Synthesizer Setup vs. All-in-One Groove Boxes

Gear I like:

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[Pheonix]

Novation Tracks + 2 Volcas = drum machine and 4 synth voices + fx + mixer for ~$700. Wish that option existed when I was starting out.

[bjamminsincebirth]

Some of my best work was when I had less to work with. I prefer having a guitar, bass, midi keyboard and a DAW. Eventually you have to send it to the DAW for mixing. I do love the live feel though.

[KoolteethDeBlog]

True that. Exactly my conclusion after spending too much money on a setup which didn't fit together until I got the MPC One. And when I got my MPC, I thought I could also get rid of most of my gear... And as you said, if making music isn't a quick creative thing, you sooner or later get frustrated. I mean in the end I felt more like a sound designer than a musician.

[leftmono]

The great thing about starting out these days is the vast array of (relatively) affordable gear and the fact that you can see how these things work on YouTube. Thanks Jade 😀

[danbocook]

Synthstrom Deluge is a must have in my opinion...it has everything for in studio and on the go...I use it as the brain of my dawless setup and also just creating out on the go $1000, but it is a DAW in a box!

[muzicluvrable]

Good video, good info for the those starting out. I have been in every place you mentioned, Maschine MK3 and midi keyboards and when my computer couldn’t handle all the VSTs and software I took a deep dive into going “ DAWLESS ” . Yes I have purchased a bunch of gear but it’s been so nice being able to just make music instead of pointing and clicking. But there’s SOMETHING for EVERYONE.
I Hope you get your space for the studio! I too and rooting for you.
Keep doing your thing.

[danbutorovich]

One of the biggest reasons I have a DAWless rig is to keep my workflow simple. When I was using multiple synths I traded out the enless menu diving in a DAW for endless cable management in a multi-synth rig. I traded out three of my synths and picked up an elecribe 2s and love it. No wires or cables to mess with, runs on batteries and I can connect to anything via midi, usb or sync/cv with other analog gear if I want to do so. The sound engines in most current grooveboxs are amazing and I really love the workflow in mine. I haven’t needed to connect to anything else so far. Unless you are planning to go full time pro or have money and time to burn Jade’s advice here is spot on correct - a groovebox is a big time saver and it helps you focus on making music instead of menu diving and wire wrangling.

[bigleafwoodcraft]

I just have to say… You are fucking awesome.

[josuearesav]

I used Abelton for ever. Then got a little roland synth. Figured I'd sequence it, so got a novation circuit. Then another circuit, and a 4 track dj mixer, and then external fx, and the whole digs deep. It's a rabbit hole for sure.

[phillindablank]

The thing is about a synthesiser setup is that keyboard synths take a bunch of space, plus what you mentioned about getting to learn each one individually at the same time could be overwhelming. I think if you are going down a hardware route, starting with a dedicated groovebox, learn it for some time and then buy some synths here or there could be key.

[ErwinSchrodinger]

My first production set up (got it this year... why? Because as a DJ for 20 years (37 now) it's time for me to give back... I love complex, dark but beautiful, and elegant progressive house, breaks, and ambient):
Production
1. Korg Kronos: workstation synth (workstation... so I can have source to do anything. Downside. It's incredibly complex and expensive).
2. Korg Wavestate: based on the legendardy Korg Wavestation (it's complex sounds via wave lanes is just so beautiful to listen to).
3. Pioneer Toraiz Squid: Sequencer (a beast of a machine).
4. Pioneer Toraiz AS-1: based on Prophet (a synthesizer by Dave Smith... enough said).
5. Elektron RYTM MKII (coming soon): a drum machine (just hoping it's not as complex as the Oktatrack)
6. Roland TB-03 (coming soon): (yes, I can get this as virtual but when you love one particular sound and can't get enough of the 303 sound, you take the plunge).
7. Elektron Oktatrack or Akai Live II: (coming soon) (Not sure on this. One is a sound manipulator and the other is more of classic DAW interface).
Production/DJing
8. Eventide H9 Max: guitar pedal (produces some of the lushest reverbs, echos, and delays I've ever heard).
9. Boss GT-1000 Core: guitar pedal (contains Boss's greatest compilation of guitar pedals... enough said).
10. Pioneer Toraiz SP-16: sampler (emphasied more for DJing and be can be used for production).
11. Pioneer DJM V10: DJ/live performance mixer (a behemoth of a mixer and beautiful as well).
12. Pioneer CDJ 3000: file players.
13. Technics 1200 MK3: nothing else to say... they're legendary.

Any input, as far, as MPC Live 2 vs the Oktatrack would be appreciated.

[defbones]

I chose both : my groovebox (circuit tracks) sequences my external synths (deepmind and mininova) ^^

[FuZZbaLLbee]

Very excited for that possible space

Sending vibes your way

[TigerClawTV]

Good luck on your potential new studio space! Sending all the good vibes your way. Take care!

[koalemos]

One thing I think most people look over is number of patterns and ability to switch fast. Like the Electribe 2/2s aren't the best machines but you can store tons of patterns and switch between them almost instantly. It's not the smoothest transition but it can do it. A lot of more expensive machines aren't always able to do this.

[idrumgood]

Groovebox that can control all your synthesizers!

[unclemick-synths]

The key thing with hardware is to build slowly and never sell a synth to buy a "better" synth - make the new one prove itself before selling the old one because re-buying due to a change of heart wastes time and money.

[danecustance]

More good vibes coming your way i hope your new space works out for you.

[wighttoan]

I like mixing it up with a few of everything. 90% of my gear is scored used off craigslist.
I have some older grooveboxes, Roland D2, Yamaha AN200 &DX200. These are great if you're starting out. You can play them with a midi keyboard and just use the synth voices, or create your own patterns. I like using the Yamahas to sequences other synths too.
I use an Alesis Micron and Korg Micro, both small work stations with split keyboard modes, arps, drum sounds. You can do so much with these and a simple looper pedal.
To save some coin and space, there are desktop synths. I went with a used desktop Blofeld recently and just use a Reface CP to play it.
I'd like to start getting into old skool rack units like the E-mu Mo Phatt, Orbit, and they can just sit on top of my amplifier to save space.

[sebastianleon]

After years of buying and selling I've come upon the Korg Prologue, the Elektron Analog Four and the RYTM, and I have never felt so satisfied in my life