Linkin Park: The Ingredients
By Max on Mar 2, 2008 in Artists
Not a whole lot of people in this world would dare to say they don’t appreciate the variety in sound and style that Linkin Park, two time Grammy winners, offers the world.
The band has only been together since 1996, just more than a decade, and they’ve already found their way into the the RIAA, going Diamond with Hybrid Theory.
From metal to rock, rapcore to alternative, Linkin Park also helps bridge the gap that separates fans into subcultures, essentially becoming the glue that seemingly allows the youth in America to identify with other youth from a different calling.
So what is it that has allowed Linkin Park such a prestigious reputation? Answer: Besides talent and hard work, the right gear…
Mike Shinoda: Front Man, Guitar, Vocals, MC
Everyone knows that Mike is the band’s front man, so it’s no wonder he is listed first. He uses a PRS Custom 24 Guitar to wail with, which is priced at a minimum of $2,000, though Mike’s is obviously a bit more. This gorgeous Maple and Mahogany laden guitar is a classic and has been in production for decades.
The PRS is not all Mike uses, however. He has been noted using the Audio Technica ATW-R73X wireless control system, very professional. To top this combination off, of course, Mike performs his vocals on the ATW-T73 wireless vocal mic. Personally, I believe there are better brands but this mic is still on the high end and is exquisite.
Chester Bennington
No one mocks the incredibly talented and useful band member, Chester Bennington. Though he only uses the Audio Technica ATW T73 Wireless Vocal Mic, Chester has brought an amazing amount of courage, self esteem and knowledge to Linkin Park with nothing more than a pen, his talent and his mic.
Brad Delson: Guitar, Back up
Delson is also a fan of PRS guitars, which couldn’t make me happier. He also uses a Custom 24, further solidifying PRS’s reputation in excellence. But Delson also uses the Terry C. McInturff Taurus Sportster Guitar. A very classy, Mahogany and Rosewood guitar with crisp, clear sound, a great pick.
For effects, Delson uses the Boss Effects Pedals, which I have never personally had the pleasure of checking out. I hear that they are precise and easy to use for the experienced musician.
Surprisingly Delson’s guitar choices don’t stop at the Custom 24 and Taurus Sportster. Aparently Brad also fancies the Ibanez line of 7 string guitars, a taste for fine tuned guitar players. And if you’re wondering how he puts it all together, he uses the Furman PL Plus Power Conditioner. This thin piece of equipment is relatively inexpensive and easily gets the job done.
Joe Hahn: Turntables and Samplers
There’s no need for an introduction to the Vestax PDX-2000 Turntables that Joe Hahn masters. Combined with a Rane TTM 54i Performance Mixer (I didn’t even know they were compatible) and a Behringer Eurorack console, this is a master MC’s wild dream.
For effects, Hahn relies on the Boss GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor and the Whirlwind Multi Directior DI for conversion. This is quite an impressive and overall pricey set up that could not let you down. Top it off with the Shure UHF wireless equipment and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Heads and you have a set up that would inspire even the Beastie Boys.
David “Phoenix” Farrell
Bass is certainly a more necessary element in rock than the public likes to give it credit for. Which is what makes the Music Man Stingray Bass Guitars that Farrell uses, gold. The four and five string Stingrays that David uses, also follow him around in other aspects of his long career.
To insure himself a great sound every time, Farrell uses the Ampeg SVT Classic Heads amps, which cost a pretty penny but are well worth the investment. The Ampeg bass amps are very high quality and offer great range and reliability. He also uses, however, the Tech 21 SansAmp PSA 1, which I am not familiar with but hear great things about.
For compression, Dave uses the DBX 160A Compressor. DBX’s, of course, are known for their reliability and their excellent signal paths. Finish his spread off with a Demeter Tube Direct and a Furman PL Plus Power Conditioner.
Rob Bourdon: Drums
Drums are the solid ground that the house of rock is built on. In order to be the spine of Linkin Park, Rob Bourdon prefers the following:
Akai 56000 Sampler
Akai MPC2000XL Sampler
Alesis DM5 Drum Module
Aura Shaker
Ddrum Trigger
DW 5000 Kick Pedals
Furman PL Plus Power Conditioner
Gibralter Cage System
Mackie M-1400i Power Amp (An amazing amp)
Pintech Pads
Rane Headphone Mixer
Roland KD-7 Kick Trigger Unit
Whirlwind Multi Director DI
Zildjian Cymbals
There’s not much to say about a substantial studio set up like that, besides wow. What an excellent selection of high end products mixed with some of the every day equipment that novices and intermediate players like myself practice with, making these super stars just that much more human to me.
In the end, an intimate look at the largest and most used pieces of recording equipment used by the band members of Linkin Park allows us to understand their diverse and unique sounds as well as the moral message that they often convey in their music. Like their instruments and their music, Linkin Park’s talent is diverse, well worked and beneficial to the entire music industry.
