Gallery: Here's How You Cram a Recording Studio Inside a Speeding Train

  • Image may contain Human Person Electrical Device Screen Display Electronics Monitor and Microphone
    Kendrick Brinson
    01

    20130910-S2S-Studio-023

    Justin Stanley connects a tube condenser microphone for an upcoming recording. Stanley is in charge of all of the recordings with *Station to Station*, but he also has quite a resume of his own. He opened up for the Rolling Stones, spent two months working with Prince, recorded with Eric Clapton, and now can add "played live with Patti Smith" to that list of accomplishments, thanks to this trip.
  • Image may contain Electronics and Computer
    02

    20130907-S2S-109

    *Above:* Moogerfoogers and a vintage Casio Casio SK-5 on a table in the Station to Station recording car. <emn>Below: A Moog Voyager synthesizer - only one of many - inside of the recording car.</emn> ![](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2013/09/20130908_S2S_2661.jpg)
  • Image may contain Electronics Computer Hardware Hardware Computer Keyboard Computer Keyboard Human and Person
    03

    20130910-S2S-Studio-015

    *Above:* Justin Stanley brought his 1970s Omni Chord to use in the recording studio. *Below:* Hard drives with dozens upon dozens of musical recordings made on the train. Side note: Don't forget to label your labelmaker. ![](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2013/09/20130910_S2S_Studio_013.jpg)
  • Image may contain Furniture Computer Keyboard Electronics Keyboard Computer Computer Hardware Hardware and Table
    04

    Two computers in the mobile recording studio.

    *Above:* The ProTools rig for the studio. *Below:* A microphone taped to the train car window records ambient train sounds while on the road. ![](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2013/09/20130910_S2S_Studio_012.jpg)
  • The front of the drum set on the train was decorated by John Moloney's girlfriend.
    05

    Cymbal

    The front of the drum set on the train was decorated by John Moloney's girlfriend. ![](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2013/09/20130910_S2S_Studio_020.jpg)
  • Image may contain Musical Instrument Guitar Leisure Activities Footwear Clothing Shoe Apparel and Electric Guitar
    Kendrick Brinson
    06

    20130908-S2S-269

    *Above:* Members of Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti play in the mobile recording studio on the *Station to Station* train. *Below:* The video crew's slate indicates a song Thurston Moore and John Moloney recorded on the train. ![](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/images_blogs/underwire/2013/09/20130910_S2S_Studio_003.jpg)
  • Image may contain Musical Instrument Musician Human Person Drummer and Percussion
    07

    Studio

    Crew members assemble the recording studio before the train leaves the first station.
  • Image may contain Human Person Musician Musical Instrument Percussion Drummer Magnus Grønneberg Drum and Clothing
    08

    20130911-S2S-005

    Francis Scott Key White of White Mystery (center) jams on the drums as folks explore the studio.
  • Image may contain Human Person Musical Instrument Musician Hair Electrical Device Microphone and Leisure Activities
    09

    20130911-S2S-007

    Miss Alex White of White Mystery plays music on the bumpy train ride to St. Louis.
Read More
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergens, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant Critic
Here are the best delivery services and meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s meal service, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The 10 Best WIRED-Tested Pet Cameras
Whether you’re near or far, keep an eye on your fur baby with our favorite pet cameras.
Molly Higgins
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
The Best Pet Hair Vacuums We Tried at Home
Cordless, handheld, robot, and traditional—we tested them all to find the vacuum that’s fantastic for fur.
Molly Higgins
28 Amazing STEM Toys Approved by WIRED Kids
We found lots of math-filled and science-rich toys for tiny nerds to assemble, bake, squish—or even tear apart and rebuild.
Simon Hill
The Best Portable Power Stations for Blackouts, Camping, or Van Life
Whether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.
Simon Hill
23 Gift Ideas for the Cook in Your Life
From the best air fryer to frying pans to knife sharpeners anyone can use, these ideas will keep the curious home chef in your life tinkering away.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
Apple just raised its prices. Here’s an updated breakdown of the brand’s tablets to find the best one for your needs.
Luke Larsen