Benefits of Hardware

[zerocrossing]

What are the benefits of real, hardware modules vs. Reaktor, Falcon, VCV Rack, etc. The ability to adjust two parameters at once is useful, but that could be configured via a midi controller in software.

Is it just a really expensive way to feel like you're playing an "instrument"?

Some people would rather have an ice pick stuck in their eye than use a software instrument. I’m definitely not one of those people, but they do exist. I personally find real modular to be a pain to use. Too messy, and the idea of having to repatch every time you want to revisit a setup is not for me. To a lot of people, the patching of the modular is the music. I’m sure those people would hate having to drag virtual patch cables around with a mouse.

Another reason is sound quality. You can hook up as many modules as your case can handle and patch everything to everything and there’s never a chance of a buffer underrun. If I’m doing something in Reaktor and I want the audio rate modulation to sound great, I’ve got to run it at double my project’s sample rate, so that means 96 kHz. That sounds great, but I can quickly get to pop-click city if I’ve got other things going on that are also CPU intensive. I’ve got a fair amount of hardware synths so that’s not a problem. I can basically dedicate my computer to running Reaktor only, if I want to.

[zerocrossing]

hardware interacts with quantum mechanics in a way that the abstraction layer of software never can. god's software quantizes continuously based on the users emotional and intellectual input so seamlessly that the end user is only rarely and then only fleetingly aware that the software even exists. it does so so smoothly and to such an extent that the user may maintain disbelief, thus avoiding premature enlightenment or unwanted existential crisis. if that is what he or she chooses, and thus chooses instead to remain a slave to the music.

I was thinking along those lines, but then I came down.

[courtjestr]

For me, a big advantage of software modular is the ability to save a patch set, and recall it again quickly to use or experiment with further. The only way, I can think of saving a patch set with hardware is by taking a picture of it with my camera.

[pekbro]

I dunno, I just remember what I did to make a patch, it's not that difficult to get pretty close
if you were paying attention and have a good ear. My system is only about 500 hp, I would'nt
expect too much trouble unless you're running some huge rig with 1000+ hp. YYMV of course.

[vurt]

hard to look sexy checking your email.
ive never had an issue getting a partner when i get my knobs out.

[vurt]

For me, a big advantage of software modular is the ability to save a patch set, and recall it again quickly to use or experiment with further. The only way, I can think of saving a patch set with hardware is by taking a picture of it with my camera.

why repeat stuff? theres a whole universe of sounds to play, take a riiiiiiide!

[Winstontaneous]

if you were paying attention and have a good ear. My system is only about 500 hp

"Only" 500hp"? 500hp in Dungeons & Dragons Hit Points would make you a most formidable adversary, and 500 Horsepower in just about any 2- or 4-wheeled conveyance will get you there and back again very quickly, indeed.

[Dunbar]

You can sleep with your hardware.

[vurt]

if you were paying attention and have a good ear. My system is only about 500 hp

"Only" 500hp"? 500hp in Dungeons & Dragons Hit Points would make you a most formidable adversary, and 500 Horsepower in just about any 2- or 4-wheeled conveyance will get you there and back again very quickly, indeed.

728 hp!


grabs die, casts undulating throbbe monster!

[vurt]

You can sleep with your hardware.

i will not be buying anything second hand from you!

[Dunbar]

i will not be buying anything second hand from you!

I have a nice cheap Moogerfooger Clusterflux I can offer.

Only one previous, ahem, "user"...

[vurt]

i will not be buying anything second hand from you!

I have a nice cheap Moogerfooger Clusterflux I can offer.

Only one previous, ahem, "user"...

can you wipe the jizz off and give it a good disinfecting?
i do like the clusterflux

[excuse me please]

I use modern hw like a laptop.

[vurt]

I use modern hw like a laptop.

me too.
for watching porn while im listening to the old fashioned hw make beautiful noises.

[pekbro]

One thing about software, you can't get this nifty ribbon touch control thing goin solely in software.