Electribes, Grooveboxes et al
Discussion
Anyone into this sort of thing here?
I've got a studio setup at home, based around Ableton and it's Push 2 controller, which is absolutely brilliant, but lately I've been finding having to turn the computer on a bit of a chore.
I work in front of a computer all day and I just don't feel like being musical in front of one at the moment.
With that in mind, I got a couple of toys lately to try and go 'back to basics'.
The first is an Arturia Microbrute analog monosyllabic which is just brilliant. Properly powerful little beast. The second is a new Electribe Sampler. Like this:
It's great! It's a basic sampler and a 16 channel midi sequencer with a bit of synth and FX thrown in. It's definitely focused on live use, rather than song completion but that's brilliant for me, as it lets me just sort of jam without needing to worry about the computer. If I get an idea I like, I can export from the machine as an Ableton session file, or just as audio.
I've got a bunch of old hardware bits and pieces and I'm now considering hooking them all up via midi to see how we get on, or maybe I'm better to just keep things simple.
Anyway, is anyone else into hardware or using anything similar? I'm guessing almost everyone is 'in the box' these days...
I've got a studio setup at home, based around Ableton and it's Push 2 controller, which is absolutely brilliant, but lately I've been finding having to turn the computer on a bit of a chore.
I work in front of a computer all day and I just don't feel like being musical in front of one at the moment.
With that in mind, I got a couple of toys lately to try and go 'back to basics'.
The first is an Arturia Microbrute analog monosyllabic which is just brilliant. Properly powerful little beast. The second is a new Electribe Sampler. Like this:
It's great! It's a basic sampler and a 16 channel midi sequencer with a bit of synth and FX thrown in. It's definitely focused on live use, rather than song completion but that's brilliant for me, as it lets me just sort of jam without needing to worry about the computer. If I get an idea I like, I can export from the machine as an Ableton session file, or just as audio.
I've got a bunch of old hardware bits and pieces and I'm now considering hooking them all up via midi to see how we get on, or maybe I'm better to just keep things simple.
Anyway, is anyone else into hardware or using anything similar? I'm guessing almost everyone is 'in the box' these days...
A few years ago I was determined I was going to use hardware as much as possible. Ableton was only used as a master clock and to add tempo-based effects to the audio routed into it.
At one point I had a 909, 808, SH-101, TB-303, TR-727, Juno 60 and an Alpha Juno all running together over a combo of MIDI and CV & Gate. There were a LOT of wires. It was too much in hindsight.
Now I'm attempting something similar using Live again but only having the TB-303 and possibly an Aira or other monosynth as hardware.
At one point I had a 909, 808, SH-101, TB-303, TR-727, Juno 60 and an Alpha Juno all running together over a combo of MIDI and CV & Gate. There were a LOT of wires. It was too much in hindsight.
Now I'm attempting something similar using Live again but only having the TB-303 and possibly an Aira or other monosynth as hardware.
I have Logic Pro with everything I could ever conceivably need either as part of the software or a third-party plug-in. BUT, there's nothing better than tweaking knobs and having that tactile relationship with the sound that's coming from the speakers. Software can never replace that.
I've got Ableton + Push 2, which ought to take care of the physical control side of things but in reality, I think it's the computer that's the problem. It just feels like 'the thing I spend all day in front of' whereas hardware feels more fun, albeit definitely more limited.
I just picked up an old Akai S5000 for a pittance and whilst I lusted after it in the late 90's, it's pretty rubbish now! That said, it's still enjoyable to use, and I find the slower process of creating a program on it strangely rewarding.
I just picked up an old Akai S5000 for a pittance and whilst I lusted after it in the late 90's, it's pretty rubbish now! That said, it's still enjoyable to use, and I find the slower process of creating a program on it strangely rewarding.
I always had trouble making music with the computer. There are so many options I find it overwhelming. I also had an Electribe, some Roland TR drum machines and others including Quasimidi and MFB.
