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The author gets up close and personal with Big Syke and Bigg Steele.

In early 2005, I was studying at a ‘traditional' university based in Dubai Knowledge Village. When the uni was forced to shutdown, I decided to enroll at the SAE Institute, which was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I'm currently studying audio engineering and playing in a glam rock band in Dubai. I compose my own music and am currently working on a solo project tentatively titled Glam Rose Jaxx.

I'm playing all of the instruments on the demos, which I'm recording and producing at the SAE studios.

Life as an SAE student primarily consists of classes and practical assigments, the latter of which range from audio post-production, MiDi sequencing and drum miking, to acoustic production and effects programming. I'm also in the middle of a research assignment investigating the heavy metal music scene in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the UAE. My goal is to put the UAE on the heavy metal map.

But the best thing about being a student at SAE (as an aspiring musician) is gaining access to the studio - and it's not just any studio. I regularly get time to work on a Neve 88D digital desk and a Digidesign Icon, as well as an electronic music production studio. I love using Pro Tools, and luckily SAE has a number of systems readily available. Being a student at SAE has also provided me with opportunities very few people (even industry folk) get to experience, such as working backstage at last year's Dubai Desert Rock Festival. It was one of the most amazing days of my life.

Besides helping with the live sound and venue setup, I got to meet and work with some legends of heavy metal music, including Megadeth, Reel Big Fish, 3 Doors Down and Testament.

In a different vein, I was also lucky enough to recently meet acclaimed hip-hoppers Big Steele, Big Syke and DJ Coke E, who visited SAE Dubai as part of their 2pac Tribute Tour.

They were happy enough to give me the lowdown on some of their recording techniques and an insight into their eclectic tastes in music.

Jaxx: What type of consoles do you use in the studio?

Big Syke: We mainly use SSLs, Neves and Yamaha 02Rs in conjunction with Pro Tools. The game has moved on, and a lot of rappers are recording music at home using Pro Tools or Logic systems.

Bigg Steele: On my last album, I didn't even visit the studio except to mix. And some songs we mixed while we were recording. In the past there were arguments about whether to use a digital or analogue desk, because you had to have that warm analogue sound. But there are so many digital plug-ins and emulators available now that you can't tell the difference between digital and analogue recordings.

DJ Coke E: I don't bother with consoles, not even in live situations. I use Serato Scratch Live and a laptop to control my vinyl.

Jaxx: Do you have any favourite mics?

Big Syke: I'm a big fan of AKGs, but there are so many others out there that are also great for rapping. With voices like ours, you can rap using almost any type of microphone, so long as there's no distortion.

Jaxx: Do you guys have any plans to fuse hip-hop with rock ‘n roll?

Bigg Steele: We've just started working on a rock album. It's going to be called Secret Society and it'll be real heavy.

We're planning to work with guest guitarists, a drummer and a DJ. Hip Hop needs to change, to evolve. We have to push the boundaries and Secret Society will do that. We don't just listen to rap. We're fans of everything from Nirvana and Portishead to Duran Duran and Ratt.

Rappers seek their inspiration from a variety of sources. Alanis Morrisette could inspire you to write a rap song.

Big Syke: Music is a universal artform - there is something that appeals to everybody. Hip-hop brings people together - it doesn't matter what part of the world you are from. Words breathe life into music.

Bigg Steele: I mean, when you go somewhere like Japan, where they don't speak a lick of English, the cats are all still singing along with your record!

With that, the guys got up on the SAE stage to perform a number of tracks, while I was lucky enough to assist their DJ and help monitor the audio set-up.

We even recorded the set using Pro Tools through SAE's Eurodesk MX9000 mixing console! Another great experience I won't forget when I look back on my time as an SAE student.

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