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  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps
  3. Digital Audio Workstation

Valentino Khan's favourite music software

News
By Ben Rogerson published 26 September 2016

The genre-hopping producer and Skrillex collaborator on his DAW and top plugins

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Mr Versatile

Mr Versatile

“Valentino Khan makes everything,” says the DJ/producer’s website, and one look at his CV confirms that he’s nothing if not versatile.

His production credits are impressive, having worked with the likes of B.o.B., T.I., Bruno Mars, 2 Chainz, Iggy Azalea, Tyga and Kid Sister. He’s also signed to Skrillex’s OWSLA label; in fact, the pair recently collaborated on Slam Dunk.

Throw in countless remixes and a successful DJing career, and Khan has all the hallmarks of a man who’ll be on the scene for many years to come. Right now, though, he’s here to tell you about the software that he favours when he’s in the studio...

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Apple Logic Pro X

Apple Logic Pro X

“I will preface all of this by saying that Logic is what I personally feel most comfortable with and there's no right or wrong software (or plugin) for anyone to use.

“Logic always has been my preferred software because it's so easy to manipulate MIDI, and I play 99% of my tracks in on a controller keyboard (even my drums). It's about what's best for the individual, though. If you can make your hottest beats banging on a trash can then stick with the trash can.”

Read Apple Logic Pro X review

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Xfer Records Serum

Xfer Records Serum

“I just love the versatility of Serum. It seems like it's really easy to make unique sounds from scratch - more so than in any other synth. I've always been a guy that was big on designing my own sounds instead of using presets or packs, so Serum is right up my alley.”

Read Xfer Records Serum review

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Native Instruments Massive

Native Instruments Massive

“There's just something classic about the sounds you can get with Massive. Everything just comes out so clean and precise and it's actually very useful for adding layers to other synths in your song.”

Read Native Instruments Massive review

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Camel Audio CamelCrusher

Camel Audio CamelCrusher

“I get really good distortion out of this plugin but it always ends up being really clean. It's the best of both worlds when you're looking for something in your face that can still sit nicely in your mixdown.”

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6

Nicky Romero Kickstart

Nicky Romero Kickstart

“I use this a bunch in my tracks. It really helps you to be really precise with sidechaining and getting your drums to cut through in your mixes.”

Find out more about Ricky Romero Kickstart

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson
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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. 

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“Entrance Song is a massive 808 sub and a 909 kick. Those two shouldn’t work together - I’m not sure they were even in key”: Eats Everything on his ever-changing approach to production and DJing
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