I'm getting sick of staring at computer monitors.
I'm asking for recommendations in going DAWless...
I'm wanting to cover most bases - I'm an accomplished rock guitar player & I can write bass & drum parts.
I'm wanting to branch out into techno (electronic) and new age, so I'm okay buying a synth.
(Got my eyes on Roland System 8.)
If I wanted to go DAWless...
What would you all recommend if I didn't want to get more than one piece of gear of each type.
Meaning, one synth, one drum machine, etc...
(Do I need a mixer if I'm getting a multitrack hardware recorder?)
Thank you.
- Paul
Going DAWless - need your recommendations.
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- KVRAF
- 15260 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
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- KVRAF
- 10239 posts since 7 Sep, 2006 from Roseville, CA
I can relate to that, but see my reply below re: computer vs. multitrack
Personally, I'm not a big fan of any new Roland synths, but if the System 8 looks appealing to you, not gonna argue with thatI'm wanting to branch out into techno (electronic) and new age, so I'm okay buying a synth.
(Got my eyes on Roland System 8.)
If the System 8 rocks your boat, go for it! It seems to be very versatile, so that's probably a key requirement. A strong contender would have to be the Hydrasynth. The Waldorf Quantum appears to be a hell of a lot of synth as well and covers a pretty huge territory, but I've never laid hands on one, so I can't vouch for it.If I wanted to go DAWless...
What would you all recommend if I didn't want to get more than one piece of gear of each type.
Meaning, one synth, one drum machine, etc...
As I mentioned in the other thread, I think the Elektron RYTM mk2 or Digitakt are killer drum machines/grooveboxes and I highly recommend them. The Roland TR-8S is pretty cool and very popular as well, but no song mode. That's not a big deal to some people, but if your intention is to create discrete and complete song arrangements, it's a must-have feature IMO.
Personally, I prefer a hybrid setup with hardware instruments and a DAW (Logic for me) to record and mix. I owned a few multitrack hardware recorders back in the early 2000s and, while they were pretty cool, they were nowhere near as capable and easy to navigate as a computer/DAW. Personally, I'd suggest buying an additional synth (maybe one nice monophonic synth to complement the System 8?), rather than a hardware recorder. But, if you're really set on untethering from the DAW (nothing wrong with that!), then I'll defer to people who are using them.
Most hardware recorders have a built-in mixer, so it's usually not a necessity, but it comes down largely to how many tracks it has vs. how many instruments/mics/etc. you plan to route into it. An outboard mixer can have other benefits, including things like per-channel EQ, effects, busses, etc., that you might want for tracking and hands-on control during recording sessions.(Do I need a mixer if I'm getting a multitrack hardware recorder?)
Logic Pro | PolyBrute | MatrixBrute | MiniFreak | Prophet 6 | Trigon 6 | OB-6 | Rev2 | Pro 3 | SE-1X | Polar TI2 | Blofeld | RYTMmk2 | Digitone | Syntakt | Digitakt | Integra-7
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- addled muppet weed
- 105799 posts since 26 Jan, 2003 from through the looking glass
id agree, hybrid is an option.
i too don't like looking at a monitor, so i don't much.
other than opening a couple of audio channels so i can hear what im doing, i don't interact with the computer, till im then ready to hit record to either two tracks, or lately, straight to youtube.
all music and mixing takes place before the audio interface.
two reasons this is good, as above, when im ready i just stream, but also, i have the pc anyway, so saves me a bundle of cash on a hardware recorder
just an idea, you may not have considered
i too don't like looking at a monitor, so i don't much.
other than opening a couple of audio channels so i can hear what im doing, i don't interact with the computer, till im then ready to hit record to either two tracks, or lately, straight to youtube.
all music and mixing takes place before the audio interface.
two reasons this is good, as above, when im ready i just stream, but also, i have the pc anyway, so saves me a bundle of cash on a hardware recorder
just an idea, you may not have considered
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- KVRAF
- 4367 posts since 15 Feb, 2020
Even with no computer you don’t necessarily need a mixer. Many multichannel audio interfaces also work in standalone mode, without a computer.
I lost my heart in Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu
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- KVRAF
- 16349 posts since 22 Nov, 2000 from Southern California
Elektron RYTM
MPC One or MPC Live or MPC Key
Polyend Play
Maschine+
MC-707 or SP-404 MKII or MV-1
Deluge
For me, MPC's feel the most natural and inviting, Polyend Play completely blew me away with its punchy sound, Maschine+ is cool but kind of dumb (it's basically the iMachine phone app when it's not plugged into your computer), Elektron is awkward to work with (everyone who gets past that stage loves it, I've just never gotten there), SP-404 MKII and MV-1 are fun and they invite creation, and MC-707 is a bit too complicated. I haven't used Deluge yet but I want to get one.
MPC One or MPC Live or MPC Key
Polyend Play
Maschine+
MC-707 or SP-404 MKII or MV-1
Deluge
For me, MPC's feel the most natural and inviting, Polyend Play completely blew me away with its punchy sound, Maschine+ is cool but kind of dumb (it's basically the iMachine phone app when it's not plugged into your computer), Elektron is awkward to work with (everyone who gets past that stage loves it, I've just never gotten there), SP-404 MKII and MV-1 are fun and they invite creation, and MC-707 is a bit too complicated. I haven't used Deluge yet but I want to get one.
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- KVRAF
- 2946 posts since 31 Jan, 2003 from Ghent, Belgium
And what does it do in standalone modus? Does it mix multiple audio signals? Can you control the individual volumes? Sounds like (also!) a mixer to me.
