Anyone here happy they've switched from hardware to software productions

[Killah_Trakz]

If so, give us ya insights.

Me personally, left the sp, mp, asr10, and all that for battery 3 and kontakt 2 and havent been much happier. I think my motivation was from watching the JB redbull interview and said man im tired of flipping through zips and blah blah for just a sound and not all machine have great time stretching neither. I took the dough from my lp and copped the macbook core 2 duo and the axiom and all that and said lemme see what the hype is about.

I knew a while back Tony was grinning at the power of core 2's and running logic, so i got the express since i dont need all the extra's of pro and just started working from their. Theirs time i miss the interfacing and sequencing on general hardware but the ease of picking up the laptop and grabbing my ext hd or flash drive is mad easy on flights or long trips. Far as battery 3 hahaha man.............. lets just say it makes my sampling super easy and makes me a lazy producer (ill show that later). Kontakt 2 loads all the sample cd's and all the emu formats even the akai's too. It has filtering and all types of fx's and all that other shenanigans.

Well thats my reason to start, care to share yours. Peace.

[t.dizzle]

My 2kxl has a thick layer of dust on it.

[Contra]

not necessarily you, but people need to see blaze use software to see you can make hot shit on software too....its the man not the machine. albeit im not saying hot shit cant be done on hardware, but it had to take a big name to change, while many great creators of music have been itb for a while now.

[The Marrvel]

This is an ironic topic, because I'm actually considering switching back to hardware.

I currently use Battery 2 and Trilogy as my primary software production tools within Cubase. In addition to these, I sometimes use Hypersonic, Atmosphere, Vanguard, and all types of free soft synths.

The workflow is great for me, but I find myself trying to use too many tools because they're so accessible. I believe that a more minimalistic hardware setup will give me not only a signature sound but also bring back the fun of being able to just flip a couple switches and play.

I still have yet to make the switch, but I really want to grab an MPC to sample/sequence on with a solid sound module.

[jb4play]

I'm happy, been happy for years.

Man, I tried. Lord knows I tried. Honestly If I only had a 2kxl I'd be on software.
I was feening for a way to get away from shoe boxes of zip discs, bad zip discs and limited memory etc...
When I discovered the 4k it was the perfect blend of hardware/software when used with aksys. I still want a laptop for travel because of the size of the MPC4k but hell I'm 6'4 I can carry a drum machine.

I like battery3, but I've been on MP's since the early 90s. I can't turn away.

Once I got into a hardware drum machine, I ended up turning back to hardware modules so I picked up a fantom xr/motiff. I like not turning on the computer now.

[Justice]

Computers are nosie, I put my in a differnt room. (Long Ass Cables, make sure to get the really thick ones for your monitor)

I tried software too, I wanted to like it but I still found myself going back to the MPC3G for just that right touch of swing.

I do do some computer editing after I drop the main track through my MPC iin Nuendo. Very little though just for the live sound stuff.

And the real time drum pads make it much more fun for me!

Plus the TAP TEMPO feature is awesome for remixes!

[MarkusColeman]

Originally Posted by The Marrvel

The workflow is great for me, but I find myself trying to use too many tools because they're so accessible. I believe that a more minimalistic hardware setup will give me not only a signature sound but also bring back the fun of being able to just flip a couple switches and play.

limits set your creativity free. no question.
but you can perfectly do that in the software world.

just limit yourself by using one fav. synth, one fav. sampler, one or two reverbs, eqs, delays. I don't see a problem here. just delete everything you don't find necessary for your workflow.
if you find yourself jumping from one sound module to the second and third, you end up with thousands of choices - no matter if in the hardware or the software world.

you can switch "flavours" for different projects by creating VST folders where you put the stuff in you want to use for said track. it's not hard and an easy solution to the "too many choices" problem.

just try that approach and you will find out that the problem you describe........is no "problem" at all - you just look for a solution in all the wrong places.

[MarkusColeman]

Originally Posted by Justice

Computers are nosie, I put my in a differnt room.

hmmm, I often wonder if my computers are on at all, because there is no noise in the room. the laptop I bought last year is noiseless too.

I was to your myspace once and heard background noise on all of your tracks.
it's probably the power supply or the sound card in your computer.

Originally Posted by Justice

And the real time drum pads make it much more fun for me!

