Who are you and what do you do?

I'm Lars Behrenroth, and I produce and remix for labels like Liebe*Detail, Freerange, Compost, Sonar Kollektiv, Atjazz Record Company, and many more. I also have a weekly radio show (going into its 10th year) named Deeper Shades of House, and a record label called Deeper Shades Recordings.

What hardware are you using?

For production, the hardware has been reduced to my iMac i7 2.93 GHz, an NI Audio Kontrol 1 audio interface, an NI Kore controller, and a Kurzweil K1000 keyboard. My monitor speakers are the passive KRK K-Rok. I don't like them because the bottom end is missing, so a new monitor system is due very soon. I also produce on the road using my MacBook Pro 13" with a Korg nanoKEY controller and the Kore controller. Plus my trusted Sony MDR-7506 headphones.

My DJ Hardware is as follows: 2 Technics SL-1200 MKII, 2 Pioneer CDJ-800, 1 Pioneer EFX-500, Vestax R-1 DJ Mixer (LOVE THIS THING) with 2 Electrix EQ Killers for better frequency control, a MacBook Pro 13" with Traktor Scratch Pro, Kontrol X1, Audio 8 soundcard, and Sony MDR-7506 headphones.

Why do you love the R-1 so much?

It's heavy; it weighs more than a 1200 I believe. At least it feels like it. The rotaries have beautiful torque. When riding a mix, they feel so nice in your hands, plus you won't turn them all the way by accident. A really nice physical connection to the music. And of course the sound. When I purchased this mixer I considered a Rane MP 2016, and the classic Bozak or UREI. Somehow still wanting something brand new and more affordable in comparison, the choice narrowed down to the Vestax R-1 and a Rane. My friend Wayne had an R-1 which he'd bring out to some parties we played and it was always ace sound. Never distorting when you're in the red, more of a saturation which adds richness to what comes out in the end. As you can tell, I'm really happy with this mixer. There's still one or two available on clearance out there. Look for it!

What software are you using?

For production: Logic 9, NI Komplete 7, Korg Legacy, Rob Papen Albino 3 For radio show recording and voice overs: Bias Peak Pro 6, Logic 9 For the live show broadcast: Ustream Producer For my website's pre-production and CMS: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, Joomla

What would be your dream setup?

Besides my shitty monitors, I'm very content and happy with my setup!

Any production tips & tricks or advice you'd like to share?

I would if I could sort my brain. I just go with the flow and do what comes to mind each time I DJ or produce, so it's hard to put together in a few sentences.

Where can we find you on the web?

Lars Behrenroth / SoundCloud / Facebook / Twitter /