Simple Hardware Sequencer/AnalogSynth/DrumMachine Setup

[Monsieur_R]

I've been thinking a lot about the following type of set up and I thought someone might be able to help.

I have a DAW based electronic studio at home. However, in addition to this I'd like to set up a very simple setup that works somewhat like this:

Analogue Solutions Telemark + Europa, Machinedrum fun - YouTube

The idea would be that I could just work on arrangements and then once I had something I really enjoyed I could redo the parts on my main studio at home. Now, in an ideal world I could take the main drum parts and transfer them into my DAW so in addition to a hardware sequencer I'd need some sort of recording device (as well, the recording device would be needed because even during the development stage I'd want mutlple synth parts so they'd have to be recorded in somehow).

So, I'm thinking roughly: hardware sequencer (NOT A COMPUTER SCREEN!), synth, drum machine, simple recorder, ???

The main goal is to get away from the creative process/arrangement development being in front of the computer screen and only using the DAW for redoing/polishing the mix I've built up from scratch with a hardware based sequencer. Just to reiterate:

1. On hardware sequencer setup develop main arrangement of melodic lines, bridge, drop, chorus stuff + main drum patterns
2. Transfer drum patterns into DAW, redo the synth patterns better, and possibly occasionally transfer melodic lines recorded, and work heavily on MIX, effects, and tweaks

Hope this makes sense Anyone else already doing this and want to relate how it works? Thanks for all help.

[SecretSociety]

Sounds like you are looking for a AKAI MPC ...
after finishing your recordings, arrangements n stuff u can record those tracks into your daw and polish em.
check em out!

Elektron Octatrack could be another option.

[crufty]

watch out for jamitis! have fun!

[rego]

Thanks for linking my video! I find this is my favorite way to work. I work in IT so I mostly hate using the computer to write my toons. My basic workflow for finishing a song.

1) Jam and sequence core song components on sequencer

2) Record finished product with MIDI sync to DAW via 2 Track audio interface (sometimes I improvise as I record, others I will set up definite structure in song modes)

3) Add extra components to song in DAW like risers, fx, vocals, etc.

4) Add finishing master touches in DAW or send out to Art VLA compressor and record again.

Soon I will have an audio interface with more than 2 inputs and that will really allow me to finish the mix ITB or OTB. Not sure which workflow I'll enjoy more. Sometimes I'll actually jot down ideas in a simple DAW like Reason and then recreate them using hardware. I have done a complete 180 in that regard.

Heed the advice though, beware of jamitis!

[cdog]

This is how I work, Id say an MPC1000 (or any mpc), Octatrack, MC808/909, or Emu Command station all make good sequencers, once you get the hang of them, with the JJOS2 MPC1000 probably being the best contender.

However, for mixing I find the recall and automation of a DAW to be essential, so I record live into Ableton and then edit and mix it there, and tweak it into something somewhat songlike, but any daw will do. You can use a mixing console and outboard, which has its own benefits depending on how you like to work and what gear you have, and this keeps the whole thing OTB, but Im addicted to automation personally...

[Monsieur_R]

All of the comments so far make sense, and I really appreciate them. I'll definitely watch out for jamitis! At first I literally thought that meant some sort of new synth people tend to buy when hardware sequencing.

Couple of quick questions as I start to research this stuff more:

1. Let's say I was using the MPC 1000 and I had one hardware synth attached to it. Could I sequence the drums within MPC 1000 via samples I've imported from my own collection, and then record my synth takes on the keyboard and have those as separate tracks on the MPC? If so, how intuitive is it on the MPC to quantize takes? I don't mind not being able to see a piano roll but I'd like to be able to quantize some of the bass lines and chord stabs.

2. The Elektron Octatrack. What main thing does it offer the MPC 1000 doesn't ?

3. Huge differences between MPC 500 and 1000? Remember, my main goal IS to jam and then to use those arrangements within my DAW.

Thanks for all the help so far.