Deadmau5 is an EDM Producer and DJ. Deadmau5 is the 26th most popular EDM artist and has some crazy hits such as Strobe, Ghosts n Stuff, Faxing Berlin, and the list goes on.
If you are a fan of Deadmau5 and trying to follow in his footsteps, you should consider taking his masterclass. When I took it, I learned a lot of tips and techniques that were pretty new to me and was worth it.
After browsing through the internet and some YouTube videos, I have put together a list of Deadmau5’s Softwares, DAW, VST Plugins, and Gears. I have also written other articles on Martin Garrix DAW and Alan Walker’s DAW. If you like to take a look at all of them please check out the page called Artist.
Keep in mind that these are the list of plugins, software, and gear that he’s most recently seen using.
What DAW Does Deadmau5 Use?
Ableton
Deadmau5’s primary DAW is Ableton and it seems to be his first choice as well as other famous artists. Ableton is very versatile and a little different from FL Studio. If you are just starting out then Ableton has a free trial which you can download today and play around.
I did mention that Deadmau5’s primary DAW is Ableton but he also uses other DAWs to craft his art. So, the next few are some of his other DAWs.
Steinberg Cubase
Even though Ableton is his primary DAW, Deadmau5 uses Cubase for playing live gigs. Honestly, I was very surprised to find that out mainly because the DJs usually use Ableton Live. Now I know, either way, Cubase was my first favorite Software.
In a live stream on YouTube, you can see Deadmau5 using Cubase.
Live Stream Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqhVzuCapW4
Bitwig Studio
Not a big surprise but Deadmau5 does like to use multiple DAWs and tools to create sounds. Deadmau5 likes to use Bitwig Studios as it has the ability to manipulate VST parameters/controls. The versatility and ability to control makes Bitwig studio stand out as compared to other famous DAWs.
Below is the video where he talks about it.
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools are on top when it comes to major studios and producers, Deadmau5 has been talking about using Pro Tools for his music. He referenced it on a tweet and multiple videos.
Pro Tools is great when it and has a ton of great features from writing MIDI to recording and achieving complex sounds. The only drawback is the price, as it is on the expensive side for most home producers. Though there is a free version if you would like to try it.
Protools 9… open source? wait… what the hell is going on here… i can use my own soundcard? what the hell…… http://fb.me/BfmiOGap
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) November 5, 2010
What VST & Plugins Does Deadmau5 Use?
Deadmau5 probably uses 100s of plugins and VSTs to make his hits but below are some of the most known ones from Deadmau5. Especially in his masterclass, you can see him utilize most of these plugins.
Xfer Serum
Serum is one of the most powerful Synth out there that always lives up to its standard. Deadmau5 is an EDM focused artist and even default Serum presets sounds amazing for EDM.
In the below video, you can see at 4:10
Lennar Digital – Sylenth1
From Martin Garrix to Deadmau5, everybody has this in their tool kit and this is one of the industry-standard VST Synth that does a great job. Sylent1 comes with great presets by default but what makes it special is the wonderful presets available online for Sylenth1.
Deadmau5 tweeted about his usage of Sylenth1.
I used a pirated copy of sylenth on my last 4 albums. #TrueReveal
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) August 13, 2013
Spectrasonics – Omnisphere
Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere is one of the best extensive Synth out there, even to browse them all took me days. Though it can be pretty heavy on the CPU the sounds are just mind-blowing. You can literally use Omnisphere to create any type of sound.
Oh my! Nice instant sound pack here! Even RTAS, epic! @Spectrasonics #acromau5 https://t.co/4fTQ7xNpZR
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) May 6, 2016
Native Instruments – Reaktor
Reaktor is a great tool to kit that can help you build custom synth, sampler and effects. Reaktor is a perfect sound design tool. Deadmau5 has been seen using Reaktor on multiple live stream of his.
Sausage Fattener Plugin
Another plugin Deadmau5 uses is the famous Sausage Fattener which literally makes the track fat. Deadmau5 used it on his live stream also tweeted about it. I couldn’t find the live stream nor the tweet, when I do I will link them down.
Xfer Records OTT Compressor
OTT COmpressor is a really powerful plugin when it comes to mastering. During a live stream on twitch, Deadmau5 used these on his master channel along with L2 Ultramaximizer.
Native Instruments Massive Synth
Massive Synth is a monstrous virtual analog synth. If you are into EDM, Power House, Bass, then this is a must-have. According to Native Instruments:- “The synth that defined bass music, this powerhouse synthesizer is an uncompromising sonic monster and the go-to choice for bass music and electro producers. “
Above video around 1:34 , you can see him working on Massive.
2CAudio – Aether Reverb Plugin
2CAudio’s Aether Reverb plugin is an industry-standard self-modulating algorithmic reverb. It looks complicated but if you know how to use an algorithmic reverb then you will love this. Deadmau5 tweeted about what he thinks of it.
2c audio’s “aetherverb” is one of the better reverbs out there.
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) July 19, 2015
Arturia Minimoog Mini V Software Synthesizer
A pretty vintage looking and sounding synth by Arturia. They have recreated a vintage synth that has a great feel to it. The 70s sounding synth is been used by Deadmau5.
FabFilter – Saturn Saturation Plugin
Everybody has an only good things to say about FabFilter plugins. I have seen many FabFilter Plugins that Deadmau5 uses. So I think it’s safe to assume that Deadmau5 probably has the bundle of FabFilter.
Below is a tweet where he talks about it.
oh hmmm http://t.co/PF5hHShsjM this is new to me… @fabfilter will toss it in the cart n give it a whirl!
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) September 29, 2014
Waves – R360 Surround Reverb
Waves plugins are one of my go-to tools when it comes to sound design. Their bundle is mind-blowing and each of their plugins is perfect for what they are made of. Waves R360 Surround Reverb produces rich reverb sounds that can be used in any of your styles.
Deadmau5 posted this video on Instagram where the R360 can be seen.
View this post on Instagram
Waves – H-Delay Plugin
H-Delay is one of my favorite delay plugins and it’s super cool to use. I personally use these on Vocals as they sound amazing on it. Deadmau5 can be seen using it on his live stream below at 1:06:00.
Waves – CLA Vocals
Waves CLA Vocals gives you control over Reverb, Bass, Treble, Compression, and Pitch all at once. Your tracks can sometimes get pretty loud and the vocal might sound like it’s buried under but a plugin like CLA Vocals can get it sounding perfect where you want it.
This plugin is more powerful than you think, I am also assuming he’s got the Waves Bundle which comes with all of these plugins.
What Piano Does Deadmau5 Use?
Deadmau5 uses Steinway D piano and has it set up in a really creative way. He has set configured the piano in a way that receives the MIDI output from his computer and automatically plays. When the piano is set up this way, it’s easy to get the signal back to your computer to use them on your songs. The possibilities are endless.
This piano looks and sounds luxurious, you can also check this out on their official website if you are interested. If you are still curious to know how this actually sounds then watch the video below:
What Headphones Does Deadmau5 Use?
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What Keyboard & Synth Does Deadmau5 Use?
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DJ Setup of Deadmau5
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