exactly…with software you will always have to be up-to-date in terms of the hardware running it 
especially for those apps which require a lot of processing power, whereas, with a piece of hardware that is made specifically for a task, well, you know it’ll be fine for a looong time (even though, the software in this case plays its own role)
i guess this could start the usual debate on whether software is better than hardware… analog is better than digital… in the end what counts is the end result (and what you like most)[/quote]
Computer Vs Octatrack?
One is a piece of hardware controlled by a CPU with RAM, storage and a software operating system.
The other one is a computer.
[/quote]
HA!
Please everyone, don’t misunderstand me. If you read my post carefully, you’d see I expressed support for people who use both software and Octatrack to make music.
But the reality is, shit will go bad on your computer faster than it will on dedicated hardware. Apple store wanted to charge me $300 to fix the headphone out problem!
Apple, Dell, and other computer makers do not design their machines for years or even decades of continuous use. You’re lucky to get 7 years of use out of your computer. If you are in the habit of replacing your computer every 2 years, you might not notice this. I bought my iPad this year. Let’s see if my iPad still works 5 years from now… I’m enjoying making music on it now, but I’d be a fool to get all emotional and not think about this reality. From my POV, if you made at least 5 years worth of satisfying music on your computer during that computer’s 6-8 year lifespan, then it’s totally worth the price you paid for that computer, even if you have to get another one at your computer’s “end of life”.
I did NOT made an argument against incorporating Live or whatever into your rig - I’m just saying you need to think about that if you’re contemplating ditching hardware for software or even just adding a software component to your hardware rig. Just another variable to figure into what you should expect to pay, regarding price of admission…That’s why some software-heavy musos have a backup laptop or tablet…
OT vs Ableton - Different but the same, horses for courses, use either, use both use neither.
Octatrack is more
Ableton is like
Oh, and MPC is
Just kidding, big MPC fan here.
MPC:
Ableton Live:
Octatrack:
I could rearrange the associations a lot, too, but the meaning is clear all the same: they all get the job done, and love being a turtle.
Ableton Live will get you where you need to go, with or without a controller.
Ableton Live, is for all intents and purposes many times more powerful than the OT. I mean really, it is basically limitless especially now with a modular like interface built right in (MAX).
Ableton is however, extremely scientific compared to the OT.
I literally have happy accidents every time I work with the OT because its a machine for exploration rather than scientific workflow and outputting masses of music. Never really had that happen with Ableton and plugins…
What I mean by all this, is that on paper any software choice will destroy the OT. It really is more about the in the moment usage of the machine that will tell you the true differences. In that sense, no piece of software will ever be enough. Even touch interfaces like SAMPLR (while very good) feel lacking, although they are getting closer
This is spot on 
Sums it up for me, with the exception of MPC - only because I’ve never owned an MPC.
I just pulled some random images from http://www.randomimage.us for the hell of it…
Octatrack is more
Ableton is like
Oh, and MPC is
No one mentioned Lucifer devine machine released in 2004 which I think is the only one to be a bit something like OT but different heheh. Used with jazzmutant lemur or kaosspad3 or monome via osc may give you the feeling of hardware but still… OT is OT. There is no comparison btw OT and a computer daw or plugin…
Of course it depends on your experience and what type of workow you like.
I’m happy that I had this expirience.
Stand proud behind the OT 
Love the associations heh
Honestly, this is hilarious and I don’t even know why.
If you didnt like the workflow of the OT, you will hate the workflow using max for live
I think the standalone nature of the Elektron boxes is one of the things that contributes to this. There is something to be said for a box that does not let you browse the web, read email, or play games. Agreed about the “scientific” nature of Ableton Live. I call that “recording engineer” stuff. With the OT, I am not tempted to get into “recording engineer” mode, putting endless plugins and devices on tracks, arranging complex chaining. With the OT I’m in “creative sample mangler” mode all the time.
Limitations can unlock creative potential sometimes.
I sold my Octatrack because I wasn’t digging the sequencer and slicing and stuff(impatient OP-1 guy). But you really can’t replace what it does for live effects and mixing of electronic instruments. I have a Push and there really isn’t anything I’ve found that gets me close to the Octa vibe. Push is sick and I’m not letting go of it, but the only thing stopping from re-buying the Octa right now is waiting to see what is in THE BOX??? 
LOL! Made my day homie! Thanks!
This is spot on :)[/quote]
Naw, can we make Ableton the Movie version or something. Not digging them new Turtles.
LOL! Made my day homie! Thanks![/quote]
cheers vf and bandersong, thought some random humour would work here
Someone earlier mentioned Numerology, and I heartily concur. While it’s sample mangling potential might not be obvious at first glance things can get pretty crazy when you consider that every perimeter of the built in sampler player can be modulated by the step sequencers. Here’s something I threw together in 5 mins, it’s crap but hopefully it demonstrates the kind of controlled chaos Numerology can provide.
http://modularsamples.com/loopmolester.mp3
Also, Metasynth can do some incredible things with samples, stuff I’ve never heard elsewhere.
The Elektron boxes have a certain sound I find very daunting to capture with Ableton and plugins.
I still use Ableton Max, Arturia’s V Collection, and Reaktor a lot for sound design and samples to feed my OT and MD.
I still mix my Elektron units in Ableton with UAD2 plugins to get a good pre-master 2-track, but the Elektron boxes have goddamned magic audio dust in them or something.
There’s no software-based comparison to my ears.
audiomulch. deceptively simple. lot’s of audio mangling ability and a lot lot more than that.
Numerology is indeed a nice piece of software, though it’s been a while since I’ve fired it up.
When I’m not home to play with my Octatrack, I do most of my audio mangling on my iPad. iDensity, Turnado, and Borderlands Granular all have their individual strengths for mangling.
I also do a bit on OP-1, but that’s off-topic since the OP was asking about software.