Was wondering if someone could help with my current setup;
MacBook Air
Apogee Duet 2
Access Virus TI2
Analog Four
Analog Rytm
Octatrack
Maschine MK1 / w Maschine 2.0
My workflow now is: I use Logic or Maschine 2.0 as my Sequencer.
The Virus is connected via USB to my Mac, the A4 goes to the Duets input, and the Maschine via USB to the Mac.
Because i am working mostly ITB now, i am not very familiar to working OTB, or using somekind of hybrid between these two.
Who has a similar setup, and what route do you take workflow wise?
Is it better/easier to sequence this via my Mac, or would it be better/easier to use the MD/OT, or something else, do i need something else to setup? (maybe a mixer/adat/midi thru?)
First thing to determine would be if you need a sampler or a drum machine.
that decision is likely based on what you feel is missing in your setup- what is missing? in my eyes you have everything covered, unless you dislike the workflow? WHAT do you have problems with currently- please define your wishes/complaints with your current gear and that will help us give you proper advice.
OT will improve workflow for sampling, MD/AR good for improving drums/percussion synthesis/sequencing.
Personally, i don’t use the computer for anything other than recording so I wouldn’t be able to give you sound advice on blending the two other than be prepared to do lots of reading on midi, midi clock timing, sync options and how they work with your computer generated sounds.
I really like the techno-ish beats of what the MD could produce from watching several videos online. Was thinking how to implement this in my current setup.
But also thought it would be nice to not only sequence the MD (and my A4) by Logic or Maschine 2.0 alone, but use the sequencers from the modules themselves, thus a external sequencer is needed and thought of the OT.
Also read a lot that the MD and OT, really work nice together with my A4 and OP-1 (and Virus TI2) Confused what to buy/what is needed to implement the MD in my current setup.
My hope is this: That the A4 and MD use their own sequencer and integrate that in my DAW, but don’t know if/how this is possible.
I have to agree with nirun (what is your setup missing ?)
My setup( If I ever get around to using it ) is actually pretty similar to the both you.
Macbook Pro
Virus Ti (polar)
MPC4000
Octatrack
A4
Machinedrum( which while different in it’s own way, I may replace with the AR … maybe)
MPC Renaissance(Kontakt, AU/VST plugs)
I also (like nirun)plan on using the Macbook for recording only.
When using laptop for MPC renaissance (it also can control/sync)
Virus/A4/Octatrack/(MD(?)
I plan on using DP or Reason to record (on the fence on this)
Had Logic but I find the above 2 easier to use.
Audio interface is Steinberg MR816X with a Presonus Digimax 96K(no longer available) patched into it giving me 8 Analog ins via ADAT
The MR816X can store saved presets allowing you to use it in stand alone mode as a mixer independent of the computer.
No mixer needed
It is important to mention that with more OTB grear, you quickly run out of inputs on your audio interface. Unless you don’t mind running some inputs into other gear and recording the sum of them into one track. I opted for the Focusrite 18i20.
I have the OT and I usually simply record the master out into a DAW track. The DAW integration isn’t great. If you want to process tracks further in the DAW, you need to solo each track. Another issue with DAW integration is MIDI-clock syncing with a computer. For near-perfect syncing, it seems Sync-gen II from Innerclock Systems is necessary.
Where the OT will excel for you, as it does for me, is sequencing your other hardware. For that you will want a MIDI through device of some sort to send the OT’s MIDI out to all your other gear. I went with the MIDI Solutions Quadra Thru for an inexpensive solution.
The machinedrum and Rytm are options I am trying to decide on as well. They will both go great with the OT. For DAW integration, and to help you from running out of audio inputs, the obvious choice would be the Rytm because of the upcoming Overbridge software integration.
I often send MIDI to most of my grear from the OT and record each device’s outputs into Ableton. I then add effects and edit/process each audio track. The OT’s MIDI features and sampling side are a lot of fun to use and help create sounds/patterns I probably wouldn’t have come up with working inside my DAW.
I have also started using Maschine 2.1 again, testing it out in a way similar to how I would use the machinedrum or rytm. It’s excellent as a drum synth on its own and when used as a VST. Where it becomes limited, is integrating it into a performance being MIDI sync’d by the OT. Unless you want to enjoy jamming or performing without a computer, I would say the maschine has you covered for drums.
Hope all that helps
I think you might be happier with and AR rather than the MD. I would also the OT. one day add the A4. I believe with those three you can do some great techno and never need the computer again.
A small mixer with enough inputs to sum route the L-R outputs of each unit to your monitors and DAW would be first because you are setting up multiple machines…A MIDI cable out from the Maschine to Octatrack might start the DAW-Hardware synching but it may not work with as many machines as you’ve planned here. You also have to consider not using the TI2 USB audio if your other soundcard takes precidence. You could look into a Innerclocks Sync-Gen Pro II but know that it only clocks the units and doesn’t send program changes to the units like other methods (OT included) will do.
When Overbridge comes may’be you won’t need the type of mixer but it might be best for now.
