What's your favorite bedside music sketching device?

I’ve got a Model Samples with a small power bank attached to the back with a command strip. I paid for 1 month of Roland cloud and downloaded EVERY sample pack roland makes and then cancelled my membership. Load up a a new pack and chill in the bed next to my wife playing switch. I have Korg Gadget on the switch as well, which is impressive in many ways

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I can vouch for this. The Pocket Operators work really well for me in low light due to muscle memory. You barely even need eyes.

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You really should give the opz a chance… it is everything great about the op1 but with a proper electron type sequencer. It really is very under rated machine. The whole build quality thing gives it a bad wrap, but the op1 had just as many build issues and it doesn’t get near the hate… at least you can fix all the opz problems yourself without having to find extra boards and keys etc.

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What about a guitar? Great fun. Actually, never ending fun… No upgrade, battery problem or midi connection bs. Just the guitar or a flute maybe

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For me forever iPads.
I have one with an old OS (because not all old Apps make it to newer OS) and one with the newest OS beside my bed (both are the iPad Air 2, which battery is still strong after years in bed, it has a classic stereo headphone out and if you buy it used, they cost between 100-150 Euro at the moment).

I love them because their form factor and look is so minimal, light, elegant, yet you can push it into very straight workflows or freak out into completely experimental stuff.

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My 2 cents…a M8 Tracker and a SP404 MKII. (and iPad). All small, battery powered, sequencing, sampling.

I have a synthesizer/guitar background, and never felt attraction for sample based music composing. But since I own the M8 and the SP404 MKII it changed my view on that.
it’s so nice to lie down and go nuts with these little devices.

I can feel your preference for the MC-101, I even owned one. But it could not hold my attention. The M8 and/or SP404 are of course ‘different’ but will give you a insight of a other music world. Especially the M8 is growing on me, it’s really magical and can do so much. Never expected so much power in such a small device.

Good luck making a choice!

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All great advice! The M8 is intriguing, but very expensive. I’ll probably wait until it’s more commonplace in the EU.

The SP-404 I’m not really sure what I’d use it for. I’m not really a sampler kind of musician, I get a lot more inspiration from amazing synth pads and arps, and intricate rhythms (the Model:Samples is an interesting option that I’m also considering).

A leatherbound note book and fountain pen. My best ideas come from these before i go to sleep.

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Sounds like you’re a real musician. :ok_hand: I need more help than that. :joy:

Just downloaded Koala Sampler to my phone today and I’ve been having a great time all sunday. Went full Burial :joy:

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The Deluge is IMO the ultimate bedside/portable music device! You can easily create full tracks while laying in bed… although you might need some painkillers for your neck afterwards! :grinning:

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Koala Sampler.

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I’ve gone more Industrial hip hop with found sounds from my living room

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Any Elektron device. I alternate them during my Couch Sessions.

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If they were battery powered and had more silent buttons, I’d agree 100%.:blush:

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I guess it depends if you have an electrical outlet near your couch and if someone is watching tv while you’re clicketing a melody on those please-go-to-your-studio-so-i-dont-hear-it buttons. :smiley:

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I have a chronic illness which causes massive pain and fatigue problems, so having the option of a bed-based music practice keeps me sane. Digitone is my favourite for this! The size is great, and the sounds are endlessly fascinating and soothing. The power situation is not ideal. I run the power cord round behind my pillows, so it’s not too annoying.

Model:Cycles would probably be the perfect Elektron for bed use.

The most important thing for me was getting a good bed-table with a tilt-up top. Gotta get as comfy as possible

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I’m hoping an 8bit Warps will be the perfect couch / bed companion for me, assuming my wife is otherwise entertained of course. Bought and anxiously awaiting delivery :grin:

For now though, the Korg NTS-1 is a cool device to mess around on imo, but more for sound design fun rather than composing full tracks.

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Would love to hear about your impressions so far. Thanks for introducing me to this brand, didn’t know it existed! The XFM looks pretty cool, but based on the demos, I can’t say I think it sounds nearly as good as the Digitone.

I’ve never used one but I would think polyend tracker would be a good fit here

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