MPC 2ks are cheap. just cop one of ebay and control your DAW/software with it if you need the hardware under your fingers.
as fun as an MPC is, if you know how to play drums, nothing can beat a nice set of Vdrums.

Originally Posted by Justice

Plus the TAP TEMPO feature is awesome for remixes!

why not assign a midi knob/slider to set the tempo in your DAW/sequencer?
leave the acapella unwarped and "ride" the hosts tempo to fit it.
sort of like varispeed on two decks, where you match the tempo to the "master" deck.

it's easy to set up and nice for subtle tempo changes too.

[thefirehooligan]

ive had my fair share of bad zips. thank god the day i heard about the card reader mod for the 2K XL i ordered one, with a pair of 2 gig CF cards and am happy as a clam.


Software set-up?? not for me thanks, i love my hardware way too much. my buddy at school is copping a 2500 now and probably dropping Reason. I never could get into reason myself.

Peace,

Rob

Originally Posted by thefirehooligan

ive had my fair share of bad zips. thank god the day i heard about the card reader mod for the 2K XL i ordered one, with a pair of 2 gig CF cards and am happy as a clam.


Software set-up?? not for me thanks, i love my hardware way too much. my buddy at school is copping a 2500 now and probably dropping Reason. I never could get into reason myself.

Peace,

Rob

Even worse, I probably had more zip DRIVES die than discs Having an internal on my 2kxl helped alot. Before that the scsi drives always died on me.

The only time I got bad zips was sticking them into the computer first. And Lord, Don't even mention Jazz drives

[carllock]

owned every type of hardware you can imagine all the way up to huge consoles and heavy 2" machines...

never been happier now that my new studio with over 30 synths and racks and racks of effects (150+ VST's) is now soft via a laptop with three 500 gig usb external drives. Everything fits in a laptop bag and another small bag for my M-audio ozone controller and U87 mic! I use a collaspable 4 foot camera mono-pod for mic set up's if I don't have a mic tri-pod were I'm at (shinks to 6 inches).

when I go on the road I put my clothing in the controller bag to cushion my controller and my socks cover my mic!

people are amazed at my production gigs that I can have my entire studio setup in less than 12 minutes.

this was a very hard road getting things to this level but now with Waves Diamond, SSL, URS EQ and COMPS, and gonna buy a UAD-Xpander soon.

summary was a pain in ass to convert but would not trade it for anything in the world

[Killah_Trakz]

Originally Posted by MarkusColeman

hmmm, I often wonder if my computers are on at all, because there is no noise in the room. the laptop I bought last year is noiseless too.

I was to your myspace once and heard background noise on all of your tracks.
it's probably the power supply or the sound card in your computer.



MPC 2ks are cheap. just cop one of ebay and control your DAW/software with it if you need the hardware under your fingers.
as fun as an MPC is, if you know how to play drums, nothing can beat a nice set of Vdrums.


why not assign a midi knob/slider to set the tempo in your DAW/sequencer?
leave the acapella unwarped and "ride" the hosts tempo to fit it.
sort of like varispeed on two decks, where you match the tempo to the "master" deck.

it's easy to set up and nice for subtle tempo changes too.

Perfect answers, and I love the 1 about limiting yourself. I look at it like this, unless you have plenty cash to play with your usually going to end up buying 1 workstation so thing of your sampler of choice and use it as via hardware mentality.

Battery triggers my one shots or easy sample chops because i use it thinking its a complete mpc minus the sequencer and kontakt as a sound module-asr 10 sampler with all the efx and editing. If you want grit and all that shit sample thru an old ass win 95 comp with a soundblaster isa joint u can cop for like 20 bucks and their goes that grittyness lol.

And yeah i do miss hardware dont get me wrong cuz their nothing like turning on an mpc and feeling that cold ass steel / aluminum in the morning but man i wouldnt trade my laptop in for the world.

[thefirehooligan]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

Even worse, I probably had more zip DRIVES die than discs Having an internal on my 2kxl helped alot. Before that the scsi drives always died on me.

The only time I got bad zips was sticking them into the computer first. And Lord, Don't even mention Jazz drives

Oh mine came with an internal zip drive when i bought it used from a friend.
Have a big box full of toasted zip disks, neither my MPC drive nor the macs zip drive see's them when i insert them.

