Hardware-Software Hybrid Users Poll

[pdxindy]

As regards VST editors...depends on the synth. Complicated digital synths such as Wavestate and Opsix are definitely a shitload easier with editors and/or the native version. I have to admit I probably wouldn't have got into them anywhere near as much without the native VSTs - just not intuitive or easy to patch those bastards on the hw versions.

All my hardware at this point is close to, if not is, WYSIWYG interfaces. Something like the Wavestate I would also use the VST editor.

[ghettosynth]

As regards VST editors...depends on the synth. Complicated digital synths such as Wavestate and Opsix are definitely a shitload easier with editors and/or the native version. I have to admit I probably wouldn't have got into them anywhere near as much without the native VSTs - just not intuitive or easy to patch those bastards on the hw versions.

All my hardware at this point is close to, if not is, WYSIWYG interfaces. Something like the Wavestate I would also use the VST editor.

Yes. In fact, I've thought about the wavestate and thinking about learning the interface holds me back. I have some modules that are generic and less WYSIWYG, e.g., Disting, but these tend to get cast in roles that don't change that much and I use them flexibility only sporadically, so, learning the interface isn't that important. My Disting EX is an overpriced poly piano in my rack most days.

[zerocrossing]

As regards VST editors...depends on the synth. Complicated digital synths such as Wavestate and Opsix are definitely a shitload easier with editors and/or the native version. I have to admit I probably wouldn't have got into them anywhere near as much without the native VSTs - just not intuitive or easy to patch those bastards on the hw versions.

All my hardware at this point is close to, if not is, WYSIWYG interfaces. Something like the Wavestate I would also use the VST editor.

If you're working in a professional production environment, a software editor is super helpful letting you make small adjustments to synths while maintaining your position between your monitors. For instance, my PolyBrute doesn't fit on my main desk (though I may remedy this by going to the PolyBrute 12 and making it my main controller) so it's on a side desk. If I'm mixing a track and have to stand up, turn to the side, make an adjustment and then sit back down, listen, then repeat until it's right. Mixing for headphones helps, but I'm often not doing that. It's also nicer for automation. I'm often making sound effects or music that must sync to an animation. Having a plugin editor makes that a breeze, especially when revisions have animations changing all the time.

[cryophonik]

One thing's for sure, based on the results of this poll - the next time someone on this forum uses the term "hardware evangelist" or "hardware snob", point them to this thread.

[foosnark]

One thing's for sure, based on the results of this poll - the next time someone on this forum uses the term "hardware evangelist" or "hardware snob", point them to this thread.

It's a software forum, it makes sense to me that we wouldn't get many actual hardware snobs.

You definitely see them around on some other forums. The most common sentiment is "I work on a computer all day, I don't want to use one for music" but they're totally fine using a computer to post on forums talking about how much they don't like computers

[ghettosynth]

You definitely see them around on some other forums. The most common sentiment is "I work on a computer all day, I don't want to use one for music" but they're totally fine using a computer to post on forums talking about how much they don't like computers

I think that there are two points about this statement though.
First, it is slightly different than being a snob for the sake of appreciation of sound and more about engaging with my computer feels different than playing music. I purposely took general purpose computers out of my main tracking space to avoid getting lost in posting on KVR, or noodling about with DAWs when I'm in a certain mindset of escaping from my daily work.

Second, I think that it's just something that people say. I'm reminded of "why did you like this song" on Bandstand, "It had a beat and I could dance to it." Ok, well, that's helpful.

I've even taken traktor out of my DJ setup. I don't play out anymore, I don't care about that, but, I do like mixing for its own sake, but, I also get tired of computers and screens in that process. So, it's just a couple of cheap Numark CDJs and my 1.4. Best thing that I could have ever done. It does make a difference to have such little time between startup and going to work. I find it a bit like driving, DJing without a computer feels more like driving a weekend car with a manual transmission, more direct, less "managed", so to speak. I even prefer to just mix with CDs because the hunt through the crate is a part of it that feels better than scrolling with a knob. Yes, the daily with the auto is less work, and feels a bit more polished coming off of an uphill stoplight, but it changes the experience in a way that matters for limited engagement.

I think that this also would be different if your work was getting music shit done, because it contributes to a certain inefficiency. I don't care about that when I'm making music, I care about enjoying making music. Efficiency is for my work.

[chaocrator]

best of both worlds … well, sort of.

IMG_2400_ds_1280.jpeg

i used to be in OTB camp for quite a while – but with introduction of «software grooveboxes» (as alternative to full-blown, monstrous and cumbersome DAWs) started using software a lot more and went rather hybrid.

[foosnark]

First, it is slightly different than being a snob for the sake of appreciation of sound and more about engaging with my computer feels different than playing music.

