I would like to be “DAW free” sometimes ))
But the firmware in my A4 seems to be outdated (by the features of other Elektron machines).
So if I need to use it to fulfill my music making needs then I def. need a DAW!
This limits it’s usage as “the analog synth only” practically.
I’ve bought A4 to use as a “sketchbook” in my summer house and anywhere far away from PC.
I have a cycling buddy that has that watch as his daily driver, and then for rides he swaps in the plastic version. you know… so he doesn’t mess up the nice one.
I just got a A4 mk1. I feel outdated and in need of 1~2 years of self-firmare updates (learn) to get to scratch 1cm of what this thing is capable of.
No retrigs or PLocks for Arp here (in A4) unfortunatelly! It’s important if you create some IDM stuff or trap-like music.
Analog Rytm lives in it’s own reality by some unknown reason…
I think the point I was trying to get across was actually a bit loss. I was actually comparing a “stand-alone” box vs a midi controller connected to a conventional devices running a daw, hence my phone example. I think it came across as using screens vs physical interfaces. Which of course, using a touch screen suck. I was arguing is the ethos of the “stand-alone” device, like a Tracker+ or something even going to be a value proposition vs buying a midi controller that is managing software run by a powerful processor (e.g. your smart phone)
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Any watch other than a Casio/Timex style watch is an art object with a greater or lesser connection to history.
My current watch is a $20 Casio with a $20 band. I thought the international time zone feature would be useful, but some of the zones are off so it ends up being another watch that is more decorative than functional.
My watches are primarily fashion accessories. My overall style is pretty basic, but I put a little more effort into shoes and watches to demonstrate that I’m not a complete slob.
My synths are tools for the creation of music or the manipulation of sound. Most of my gear looks pretty cool, but I buy based on sound and expressive power rather than visual aesthetics. Most of what I can do with hardware can be done with software, but the vibe is different. In many cases, software is more productive but hardware is more inspiring.
Ultimately, I don’t think the answer to this question matters much. In either case you are purchasing equipment that is made in relatively small quantity by skilled artisans. If you like fancy watches or you like synthesizers and can afford them then you should feel good about enjoying them. Both were serious tools at one point, and either can be decorative or useful today.
Rock an awesome watch or jam out on your synths. Have fun and make the world a more enjoyable place.
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But the answers do matter, it made for a good Monday read.
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little do all of you know, this is secretly a watch thread 
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Your not gong to believe this. But in the Mechanical watch forum they are asking the same question but other way round
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Just realized that over the years I’ve switched from mechanical watches to simple quartz watches, and then to a Garmin smart watch (can’t imagine using anything else now, it’s so good for sports).
Similarly, I’ve switched from being dawless to a hybrid workflow. And who knows, maybe my future is 100% dawful.
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i’m a huge fan of Drambo — BUT
i stll prefer it with hardware controllers
(Circuit Tracks + Launchpad Mini as dedicated clip launcher).
in a real live/jam situation, using touchscreen for some slider controls is acceptable, and that’s all.
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I see a different trend
A growing market with more and more indie manufacturers and a growing number of hobbyst ( with high disposable income) compared to 20 years ago, hobbyst that are quite expert and know what they want
I think the point you are trying to make is about absolute value: A smartphone or tablet is 100x more powerful as a DT2 so is it justified to pay €1000,- for such an “outdated” machine (instead of a really good midi controller).
I’d still say yes, as the arguments of installing apps, distraction, drivers being outdated, connection problems, focus etc. still stands.
Especially for giging or “professional” musicians who want to be purely focussed on their music. For them it’s not only about the costs of the hardware, it’s about the complete package: hardware, software / firmware, workflow, stability, etc.
I found the argument about ownership and lifetime very valid as well:
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Got an AK for playing, an A4 as reserve and to be more mobile. what exactly is outdated on these great synths? A new screen would be nice bc the permanent (ab)use, but that’s all.
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Let me offer another perspective: Would you argue that same way about a Minimoog, a Gibson SG, or a Cello? People appear to be able to perform with those despite the apparent lack of design changes (a.k.a. firmware updates).
OTOH it may very well be that your needs have changed, and then it may no longer be the instrument for you. Which is not related to the A4 at all, I would argue. Some genres are rather “technical”, so easy access to the latest type of sounds makes producing tracks less of a hassle.
I think whatever works is fine. I’m seriously thinking about adding a laptop to my setup just for running Cycles.
I think that in near future we’ll get a kind of “semi-DIY” model. You’ll be able to buy constructor files: all gerber kind PCB stuff, blueprints for folding metal parts, 3d models for 3d printable parts (like side cheeks, knob, button caps), the firmware. Then you just order all (or almost) job in China, all sliders, pots, folding, molding, laser cut parts. This will travel to you in a medium sized box and you just do a screwdriver job basically, some minor soldering stuff (for PSU and switches, jacks). Or it will be assembled by Chinese girls in minutes by their factory and you’ll get a complete unit with your unique design details.
Why not?
Somebody will see this opportunity and make a fortune by this!
I’m talking about retrigs exactly. It looks like it’s not hard to implement… But it’s not here by some reason (maybe it’s so called “marketing”). I’ve need this feature from the moment when I’ve started to create something on A4.
Actually it’s now laying in it’s box. I’m not happy with it and I wait for the new firmware. Or when I’ll have a time to make a multi-cord cable to connect it to my XR-18. Yeah, it’s about using a DAW of course.
Thus comparing it with Cello or Minimoog (are these grooveboxes? 
) is not right.
Don’t sleep on @toot and others in the AI gen art thread…
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I have an ancient family Rolex that sits in a drawer until I wind it every couple weeks, and wear a battered apple watch that I’ll probably replace on a 2-3 year cycle. I’d go a bit longer but that’s still a new enough device that the feature additions are something I’d want (like one-arm watch gestures, I would use that a lot if I had it on my watch). Soon enough that will slow to my phone update cycle which is 5-7 years, and mostly battery failure related.
My music hardware is probably somewhat similar - it’s all ephemeral and not (for me) a signifier of status, some of it lasts, some of it doesn’t.
It sure takes up a hell of a lot more space.
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You just don’t have enough watches then.
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