External Zips are death for real, i went threw 3 SCSI zip 100 drive trying to get all my archived sounds and programs off zips and onto CF cards.

Speaking of Jazz Drives, ones holding my bedroom window open, and another keeps the bedroom door from slamming shut from the wind. Its about the only use i have for any SCSI device now.

If you have a MPC 2000XL, for gods sakes do yourself a favor and get a cardreader please. If you have the internal zip already its a straight swap, if you have afloppy internal, its a power cord and data cable swap.

Peace,

Rob

[beat you down]

for all you anti software mpc guys info:

MPC'S ARE COMPUTERS RUNNING SOFTWARE!

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by The Marrvel

This is an ironic topic, because I'm actually considering switching back to hardware.

I currently use Battery 2 and Trilogy as my primary software production tools within Cubase. In addition to these, I sometimes use Hypersonic, Atmosphere, Vanguard, and all types of free soft synths.

The workflow is great for me, but I find myself trying to use too many tools because they're so accessible. I believe that a more minimalistic hardware setup will give me not only a signature sound but also bring back the fun of being able to just flip a couple switches and play.

I still have yet to make the switch, but I really want to grab an MPC to sample/sequence on with a solid sound module.

i thought i was the only person feeling this way recently. on top of the fact that i want a midi controller that offers more controls than my radium 49 but not as big as a Keystation Pro.

[Barilla]

Just recently incorporated the MPC 25k into my workflow.

Sounds better than the soft samplers to my ears, feels better under my fingers and I just like how it makes me work. I love Logic and Macs, but with this I get the best of both worlds.

As for the hardware / software thing - it's whatever gets the job done for you. I've heard great music being made both ways!

Originally Posted by beat you down

for all you anti software mpc guys info:

MPC'S ARE COMPUTERS RUNNING SOFTWARE!

WIth a hardware interface. duh?

[beat you down]

just sayin' though, lot of these anti software dudes are under the assumption they are not working on a computer running software when working with a mpc.

but yes, it's the pads that's the only real difference, plus the inside is far less powerful compared to a decent pc/mac.

Originally Posted by beat you down

just sayin' though, lot of these anti software dudes are under the assumption they are not working on a computer running software when working with a mpc.

but yes, it's the pads that's the only real difference, plus the inside is far less powerful compared to a decent pc/mac.

It's not just the pads, the workflow is different. That's the difference. What's the use in having something more powerful if it's a pain to use?? I get alot more done with a MPC4k/fantom/motiff than I ever did in software.

The first thing we need for computers are real romplers and not units that playback samples. I think the quality of softsamplers is beautiful, and I'll be using them forever. But in the Rompler dept, I love the instantaneous sound palatte of a motif or phantom. It's time for computer controlled modules that rewire into your DAW.

[Stitch333]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

WIth a hardware interface. duh?

and thats one of the best parts of that piece...

Personally, I'll NEVER go entirely one way(software) or the other (hardware)

[Stitch333]

Originally Posted by Justice

Computers are nosie

check out these

[illacov]

and the speed of software is what makes it so alluring.

However once I started mixing out of the box, which is what I had to do with all hardware before, my mixes got phatter and I found myself reliving the 90's and all the dope beats I crafted back then. It was more familiar.

You may not have the MPC or Akai sound in general, but get your hands on a nice Tube pre and use it as a hardware insert in Cubase SX3 or Cubase 4. Its like instant mojo.

Plus once I started doing the whole recruiting process for mastering, I really appreciated how well my mix translated with all the bottom and low mids.

The low mids and lows is something alot of engineers talk about when they try mixing OTB, but the hi fidelity gets lowered a little bit. I thought my mix would come out sounding brittle after being mastered, but now I know better.

So yes software is useful....but you still might wanna mix OTB, to get some of that mojo and warmth back that you had on the MPC or your S2000.

Peace
Illumination

[sethdk]

Originally Posted by beat you down

for all you anti software mpc guys info:

MPC'S ARE COMPUTERS RUNNING SOFTWARE!

you are forgetting the analog circuitry and th analog coverters which are a big part of the sound that comes from hardware. The mpc's "computer" is designed and dedicated for one purpose only.

