Here's gear I really recommend for a hardware synth setup. Some of the things are new and not in the video. All links are affiliate links. hardware synth setup Looking to build a hardware synth setup? Here’s some gear I recommend and if you buy something using my links I get a small % of every sale at no cost to you. GOOD STARTER SYNTHS Korg Minilogue XD (my nr 1 choice for a beginner!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72 US: bit.ly/43pwF77 UK: tidd.ly/3zRzrV7 HydraSynth Explorer (battery powered!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/527778?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/jrr64P US: bit.ly/HSexplorerPC UK: tidd.ly/4158nxy Arturia Minifreak (it's really good) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/553604?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/QyyddY US: bit.ly/PCxMinifreak UK: tidd.ly/3A1teGh Cobalt8 (virtual analog poly synth) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X US: bit.ly/cobalt8PC UK: tidd.ly/3MM6OAi DRUM MACHINES Roland TR8S (very versatile!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/434284?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/PLJoR Drumbrute Impact (analog and affordable) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/444377?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/LJod3 Korg Drumlogue (a good starter drum machine) MIXERS (all of these can record multiple channels at once) Bluebox Mixer (standalone, super small) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/504944?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/b4ELm US: bit.ly/PS-1010 UK: tidd.ly/3KU8FSr Soundcraft MTK 22 (USB mixer, hook up to a computer) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/359305?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/6a2GG US: bit.ly/40XBH9c UK: tidd.ly/418Nthi Tascam Model 12 (super affordable!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483453?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Vro4E US: bit.ly/401XVpl UK: tidd.ly/417whZl Presonus 16 channel (solid digital mixer with USB recording capability) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/423722?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/RxJRb UK: tidd.ly/4117Bln MIDI THRU BOXES (midi splitters) Kenton Thru-5 (split a midi output into 5 midi outputs) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/220156?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/LvenY US: bit.ly/3zRPyC1 UK: tidd.ly/407Opkl iConnectivity MioXL (there's a smaller one too!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/476770?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/xxAy1 US: bit.ly/3o9xVLi UK: tidd.ly/3GCaEYN SYNTH STAND Jaspers: thmn.to/thoprod/443021?offid=1&affid=623 GOOD FX Blackhole (solid reverb) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/503207?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/jExYb US: bit.ly/3MHZc1X UK: tidd.ly/3GCr4Rg Tricerachorus (I really like it on the Korg Minilogue) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/529760?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/MXJDDK US: bit.ly/41gNgYI UK: tidd.ly/4106r9r SEQUENCERS Arturia Keystep Pro (it got everything you need to get started) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483153?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/M4G7Y US: bit.ly/PC-keystep UK: tidd.ly/3zTbKvK GROOVEBOXES / SAMPLERS Novation Circuit Tracks (4 track Sequencer & Synth) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/512775?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/0kgRJ US: bit.ly/circuittracksPC UK: tidd.ly/4078BD4 Elektron Digitakt (8 track sampler, 8 track sequencer) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/DKKeg5 US: imp.i114863.net/yDJYB UK: tidd.ly/43uOzWe NI Maschine+ (standalone sequencer/sampler) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/501389?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/m69Yy US: bit.ly/MaschinePlusPC UK: tidd.ly/408VMbv Polyend Play (8 track sample & midi sequencer) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/543481?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZZK5R US: sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZZK5R UK: tidd.ly/43zAfLO SPEAKERS: IK MTM (great for small bedrooms!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457892?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/XxbL25
"Getting away from the computer" this is one of the most important things to advance, once you're stuck artisticly. Switching to analogue devices was real hard to me, but I had to since vst composing drove me mad over the years. Starting from almost zero again. Thinking about how to connect everything, struggling with broken cables or grounding issues and learning how to perform. But it rewards you with a complete new approach of making music and it is so much better, more vivid, deeper and sounds a thousand times better than any vst! Do it
im so late but you hit the nail on the head. i wasn’t having a ton of fun on daws, got a korg volca drum about a year ago, and i have gotten addicted. i have a korg emx-1, formanta uds, beatstep pro, various analog synths, and now ive taken apart various old toys, and battery powered sampler keyboards and circuit bent them. it’s way more fun, addicting, and makes it hard to save any money.
I'm 21 years old and I finally bought a minilogue and I love it. The microbrute was my first synth and I still love it but I love playing pads on the minilogue.
Thank you for breaking everything down in such detail whilst also not speaking a million words a minute and abbreviating everything (and assuming the audience already knows everything you are covering). I had a really hard time wrapping my head around this after watching several other videos but yours has just cut through the noise.
Solid advice Bo! I think it would be cool to go into the pros and cons of audio interfaces vs mixers for beginners. Interfaces make sense when working in the box but for a hands-on hardware setup a mixer might work better as you can tweak the levels/pan/eq/effects with your hands instead of having to reach for a mouse. With USB mixers the one thing to watch out for is how many channels of audio they send back to the computer/recorder. A lot of the lower end ones only send a stereo mix. Then there are some that have built-in recording like the Zoom LiveTrak. On the controller end of things I have to say I'm really happy with the KeyStep I picked up recently.
It's like you knew that I needed exactly this video today. I'm new to synths and have been doing what research I can to try and figure out how to put a nice setup together and this both gives me some good ideas of where I should be going next and reaffirms my purchase of a Volca Keys the other day. Thank you so much, and can't wait for the video covering recording in more detail later.
There’s a solid reason to invest in hardware that often gets overlooked: it tends to last longer than software and retains value. No matter what you spend on software, within 3-10 years its value depreciates toward zero. Not with hardware. It might depreciate significantly, of course, but never to zero... and sometime it holds or appreciates in value.
I think many of us don't care about retainment of value. I don't look at my gear as investments (if I want to invest I'll do it in the stock market); I look at them as a means to an end, which is to be able to make the music that I want to make. My hardware and software are the tools, not the goal. I don't care if my copy of a plugin isn't worth anything economically, as long as it brings me value musically. But different strokes for different folks I guess. I also think there are "collectors" / "gear enthusiasts" and "music makers". I feel much more comfortable with the latter. (And I guess there are those who embody both).
@@1pauluzz1 Same here for the latter... I just want to make music and my biggest challenge is finding the right person to help me navigate the complexities of it all. Midi, analogue, USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire... I am lost when it comes to using a 1995 XP-50 synth with Logic Pro X... But they sound soooo nice and are sooo cool to the touch.
You wait 6-12 mount and you have a big discount next year... Normally, it's always what I do. But when DSI released the Prophet Rev², I totaly crack ! (like a fuking bitch eat a chocolate ice cream (you know that, the type of girl have 1 metter of ass... and eat chocolat like a pig) I sold 1/3 of my home studio and I did the cash to the jewis procurer ... 1700 € ... Just 3 mount later, the rev2 is sold at 1350 € ... I would have waited, I would have for the same price the vertion 16 and not the vertion 8 voices. Dave Smith I love your synth, but you're really a bastard ! LOL PISS
You said RM1X and I almost cried. That was my first sequencer and it is so powerful. It controlled my ER-1, EA-1, Alesis SR-16, ESX 1 and Yamaha S03 effortlessly. I loved the workflow. Unfortunately it was stolen. I want another one.
My studio computer recently gave up so I started to use my Roland MC-303 as the "brain" for my setup and I have really learned alot about my synths since then. Without the computer you really need to go deeper into your synths and take the time to learn .. right now I'm not in a hurry to fix my computer haha this way is more direct and more fun.
Thanks Bo. I look forward to watching more as I am the only person I know who digs this stuff! I still can't get my head around actually making songs. Interesting noises aplenty but no real content. Really appreciate RUclipsrs who take the time to teach.
The volcas or pocket operators are the best way for most people to get started. If you buy something like a drum brute as a first machine there's so much complexity there you're likely to get lost. Now that new volcas have been released look out for older volcas on the second hand market. You could easily find a used volca for under $100 as people sell their older volcas to replace with new ones.
