Hi, I'm Idir Derdiche, Keyboardist of Dub Inc since 2006, Beatmaker. With DUB INCwe alternate between studio and touring periods for many years. In the world of reggae we have worked with a lot of people (in the studio), both in France and internationally. From Busy Signal, Capleton, Morgan Heritage to Danakil / Tairo, Naaman lately, the list is very long. In DUB INC, I am one of the two keyboards and I also manage the backtracks part.
Since we are independent, we all touch everything. The artistic direction, the studio/live arrangements. We decide everything, all together! From the album cover to the t-shirt design. As far as the live version is concerned, the arrangements are done by everyone. We try to give a more dynamic version for our live versions with arrangements that will emphasize the vibe of the song. We often arrange songs in medleys, because after 8 albums there are a lot of songs to play. Medleys allow us to please everyone.
As for my setup with DUB INC, it is quite consistent. It consists of 4 keyboards and 2 computers. It is the space shuttle lol I have 2 KORG KRONOS 2, 1 MOOG Subsequent, an ARTURIA Keylab Essential, a Theremin, 2 Macbook pro 16 inches, 2 Motu 828X, 1 Mio XL, a mixer, a multi effect and of course the LIOBOX. The 2 Kronos will play everything that is organs / strings / Piano, Pads etc The Keylab drives Ableton to launch samples and play some VSTs. It's a mega complete keyboard controller, you have everything at hand to control the DAW.
The Moog is there to send abysmal bass! It's a sound like no other. I double a lot of bass lines during the show. The Theremin is there to launch sirens in dub mode! It is connected to a tape delay via ABLETON. And of course the 2 ABLETON that run the samples clicks cues etc. My session is built in arrangement mode, I need to see the tracks scrolling, I feel more comfortable that way.
The two Ableton are synchronized on the network via the MIOXL Since this tour I use the LIOBOX, a small revolution for me! The biggest advantage is the visibility, the display of the track engaged and the one which comes after. The case is of a very good quality, everything is very well finished! You can feel the quality as soon as you hold it in your hand!
During a gig I have to concentrate on what I'm playing on the keyboards and the backtrack part at the same time, so I have to be sure of what's happening on my machines. With the LIOBOXAt a glance I know where we are! And with one click I can start the next song. Another point I can see at a glance if my two ABLETON are synchronized with the box.
Unlike basic midi controllers, the LIOBOX integrates automatically and fully with ABLETON. You can create setlists without worrying about the order of the session. The screen provides full visibility and control of the show, it's amazing! The auto stop option means you don't have to worry about the song ending, one less thing to worry about! The LIOBOX has now its place on my Moog, where I can see the computers and the box at the same time.