Exploring the Electronics Behind Ben Ruppel’s ‘Midi Masterpiece’

 Exploring the Electronics Behind Ben Ruppel’s ‘Midi Masterpiece’ 

At Hustle and Grind, we normally focus on electronics reviews. What makes this post unique is that we had the incredible opportunity to dive into the technology that our very own Hustle and Grind founder, Ben Ruppel, used to create his latest album, ‘Midi Masterpiece.’ This all-instrumental album, spanning tracks recorded from 2020 to 2025, is a return to Ben’s original vision in audio recording and production. 

In this deep dive, we’ll explore the hardware and software that powered this project, uncovering the synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, keyboards, and software plugins that brought ‘Midi Masterpiece’ to life. 

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A Journey Back to the Beginning 

For Ben, ‘Midi Masterpiece’ is more than just an album—it’s a full-circle moment. The decision to make it instrumental-only reflects his roots in electronic music production, allowing the focus to remain on the textures, rhythms, and melodies that he meticulously crafted. 

“While the album cover would indicate that all I did was plug a MIDI keyboard into my computer and record the ‘Midi Masterpiece’ that way, I actually recorded the album a variety of different ways depending on what the track required and what instruments and software I had on hand at the time.” – Ben Ruppel 

This blend of traditional and modern electronic production techniques makes ‘Midi Masterpiece’ a technological showcase as much as a musical one. 

Hardware Used in Recording “Midi Masterpiece” 

In order to shape the sonic landscape of the Album, Ben involved an impressive lineup of synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, keyboards, audio interfaces, and mixers. Each piece of hardware played a crucial role in shaping the sonic identity of the album. 

Synthesizers: The Backbone of the Sound 

  • Novation Mininova Vocoder Synth – A powerful, compact synth offering rich sounds and vocoder capabilities. 

  • Korg Volca FM – A digital FM synth known for its versatility and warm tones. 

  • Liven XFM – A hybrid FM synth, providing deep sound design possibilities. 

Audio Samplers: Bringing in Unique Textures 

  • Korg Volca Sample – A small but mighty sampler for crafting custom beats and loops. 

  • Roland MC-101 – A groovebox with professional sound processing and sequencing features. 

  • Roland Aira Compact P-6 – Used primarily for drums, adding dynamic percussive elements to the album. 

Drum Machine: Crafting the Rhythms 

· The Akai XR-20 was a key component in shaping the percussion and rhythmic foundation of the album, offering a mix of hip-hop, electronic, and industrial drum sounds. 

Keyboards & MIDI Controllers 

  • Casio CTK-2550 Keyboard – A solid keyboard used for melodic composition. 

  • Donner N-32 MIDI Keyboard – A compact controller that allowed for flexible recording sessions. 

Audio Interface: Connecting It All Together 

· To ensure high-quality audio recording and processing, Ben used the Behringer UMC 1820 audio interface, providing multiple inputs for synthesizers and instruments. 

Audio Mixers: The Final Touches 

To balance and refine the sounds, Ben used: 

  • Mackie 10-Channel Pro FX Mixer – A powerful mixer with built-in effects. 

  • Pyle 10-Channel Mini Bluetooth Line Mixer – A compact solution for integrating multiple sound sources. 

The Devices Used for the Album 

1. Computers 

Ben used two different computers to handle the processing power required for the album: 

  • Refurbished Apple MacBook Air – Used for production and Fl Studio. 

  • Razer Blade Stealth 15 (2019) – A high-performance laptop for FL Studio and sound design. 

2. iPad Integration 

The Apple iPad 9th Generation was used for on-the-go production and experimentation with GarageBand. 

The Software Powering ‘Midi Masterpiece’ 

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Ben didn’t just rely on hardware—software played a crucial role in sculpting the sound of Midi Masterpiece. 

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) 

  • FL Studio – The primary DAW used for the majority of the album’s production. 

  • Apple GarageBand for iPad – Provided a mobile-friendly platform for quick ideas and experimentation. 

Plugins & Effects 

  • Flex (FL Studio Stock Soft Synth) – Heavily used for crafting immersive synth sounds. 

  • Synthmaster 2 Player – A free yet powerful plugin used notably on the track “Moving On.” 

  • Cableguys Halftime Effect Plugin – Added creative time-stretching effects. 

“Some of the tracks were in fact recorded using just a MIDI keyboard and a computer in FL Studio. In addition, sometimes I used a MIDI keyboard with FL Studio and various soft synths for synth and hardware instruments, such as the Roland Aira Compact P-6, for drums. The most used plugin was Flex, which is a relatively new stock soft synth in FL Studio. I also used Synthmaster 2 Player, which is a great free version of the Synthmaster 2 plugin, on the track ‘Moving On,’ the second track on the album.” - Ben Ruppel 

The Return to an Original Vision 

Beyond just the tech, Midi Masterpiece represents a significant artistic moment for Ben Ruppel. The all-instrumental nature of the album ties back to his roots in electronic music production, reaffirming his dedication to pure, expressive sound design. Each track serves as a testament to his evolution as a producer while staying true to his initial passion for electronic music. 

Where to Listen 

Midi Masterpiece is available for streaming on: 

  • YouTube Music 

  • Spotify 

  • Apple Music 

  • Deezer 

For direct streaming links, visit benruppel.com/midi-masterpiece. 

Final Thoughts: A True Electronic ‘Masterpiece’ 

‘Midi Masterpiece’ isn’t just an album—it’s a testament to Ben Ruppel’s evolution as a producer and his ability to blend hardware and software seamlessly. The combination of vintage and modern synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, and digital tools resulted in a project that stands out in the world of instrumental electronic music. 

For fans of electronic production, synthesizers, and digital audio workstations, this album is a must-listen. Whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration or a tech enthusiast fascinated by the tools of music creation, ‘Midi Masterpiece’ offers something for everyone. 

Be sure to check it out, and let us know which tracks stand out to you! 

Written by Amnah Riaz, who is available for hire on Upwork here:

https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01b109652974608822

 

 

 

 

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