Absolutely Awesome video! Right now my setups are: Digitone +Digitakt+ Analogue Heat MK 2 + Heath & Allen Zed 10 mixer + Keystep/ my other is MPC One + Keystep +Ju-06+ Moog Grandmother/Mother -32 or Minilogue , Beatstep Pro to sequence any of them together mixed /matched, with a Scarlett 2i2 to Record. I have kept my OP-1 out , as I just don’t like it mixed in right now. Excellent video explaining the key components in a DAW less setup.
I'd like tutorials playing synths and on putting together basic tracks. I know it's been done but I think Bo will do it better. Oh and hi from next door in DK :)
Thank you so much Bo! That’s the missing link in all those beautiful hardware synth videos! Personally, I’m a circus artists and a year ago, I had an injury during my act and a surgery not long after. I had to stay still and of course couldn’t perform neither train. That’s where I came across the OP-Z and got caught almost right away. I’m looking forward now to produce my own music for my performances. And to do so I added to my setup the op-1, the Po-400 (I really crushed with TE 😅), a midi controller with Live and an audio interface. Finally the Deluge three weeks ago for my birthday :P I thank all of you guys RUclipsrs , with all your beautiful videos, I knew how to use the things before even getting it. So it got really easy to want an other synth and an other one and an other one... 😅 Now I’m looking to connect all of my gears and I have a hard time finding information on the first steps to synths hardware setup. Anyways sorry for the long comment, I just wanna say that I’m really interested for this series and thank you so much 🙏🎶🤓🎹🙌
Hey Bo. Really think that this was a great video for beginners wanting to get into a hardware setup! Very impressed at the quality of your videos and the clarity of information provided. Looking forward to seeing more. For a mixer/sound card I think that the Roland MX-1 is a great start especially if using Aira gear or Boutiques...and has effects :) Just worth a mention I thought. Keep up the great work. Really like the way your videos are progressing over time.
I've recently switched to a computer less setup. Boss 505, Arturia Microfreak, OP-1, and MPC. It's SO FREEING to not have to deal with a laptop in the mix. And, ket me tell you, it makes just jamming for hours on end SO MUCH MORE FUN.
As others have mentioned, Bo, the simple breakdown of "here are a few things that fill this need at different price ranges" is really useful. It'd be great to also see you literally hook up a few variations of the tools you choose and make a quick jam out of them ☺
BoBeats very much looking forward to it! Seems like the Arturia Beatstep or even Keystep may be the most flexible options for those who expect to expand in the future with other fun, unique and relatively inexpensive gear (Pocket Operators, Volcas, MicroBrute, Bastl, etc). What do you think, Bo?
Thanks for the hardware setup video. I think the setup itself can be complicated. I think there are various levels of difficulty but the circuit is so simple. I have to say the circuit is a very versatile sequencer. I use my reface cp on channel one. I have the midi in and out both hooked up and I can play my reface and record the sequence with the circuit. I then use my iPad as midi channel 2. I play the iPad synths from the circuit. I also have a cheap eBay midi splitter. I set up my Roland sp 404 on channel 3 and record a sequence on the sp and it clocks to the circuit. I might later on use a boss rc 505 and midi splitter box to add in guitar/bass/and vocals later on. All of this because the circuit is so solid. I don’t even use the built in synths. I can’t wait for the new update.
Bro, love your channel 👏👊💪🔥 I was in to Synth's as a kid. Had a JP8000, MC-303, Yamaha Cs1x and a few other bits. Ended up having to sale off bit by bit. Was the most gut renching thing ive ever had to do. Watching your stuff's has made me want to get back in to it 👏🔥🙏
Great Video Bo, this is definitely what you are best at, showing people good choices with a cross section price point of gear. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Redownload the Reverb app after watching this.
Thanks mate! I loved those consumer shows we had when I was a kid: ”is this good or bad?” ”Best coffee brewer”... they even had a funny trash can they used when something was shit
I got my Mutable Instruments Edges off Reverb. It was a good experience and the module has been out of product for awhile. So, I definitely recommend it at least for getting out of production synth modules. The BeatStep Pro is great for modular gear. And you can use the drum cv outputs for more than just triggering drum modules. Pretty nice.
I’m slowly building my own Home Music Studio (on a limited budget). I’ve been doing a lot of research and watching RUclips videos. I never considered building a Synthesizer, until this video showed up on my recommendations. You gotta new Subscriber, and I’m looking forward to going thru your playlists & channels. Thank You, Sir! 🙏
drum machine: korg er-1, behringer td3 & a korg minilogue xd plus a mixer - that's the best setup ever...lol. Might be a bit biased. I'd say for the cash this is a rly good starting setup... To make a track? Get a 4 track tape recorder - record live - track done.
my list of goodies for a hardware set ups roland jdxi _ has 4 channel seq with drums analogue mono synth too, TR style programming korg electribe blue metal version - 5 channel monosynths plus9 drums roland rc 505 looper - 5 stereo tracks 99 patterns has midi and good fx digitach jamman Xt solo - good stereo looper with 200 patterns and BPM readout plus metronome options and foot pedal up down options roland FA-06 - 16 track seq, 64 sample pads, great synth sounds
I have a Roland JDXI, TB3 and a Circuit connected via midi and route the audio through a Behringer mini mixer into some speakers. I’ve found using a Tascam DR05 digital recorder the best way of recording my jams. great thing is, it all fits on one desktop. Enjoying your videos Bo!
So while considering a Minibrute 2S as a first synth, I watched your 2S video... and bought a DX Racer Work Black and Red chair instead (really!). Super cool chair. Thank you for that. Now, looking around further, I hit this one, and discovered Reverb... where and Arturia 2S is on sale for no money. I made an offer immediately. I'll see if I get it. Thank you again!
I love my two Elektron boxes. I can do an entire evening show just with my Elektron Analog 4 for bass, beats and pads. Add in my Octatrack for samples and more voices and rock solid. In tight clubs space is at a premium and easier to deal with once you learn the workflow and less expensive than Eurorack modular gear and less hassle. Plus Elektron has great sequencer built in. The one box to get is the Digitakt for beginner.
I don't understand why everyone explains how to connect midi cables between hardware (which is rather trivial and obvious), but nobody can give a clear and simple explanation of how to correctly connect audio cables and how to manage the analog audio output, master or booth . Mixer? Audio interface? Active / passive speakers? You should explain all kinds of different solutions, specifying the common mistakes that a beginner surely makes!
Well I do have a video talking about different options. This is part of a series. I also have newer series where I show how I control and record multiple synths
Great work as usual, Bo, but I'll respectfully augment your thoughts of the Beatstep Pro, Circuit, and Elektron as brains of a hardware-only setup. They're great, but to get away from a PC but still do elaborate sequencing, arranging, composition, and recording, one need only look to a synth workstation such as a Kronos, Fantom, Motif, Korg Microstation (or, going back a bit, a Triton, Trinity, or any of the Korg M series as well as the likes of the Alesis Fusion) OR a groovebox such as the Roland MV-,8x00 line, the Akai MPC's or any of the older groovebox systems (the MC-303/505/808 come to mind as does the RM1x and even the JX-305). All of these have extensive sequencing, arrangement, mixing, and in most cases recording, drum, sampling, and synth engines as well as effects and even mastering. Now, granted, they're essentially hardware DAWs...but hardware they ARE and they can easily displace a Cubase or Reason or Ableton et al. Lastly, and maybe I missed this, but a MIDI manager such as an iconnectivity or MOTU is an absolute must for any complex MIDI setup (as are MIDI thru boxes for things like your Volcas). ....and, while I'm a hardware synth junkie myself, too, let's not forget the other "no PC DAW" route you can go...the *phone only* setup. This takes portability to new extremes but great results can be had. As 2 proof-of-concept tracks, I've released these two tracks (on Spotify, iTunes, and elsewhere) that were done using just THAT: an Android phone running only the $5 app, Caustic. Tell me that this isn't slowly pushing up against the PC as "in the box" production convenience! (note that these are Trance tracks, so you need to really listen to the whole thing the whole way through to get to the payoff melodically and in terms of tension and timbre): distrokid.com/hyperfollow/brianmccalla/dLU9 open.spotify.com/track/4j35YwFPFGvPrbkoYqJTiC You can read more about my tracks on my SoundCloud bio: Listen to Mortal Metal (Meddle Mix) by brianmccalla #np on #SoundCloud soundcloud.com/brianmccalla/mortal-metal-meddle-mix Or my Quora page for more synth guidance where I'm the top writer on Synthesizers: www.quora.com/profile/Brian-C-McCalla?share=8fac266a&srid=5Gd6 Make music, Do it with love, ... And vice versa. Peace. -Brian
BoBeats definitely not counterpoints, brother, as I completely agree with your thoughts. Merely "supplemental ideas" from my little corner of the world. Thanks again for all of your hard work, Bo. It'll pay off for you in time, I'm certain!!
