Roger Linn, the mastermind of the iconic MPC, keeps his concentration sharp with just one browser tab open.

Roger Linn is a true icon in the realm of musical instruments, consistently pushing the boundaries of music technology for decades. He revolutionized the industry with the LM-1, the first drum machine to utilize samples, followed by the legendary LinnDrum, which became a staple in countless 1980s hits from artists like Tom Petty, Queen, and Tears for Fears. However, Prince stands out as one of the most notable fans, using these machines extensively on classics like Purple Rain and 1999.

Yet, Linn’s most significant contribution to music might just be the MPC. In collaboration with Akai, he developed one of the most influential samplers ever, with the MPC60 and its successors becoming essential tools for hip-hop and house producers alike. The MPC 3000, famously used by J Dilla, even found a home in the Smithsonian.

Linn was also ahead of the curve with MPE, or MIDI polyphonic expression, which is a core feature of his LinnStrument, an innovative 3D controller launched in 2014—three years before the official MPE standard was established. His approach to innovation is rooted in simplicity and focus.

What is your most indispensable tool?
My MacBook Pro.

Which is the most underappreciated?
My Vision Pro. I call it the most amazing product I rarely use.

What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
On a computer, Rhino3D.

What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
Apple Mail’s bugs.

What sites do you have pinned to your tab bar?
New York Times.

How many tabs do you have open right now?
One. This document.

Which social media platform do you use the most (if any)?
I don’t use social media except to announce my monthly “All Things LinnStrument” email newsletter.

What is your happy place online?
A VR app for the Meta Quest called Walkabout Mini Golf. It features a variety of artistically crafted open VR worlds that showcase surprising beauty, even with the Quest 3’s limitations. I enjoy playing mini golf, exploring, or hanging out with friends in private instances of different worlds.

What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
I can’t say “ever,” but right now, it’s VR headsets, particularly the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro.

Which was the most disappointing?
I’m generally let down by products designed by engineers who assume their customers are engineers.

What game do you have the fondest memories of?
Myst.

Which tech trend do you wish would go away?
Spam.

What creation are you most proud of?
LinnStrument.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep it simple.

What is your current obsession?
VR.

What do you do when you need to focus?
Breathe. Calm down.

What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
I try to shift my perspective.

When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
I never go anywhere without my phone. Maybe swimming.

What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
That was a long time ago. I’ve been purchasing books, music, films, etc., in digital form for quite a while.

What do you think is worth splurging on?
If someone created a VR headset with retina resolution, high power, and a wealth of beautiful open worlds, even at a high price, I’d likely buy it.

What would the tagline for your biopic be?
“He created tools that allowed musicians to make better music.”

What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
This isn’t a GIF, but maybe it’s a meme:
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)