Software vs. Analog in 2025 – Has the Balance Shifted?

[vurt]

There are all kinds of people who work all kinds of ways. No one way is the right way.

You're clearly underestimating the importance of being able to reach all your gear simultaneously.

I don't know man, my arms are pretty long. I only have to be able to touch it from my desk chair or what are the rules?

my old room, i could literally touch all four walls from my seat
ask whyterabbyt, he saw it!!

[SoftSynthLover99]

Something that keeps coming up is the cost difference between analog/hardware versus software. Should this be a factor? If money was no object, would a billionaire choose software over hardware? If a billionaire had one big studio fully equipped with a large collection of hardware synths, along with a mixing desk and a professional audio engineer, and another studio with a Mac or PC running software, which studio would he choose?

Even if you own all those classic instruments, I highly recommend the plugins, unless you enjoy being stuck in the past.

Musical instruments aren't technology like an iPhone or computer that require upgrades every few years to remain relevant. A musical instrument is more akin to a tool like a hammer, drill or saw (no pun intended).

The first 6 string guitar was built in 1779 and guess what? The majority of modern guitar players still play 6 string guitars. Even though you have 7, 8 and even 12 string variants available as well as double guitars, most guitarist still play that same 6 string design that first appeared in 1779.

The first synthesizer ever created? Goes all the way back to the 1890s. First piano? Early 1700s. Drums and percussion? Go back to medieval times!

So the idea that using a real musical instrument (hardware synthesizer) equals being stuck in the past if you don't choose the software emulation, is quite odd to me. Are painters who use paint brushes stuck in the past if they don't choose to paint with an iPad and Apple Pencil? Humans have been using paintbrushes for 100,000 years or more so surely they must really be stuck in the past?!

[justin3am]

Where he has all kinds of empty wall space yet has modular synths on the floor which no one would do who actually used them and had empty wall space

lol, we went over that earlier. I have a room full of hardware modular, a lot of which I use while sitting on the floor, even though there is empty wall space. It is my preferred position for modular jamming, particularly when I'm using my Buchla or ARP 2600. I can't say if that person actually uses their modular synths but having synths on the floor doesn't mean they aren't used.

There are all kinds of people who work all kinds of ways. No one way is the right way.

Awesome so you also have modulars on the floor, up by the ceiling, on opposite walls and meters apart from each other?

If you want to lay on floor and play with modulars awesome but how are you interacting with the ones two meters above you? Or across the room on the other wall? Of 3 meters to the side of you?

Again no one actually using those in a room that large is laying on the floor

Maybe I do. You don't know.

On this very forum, I've talked a lot about how I have my studio setup in several stations around each with different production tasks/performance approaches in mind. I have a live room and a control room. While my most used synths are all setup in the control room and connected to patch bays, sometimes I will setup synths in the live room, if they don't have a dedicated spot in the control room. I can control my DAW from the live room ( using MIDI controllers ) but I don't have everything I use at arms reach. Somehow I'm still able to work on music everyday. I tend to focus on one station at a time. I might work with my serge modular for a while and then go to the other side of the room to program drum machines. I tend to compartmentalize the production process, so it all fits in with the way I work. I don't know if you are actually interested but I do have some videos linked in my signature which illustrate some of the ways I use synths.

I just don't think you are in a position to critique how anyone else works (maybe I'm wrong). I'm not in a position to critique the way other people use or don't user their gear either.

I have learned a lot by reading these threads though... I'm always interested in the different ways people make music and how those approaches change over time.

[SoftSynthLover99]

And the 3rd wave has 70+ knobs and buttons all assigned to synth parameters for immediate access and sound design.

You really can't recreate that hardware workflow with a midi controller. None are available with that many knobs/buttons/sliders to even get you a fraction of the way there.

The Faderfox PC12 has 72 knobs. (costs $900)

The main problem isn't finding midi controllers with lots of knobs/buttons/sliders, it's mapping the controller to software synths. It's a freakin nightmare and at best it works poorly.

I'm not sold on the sound of the 3rd Wave, but the user interface is great.

Yeah, not totally sold on 3rd wave either but I do like the sound of it for my taste (and its different enough from what I already have to be worth considering). I do lean more towards the Nina desktop synth though.

And yeah I know of those kind of control surfaces, but I wish an actual midi keyboard had as many knobs, sliders and buttons like that to replicate the hardware workflow.

Omnisphere 2 is the best thing for hardware synth integration if they have your model of synth on the hardware list, other than that I agree I hate mapping software synths as its time consuming and after I while I just go back to the mouse or my hardware lol. I think we need a revolution in midi controllers to really catch up to hardware. Keybeds, UI and overall functionality is still lacking on even the higher end controllers.

[D-Fusion]

Something that keeps coming up is the cost difference between analog/hardware versus software. Should this be a factor? If money was no object, would a billionaire choose software over hardware? If a billionaire had one big studio fully equipped with a large collection of hardware synths, along with a mixing desk and a professional audio engineer, and another studio with a Mac or PC running software, which studio would he choose?