I'm really glad you made this video, I've been trying to understand how these dawless setups work and function lately. I always see people using mixers in their synth setups and I always wonder why they don't use audio interfaces, in case they wanted to make an hybrid setup they could record all synths into separate tracks which would be easier if you wanted to arranje the music later. I hope you could cover this in the next video. :)
Awesome video, Bo! Hope it helps people take the dive into the hardware world. I'd add the Microbrute to the list of good beginner synths. I've had tons of gear come and go but the microbrute has stayed with me over the years. It's easy to use and sounds great for the price :)
Great introduction, Bo! If I were starting out today, and focused on analog, I would start with the Novation Mono Circuit, then add the Roland SH-01a, and then the Roland TR-08 for drums, and finally the Neutron for wild analog experimentation. All of this can be easily driven/synced by the Mono Station(now w/3 sequencers). Oh, an Arturia Keystep for a keyboard and co-controller. If I was focused on digital/FM - just one item to start: Elektron Digitone - so much in that little box! Maybe add a Keystep as a keyboard to play on top of the Digitone sequences. Finally, if I wanted to go super-portable, I would just get the Keystep for the many amazing synth apps & sequencers on my iPad - record everything into AUM (must-have mixer/recorder app).
Hi Bo, love all of the creative advice and inspiration you give. Would it be possible to do a video on building a small Euro Rack set up with effects only to run your synths through?
Hi, i started dezember 2017 with building a Hardware setup. There are still some things missing, but slowly i get where i want to be. I have the Drumbrute, Microbrute, Korg EMX1, Kaosspad kp3+, Kaossilator pro and Behringer Model D. For recording i use Zoom R16 and i have a peavey rsm4062 as a mixer. I use guitar pedals for effects or the kp3+, depends what i need to do. I have and use also other instruments like e-guitar, e-bass or percussions. My Monitor speakears are Yamaha HS7 and as Studio Headphones i have Audio Technica M50. I like that setup, its easy to work intuitive and gives on that way many possebility's to creat new interresting sounds. In the future i want to go a little bit more semi-modular and modular. Started to build my first diy moduls. Let's see what comes in the future, i still have to many things in my Head what i want to have.
Oh man I wish I found this video sooner! Time to sell the HUGE pile of useless gear and trade it for what I should've gotten in the first place, thanks Bo!
The way I see it, music isn't just about the sound; it's about expression. And physical gear enables you to achieve greater levels of expression that you simply cannot get through software synthesizers.
He Should have included the korg Electribe 2. As the brains for a hardware setup, the Electribe is more than a match for the circuit. Its sequencer easily looks after the drums and rhythms programming plus it has a much more flexible sound / synth engine. You can have 16 channels playing with no restriction on whether those channels are used for drum or synth sounds, it also features a verity of independent filters. Underated gear.
Great video and solid advice Bo. You didn't mention it but your Arturia Drumbrute is a great studio brain as well. My one overrides the Circuit as the brains of my set up but it does pretty well controlling the Sub37 and the Circuit syncing them up.
I would love to see more about the mixers. Even with my analog synths I only mix in DAWs (still a starter). Is the only thing that hardware mixers / samplers are better at the unique sound that some of them add?
This was really helpful. I have owned a Novation Circuit for two weeks now, and I am learning how to make it work with my other "musical assets". I am looking forward to your future videos for sure. You seem to know a bit about used equipment. I have two instruments with minor errors on them. I am considering selling them off cheap, or fixing them then selling, or just fixing and using them. I am thinking I want to buy something new, that's more suitable for my current situation.
By the way, I just visited reverb.com. From what I learned, my synthesizer would sell as "poor", while my keyboard would count as in "fair" condition. Which countries does Reverb cover?
Great video with nice info, Bo. I’m a little late to the hardware game. I’ve been packing all my fun money into Reason rack extensions. But where is that getting me? Sitting at the computer wayyyy too much. I purchased a BSP and electribe 2 as ‘brains’. The BSP is actually really awesome because of the clock out. I prefer it over the electribe because it’s seemingly more of a creative creature. Where as the electribe has everything built in. My current hardware setup is BSP, microkorg, volca sample, monologue, MicroFreak and drumbrute impact. I have one effect on the chain (cheap donner), a delay reverb pedal and a Yamaha mixer that has nice onboard effects. Or electribe solo!!
Reverb dot com is actually a godsend. I managed to save some money (and realize how expensive shipping typically is). Also this video had a lot of good info in it! Thanks!
Hey Bo, are you planning to go into greater depth in future vids about how best to hook everything up? I've found myself with a collection of stuff that could really work well together -- a Circuit, a Monologue, a Pocket Piano MIDI, a Pocket Operator, plus a Keystep to control it all, a Kenton Thru 5 to split the signal and a small mixer. I sat down the other night to hook it all up and got totally confused about what should sequence what, how to set it up so I can make videos or record into a DAW, etc. Not sure why it feels so confusing and overwhelming!
Hi, thank you so much for all your contents. Your videos inspired me a lot while going on in the dawless world... I'd like to ask you: how do you *usually* manage the arrangement? is there a brain which holds all (or almost) the single tracks/parts, basically sending just midi notes to all the other devices, or do you prefer setting each device's sequencer and then switching patterns manually (or with program change, when possible)? I'm really undecided about this topic: on one hand it's better holding the whole song, or project, in just one device; on the other hand it's a pity sometimes not to take advantage of some nice features of the single sequencers. What do you think about it? Thanks again!
What is the best all in one hardware device? Drum machine/sampler/synth/sequencer etc. It seems you need a separate box for each thing which is expensive. Sorry for the noob question.
Hi @BoBeats , first off thanks for the video. Super helpful. You mentioned that you could go with a sound card versus a mixer. Why would one prefer one over the other?
Hey Bobeat ! Actually I'm super interested into the second part of your video. I'm struggling with finding cheap mixer for basic setup (3-4 audio inputs) and a recording interface ! What's the best method, how to record/loop and manage audio-thru or monitoring via your solution ! Thanks a lot for your quality content !
So much good advise on this channel !! I'm building my studio right now. I've got Kompete Audio 2, KK M32, DT770pro, Blue Yeti mic, minilogue xd on the way, fender strat. I was thinking to invest in premium midi keyboard but i realize how much the analog universe could be "much more" for me. Looking to buy A Mikro Mk3 as well as i clearly need drums. What do you thinks i may need to be full operational with this stuff. Thanks !!
Definitely a good decision... your relationship with making music and creativity will grow with hardware, buy an Arturia key step to control the volca Keys with actual keys. It comes with Ableton Lite with is an excellent entry level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) then from there you’ll be creating beats and all kinds of jams!
