Hi People, a bit of background…
I’m almost 40, have a demanding full-time job, at which I stare at a computer screen all day. I’m just a hobbyist, not kidding myself that I will be the next world’s top paid DJ or anything. But I still love creating sounds. I know it will never really “get me anywhere”, but I can’t stop. I’m addicted.
On and off for about 14 years now, I’ve made IDM, Techno, Dub Techno, Ambient. Started off with Reason 1.0. Been using Ableton Live for years now.
It’s become hard to force myself to sit down and stare at a screen to make music after working all day on a computer. I’m guessing a lot of you know what I mean.
Over the past year I’ve gradually branched out into hardware (beyond the old standard midi keyboard). I love my Push, MS20 mini, Volcas, Mbase 11, and now… Analog Four.
I admit, it’s been a challenge getting to grips with the A4’s sequencer after becoming so proficient using Ableton Live + mouse. But, I also see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can see how people might eventually leave the DAW entirely, at least for initial song creation and sequencing. I am now considering getting an Octatrack and/or Analog Rytm in the future to shift even more duties from software to hardware.
For those of you who have gone from software to using mainly hardware for song creation - I have some questions.
- Do you feel there are enough benefits to justify the extra expense (especially for a non-pro)?
- Do you have any regrets or buyer’s remorse?
- Anything you miss about using mainly software?
- Do you still find yourself going back to software to just “get it done” and “knock it out” and that hardware is mainly for messing around and scratchpad duties?
Thanks!