva describes his music as 'ancestral soul' - a fusion of soul, electronics and various African styles.

Resident in Belgium but born and raised in the Central African Republic, he returned to his native country in 2012 to begin production on his new album Transition.

“My father used to play a lot of jazz, soul, disco and, of course, African rhumba,” says Boddhi of his musical upbringing. “I was exposed to so many musical cultures from both my parents. Outside of the house I listened to soukouss, ndombolo, hip-hop and R&B.”

Sadly, Boddhi's father passed away within months of his visit, but Transition was created and released in tribute to him. It'll be available from 18 September and you can find out more on the Boddhi Satva website.

We asked Boddhi to photograph and describe his studio, which turns out to be surprisingly frugal…

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Studio

Studio

“My studio has always very minimalistic. In the beginning it was because of lack of money, but even to this day I realise that I'm maintaining this minimal but efficient way of working.

“I developed my sound and production skills with what I had and still enjoy working with the bare minimum. It forces me to be super creative.”

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Alesis iO2

Alesis iO2

“This iO2 is my audio interface of choice with which I've recorded all my projects. I'm thinking of upgrading soon as I'm about to add some gear to enhance the sound quality of my recordings.”

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Sennheiser headphones

Sennheiser headphones

“My all time favourite headphones to record and produce. A true classic that suits my needs.”

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Sennheiser MK4 microphone

Sennheiser MK4 microphone

“I'm a Sennheiser fan and this MK4 is no exception. It's great when it comes to my vocal sessions. Of course there's always better, but it works for me and I know how tweak what comes out of it.”

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Harman Kardon earplugs

Harman Kardon earplugs

“These small earplugs from Harman Kardon are my most reliable monitoring source when I want to know what my mix will sound like when finished. Don't underestimate them because of their size.”

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Backpack

Backpack

“TUMI is my go-to bag brand for my travels. I have been using this bad boy as my portable studio bag around the globe for 4 years now, and I've never had an issue.”

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Akai MPK mini

Akai MPK mini

“My best friend when travelling. It allows me to lay down all my ideas on the go - it's very efficient and complete.”

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
Social Links Navigation
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

Latest in Studios
, CA - December 09: John Mayer (right) and McG aka Joseph McGinty Nichol owners of Henson Studios give a tour of their recording and film studios on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 in , CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“I know just enough to let the other people do their jobs": John Mayer explains why he’s bought Henson studios
 
 
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro monitor
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor $120 off at Sweetwater this Cyber Weekend
 
 
Kraftwerk, German electronic band, during a concert, September 16, 1978. (Photo by Christian Rose/Roger Viollet via Getty Images)
I went to the Kraftwerk auction to buy their chairs, but came back with a studio's worth of gear instead
 
 
Echotown Studios Main Room
Echotown Studio: A world class recording studio in the stunning Dorset countryside
 
 
subterra
Music studio complex opens in former nuclear bunker in The Hague
 
 
Adrian Sherwood
Dub pioneer Adrian Sherwood on embracing AI and playing the studio like an instrument
 
 
Latest in News
Portrait of singer Richard Marx at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, May 28, 1988. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Richard Marx says he no longer cares about being labelled a balladeer rather than a rocker
 
 
Steve Lukather of Toto performs live on stage at 'Muziekcentrum Vredenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands, 26th September 1982
“All of these guys were behind the glass looking at me like, ‘You better bring it, kid’: Steve Lukather on his first solo for Toto
 
 
stylophone
Dubreq wants you to "sample the world" with the Stylophone Voice portable sampler
 
 
Josh Freese playing DW drums
“Any band graced with his presence was fortunate indeed”: Josh Freese to be given a Lifetime Achievement Award by DW
 
 
Squier Sonic Series: featuring mini-Stratocasters, single-humbucker Esquires and cult offsets too, the Fender-owned budget brand has made a big play for the beginner market in 2026
Squier unveils huge Sonic Series refresh – super-affordable, beginner and child-friendly versions of classic Fender models
 
 
Paper Craft Music Audio Equalizer on Beige Background Directly Above View
“It does not have the right to be on the top list”: Sweden bans AI-generated song from its charts
 
 

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
  • 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...