Ayy, you should come out with a video about building a well rounded collection of synths/gear. I’ve sort of been struggling on what to get for a second synth. The most important synth in my setup is currently an audiothingies micromonsta. And I love it dearly, however all the synths I was looking at when I was shopping were digital synths or digital analog hybrids. (I.e. blofeld, deepmind 12, etc.) It’s dope, but I’ve recently been considering adding a monosynth, but I’m falling into the trap of digital/analog hybrids again, I mean I love them! I ended up getting a mutable instr. shruthi-1 b/c the price was too good to ignore. However I’ve realized, I don’t have any fm synths, which isn’t a problem, but there’s a whole range of sounds that I am missing out on because I don’t really have too much guidance in building my set up. That’s about it. Also I’d like to know what’s up with drone synths like the lyra 4 or 8. Like they seem hella fun, but I can’t picture how I would incorporate the sound into a composition, unless I was trying to communicate with whales. Keep on being you dude. Thanks
Also I was watching this again b/c auto play, and now i'm wondering, who is paul? is it some dude who owns the circuit in the video, or is it the name of your instrument? I mean I name some of my instruments if I know I'm going to be holding on to them for a while, but paul is not what I would expect a synth to be named.
I am still deciding which sequencer to buy, I should just be patient and get the digitakt though I think. Just hard to not buy a synth with the money. My access virus is still at the repair shop and it's my only poly so If it cant be fixed I will need to buy something to replace it. My song writings going ok, having to record live has its own charms.
Avrilcadabra a virus and a digitakt would be a really great combo. You basically have everything you need in that set up. And it’s super portable. The synth per cm ratio is extremly high 😄
Hi, great video, I don't have any synths or any music equipment but am thinking of learning and starting, apart from the instrument I guess I will need speakers that plug in -not Bluetooth, and some other important hardware, please can you list the equipment needed? Thanks
I have a DAWless setup question and here seems to be as good a place to pose it as anywhere. I have a bunch of instruments (Circuit, Monostation, several Volcas etc). I'm looking for a polyphonic hardware sequencer that can sequence triplets and/or unquantised notes. I own a Beatstep Pro but its two musical sequencers are monophonic. I suppose I could buy a second Circuit and use that as a controller/sequencer for two melodic and one percussive instrument. Is the Keystep Pro any good? Anything else in the same price bracket that would make a good DAWless brain/conductor for my instruments?
Some good advice but maybe it was a firmware update, as you can map the knobs with Midi on the Circuit. (My current fun rig, Novation Mini MkIII, Korg NTS-1, Korg SQ1, Korg KR Mini)
So, although I would love a keystep pro & I was already looking at the reg keystep. Hoping that this was just a newer version of it but, this is more like the next step up. I have a Roland DJ-505 for which I was initially looking for a midi controller for it like the Arturia minilab II or, Novation MK 3. Basically, something with midi I/O. Then upon watching many synth vids, I find it more intuitive. The Analog is dope & my TRS has ABC. Having the option to go dawless is really cool & the laptop I have is pretty slow. So, until I build my gaming desktop or, upgrade the laptop I don't want to be restrained from utilizing a creative mood. Now, to the point of all this......here's my first synth possible's- Roland SE-02/SH01A or, Korg Volca Nubass or Volca Keys? The lower priced Korg's are definitely budget friendly on top of just buying DJ Controller, Studio Monitor's, Audio Interface, Furman power conditioner, case, headphones, etc. Also, keyboarding needs to be brushed up on which makes not only the analog more ideal than a midi-controller. If you were to provide me with any advice as with which to begin with, without worrying about any complaints in regards to your recommendation, what would ya' say? Around the $100-$300 range, with not just low price in mind but, I'm attempting to choose a synth with as many options as possible. Especially, with grimey, crunchy, wobbly bass tone's. From what I gathered, monophonic limits your note's, in comparison to a polyphonic & so I was keeping that in mind. Although, I've heard monophonic is not bad including for beginners. BTW, a couple others I considered were the Crave, Wasp, & Neutron. Might have forgotten to include another Behringer, & the Korg FM. Sorry for being so long winded. I know this first synth will be the beginning of a eurorack eventually. Keystep Pro 4 in the future. No matter what I purchase, I do an in depth review of all option's. While keeping in mind longevity & what options are & will be available to me in the future. Even if you could narrow it down to 2 options, that's cool. Keep up the great work! Novation's Circuit MonoStation looks great too!Behringer TD-3, & I found a Microbrute for $259. Decisions, decisions. So yeah, which would you suggest?
Nice rundown! Looking forward to seeing more as I'm putting together a new sequencer based setup instead of my usual setups for band work. I reckon the Digitakt will be my brain and the Keystep my keyboard, still tossing up between a Circuit and Blofeld for more synth sounds, unfortunately my Sub 37 will be a bit too big I think!
Good description on sequencers but lost me a bit on the synth. Jumped around too much. Be nice to put a whole system together that works the best not focused so much on price. Lost me totally on mixer and why needed with sequencer and synth and needed more info on control. Create three full set ups that three tier pricing would nice. It’s a bit all over the place. Like the idea of synth with sequencer in one like electron. That seemed cool more in that one. Make some clear suggestions. Have a roli. Will that work with all these?
Nice idea! you can also dispense with external hardware effects units (pedals) and just route raw sounds to your DAW and use VST or built-in effects. One can save some $ by not going into the pedals rabbit hole :-)
Some questions, I'd be happy about some tipps: I've been planning to set up some synths & drum machines with a drum sequencer as a core. First thing that don't get: If I have a multitrack sequencer (e.g. Digitakt) what can I use a mixer for, If I don`t have every track as a single output (like I'd have with an MPC)? Or do you normally hook up sound apart from midi within an interface? -_- Heeelp
Here's gear I really recommend for a hardware synth setup. Some of the things are new and not in the video. All links are affiliate links.
hardware synth setup
Looking to build a hardware synth setup? Here’s some gear I recommend and if you buy something using my links I get a small % of every sale at no cost to you.
GOOD STARTER SYNTHS
Korg Minilogue XD (my nr 1 choice for a beginner!)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72
US: bit.ly/43pwF77
UK: tidd.ly/3zRzrV7
HydraSynth Explorer (battery powered!)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/527778?offid=1&affid=623
US: sweetwater.sjv.io/jrr64P
US: bit.ly/HSexplorerPC
UK: tidd.ly/4158nxy
Arturia Minifreak (it's really good)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/553604?offid=1&affid=623
US: sweetwater.sjv.io/QyyddY
US: bit.ly/PCxMinifreak
UK: tidd.ly/3A1teGh
Cobalt8 (virtual analog poly synth)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X
US: bit.ly/cobalt8PC
UK: tidd.ly/3MM6OAi
DRUM MACHINES
Roland TR8S (very versatile!)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/434284?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/PLJoR
Drumbrute Impact (analog and affordable)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/444377?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/LJod3
Korg Drumlogue (a good starter drum machine)
MIXERS (all of these can record multiple channels at once)
Bluebox Mixer (standalone, super small)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/504944?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/b4ELm
US: bit.ly/PS-1010
UK: tidd.ly/3KU8FSr
Soundcraft MTK 22 (USB mixer, hook up to a computer)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/359305?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/6a2GG
US: bit.ly/40XBH9c
UK: tidd.ly/418Nthi
Tascam Model 12 (super affordable!)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483453?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/Vro4E
US: bit.ly/401XVpl
UK: tidd.ly/417whZl
Presonus 16 channel (solid digital mixer with USB recording capability)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/423722?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/RxJRb
UK: tidd.ly/4117Bln
MIDI THRU BOXES (midi splitters)
Kenton Thru-5 (split a midi output into 5 midi outputs)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/220156?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/LvenY
US: bit.ly/3zRPyC1
UK: tidd.ly/407Opkl
iConnectivity MioXL (there's a smaller one too!)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/476770?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/xxAy1
US: bit.ly/3o9xVLi
UK: tidd.ly/3GCaEYN
SYNTH STAND
Jaspers: thmn.to/thoprod/443021?offid=1&affid=623
GOOD FX
Blackhole (solid reverb)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/503207?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/jExYb
US: bit.ly/3MHZc1X
UK: tidd.ly/3GCr4Rg
Tricerachorus (I really like it on the Korg Minilogue)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/529760?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/MXJDDK
US: bit.ly/41gNgYI
UK: tidd.ly/4106r9r
SEQUENCERS
Arturia Keystep Pro (it got everything you need to get started)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483153?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/M4G7Y
US: bit.ly/PC-keystep
UK: tidd.ly/3zTbKvK
GROOVEBOXES / SAMPLERS
Novation Circuit Tracks (4 track Sequencer & Synth)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/512775?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/0kgRJ
US: bit.ly/circuittracksPC
UK: tidd.ly/4078BD4
Elektron Digitakt (8 track sampler, 8 track sequencer)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623
US: sweetwater.sjv.io/DKKeg5
US: imp.i114863.net/yDJYB
UK: tidd.ly/43uOzWe
NI Maschine+ (standalone sequencer/sampler)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/501389?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/m69Yy
US: bit.ly/MaschinePlusPC
UK: tidd.ly/408VMbv
Polyend Play (8 track sample & midi sequencer)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/543481?offid=1&affid=623
US: sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZZK5R
US: sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZZK5R
UK: tidd.ly/43zAfLO
SPEAKERS:
IK MTM (great for small bedrooms!)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457892?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/XxbL25
My new favorite channel, Bob Eats
Lol I was like wait is this a food guy?
