Welcome to Studio Favorites, a series where we invite artists to share the tools, plugins, and gear that shape their sound.

This time, we’re featuring object blue — a London-based producer, DJ, and NTS resident whose boundary-pushing approach to electronic music blends club energy with avant-garde experimentation. With releases on TT, Nervous Horizon, Silk, and Anba, and collaborations with artists like TSVI, Loraine James, and Yaeji, object blue has carved out a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking voices in contemporary dance music.

Here are the studio essentials she relies on.

Max for Live LFO Modulator

“I map device parameters onto this to create ever-changing sounds, both gradual and sudden. It keeps sounds fresh instead of them sinking into repetitiveness.”

A deceptively simple but endlessly powerful tool, the LFO Modulator in Max for Live brings constant evolution to object blue’s productions. By automating parameters in unexpected ways, it keeps textures alive and avoids static loops.

Mood Reel Pack by Ableton

“A few of the presets have been on heavy rotation. ‘Ship Noise Kit,’ for example, is tagged as sound effects but I layer it behind drums; it gives so much depth and fullness.”

The Mood Reel sound pack for Ableton offers rich, cinematic textures and tonal kits. For object blue, it’s not just for atmospheres — repurposing sounds like “Ship Noise Kit” behind percussion adds depth and dimension to her rhythms.

Opal by Fors

“I made some of my favourite sounds ever by plugging samples into this effector-sequencer. Great sound design capability, and the sequencer lets you build longer SFX loops.”

Fors’ Opal combines sequencing and sound manipulation in a unique way, letting object blue transform samples into intricate, evolving soundscapes. It’s become one of her favorite tools for sound design and SFX layering.

Massive X by Native Instruments

“Probably half my catalogue exists because of this versatile synth. Lead synths, percussion, ambience, foley... I’ve made so many elements with it. Thank you Native Instruments.”

From basslines to atmospheric textures, Massive X is one of object blue’s core tools. Its versatility and depth have made it indispensable in her catalogue, powering countless sounds across her releases.

Michael Norris’ Spectral Dronemaker

“The other half of my catalogue could be attributed to the Spectral pack by Michael Norris. Recently I’ve been slapping this onto the master channel, exporting the audio, and using it as a backdrop for the track.”

The Spectral Dronemaker, part of Michael Norris’ Spectral plug-in suite, is a cult-favorite among experimental producers. object blue uses it to create lush, evolving backdrops, even processing entire tracks into new sonic layers.

Follow object blue on Echio to explore her mentorship, request feedback on your music, and learn more about her creative process.