In the end I switched to a Cirklon sequencer and use that to control everything. It has 5 midi ins and outs and can also sync with loads of other stuff. The main benefit for me is that I can buy equipment without built in sequencers and it is very hands on and the basic features are easy to use.
I'm currently bidding on a Nord rack on eBay and am dipping a toe into modular synths but that could end up more expensive than cars.
In the end I switched to a Cirklon sequencer and use that to control everything. It has 5 midi ins and outs and can also sync with loads of other stuff. The main benefit for me is that I can buy equipment without built in sequencers and it is very hands on and the basic features are easy to use.
I'm currently bidding on a Nord rack on eBay and am dipping a toe into modular synths but that could end up more expensive than cars.
I'm excitedly waiting to get home and open up a Novation Circuit today...
I'm figuring it will work well with the Electribe. I quite like the idea of multiple boxes in sync, all running their own sequencers somehow. I find jumping around physically, from this box to that box, makes me think differently to just doing everything from one sequencer.
That said, that Cirklon looks the daddy. Not cheap though. I would love an Ocatrack but for the cash...
I'm figuring it will work well with the Electribe. I quite like the idea of multiple boxes in sync, all running their own sequencers somehow. I find jumping around physically, from this box to that box, makes me think differently to just doing everything from one sequencer.
That said, that Cirklon looks the daddy. Not cheap though. I would love an Ocatrack but for the cash...
Had an NI Maschine for few years now.
Would swear by that bit of kit. So versatile, and when you get familiar with it the possibilities are almost limitless. Very easy to navigate too.
The software might not be quite as in depth as others such as Ableton or Reason, but the Hardware kit is the real star.
Would swear by that bit of kit. So versatile, and when you get familiar with it the possibilities are almost limitless. Very easy to navigate too.
The software might not be quite as in depth as others such as Ableton or Reason, but the Hardware kit is the real star.
A few days on, I'm pleased to report that Circuit is the actual most creative and fun but of kit I've bought in years.
The built in speaker and battery power gives it the ethos of a childhood Casio keyboard but the two Nova synths and 6 part sequencer mean you can actually get some proper ideas down on it.
I've found myself carrying it around the house with me, working on ideas on the sofa, whilst emptying the washing machine etc etc.
I'm blown away to be honest. For the price of it, it's just superb. Brilliantly, for such a good wee standalone box, it also plays well with others, taking sync from my bigger setup and playing along with no issues. You can even load your own samples into it thanks to the new firmware update.
Fast, inspiring and musical. I'm fully sold and think everyone should buy one!
The built in speaker and battery power gives it the ethos of a childhood Casio keyboard but the two Nova synths and 6 part sequencer mean you can actually get some proper ideas down on it.
I've found myself carrying it around the house with me, working on ideas on the sofa, whilst emptying the washing machine etc etc.
I'm blown away to be honest. For the price of it, it's just superb. Brilliantly, for such a good wee standalone box, it also plays well with others, taking sync from my bigger setup and playing along with no issues. You can even load your own samples into it thanks to the new firmware update.
Fast, inspiring and musical. I'm fully sold and think everyone should buy one!
I had a look at some YouTube videos and the Circuit does look great fun. I have the Korg Volca Bass and Sample which are good for messing about with. The Circuit does look better though.
I won the auction on the NordRack 3 and it arrived Friday. I am very happy with it. What I like with the Cirklon is that I can connect to almost any synth and get results immediately. An added benefit is that I can reassign patterns from another synth to the new one to see how they sound.
Next on my list is a 3 oscillator analogue monosynth with patch memory and good midi implementation. It will probably be a Moog Voyager RME. Just need to save the cash as they are pricey buggers.
I won the auction on the NordRack 3 and it arrived Friday. I am very happy with it. What I like with the Cirklon is that I can connect to almost any synth and get results immediately. An added benefit is that I can reassign patterns from another synth to the new one to see how they sound.
Next on my list is a 3 oscillator analogue monosynth with patch memory and good midi implementation. It will probably be a Moog Voyager RME. Just need to save the cash as they are pricey buggers.
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