I bounce back and forth between hardware and software depending on the project but software is still giving us minimoog and wavetable and old synths that I never use in production. They need phat motif, oaysis, & phantom type synths in more than name only. Nexus, Dimension pro and all of those supposed to be that type but they are real tiny in comparison and it is more then just the fx used in its hardware counterparts. I always use my motif or phantom as the base then maybe mix in some sofsynths on the stacks.

Load times kill the mood and creative process for me in software. I like being able to just scroll thru sounds on hardware synths and hit record on mpc and go then move to next part.

Just Blaze is not a good example. He uses live instrumentation alot more since he switched software only. He also mixes (stems) on a vintage analog SSL console with a great engineer and uses the ssl's consoles eq and dynamics which are the basics of the ssl console's sound to phatten up his software synths. Undergdogs use softsynths almost exclusively but they mix thru ssl and outboard and have a motif and real minimoog as the base.

A multiplatinum producer once asked me "name one time where software sounded better than its hardware equivalent it was tryin to emulate?"

I'm sure we will get there soon. Software will always have it's supporters just because it's cheaper and more convenient. IMHO it's not better yet.

[beat you down]

Originally Posted by sethdk

you are forgetting the analog circuitry and th analog coverters which are a big part of the sound that comes from hardware. The mpc's "computer" is designed and dedicated for one purpose only.

which analog circuitry?
once you sampled a sound (once it got past the converters) it's all digital.
there's way better converters than the mpc ones.

i'm not bashing though.
just saying it's a matter of PREFERENCE not quality or analog versus digital or mpc versus pc/mac.
it's simply ALL computers, like ssl said just different interfaces.

[sethdk]

Originally Posted by beat you down

which analog circuitry?
once you sampled a sound (once it got past the converters) it's all digital.
there's way better converters than the mpc ones.

huh?

quality of converters has nothing to do with the sound. My mpc3000 sounds alot better than my mpc4000. Character of those analog coverters is what it is. Thats why some folks still rock s950 and sp12's.

You have to go thru the analog circuitry to sample and u have to go thru the analog circuitry to hear it for playback. If you dont think the analog circuitry & converters doesnt affect the sound of an mpc and any hardware instruments then...

check this thread. they explain some things pretty well here in relation

Why is My Hardware Sampler Sounding Better Than My Software Sampler!? Same Samples!..

Originally Posted by sethdk

huh?

quality of converters has nothing to do with the sound. My mpc3000 sounds alot better than my mpc4000. Character of those analog coverters is what it is. Thats why some folks still rock s950 and sp12's.

You have to go thru the analog circuitry to sample and u have to go thru the analog circuitry to hear it for playback. If you dont think the analog circuitry & converters doesnt affect the sound of an mpc and any hardware instruments then...

check this thread. they explain some things pretty well here in relation

Why is My Hardware Sampler Sounding Better Than My Software Sampler!? Same Samples!..

What was your test method to determine your 3k sounded better than your 4k?

[beat you down]

like i said, it's a matter of preference and taste.
but plain specs wise, there's better converter than the mpc ones.
the realy OLD ones like the s950 are just bad compared to today's standard (specs wise again) but again, if you like that sound why not still use them. i got one too, catching dust though......

[sethdk]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

What was your test method to determine your 3k sounded better than your 4k?

no test method. Just my ears. Just my preference. 10 years of working w/ mpc3000 and 2 1/2 years of mpc4000. Roger Linn did something inside those MPC's that akai has never been able to be recaptured in my opinion with the mpc2000-present. The lower resolution sequencer and the not as bright converters are great for drum sounds and sequences.

We used to have a room in Sony, NYC before we moved to NJ and the general consensus by many in other rooms was 3000 had the sound but for guys that travelled alot, like Rodney Jerkins, the 4000 was so much more convenient. And it is except for the shift button.

[sethdk]

Originally Posted by beat you down

like i said, it's a matter of preference and taste.
but plain specs wise, there's better converter than the mpc ones.
the realy OLD ones like the s950 are just bad compared to today's standard (specs wise again) but again, if you like that sound why not still use them. i got one too, catching dust though......

I never go by specs. If we did that Logic and apogee should sound better than a classic Neve console w/ 2" tape.

In 2007 we have so many options for making music. whose to say whats better. We all have our preferences