Who's using software editors for their hardware synths?

[cryophonik]

I’m never quite sure when to use some of my synths’ vsts/dedicated software, and when to just use MIDI CC via the DAW. Is there any benefit of one over the other?

I tend to use the MIDI modulation (not automation) envelopes to control my hardware, since otherwise the physical settings and those being transmitted can vary- which can confuse me sometimes for knowing the momentary state of my patch/sound.

Ultimately, editors just simplify the process. They give you instant access to all MIDI-controllable parameters without having to assign CC/NRPN values in your DAW. Most of them also work as librarians that allow you to navigate and load presets in the synth or saved on your DAW. Some of them have instant recall that work like a soft synth, where the state of the synth can be saved and recalled when opening and closing the project file. For myself, if I'm only trying to automate a filter sweep or something simple, I often just use MIDI CC in my DAW.

[lfm]

Need to use computer just to make presets kind of destroys the idea using hardware.
I even consider it fail if you need it and certainly ruins the fun of it with mouse clickfest.

Having an arp going you have two hands free to turn knobs, way to go, I think.
So picking synths to purchase I evaluate this and enough preset locations to save at.

[cryophonik]

Need to use computer just to make presets kind of destroys the idea using hardware.
I even consider it fail if you need it and certainly ruins the fun of it with mouse clickfest.

Having an arp going you have two hands free to turn knobs, way to go, I think.
So picking synths to purchase I evaluate this and enough preset locations to save at.

Yeah, I agree that the main reason to use hardware is the hands-on fun and not being tethered to a computer, but ultimately, you're going to want to record it to your DAW (well, for most people), so the editors are great for that.

[vitocorleone123]

Wouldn’t buy a hardware synth that didn’t have one.

[pekbro]

I would probably use them if I didn't have to buy them, I already paid for the synths, that's where it ends for me. lol

[cryophonik]

Oh, and one of the huge and usually unsung advantages of editors…


…naming presets

[Tj Shredder]

Wouldn’t buy a hardware synth that didn’t have one.

Exactly…!

[tehlord]

As a long time user of hardware synths since the late 80s.....


I prefer using software over almost any hardware synth interface.

I know, right...?

[CapnLockheed]

Yeah, I'd MUCH rather edit an 80's Yamaha FM synth from the front panel.........NOT!!
Without software editors it's like trying to paint a room....from outside the house...through a one inch opening......with a one inch brush taped to the end of a ten foot pole. If there's a software editor for ANY hardware synth I own.....I'm using it. Performance is one thing. Twiddling knobs IS fun. Deep programming and studio work are different situations.

YMMV.