Even if you own all those classic instruments, I highly recommend the plugins, unless you enjoy being stuck in the past.

Musical instruments aren't technology like an iPhone or computer that require upgrades every few years to remain relevant. A musical instrument is more akin to a tool like a hammer, drill or saw (no pun intended).

The first 6 string guitar was built in 1779 and guess what? The majority of modern guitar players still play 6 string guitars. Even though you have 7, 8 and even 12 string variants available as well as double guitars, most guitarist still play that same 6 string design that first appeared in 1779.

The first synthesizer ever created? Goes all the way back to the 1890s. First piano? Early 1700s. Drums and percussion? Go back to medieval times!

So the idea that using a real musical instrument (hardware synthesizer) equals being stuck in the past if you don't choose the software emulation, is quite odd to me. Are painters who use paint brushes stuck in the past if they don't choose to paint with an iPad and Apple Pencil? Humans have been using paintbrushes for 100,000 years or more so surely they must really be stuck in the past?!

The first synthesizer was actually created in the 3rd century BC and it was water powered
It was a Organ called The Hydraulis which is a form of a Additive synthesizer..

[vurt]

Something that keeps coming up is the cost difference between analog/hardware versus software. Should this be a factor? If money was no object, would a billionaire choose software over hardware? If a billionaire had one big studio fully equipped with a large collection of hardware synths, along with a mixing desk and a professional audio engineer, and another studio with a Mac or PC running software, which studio would he choose?

Even if you own all those classic instruments, I highly recommend the plugins, unless you enjoy being stuck in the past.

Musical instruments aren't technology like an iPhone or computer that require upgrades every few years to remain relevant. A musical instrument is more akin to a tool like a hammer, drill or saw (no pun intended).

The first 6 string guitar was built in 1779 and guess what? The majority of modern guitar players still play 6 string guitars. Even though you have 7, 8 and even 12 string variants available as well as double guitars, most guitarist still play that same 6 string design that first appeared in 1779.

The first synthesizer ever created? Goes all the way back to the 1890s. First piano? Early 1700s. Drums and percussion? Go back to medieval times!

So the idea that using a real musical instrument (hardware synthesizer) equals being stuck in the past if you don't choose the software emulation, is quite odd to me. Are painters who use paint brushes stuck in the past if they don't choose to paint with an iPad and Apple Pencil? Humans have been using paintbrushes for 100,000 years or more so surely they must really be stuck in the past?!

The first synthesizer was actually created in the 3rd century BC and it was water powered
It was a Organ called The Hydraulis which work the same way as an Additive synth.

did it have a ladder filter?

[whassup]

Something that keeps coming up is the cost difference between analog/hardware versus software. Should this be a factor? If money was no object, would a billionaire choose software over hardware? If a billionaire had one big studio fully equipped with a large collection of hardware synths, along with a mixing desk and a professional audio engineer, and another studio with a Mac or PC running software, which studio would he choose?

why a billionaire?
why not "did someone eat ramen noodles, just half a pack a day, to be able to afford a hardware doohicky over its software counterpart?"

Duck or Shrimp flavored?

[ghettosynth]

There are all kinds of people who work all kinds of ways. No one way is the right way.

You're clearly underestimating the importance of being able to reach all your gear simultaneously.

All the gear, all at the same time, with all the hands.

octodebussy?

Take your like and move along.

[ghettosynth]

Something that keeps coming up is the cost difference between analog/hardware versus software. Should this be a factor? If money was no object, would a billionaire choose software over hardware? If a billionaire had one big studio fully equipped with a large collection of hardware synths, along with a mixing desk and a professional audio engineer, and another studio with a Mac or PC running software, which studio would he choose?

Even if you own all those classic instruments, I highly recommend the plugins, unless you enjoy being stuck in the past.

Musical instruments aren't technology like an iPhone or computer that require upgrades every few years to remain relevant. A musical instrument is more akin to a tool like a hammer, drill or saw (no pun intended).

The first 6 string guitar was built in 1779 and guess what? The majority of modern guitar players still play 6 string guitars. Even though you have 7, 8 and even 12 string variants available as well as double guitars, most guitarist still play that same 6 string design that first appeared in 1779.

The first synthesizer ever created? Goes all the way back to the 1890s. First piano? Early 1700s. Drums and percussion? Go back to medieval times!

So the idea that using a real musical instrument (hardware synthesizer) equals being stuck in the past if you don't choose the software emulation, is quite odd to me. Are painters who use paint brushes stuck in the past if they don't choose to paint with an iPad and Apple Pencil? Humans have been using paintbrushes for 100,000 years or more so surely they must really be stuck in the past?!

The first synthesizer was actually created in the 3rd century BC and it was water powered
It was a Organ called The Hydraulis which work the same way as an Additive synth.

did it have a ladder filter?

