Why do producers still use hardware ?

[justin3am]

If you go in a big studio with a few 50+ channel consoles and mention software you'll get laughed at.

I don't think so. H.

Okay, apparently you never have. I have.

They have a couple 20k protools systems that they use solely for recording and touching up recordings. All the major effects, instruments and console are analog.

http://warehousestudio.com/

Perhaps they've changed their opinion in the years since I've been there but I don't think they've produced much with software

One of the most important pieces of software they run, I was told, is running on some vic-20s (or was it c-64s? 128s?) for their automated console.

I demoed Ableton Live for a room full of AES members (it was a Sapphire club meeting) in 2010 and only half laughed at me, EveAnne Manley and a rep from That corp were among those who laughed. The rest (some of whom still operate commercial studios in LA) were interested in what I had to say. These are folks who don't want to *replace* the hardware they have but are interested in software that can make their job easier.

I think it's fair to say that some people have found a setup that works for them and don't want to change it if they don't have to. Others are into the latest cool tech, be-it software or hardware.

[faun2500]

if software sounds better than hardware, as you say, isn't that another reason to stop using hardware ?

Read it again.
Hardware better than software and software is better than hardware.

Man stop making fun of me =)) You say contradictory phrases......
My question is still not answered. What does hardware have more than software, except the posibility to control the software from hardware ...
Why do the producers use, let's say, a mixer (a physical one) ? When all the softwares have that built in .... ? Just for manual controllability ?

There are some hardware bits that are unique, not to mention inspiring and fun!

There are some software stuff that sound unique, NI massive for example. When you need THAT sound you use THAT bit of kit.

[Aroused by JarJar]

Read some interviews with people if you're curious. There was a pretty decent Moderat interview in FutureMusic for instance -- they love hardware and software both. Big Razor fanboys, but also obviously in love with their MS-10 and 909, even a Yamaha PSS-570.

People use what they like, whether that's sound, workflow, the ability to carry it around in a backpack, or the feel of it under your hands while you're coming up with ideas.

I do read interviews, that's why I'm curious. So, we now have one example of a group that uses hardware *as well*. But the OP seems to be claiming that trance producers use hardware. Where's the evidence for that claim?

[ZenPunkHippy]

Some trance producers use hardware, some use exclusively software, some use a hybrid setup. There does not seem to be any correlation between which of these artists is better because of the tools they use, the only deciding factory is - as always - musical and technical skill, earned through many years of writing and producing music.

To put it another way: there are people out there who could make a box of cardboard sound amazing because of an innate sense of rhythm.

Peace,
Andy.

[faun2500]

Thats true.

But I also find that the best production and mixes (in my own opinion of course) comes from producers that use hardware analogue synths in their tracks. Deadmouse, Adam K, Morgan Page are all well produced and use some hardware. I often hear a track that sounds all in the box and the mixes are usually flat, lifeless and squashed. Not all of though!

I personally prefer to mix hardware analogue synths with quality software like Massive, Alchemy and samples in kontakt.

But then I do like depth and separation in my sounds. Have you heard the band Broken Bells? Checkout the synths in some of their tracks.

[awol9000]

http://warehousestudio.com/

Isn't Bryan Adams the owner? Luxury studio for sure.

[Kriminal]

Software crashes, requires an OS to run and will typically become useless if it's key-protected and the company goes out of business (effectively) or if it becomes to old to be supported by latest DAW or OS kernel. Also, it's much easier to lose and/or damage a CD-ROM of a program (or forget a login, run out of download credits, some similar bullshit, etc.) than misplace an actual fx box or tangible synthesizer.

That should be enough reason for most people to use and prefer hardware.

Exactly, cos hardware NEVER breaks down....

[foosnark]

Software crashes, requires an OS to run and will typically become useless if it's key-protected and the company goes out of business (effectively) or if it becomes to old to be supported by latest DAW or OS kernel. Also, it's much easier to lose and/or damage a CD-ROM of a program (or forget a login, run out of download credits, some similar bullshit, etc.) than misplace an actual fx box or tangible synthesizer.

That should be enough reason for most people to use and prefer hardware.

Exactly, cos hardware NEVER breaks down....

Yeah, my dead Etherwave theremin, my half-dead CZ-101, my nanoKey with several broken keys, and the dead headphone jack and scratchy volume pot on my monitors were kind of wondering about that. As did the wonky cables that ruined a gig.

So far I've never had a piece of essential music software lost due to the march of technology, and ONE due to my careless mismanagement of registration keys (Cool Edit 2000, which I replaced with a much more modern Sound Forge anyway).

[Bhan]

Unlike a EULA - You can actually own your means of production.

[danbroad]

The whole cost/loss/breakage etc argument is bollox anyway, as anyone who's owned an old Oberheim will tell you. People use hardware because they either like it or they like the workflow it provides. A bit similar to why people use software, too.

I've heard some mavericks out there use both, but maybe it's urban legend, who's to say?

[Igro]

Simply put, those who can't play perfectly on keyboard, choose software. They don't have skills to operate hardware.

[aciddose]

Or alternatively you can use solenoids.

Or worse:

[SODDI]

Hello I'm beginner in music producing so I don't understand why do the producers still use oldschool hardware to produce music when all the softwares like cubase, fl studio, logic pro have already built-in sophisticated synthesizers and sound manipulators, instruments, etc...Though I understand the usefulness of a midi keyboard while producing, the other stuff that I see in studios I don't see their purpose.. what is it that they have and pc audio producing softwares and plug-ins don't ?

Many, if not all, use both.

edit: Oh, I'm sorry - you meant "producers" not producers.

Since you actually meant "producers", I would say it's because herp duh derp derp.

[burkowitz]

Simply put, those who can't play perfectly on keyboard, choose software. They don't have skills to operate hardware.

You do know you can step sequence on hardware too?

[Aroused by JarJar]

Producers of what?

of music

Like, orchestras? Well that depends on the budget. In multimedia, advertisement, utility stuff (training videos) and lower budget films software took over (by far) years ago. Even in big budget films there is increasing use of sampled orchestras and sampled acoustic stuff (nowadays that basically means NI Kontakt).

And video game music, one of the hugest markets ever.

I see
No, actually I am talking about the electronic music producers.. like eventually trance producers like Armin van buuren.. his studio is full of hardware. Why ?

You mean this guy?

Accolades aside, let's talk about his gear - having been around for so many years, Armin fully experienced the transition from needing a studio full of hardware to produce, to today's minimal laptop and 100% software setup. His studio is home to a vast array of hardware synths, modules, and outboard rack gear, but in recent interviews he himself has stated most of it is kept around simply for inspirational purposes. His own productions have transitioned to being fully software based.

http://equipboard.com/pros/armin_van_buuren

Well?

A few weeks ago I was stranded in the wee hours waiting for a train and listened to some four hours of van Buuren's music in a 24 hour cafe. I like that "galloping horse" thing he does, repeatedly, but that's some of the most "digital in the box" sound I've heard in my life.

Has it ever occured to you guys that you are not LISTENING?