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. Software & Apps

Oliver Nelson's favourite music software

News
By Computer Music ( Computer Music ) published 15 June 2016

The Swedish house and nu-disco maestro likes his plugins to sound like real instruments

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

Ableton Live

Ableton Live

“My first DAW was Reason; I think it’s a great program to learn how to make electronic music. In the early days, it did have its limitations, which is maybe why I switched over to Ableton. Like Reason, it’s so easy to understand – you look at the screen and it all makes sense. Nothing is hidden away in a dark corner. That means you’re spending less time trying to find out how your DAW works and more time making music.”

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
AAS Chromaphone 2

AAS Chromaphone 2

“It’s a VST… a synthesizer… but it’s used for making organic sounds - things like marimbas and xylophones. But then you can take those realistic sounds and turn them inside out, back to front, and add them together in crazy ways.

"When I first heard it, it completely blew my mind. It’s the perfect blend of human and machine.”

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
Arturia Minimoog V

Arturia Minimoog V

“I’ve maybe been a little dishonest including the Minimoog - I always use the Moog for basslines, but it’s usually a combination of VST layers and my hardware Sub 37.

"There are so many basses out there, but for me, you can’t beat that signature Moog sound.”

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
FabFilter Pro-Q 2

FabFilter Pro-Q 2

“Ableton is a great program; things like the Drum Rack have become part of my everyday life. But when it comes to EQ, I think you have to let your ears take control.

"I can’t sit here and say that the reason I use Pro-Q 2 is because it’s better than anything on Ableton, but my ears just seem to be more accustomed to the sound. It talks to my ears!”

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
Cakewalk CA-2A

Cakewalk CA-2A

“I believe this is an emulation of the great LA-2A, and it gets used on everything. If you look at my mixes, you’ll see one of these on almost every track.

"Some people say ‘How can one compressor suit every sound?’ but that’s how I’ve worked from the beginning and it’s what I’m comfortable with. Why go searching for an answer to a problem if there isn’t actually a problem?!”

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
Computer Music
Computer Music
Social Links Navigation

Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
More Info
Latest in Software & Apps
Roland CR-78 plugin
I can go for that: Roland releases an official plugin version of the CR-78 drum machine
 
 
Apple Creator Studio Logic Pro
Apple explains its use of AI in Logic Pro, and why MIDI is still the bedrock of its Session Players
 
 
fender
PreSonus Studio One Pro is dead, long live Fender Studio Pro: Fender launches “music production ecosystem” with rebranded DAW, interfaces and new controller
 
 
Apple Creator Studio Logic Pro
Apple expands Logic Pro’s AI features with a Synth Player and a “personal music theory expert”
 
 
Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio
“A one-stop shop for almost everything a guitarist might need”: Universal Audio Paradise Guitar Studio review
 
 
LANDR acquires Reason Studios
“This isn’t about changing Reason, it’s about giving it room to grow”: Reason acquired by AI specialist LANDR
 
 
Latest in News
Live gig crowd
Annual Music Venue Trust report reveals sector is “fragile” and “one shock away from a crisis”
 
 
Casio DN-SE10 Dimension Shifter: this ground-breaking device allows guitar players to control their effects via their guitar strap.
“It transforms how a guitarist commands the stage”: Casio’s Dimension Shift lets you control effects with your strap
 
 
Ed Sheeran with his new PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash Hollowbody Baritone Piezo, a limited edition signature guitar featuring his own original artwork.
PRS and Ed Sheeran team up for SE Hollowbody Piezo Baritone featuring pop superstar’s own artwork
 
 
Warm Audio Fluff Drive: the new signature overdrive for Ryan 'Fluff' Bruce is a five-knob pedal finished in white and Teal.
“I wanted to fix every issue I’ve ever had dialling in metal tones on similar pedals or even the original”: Warm Audio has just made Ryan ‘Fluff’ Bruce its first ever signature pedal and he explains why, yes, the world needs another overdrive
 
 
 Rob Hirst, of the group Midnight Oil, plays drums as he performs in front of the Exxon Building (at Sixth Avenue & 50th Street), New York, New York, May 30, 1990
“He had a massive impact on Australian culture”: Tributes paid to Midnight Oil founder Rob Hirst
 
 
Eric Clapton (left) performs on stage as guest guitarist with Roger Waters (right) on Waters' 'Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking' tour, Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 19th June 1984
“He was a bit resentful”: Old colleague of Pink Floyd spills the beans on his relationship with band members
 
 

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...