Studio Secrets: The Techniques Behind Amapiano All Stars 2 w/ Max Meurs
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Audentity Records is proud to present Amapiano All Stars 2, the highly anticipated sequel to our best-selling sample pack. Max Meurs, our in-house producer, poured his heart and soul into this project. With a meticulous approach to sound design and recording, Max ensures every sample is not only musically inspiring but also easy to use. His workflow integrates state-of-the-art studio gear and creative techniques to produce sounds that stand out.
Splice: Tell us about how you use these pieces of gear in context.
Max Meurs: Each piece of equipment plays a specific role in my workflow, and together they form the backbone of my production process. For guitar samples, I use the Universal Audio SP1 microphone to capture the raw sound. The SP1 is positioned close to the fretboard to pick up every detail and nuance of the strings. The signal runs through the Babyface RME Pro audio interface, ensuring the cleanest possible capture.
After recording, I clean up the sound with a low-cut EQ, typically removing frequencies below 80Hz to eliminate rumble and unwanted noise. I also make precise cuts in the mid and high ranges to avoid harshness. Compression is key for tightening the dynamic range; I often use the Ozone Vintage Compressor or FabFilter Pro-C2 for this step. Depending on the vibe I’m going for, I might add effects like reverb, delay, or chorus to enhance the atmosphere.
For the Prophet 5 synthesizer, I connect it directly to the audio interface via a mono jack cable. This ensures minimal signal loss and retains the rich, analog warmth of the synth. I process the Prophet in much the same way—cleaning up the signal, compressing it, and adding effects to suit the track. One of my favorite tools is Goodhertz Mid/Side processing, which helps me control the stereo image. This allows me to create wide, spacious textures or keep things tight and centered, depending on the sample’s role in the composition.
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Splice: How do you capture and process certain instruments?
Max Meurs: For vocals, I rely on the Neumann TLM 103 microphone to capture every nuance. Before the signal reaches my DAW, I run it through the Warm Audio WA-1B Compressor, which adds warmth and smoothness while controlling the dynamics. For acoustic guitars, I use the Universal Audio SP1, which is perfect for both Spanish-style and pop guitar recordings. The SP1 captures the instrument’s natural resonance and detail beautifully.
The Babyface RME Pro audio interface is central to my setup. It ensures that every recording—from vocals to instruments—has pristine clarity and fidelity. Once recorded, I process each instrument and vocal track with great care, using a combination of EQ, compression, and effects to bring out their unique characteristics.
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Splice: How do you treat the recording space?
Max Meurs: My studio is acoustically treated to ensure optimal recording conditions. I’ve installed bass traps, diffusers, and acoustic panels to minimize reflections and unwanted frequencies. This setup eliminates room noise and ensures that every recording is clean and accurate.
A well-treated room makes a huge difference, especially for creating samples. It allows me to capture a pure, uncolored sound, which gives me greater flexibility in post-production. For example, when I record guitar samples, the lack of room noise ensures that subtle nuances—like fingerpicking details and natural string resonance—are preserved.
Splice: Are there specific recording techniques unique to sample creation?
Max Meurs: Absolutely. When creating samples, the focus is not just on capturing a great performance but also on ensuring the sample is versatile and inspiring for producers. One technique I use is layering “top notes” over simple chords. These high-pitched notes add complexity and emotion to the sample. Sometimes, I reverse the top notes or drench them in reverb and delay to create dreamy, ethereal textures.
Another technique is designing song starters that feel complete but leave enough room for producers to add their own creativity. I ensure that every sample has something unique—whether it’s a subtle harmonic layer, an unexpected rhythm, or an intriguing texture.
Splice: What do you hope the Splice community will do with the Amapiano All Stars pack?
Max Meurs: I hope the Splice community takes these sounds and makes them truly their own. These samples are meant to be a foundation, a spark of inspiration—but the real magic happens when producers add their creativity. Whether they chop, layer, resample, or completely reimagine the loops, I want them to push boundaries, experiment, and craft something unique that reflects their artistic vision.
Music is deeply personal, and every producer brings their own story and energy to the table. I hope these sounds inspire everything from Amapiano or pop bangers to introspective tracks and even genre-defying projects. Seeing how the community blends Amapiano with other styles or creates fresh interpretations of the genre would be incredible.
Ultimately, I hope the pack gives producers the confidence to explore new directions, break the rules, and, most importantly, have fun while creating something that resonates with them and their listeners.
Click the link below to check out the Amapiano All Stars 2 pack today and be sure to follow Max Meurs on Instagram