It had a bladder filter.

[enCiphered]

And the 3rd wave has 70+ knobs and buttons all assigned to synth parameters for immediate access and sound design.

You really can't recreate that hardware workflow with a midi controller. None are available with that many knobs/buttons/sliders to even get you a fraction of the way there.

The Faderfox PC12 has 72 knobs. (costs $900)

The main problem isn't finding midi controllers with lots of knobs/buttons/sliders, it's mapping the controller to software synths. It's a freakin nightmare and at best it works poorly.

I'm not sold on the sound of the 3rd Wave, but the user interface is great.

I’ve got the MX12 and absolutely love it. The build quality is excellent, with silky smooth encoders and tight, responsive buttons that feel built to last. What really won me over is the precision. Every tweak is accurate and reliable and the LED feedback makes it very intuitive, especially when switching between templates. It also works perfectly as a DAW controller.

The layout might seem minimal at first, but it is incredibly efficient and fast. The compact size is a big plus when desk space is limited.

By the way, do you happen to know if there is any kind of decksaver or protective cover available for it? I have not found anything so far.

[D-Fusion]

Something that keeps coming up is the cost difference between analog/hardware versus software. Should this be a factor? If money was no object, would a billionaire choose software over hardware? If a billionaire had one big studio fully equipped with a large collection of hardware synths, along with a mixing desk and a professional audio engineer, and another studio with a Mac or PC running software, which studio would he choose?

Even if you own all those classic instruments, I highly recommend the plugins, unless you enjoy being stuck in the past.

Musical instruments aren't technology like an iPhone or computer that require upgrades every few years to remain relevant. A musical instrument is more akin to a tool like a hammer, drill or saw (no pun intended).

The first 6 string guitar was built in 1779 and guess what? The majority of modern guitar players still play 6 string guitars. Even though you have 7, 8 and even 12 string variants available as well as double guitars, most guitarist still play that same 6 string design that first appeared in 1779.

The first synthesizer ever created? Goes all the way back to the 1890s. First piano? Early 1700s. Drums and percussion? Go back to medieval times!

So the idea that using a real musical instrument (hardware synthesizer) equals being stuck in the past if you don't choose the software emulation, is quite odd to me. Are painters who use paint brushes stuck in the past if they don't choose to paint with an iPad and Apple Pencil? Humans have been using paintbrushes for 100,000 years or more so surely they must really be stuck in the past?!

The first synthesizer was actually created in the 3rd century BC and it was water powered
It was a Organ called The Hydraulis which work the same way as an Additive synth.

did it have a ladder filter?

When you pumped up the water pressure it shouted Moog moog

[Ah_Dziz]

Something that keeps coming up is the cost difference between analog/hardware versus software. Should this be a factor? If money was no object, would a billionaire choose software over hardware? If a billionaire had one big studio fully equipped with a large collection of hardware synths, along with a mixing desk and a professional audio engineer, and another studio with a Mac or PC running software, which studio would he choose?

I'd assume that most people , rich or not, would still end up somewhere in the middle rather than "full scale major label production facility" or "dude in a room with a laptop ". I could buy lots of hardware synths, and I've bought lots, but I don't get much out of them so I stripped that part of my stuff down to my favorites. It's relatively cheap to buy any software that I'm interested in using and building my studio was a one off expense. The only hardware (analog or digital) that interests me these days is modular stuff (mostly eurorack) but I can get down just fine with modular software and not have to go down the rabbit hole with the hardware.

Even if I could have a massive SSL or never board and a live in engineer I would probably pass. I'm a hands on producer and don't really like the level of direct collaboration that working in an old school studio entails. I've had to work that way for projects and it's fine (and you meet cool people / get to play on a Foley stage etc) but it's not the best environment for my creativity.

[ROTMetro]

To complicate things here's something new. In the box, now with out of the box.

[zerocrossing]

If you want to lay on floor and play with modulars awesome but how are you interacting with the ones two meters above you? Or across the room on the other wall? Of 3 meters to the side of you?

get up and move?
same as i would if i was moving from keys to guitar for example.
its not like you have to tweak everything all the time!!!

Again no one actually using those in a room that large is laying on the floor

sitting maybe?

No, but if you’re mixing a track, it’s good to not have to leave the sweet spot between your monitors to adjust something. That’s why having a software editor is so useful.

[IvyBirds]

If you want to lay on floor and play with modulars awesome but how are you interacting with the ones two meters above you? Or across the room on the other wall? Of 3 meters to the side of you?

get up and move?
same as i would if i was moving from keys to guitar for example.
its not like you have to tweak everything all the time!!!

Again no one actually using those in a room that large is laying on the floor

sitting maybe?

Getting up, sitting down, getting up, sitting down, run across the room, move to the center desk, lay on the floor, stand up and reach 2.5 meters up towards the ceiling

Sounds like a real buzz kill