Bobe ats!
@@adamdonmez879 ahahah lol
Nah that’s his mukbang channel
The capital letter means something 😉😇
"Getting away from the computer" this is one of the most important things to advance, once you're stuck artisticly. Switching to analogue devices was real hard to me, but I had to since vst composing drove me mad over the years. Starting from almost zero again. Thinking about how to connect everything, struggling with broken cables or grounding issues and learning how to perform. But it rewards you with a complete new approach of making music and it is so much better, more vivid, deeper and sounds a thousand times better than any vst! Do it
I find hardware to be more creative as well. It feels like I am playing an instrument. Making computer music always feels like melodic emails to me.
im so late but you hit the nail on the head. i wasn’t having a ton of fun on daws, got a korg volca drum about a year ago, and i have gotten addicted. i have a korg emx-1, formanta uds, beatstep pro, various analog synths, and now ive taken apart various old toys, and battery powered sampler keyboards and circuit bent them. it’s way more fun, addicting, and makes it hard to save any money.
I'm 21 years old and I finally bought a minilogue and I love it. The microbrute was my first synth and I still love it but I love playing pads on the minilogue.
I been drooling on the minilogue xd module...for a year now...
Bought modular stuff instead
Thank you for breaking everything down in such detail whilst also not speaking a million words a minute and abbreviating everything (and assuming the audience already knows everything you are covering). I had a really hard time wrapping my head around this after watching several other videos but yours has just cut through the noise.
Solid advice Bo! I think it would be cool to go into the pros and cons of audio interfaces vs mixers for beginners. Interfaces make sense when working in the box but for a hands-on hardware setup a mixer might work better as you can tweak the levels/pan/eq/effects with your hands instead of having to reach for a mouse.
With USB mixers the one thing to watch out for is how many channels of audio they send back to the computer/recorder. A lot of the lower end ones only send a stereo mix. Then there are some that have built-in recording like the Zoom LiveTrak.
On the controller end of things I have to say I'm really happy with the KeyStep I picked up recently.
It's like you knew that I needed exactly this video today. I'm new to synths and have been doing what research I can to try and figure out how to put a nice setup together and this both gives me some good ideas of where I should be going next and reaffirms my purchase of a Volca Keys the other day. Thank you so much, and can't wait for the video covering recording in more detail later.
feethebunny what did you end up buying?
There’s a solid reason to invest in hardware that often gets overlooked: it tends to last longer than software and retains value. No matter what you spend on software, within 3-10 years its value depreciates toward zero. Not with hardware. It might depreciate significantly, of course, but never to zero... and sometime it holds or appreciates in value.
Agree- I started with Ableton and a laptop and now use just my Elektron boxes for live events. More fun and immediate.
I think many of us don't care about retainment of value. I don't look at my gear as investments (if I want to invest I'll do it in the stock market); I look at them as a means to an end, which is to be able to make the music that I want to make. My hardware and software are the tools, not the goal. I don't care if my copy of a plugin isn't worth anything economically, as long as it brings me value musically. But different strokes for different folks I guess. I also think there are "collectors" / "gear enthusiasts" and "music makers". I feel much more comfortable with the latter. (And I guess there are those who embody both).
@@1pauluzz1 Same here for the latter... I just want to make music and my biggest challenge is finding the right person to help me navigate the complexities of it all. Midi, analogue, USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire... I am lost when it comes to using a 1995 XP-50 synth with Logic Pro X... But they sound soooo nice and are sooo cool to the touch.
Yep. That’s why I don’t hesitate to invest in hardware gear. There is even a possibility that some gear will go up in price.
You wait 6-12 mount and you have a big discount next year... Normally, it's always what I do. But when DSI released the Prophet Rev², I totaly crack ! (like a fuking bitch eat a chocolate ice cream (you know that, the type of girl have 1 metter of ass... and eat chocolat like a pig) I sold 1/3 of my home studio and I did the cash to the jewis procurer
... 1700 € ... Just 3 mount later, the rev2 is sold at 1350 € ... I would have waited, I would have for the same price the vertion 16 and not the vertion 8 voices. Dave Smith I love your synth, but you're really a bastard ! LOL
PISS
You said RM1X and I almost cried. That was my first sequencer and it is so powerful. It controlled my ER-1, EA-1, Alesis SR-16, ESX 1 and Yamaha S03 effortlessly. I loved the workflow. Unfortunately it was stolen. I want another one.
knutitup sorry it was stolen, my house was robbed years back,,, its a shitty feeling
My studio computer recently gave up so I started to use my Roland MC-303 as the "brain" for my setup and I have really learned alot about my synths since then. Without the computer you really need to go deeper into your synths and take the time to learn .. right now I'm not in a hurry to fix my computer haha this way is more direct and more fun.
Thanks Bo. I look forward to watching more as I am the only person I know who digs this stuff! I still can't get my head around actually making songs. Interesting noises aplenty but no real content.
Really appreciate RUclipsrs who take the time to teach.
Soundcard? Speakers? Headphones? Mic? And........creativity! Love your channel tough.
More is coming!! :-) part 2 will be how to build the setup practically and part 3 will be on recording
Looking forward to it
The volcas or pocket operators are the best way for most people to get started. If you buy something like a drum brute as a first machine there's so much complexity there you're likely to get lost. Now that new volcas have been released look out for older volcas on the second hand market. You could easily find a used volca for under $100 as people sell their older volcas to replace with new ones.
Absolutely Awesome video! Right now my setups are: Digitone +Digitakt+ Analogue Heat MK 2 + Heath & Allen Zed 10 mixer + Keystep/ my other is MPC One + Keystep +Ju-06+ Moog Grandmother/Mother -32 or Minilogue , Beatstep Pro to sequence any of them together mixed /matched, with a Scarlett 2i2 to Record. I have kept my OP-1 out , as I just don’t like it mixed in right now. Excellent video explaining the key components in a DAW less setup.
I'd like tutorials playing synths and on putting together basic tracks. I know it's been done but I think Bo will do it better. Oh and hi from next door in DK :)
Thank you so much Bo! That’s the missing link in all those beautiful hardware synth videos! Personally, I’m a circus artists and a year ago, I had an injury during my act and a surgery not long after. I had to stay still and of course couldn’t perform neither train. That’s where I came across the OP-Z and got caught almost right away. I’m looking forward now to produce my own music for my performances. And to do so I added to my setup the op-1, the Po-400 (I really crushed with TE 😅), a midi controller with Live and an audio interface. Finally the Deluge three weeks ago for my birthday :P I thank all of you guys RUclipsrs , with all your beautiful videos, I knew how to use the things before even getting it. So it got really easy to want an other synth and an other one and an other one... 😅 Now I’m looking to connect all of my gears and I have a hard time finding information on the first steps to synths hardware setup. Anyways sorry for the long comment, I just wanna say that I’m really interested for this series and thank you so much 🙏🎶🤓🎹🙌
Hey Bo. Really think that this was a great video for beginners wanting to get into a hardware setup! Very impressed at the quality of your videos and the clarity of information provided. Looking forward to seeing more. For a mixer/sound card I think that the Roland MX-1 is a great start especially if using Aira gear or Boutiques...and has effects :) Just worth a mention I thought. Keep up the great work. Really like the way your videos are progressing over time.
