My Next Step...

[J0n35y]

Hi guys, looking for a bit of guidance. Know that this forum gets a lot this sort of thing so apologies and I'm not even sure I've plumped for the right section to ask but here goes...

I currently use Reaper & vsts with an X-station and laptop. But, I sometimes find the creative flow kind of impaired at times and not sure if its me, my tools or something else. Even my iPad doesnt get the ideas going at times but then it isnt really integrated into my setup at the mo.

Im turning 30 in a month so thought it was time to treat myself to something new in an effort to kickstart things. Not sure if I should look into a new DAW, a nice new vst package or some hardware. I dont think musical styles is that important for this query but I focus on indie/electronic stuff.

Ableton currently does not run with my x-station drivers in a 64 bit environment for some reason though I quite like Reaper in any case but I quite enjoy using a more groove focus for building my ideas and unless Im missing something Reaper isnt too great on that front. With Maschine on sale it seems to tick a lot of the boxes and I see heaps of potential in it for my musical direction despite it's focus on the stereotypical dance/hiphop genres. Sampling is also something I have wanted to get into recently.

Another alternative I have thought about is Komplete which is similarly priced. Getting my hands on Komplete would at least get me on top of operating the vsts but would it get the creative juices flowing? Not sure.

I guess Im just looking for a few pointers and suggestions rather than someone trying to make my mind up for me. Are there any other hardware/software combos to consider in the Maschine/Komplete price bracket? Should I save cash and try to integrate the iPad further? That sort of thing. Maybe Im in a gigantic funk just now but sometimes we all need something new to inspire us a little. That's my thinking anyway!

Cheers