Yeah, I feel this to some degree. This is a big part of why I have hardware synths too. It's just that, I don't dislike the computer side. I don't even think "I'm using a computer!" when I record, I just do it... and it seems like less hassle than using tape, or another digital box with a screen.

I feel like a PC is a chameleon. One desk full of gear is where I work from home as a software developer, play games, make music, watch movies, do a lot of my shopping etc. I don't have any problem compartmentalizing those things.

The dogs can tell when I get off my work shift, and will come to me for attention -- they have no concept of closing Remote Desktop Connection and Teams and Outlook and opening Guild Wars 2 or Bitwig (especially if I'm still just wearing my headphones), but they know my mood/attitude has changed.

And to go back to my throwaway comment... there are also definitely still people who think that analog sounds better. There are even people who think that 5U modular, because of its wider voltage range and larger patch cables and tendency to use thru-hole rather than SMD components, sounds better than Eurorack.

[ghettosynth]

First, it is slightly different than being a snob for the sake of appreciation of sound and more about engaging with my computer feels different than playing music.

Yeah, I feel this to some degree. This is a big part of why I have hardware synths too. It's just that, I don't dislike the computer side. I don't even think "I'm using a computer!" when I record, I just do it... and it seems like less hassle than using tape, or another digital box with a screen.

I feel like a PC is a chameleon. One desk full of gear is where I work from home as a software developer, play games, make music, watch movies, do a lot of my shopping etc. I don't have any problem compartmentalizing those things.

I don't disagree at all. The friction is subtle and that's part of what sometimes drives the distinction. For example, the ergonomics and space demands for djing with Traktor are different in a meaningful way from not using something that has to have a screen in the right place. That alone means that my DJ stuff now fits comfortably with my modular setup. There isn't a screen and there isn't room for one.

As far as using a tape or standalone recorder vs a computer. To some extent yes. OTOH, this assumes that everything isn't much hassle to setup, which sometimes isn't true. I found it tedious to create different setups for electronic music, which needs high channel counts and no real concern for monitoring latency vs tracking guitar and vocals which either need a plugin free monitoring setup or low latency with low channel counts. For me, this equation changes because of the hardware that I chose for my modular studio. I don't use different projects to record. I just record all of the tracks to an SD card for the entire session. There are no starts or stops or punchins or anything like that. I just capture what I'm doing. Then I take the SD card down to my computer and work with audio alone in Reaper. One station has all of the modular and the controllers, the huge speakers with great bass response, and the other station primarily has my high quality ITB effects, my iLok dongle, and very small mixing speakers at the ideal spot.

It's more than just getting away from the computer. It's getting away from thinking about the recording process at all, which avoids not capturing interesting bits as well as a certain amount of recording anxiety.

[ghettosynth]

And to go back to my throwaway comment... there are also definitely still people who think that analog sounds better. There are even people who think that 5U modular, because of its wider voltage range and larger patch cables and tendency to use thru-hole rather than SMD components, sounds better than Eurorack.

Well, the knobs are often bigger in 5U. Also, the thicker cables can carry a wider frequency response.

[elxsound]

People just have a knee jerk reaction to argue. It's fight or flight for the computer age. I once met an internet foe in person and my adrenaline shot through the roof (this was decades ago, I no longer possess adrenaline).

Let's see how long it takes for someone to say I'm wrong.

So what was the outcome?

Or is it better that we don’t know?

[pdxindy]

Yeah, I feel this to some degree. This is a big part of why I have hardware synths too. It's just that, I don't dislike the computer side. I don't even think "I'm using a computer!" when I record, I just do it... and it seems like less hassle than using tape, or another digital box with a screen.

I dislike the computer. I like what I can do with it.

[zerocrossing]

People just have a knee jerk reaction to argue. It's fight or flight for the computer age. I once met an internet foe in person and my adrenaline shot through the roof (this was decades ago, I no longer possess adrenaline).

Let's see how long it takes for someone to say I'm wrong.

It's the fuel that keeps KVR burning...

It’s the fuel that keeps all social media burning. When you post on any site, including this one, you become an unpaid employee for that company. We’re making content and we’re consuming advertising, for the illusion that we are having social interaction with people. Quite diabolical.

[Uncle E]

best of both worlds … well, sort of.

IMG_2400_ds_1280.jpeg

i used to be in OTB camp for quite a while – but with introduction of «software grooveboxes» (as alternative to full-blown, monstrous and cumbersome DAWs) started using software a lot more and went rather hybrid.

What software groovebox is that?

[elxsound]

best of both worlds … well, sort of.

IMG_2400_ds_1280.jpeg

i used to be in OTB camp for quite a while – but with introduction of «software grooveboxes» (as alternative to full-blown, monstrous and cumbersome DAWs) started using software a lot more and went rather hybrid.

What software groovebox is that?

Was curious too…

Looks like Groove Rider 2
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/groove-ri ... 6480135731