I've recently switched to a computer less setup. Boss 505, Arturia Microfreak, OP-1, and MPC.
It's SO FREEING to not have to deal with a laptop in the mix. And, ket me tell you, it makes just jamming for hours on end SO MUCH MORE FUN.
I needed that when I was a beginner! Well made, Bo. Best wishes from Bavaria!
Bo Bo Bo Didley . Congratulations on the partnership with Reverb! I hope they are paying you bags of money and free gear!
As others have mentioned, Bo, the simple breakdown of "here are a few things that fill this need at different price ranges" is really useful. It'd be great to also see you literally hook up a few variations of the tools you choose and make a quick jam out of them ☺
Thanks!! Yes this is the plan for part 2
BoBeats very much looking forward to it! Seems like the Arturia Beatstep or even Keystep may be the most flexible options for those who expect to expand in the future with other fun, unique and relatively inexpensive gear (Pocket Operators, Volcas, MicroBrute, Bastl, etc). What do you think, Bo?
Thanks for the hardware setup video. I think the setup itself can be complicated. I think there are various levels of difficulty but the circuit is so simple. I have to say the circuit is a very versatile sequencer. I use my reface cp on channel one. I have the midi in and out both hooked up and I can play my reface and record the sequence with the circuit. I then use my iPad as midi channel 2. I play the iPad synths from the circuit. I also have a cheap eBay midi splitter. I set up my Roland sp 404 on channel 3 and record a sequence on the sp and it clocks to the circuit. I might later on use a boss rc 505 and midi splitter box to add in guitar/bass/and vocals later on. All of this because the circuit is so solid. I don’t even use the built in synths. I can’t wait for the new update.
video on 1.7 coming soon!
Bro, love your channel 👏👊💪🔥
I was in to Synth's as a kid. Had a JP8000, MC-303, Yamaha Cs1x and a few other bits. Ended up having to sale off bit by bit. Was the most gut renching thing ive ever had to do. Watching your stuff's has made me want to get back in to it 👏🔥🙏
Great Video Bo, this is definitely what you are best at, showing people good choices with a cross section price point of gear. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Redownload the Reverb app after watching this.
Thanks mate! I loved those consumer shows we had when I was a kid: ”is this good or bad?” ”Best coffee brewer”... they even had a funny trash can they used when something was shit
I got my Mutable Instruments Edges off Reverb. It was a good experience and the module has been out of product for awhile. So, I definitely recommend it at least for getting out of production synth modules. The BeatStep Pro is great for modular gear. And you can use the drum cv outputs for more than just triggering drum modules. Pretty nice.
I’m slowly building my own Home Music Studio (on a limited budget). I’ve been doing a lot of research and watching RUclips videos. I never considered building a Synthesizer, until this video showed up on my recommendations. You gotta new Subscriber, and I’m looking forward to going thru your playlists & channels. Thank You, Sir! 🙏
This is one of the most useful and effective video on the argument I've ever seen. Top!
drum machine: korg er-1, behringer td3 & a korg minilogue xd plus a mixer - that's the best setup ever...lol.
Might be a bit biased.
I'd say for the cash this is a rly good starting setup...
To make a track? Get a 4 track tape recorder - record live - track done.
my list of goodies for a hardware set ups
roland jdxi _ has 4 channel seq with drums analogue mono synth too, TR style programming
korg electribe blue metal version - 5 channel monosynths plus9 drums
roland rc 505 looper - 5 stereo tracks 99 patterns has midi and good fx
digitach jamman Xt solo - good stereo looper with 200 patterns and BPM readout plus metronome options and foot pedal up down options
roland FA-06 - 16 track seq, 64 sample pads, great synth sounds
Thanks BoBeats for this very clear and simple video. It helps to understand what to consider.
So glad I found this video series. So helpful., I find very few videos about the basics
I just got my first piece of hardware (a Digitakt!) And have been thinking of next steps. Looking forward to this series.
I have a Roland JDXI, TB3 and a Circuit connected via midi and route the audio through a Behringer mini mixer into some speakers. I’ve found using a Tascam DR05 digital recorder the best way of recording my jams. great thing is, it all fits on one desktop. Enjoying your videos Bo!
if anyone is looking for a cheap great interface the behringer umc404 is a great compact budget interface
Presonus usb audio box...im realy happy with it
I love my UMC404. There is even a firmware update to bring it to 192khz.
Thanks for the introduction to synths and a good work flow.
So while considering a Minibrute 2S as a first synth, I watched your 2S video... and bought a DX Racer Work Black and Red chair instead (really!). Super cool chair. Thank you for that. Now, looking around further, I hit this one, and discovered Reverb... where and Arturia 2S is on sale for no money. I made an offer immediately. I'll see if I get it. Thank you again!
I'm just now getting into synths, and your channel has been so helpful! Had to subscribe right away!
I love my two Elektron boxes. I can do an entire evening show just with my Elektron Analog 4 for bass, beats and pads. Add in my Octatrack for samples and more voices and rock solid. In tight clubs space is at a premium and easier to deal with once you learn the workflow and less expensive than Eurorack modular gear and less hassle. Plus Elektron has great sequencer built in. The one box to get is the Digitakt for beginner.
I don't understand why everyone explains how to connect midi cables between hardware (which is rather trivial and obvious), but nobody can give a clear and simple explanation of how to correctly connect audio cables and how to manage the analog audio output, master or booth . Mixer? Audio interface? Active / passive speakers? You should explain all kinds of different solutions, specifying the common mistakes that a beginner surely makes!
Well I do have a video talking about different options. This is part of a series. I also have newer series where I show how I control and record multiple synths
@@BoBeats Great!
Great work as usual, Bo, but I'll respectfully augment your thoughts of the Beatstep Pro, Circuit, and Elektron as brains of a hardware-only setup. They're great, but to get away from a PC but still do elaborate sequencing, arranging, composition, and recording, one need only look to a synth workstation such as a Kronos, Fantom, Motif, Korg Microstation (or, going back a bit, a Triton, Trinity, or any of the Korg M series as well as the likes of the Alesis Fusion) OR a groovebox such as the Roland MV-,8x00 line, the Akai MPC's or any of the older groovebox systems (the MC-303/505/808 come to mind as does the RM1x and even the JX-305). All of these have extensive sequencing, arrangement, mixing, and in most cases recording, drum, sampling, and synth engines as well as effects and even mastering.
Now, granted, they're essentially hardware DAWs...but hardware they ARE and they can easily displace a Cubase or Reason or Ableton et al.
Lastly, and maybe I missed this, but a MIDI manager such as an iconnectivity or MOTU is an absolute must for any complex MIDI setup (as are MIDI thru boxes for things like your Volcas).
....and, while I'm a hardware synth junkie myself, too, let's not forget the other "no PC DAW" route you can go...the *phone only* setup. This takes portability to new extremes but great results can be had. As 2 proof-of-concept tracks, I've released these two tracks (on Spotify, iTunes, and elsewhere) that were done using just THAT: an Android phone running only the $5 app, Caustic. Tell me that this isn't slowly pushing up against the PC as "in the box" production convenience! (note that these are Trance tracks, so you need to really listen to the whole thing the whole way through to get to the payoff melodically and in terms of tension and timbre):
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/brianmccalla/dLU9
open.spotify.com/track/4j35YwFPFGvPrbkoYqJTiC
You can read more about my tracks on my SoundCloud bio:
Listen to Mortal Metal (Meddle Mix) by brianmccalla #np on #SoundCloud
soundcloud.com/brianmccalla/mortal-metal-meddle-mix
Or my Quora page for more synth guidance where I'm the top writer on Synthesizers:
www.quora.com/profile/Brian-C-McCalla?share=8fac266a&srid=5Gd6
Make music,
Do it with love,
... And vice versa.
