In 2019, I’m going to spend multiple months in at least 5 different countries.
I started my hardware journey a few months ago with the Digitakt. Later I tried out a bunch of monosynths, but I ended up sending everything back as I realized space will be a big issue.
A couple weeks ago I got the OT, and I feel like I definitely want to keep it as it allows me to mix things and jam for extended time instead of just being stuck with loops on the DT. I’m having a lot of fun with the OT and while I know it’s deep, I don’t find it intimidating at all.
Lately I started learning about the OP-Z. Obviously it’s fantastic for travel due to it’s size and built in battery. I also like that it can sequence the iPad via Bluetooth. I could always have it with me. I never really carry the DT, even though I have the lid and a battery pack that can power it.
Long story short, GAS got strong and I placed an order for the OP-Z. My reasoning was that if I really like it, I will sell the DT and my gear for 2019 will be OT + OP-Z + iPad.
Btw, GAS is really bad. I have this feeling that I need to perfect this travel gear before I leave in January, because I will be in countries where hardware is not very accessible (in SEA).
So what do you recommend? Am I crazy to sell the DT? Should I just fight the GAS and keep what I have? Or is there some other gear that I should consider? I make electronica/technoish stuff.
Spent an hour or two with my OPZ today and for traveling, I’d imagine it would win hands down. Once you start getting over the button combo complications it becomes a heap of fun. Not even got to FX or punch in effects yet really!
Having said that, the DT is great and there are some excellent battery solutions out there if planning to use on the move. It’s a tough call!
Yeah, I got the Anker PD26000 external battery with a 5V to 12V adapter, plus the DT lid and a small Go Pro case that fits the DT, so I can certainly move around with it.
But carrying this and the OT might be a bit too much.
why dont you pair the digitakt with the digitone and sell the ot? then youll have a nice combination that compliments each other. hook them up with a laptop and ableton live for longer arrangements.
My personal travel setup for work is my B&G Make Noise system Plus with an OP1. Though I can only use it in a hotel or when I’m waiting on a flight. Sometimes the OP1 on the plane.As soon as i get a field recorder i will shrink it to my OP1 , field recorder and Octatrack.
I don’t own the OP-Z, but i can imagine that its size is very nice for traveling. I own a Octatrack and never considered to buy a Digitakt. If the Digitakt had build in generators for drum synthesis it would be interesting, but with it current features, i don’t see any benefits if you own a Octatrack. I don’t know enough about the OP-Z to judge about it, but it seems very versatile. I guess i would use it to create loops and sounds on it while traveling and put it into the Octatrack for further editing and sequencing when i’m in the hotel. Maybe, if you can affort the OP-Z without selling the Digitakt, you could order one and try it out before finally decide which to keep.
OPZ’s shape and size looks perfect for a jacket pocket. The thing looks built to be durable. Even the removal of the screen and knobs, while unpopular, looks to add to its ease of portability
I just unboxed the OP-Z at work. I will have it with me all the time, it is really made for that: use on the sofa, in the studio, family or solo Bulli trips, big vacations, downtime at work,… . Love it! Thanks TE!
Edit:
For travelling I don’t take too much with me, it doesn’t get used enough and I prefer being outside with wife and kid, family and friends at that time. Took OT last vacation and it never left the box -1. We take a laptop and ipad anyway to watch a movie, music and communication (my wife has her own business so it never really completely ends).
imo take one box for travelling but it’s not a bad idea to take a sampler and a sound source. DTs aren’t exactly hard to come by and they’ll probably even be cheaper when you get back. it might seem like a great idea to have everything but it will more than likely end up just feeling like lugging loads of shit around.
Think of it this way, I’ve got a nice DSLR but I take a hell of a lot more pictures on my phone, and that means I usually catch better pictures without the DSLR
I’ve been doing it for the past 2 years and it’s not that bad. Normally I prefer to stay at least 3 months at a place to have enough time to taste what’s it like to live there and to try to build some relationships.
It can get lonely but I’m traveling with my girlfriend…So yeah, OT might help me stay sane.
Good that it works out. I know more than a few who stopped doing it after light to heavier problems.
Experimented myself in the early 2000 with it, but it was not for me. Just took back on projects back home for 6 months to a year and after that went wandering around for 6 months without worries or deadlines. Of course a lot changed on many levels since then.
I decided to return the OT and stick to the OP-Z + DT combo. The first three months will be too travel heavy to carry any more. Also, the OT + OP-Z combo would be too much new things to learn.
Also, I need to work on the underlying mental issues of my GAS…And make actual music instead of just stressing about gear. Seems like a lot of people have similar issues on this forum.
