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I wanna preface this thread by saying that ultimately all that matters is the end result and the path you took to get there.
Computers have opened up a whole other level of music making, yet there's still a group of people that shun it and dismiss it as inauthentic.
Computers have opened up a whole other level of music making, yet there's still a group of people that shun it and dismiss it as inauthentic.
Music made without a DAW is usually worse.
Hardware-only setups can be fun for coming up with ideas, but the tradeoffs in arrangement and clunky UIs just can't compete with a modern DAW.
Making music with hardware is kind of like jazz soloing, it's only fun for the player.
Hardware-only setups can be fun for coming up with ideas, but the tradeoffs in arrangement and clunky UIs just can't compete with a modern DAW.
Making music with hardware is kind of like jazz soloing, it's only fun for the player.
There's this weird elitism in music hardware world.
Almost as if they need to justify their insane purchases by claiming that: computer screen bad, analog good.
Making beats with a 909 and a 303 was cool in the 90s but doesn't really hold up in 2020, even as a throwback.
Almost as if they need to justify their insane purchases by claiming that: computer screen bad, analog good.
Making beats with a 909 and a 303 was cool in the 90s but doesn't really hold up in 2020, even as a throwback.
Over the years I've bought into this notion that physical is better, or that analog is better than digital, but these are tools, and artists make art with the tools that are available to them.
There's plenty of things I love about analog synths. Their quirks combined with a human player add a certain loose feel to it.
Is that objectively better though? Or is it just nostalgia for a time where MIDI didn't exist?
Is that objectively better though? Or is it just nostalgia for a time where MIDI didn't exist?
Despite what hardware manufacturers say, you can replicate "analog warmth" with digital software.
So many hardware products are sold off the back of "analog warmth". It sounds like snake oil if we're being honest.
After compression/streaming/airpods, does anybody notice?
So many hardware products are sold off the back of "analog warmth". It sounds like snake oil if we're being honest.
After compression/streaming/airpods, does anybody notice?
If the answer is "well, I notice", then great.
The issue I take with all of this is the gatekeeping. Hardware is a tool, it can create amazing results, but it's most definitely not a pre-requisite to making music and it probably needs to be taken off its pedestal.
The issue I take with all of this is the gatekeeping. Hardware is a tool, it can create amazing results, but it's most definitely not a pre-requisite to making music and it probably needs to be taken off its pedestal.
One of the most common questions I get from younger producers is "what synth should I buy?".
Here's the secret, a DAW has pretty much everything you need if you spend the time learning it.
Ableton's Operator is an underappreciated tool.
Here's the secret, a DAW has pretty much everything you need if you spend the time learning it.
Ableton's Operator is an underappreciated tool.
Music equipment manufacturers are incentivized to make you feel like you don't have enough.
Gear Acquisition Syndrome may just be artificially induced. A coping mechanism to monetize your lack of imagination.
More gear doesn't make you more creative.
Gear Acquisition Syndrome may just be artificially induced. A coping mechanism to monetize your lack of imagination.
More gear doesn't make you more creative.