Peace.
-Brian
Some great points there! Well worth a read for anyone looking for additional info and good counter points.
I think the Synthstrom Deluge would be a great groovebox/brain as well, and on par cost wise with the Digitakt.
Agreed!
BoBeats definitely not counterpoints, brother, as I completely agree with your thoughts. Merely "supplemental ideas" from my little corner of the world.
Thanks again for all of your hard work, Bo. It'll pay off for you in time, I'm certain!!
Im really thinking of buying a Pocket operator or Midi controller for Caustic. I currently have the demo, is the full version any good?
I'm really glad you made this video, I've been trying to understand how these dawless setups work and function lately.
I always see people using mixers in their synth setups and I always wonder why they don't use audio interfaces, in case they wanted to make an hybrid setup they could record all synths into separate tracks which would be easier if you wanted to arranje the music later. I hope you could cover this in the next video. :)
Episode 2 will likely be about how to set it up (different examples) and episode 3 about how to record it
looking forward to the recording setup.Thanks
Awesome video, Bo! Hope it helps people take the dive into the hardware world. I'd add the Microbrute to the list of good beginner synths. I've had tons of gear come and go but the microbrute has stayed with me over the years. It's easy to use and sounds great for the price :)
Really appreciate your channel. You have an excellent presenting style. Big love from Leeds West Yorkshire. 🇬🇧 , Europe
Great video for beginners, bravo Bo 👏
Great introduction, Bo! If I were starting out today, and focused on analog, I would start with the Novation Mono Circuit, then add the Roland SH-01a, and then the Roland TR-08 for drums, and finally the Neutron for wild analog experimentation. All of this can be easily driven/synced by the Mono Station(now w/3 sequencers). Oh, an Arturia Keystep for a keyboard and co-controller. If I was focused on digital/FM - just one item to start: Elektron Digitone - so much in that little box! Maybe add a Keystep as a keyboard to play on top of the Digitone sequences. Finally, if I wanted to go super-portable, I would just get the Keystep for the many amazing synth apps & sequencers on my iPad - record everything into AUM (must-have mixer/recorder app).
I agree, the Arturia Keystep is a very well constructed keyboard/controller, and at a good price.
Sweet. Now you need a setup guide for those with laptops and hardware synths.
This is the best channel i haved ever seen yet
Hi Bo, love all of the creative advice and inspiration you give. Would it be possible to do a video on building a small Euro Rack set up with effects only to run your synths through?
Seconding this, been pondering the idea of making a small case of effects to go with my Microfreak and any other synths I pick up
your channel is full of gold
thank you!!
It is nice that used gear is encouraged.
Great and well done. As a synth pro i really appreciate your channel and competent videoposts.
A nicely explained, clear video for beginners like me. It was very useful, thank you Bo :)
Hi, i started dezember 2017 with building a Hardware setup. There are still some things missing, but slowly i get where i want to be. I have the Drumbrute, Microbrute, Korg EMX1, Kaosspad kp3+, Kaossilator pro and Behringer Model D.
For recording i use Zoom R16 and i have a peavey rsm4062 as a mixer.
I use guitar pedals for effects or the kp3+, depends what i need to do.
I have and use also other instruments like e-guitar, e-bass or percussions.
My Monitor speakears are Yamaha HS7 and as Studio Headphones i have Audio Technica M50.
I like that setup, its easy to work intuitive and gives on that way many possebility's to creat new interresting sounds.
In the future i want to go a little bit more semi-modular and modular.
Started to build my first diy moduls.
Let's see what comes in the future, i still have to many things in my Head what i want to have.
Excellent and thorough as usual ! Great vid, Bo!
Man... the way you talk about synths... makes me wanna go and buy all sorts of stuff, go nuts for a year and come out with a 5 double LP :D
this is really cool, i just bought a volca keys as my first synth and this was really informational to what i want to do
Oh man I wish I found this video sooner! Time to sell the HUGE pile of useless gear and trade it for what I should've gotten in the first place, thanks Bo!
In a band now, but considering venturing on my own, or should I say, doing my own project
Bo, you're great, very informative, I love watching your video's on youtube. Thank you so much for all the info....
The way I see it, music isn't just about the sound; it's about expression. And physical gear enables you to achieve greater levels of expression that you simply cannot get through software synthesizers.
He Should have included the korg Electribe 2. As the brains for a hardware setup, the Electribe is more than a match for the circuit. Its sequencer easily looks after the drums and rhythms programming plus it has a much more flexible sound / synth engine. You can have 16 channels playing with no restriction on whether those channels are used for drum or synth sounds, it also features a verity of independent filters. Underated gear.
This is a very helpful video for us newbies. Thanks so much
Great video and solid advice Bo. You didn't mention it but your Arturia Drumbrute is a great studio brain as well. My one overrides the Circuit as the brains of my set up but it does pretty well controlling the Sub37 and the Circuit syncing them up.
I would love to see more about the mixers. Even with my analog synths I only mix in DAWs (still a starter). Is the only thing that hardware mixers / samplers are better at the unique sound that some of them add?
VictorSteiner I think a big part is (again) hands on control
Soon will build my hands on workstation!. thanks for all tutorial!
Wow, the video I've been waiting for!!!! Love you Bo!!
Its 3 channels on the circuit. Drummparts come over midi channel 10 and can be used, too.
This was really helpful. I have owned a Novation Circuit for two weeks now, and I am learning how to make it work with my other "musical assets". I am looking forward to your future videos for sure.
You seem to know a bit about used equipment. I have two instruments with minor errors on them. I am considering selling them off cheap, or fixing them then selling, or just fixing and using them.
I am thinking I want to buy something new, that's more suitable for my current situation.
By the way, I just visited reverb.com. From what I learned, my synthesizer would sell as "poor", while my keyboard would count as in "fair" condition.
Which countries does Reverb cover?
Nice Video, looking forward to the next one.
Thank you! This is the video I didn’t know I needed
Great video with nice info, Bo.
I’m a little late to the hardware game. I’ve been packing all my fun money into Reason rack extensions. But where is that getting me? Sitting at the computer wayyyy too much. I purchased a BSP and electribe 2 as ‘brains’. The BSP is actually really awesome because of the clock out. I prefer it over the electribe because it’s seemingly more of a creative creature. Where as the electribe has everything built in.
My current hardware setup is BSP, microkorg, volca sample, monologue, MicroFreak and drumbrute impact. I have one effect on the chain (cheap donner), a delay reverb pedal and a Yamaha mixer that has nice onboard effects. Or electribe solo!!
Reverb dot com is actually a godsend. I managed to save some money (and realize how expensive shipping typically is).
Also this video had a lot of good info in it! Thanks!
Hey Bo, are you planning to go into greater depth in future vids about how best to hook everything up? I've found myself with a collection of stuff that could really work well together -- a Circuit, a Monologue, a Pocket Piano MIDI, a Pocket Operator, plus a Keystep to control it all, a Kenton Thru 5 to split the signal and a small mixer. I sat down the other night to hook it all up and got totally confused about what should sequence what, how to set it up so I can make videos or record into a DAW, etc. Not sure why it feels so confusing and overwhelming!
Next episode in the works: i will hook up a couple different setups
Righteous
Hi, thank you so much for all your contents. Your videos inspired me a lot while going on in the dawless world...
I'd like to ask you: how do you *usually* manage the arrangement? is there a brain which holds all (or almost) the single tracks/parts, basically sending just midi notes to all the other devices, or do you prefer setting each device's sequencer and then switching patterns manually (or with program change, when possible)? I'm really undecided about this topic: on one hand it's better holding the whole song, or project, in just one device; on the other hand it's a pity sometimes not to take advantage of some nice features of the single sequencers. What do you think about it? Thanks again!
Top thanks, man! So clear 🎉
Good Video.I miss the ZOOM ARQ AR-96 in the list of Sequencers. You can control 32 different units with every of the 400 pattern in the ZOOM.
