MESS Studio

The Studio is the heart and soul of MESS. It’s our physical space, and home to our incredible instrument collection.

Prophet 10 by Kristoffer Paulsen 

The MESS Collection

The MESS collection is the largest collection of electronic synthesizers in the Southern Hemisphere. It includes synthesisers, drum machines, effects, ect.

View available instruments on our booking page.

View available collection

How to access the collection

To access the MESS collection you either need to become a MESS Member, or purchase a Single Session, or Starter Pass.

You don’t need to have experience with electronic sound or musical background. Making sound with these machines is something anyone can do, and we would like to help you learn.

Become a member

Workshops and Courses

We run a number of workshops and courses throughout the year. From integrating your computer with analog gear to covering the basics of Eurorack and modular synths.

MESS School

Location and Accessibility

The Studio is located at 15 Dowling Place in North Melbourne.

We are open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm – 5pm and 6pm – 10pm
Saturday and Sunday 1pm – 5pm

Learn more

Buchla 200e by Kristoffer Paulsen 

How do studio sessions work?

1

Sign Up

Become a MESS member or purchase a Single Session or Starter Pass from our store.
2

Book your session

Make a booking through our booking system. Here you'll be able to chose a primary which machine you'd like to work with during your session. If you would like to use more than one machine, note any additional gear you'd like to use in the 'Comments' section of the booking form. Not sure what to chose? We have a lucky dip option, where a studio supervisor can help you select something on the day.
3

What to bring

You can record anything you make at MESS. If you would like to do this, we recommend bringing your headphones and computer and interface, but that is completely optional. Many people also come simply to use the machines, and if this is you, then you only need to bring yourself! If you do want to record, MESS has plenty of headphones, adapters and cables that can be used during your session. We also have all equipment required such as audio interfaces and MIDI to CV interfaces that you are welcome to use while at the studio.
4

When you arrive

A studio supervisor will be at MESS to greet you. They will have set up the machine you requested (no heavy lifting on your end!), and will be there to help you get started. If you have any questions during your session, would like to try a different instrument, or add anything to your chain, they can help with that too.
5

During the session

There will most likely be other people working in the studio, just like you. Everyone will be wearing headphones so as not to disturb each other. During the session you can record the sounds you make, or simply explore. Both approaches are encouraged.
6

Ending your session

At the end of your session you can leave the equipment used on the bench, and we'll pack it away for you.
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MESS is people, sound & electricity  MESS is people, sound & electricity  MESS is people, sound & electricity  MESS is people, sound & electricity  MESS is people, sound & electricity  MESS is people, sound & electricity  MESS is people, sound & electricity  MESS is people, sound & electricity