What is the best all in one hardware device? Drum machine/sampler/synth/sequencer etc. It seems you need a separate box for each thing which is expensive. Sorry for the noob question.
Hi @BoBeats , first off thanks for the video. Super helpful. You mentioned that you could go with a sound card versus a mixer. Why would one prefer one over the other?
I talk about this in my ”how to record your synthesizers” overview video.
Hey Bobeat ! Actually I'm super interested into the second part of your video. I'm struggling with finding cheap mixer for basic setup (3-4 audio inputs) and a recording interface ! What's the best method, how to record/loop and manage audio-thru or monitoring via your solution ! Thanks a lot for your quality content !
Thanks for the video, I have a Yamaha RM1X that I’m going to use as a sequencer.
Thanks man. Loved your videos on de circuit. Love to see more DAW-les setups with the circuit as the "brains".
(Signed up... 👌👓)
So much good advise on this channel !! I'm building my studio right now. I've got Kompete Audio 2, KK M32, DT770pro, Blue Yeti mic, minilogue xd on the way, fender strat. I was thinking to invest in premium midi keyboard but i realize how much the analog universe could be "much more" for me. Looking to buy A Mikro Mk3 as well as i clearly need drums. What do you thinks i may need to be full operational with this stuff. Thanks !!
just bought a volca keys instead of ableton and hoping it was the right decision!
Claire Rennard it was,trust me, you’ll make better music because of limitations
Definitely a good decision... your relationship with making music and creativity will grow with hardware, buy an Arturia key step to control the volca Keys with actual keys. It comes with Ableton Lite with is an excellent entry level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) then from there you’ll be creating beats and all kinds of jams!
Ayy, you should come out with a video about building a well rounded collection of synths/gear.
I’ve sort of been struggling on what to get for a second synth. The most important synth in my setup is currently an audiothingies micromonsta. And I love it dearly, however all the synths I was looking at when I was shopping were digital synths or digital analog hybrids. (I.e. blofeld, deepmind 12, etc.)
It’s dope, but I’ve recently been considering adding a monosynth, but I’m falling into the trap of digital/analog hybrids again, I mean I love them! I ended up getting a mutable instr. shruthi-1 b/c the price was too good to ignore. However I’ve realized, I don’t have any fm synths, which isn’t a problem, but there’s a whole range of sounds that I am missing out on because I don’t really have too much guidance in building my set up.
That’s about it. Also I’d like to know what’s up with drone synths like the lyra 4 or 8. Like they seem hella fun, but I can’t picture how I would incorporate the sound into a composition, unless I was trying to communicate with whales.
Keep on being you dude. Thanks
Also I was watching this again b/c auto play, and now i'm wondering, who is paul? is it some dude who owns the circuit in the video, or is it the name of your instrument? I mean I name some of my instruments if I know I'm going to be holding on to them for a while, but paul is not what I would expect a synth to be named.
I am still deciding which sequencer to buy, I should just be patient and get the digitakt though I think. Just hard to not buy a synth with the money. My access virus is still at the repair shop and it's my only poly so If it cant be fixed I will need to buy something to replace it. My song writings going ok, having to record live has its own charms.
Avrilcadabra a virus and a digitakt would be a really great combo. You basically have everything you need in that set up. And it’s super portable.
The synth per cm ratio is extremly high 😄
Hi, great video, I don't have any synths or any music equipment but am thinking of learning and starting, apart from the instrument I guess I will need speakers that plug in -not Bluetooth, and some other important hardware, please can you list the equipment needed? Thanks
You need DELUGE rest is just an ad on
I have a DAWless setup question and here seems to be as good a place to pose it as anywhere. I have a bunch of instruments (Circuit, Monostation, several Volcas etc). I'm looking for a polyphonic hardware sequencer that can sequence triplets and/or unquantised notes. I own a Beatstep Pro but its two musical sequencers are monophonic. I suppose I could buy a second Circuit and use that as a controller/sequencer for two melodic and one percussive instrument. Is the Keystep Pro any good? Anything else in the same price bracket that would make a good DAWless brain/conductor for my instruments?
Finally there someone reveal bout this
Some good advice but maybe it was a firmware update, as you can map the knobs with Midi on the Circuit. (My current fun rig, Novation Mini MkIII, Korg NTS-1, Korg SQ1, Korg KR Mini)
How can you incorperate guitar pedals into the mix? Do some smaller mixers have the option to create something like a bus in your DAW?
So, although I would love a keystep pro & I was already looking at the reg keystep. Hoping that this was just a newer version of it but, this is more like the next step up.
I have a Roland DJ-505 for which I was initially looking for a midi controller for it like the Arturia minilab II or, Novation MK 3. Basically, something with midi I/O.
Then upon watching many synth vids, I find it more intuitive. The Analog is dope & my TRS has ABC. Having the option to go dawless is really cool & the laptop I have is pretty slow. So, until I build my gaming desktop or, upgrade the laptop I don't want to be restrained from utilizing a creative mood.
Now, to the point of all this......here's my first synth possible's- Roland SE-02/SH01A or, Korg Volca Nubass or Volca Keys? The lower priced Korg's are definitely budget friendly on top of just buying DJ Controller, Studio Monitor's, Audio Interface, Furman power conditioner, case, headphones, etc.
Also, keyboarding needs to be brushed up on which makes not only the analog more ideal than a midi-controller.
If you were to provide me with any advice as with which to begin with, without worrying about any complaints in regards to your recommendation, what would ya' say? Around the $100-$300 range, with not just low price in mind but, I'm attempting to choose a synth with as many options as possible. Especially, with grimey, crunchy, wobbly bass tone's.
From what I gathered, monophonic limits your note's, in comparison to a polyphonic & so I was keeping that in mind. Although, I've heard monophonic is not bad including for beginners.
BTW, a couple others I considered were the Crave, Wasp, & Neutron. Might have forgotten to include another Behringer, & the Korg FM.
Sorry for being so long winded. I know this first synth will be the beginning of a eurorack eventually. Keystep Pro 4 in the future.
No matter what I purchase, I do an in depth review of all option's. While keeping in mind longevity & what options are & will be available to me in the future.
Even if you could narrow it down to 2 options, that's cool. Keep up the great work!
Novation's Circuit MonoStation looks great too!Behringer TD-3, & I found a Microbrute for $259. Decisions, decisions.
So yeah, which would you suggest?
Nice rundown! Looking forward to seeing more as I'm putting together a new sequencer based setup instead of my usual setups for band work. I reckon the Digitakt will be my brain and the Keystep my keyboard, still tossing up between a Circuit and Blofeld for more synth sounds, unfortunately my Sub 37 will be a bit too big I think!
I am going this direction in my next set upall my old stuffQY700AN and DX 200BlofeldMicronand Ultranovavia VM3100 and strymons cant wait
Good description on sequencers but lost me a bit on the synth. Jumped around too much. Be nice to put a whole system together that works the best not focused so much on price. Lost me totally on mixer and why needed with sequencer and synth and needed more info on control. Create three full set ups that three tier pricing would nice. It’s a bit all over the place. Like the idea of synth with sequencer in one like electron. That seemed cool more in that one. Make some clear suggestions. Have a roli. Will that work with all these?
Nice idea! you can also dispense with external hardware effects units (pedals) and just route raw sounds to your DAW and use VST or built-in effects. One can save some $ by not going into the pedals rabbit hole :-)
Some questions, I'd be happy about some tipps: I've been planning to set up some synths & drum machines with a drum sequencer as a core. First thing that don't get: If I have a multitrack sequencer (e.g. Digitakt) what can I use a mixer for, If I don`t have every track as a single output (like I'd have with an MPC)? Or do you normally hook up sound apart from midi within an interface? -_- Heeelp
Where is part 2? I found this video in the playlist titled "Bobeats music production tutorials, tips & tricks" but part 2 isn't in this playlist.
Its called ’Lets Build a Hardware Synth Setup’