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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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'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 :)
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?
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.
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 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
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.
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
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 🙏🎶🤓🎹🙌
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! 🙏
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.
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.
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 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. :)
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!
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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 :)
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
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!
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).
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!
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 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?
Hi there, your channel is excellent! I'm a drummer who is quite new to using synths and only have experience using the Roland spdsx. I'm thinking of buying a Korg Volca bass and Roland Aira t8 to use mainly for live work and jamming. Can these be connected direct to a pa system and what sort of cables or leads would I need? Any help or info would be great! Thank you.
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!
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 :-)
Thank you very much this is so usefull ! I'm looking forward to see the other video about mixing and recording hardware synth but could you make a video about how to connect midi to sequencer and explain step by step how it works ?
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!
Building the right studio environment has always been one of my biggest frustrations. You just bought a really good soundcard but then you're speakers are not good enough. And, ahhhhh you're harddrive is not big enough to run all you're plugins. Then some of the mixer channels are getting noisy. Latency, not enough cables, midi sync issues, etc... At the end of the day all you want is to do is have some fun and not all those frustrations. There where times that I wanted to give up on making music. My advice to a beginner is to save up and get premium gear with good warranty. Get a good soundcard, speakers a small mixer and a good PC or Mac with a large harddrive ( 1TB SSD) and at leat 8 or 16gb of RAM, unless you are going for a DAWless config. Anyone else have had that same experience?
I have the experience of "I want a b c d e f g x y and z but I don't have enough money, can possibly save for a only for 3-4 weeks, then b for a month and a half..." and so on. Minimum wage slave here. Took me 2 years to save for my current $900 laptop, another good while to upgrade from Live 9 Intro to 10 Suite.
Thanks for supporting beginners and all who cannot decide which hardware to choose for their setup! Bo, your videos are essentially helpful. I’m pretty happy with current setup and i’m thinking of adding only one more synth(yeah sure, only one, who am i liying to) from Roland boutique series. Reasons: they are battery powered, small, have MIDI and a lot of hand controls. Looking at JX-03. Does anybody know small synths with similar set of features?
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?
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)
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
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'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
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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'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 :)
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?
I needed that when I was a beginner! Well made, Bo. Best wishes from Bavaria!
your channel is full of gold
thank you!!
Sweet. Now you need a setup guide for those with laptops and hardware synths.
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.
Bo Bo Bo Didley . Congratulations on the partnership with Reverb! I hope they are paying you bags of money and free gear!
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 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!
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.
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
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 🙏🎶🤓🎹🙌
Really appreciate your channel. You have an excellent presenting style. Big love from Leeds West Yorkshire. 🇬🇧 , Europe
So glad I found this video series. So helpful., I find very few videos about the basics
Nice Video, looking forward to the next one.
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! 🙏
I just got my first piece of hardware (a Digitakt!) And have been thinking of next steps. Looking forward to this series.
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!
I'm just now getting into synths, and your channel has been so helpful! Had to subscribe right away!
Thanks BoBeats for this very clear and simple video. It helps to understand what to consider.
This is one of the most useful and effective video on the argument I've ever seen. Top!
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.
A nicely explained, clear video for beginners like me. It was very useful, thank you 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!
Thanks for the introduction to synths and a good work flow.
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
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!
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.
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!
Great video for beginners, bravo Bo 👏
It is nice that used gear is encouraged.
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
This is a very helpful video for us newbies. Thanks so much
This is the best channel i haved ever seen yet
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.
Excellent and thorough as usual ! Great vid, Bo!
Bo, you're great, very informative, I love watching your video's on youtube. Thank you so much for all the info....
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.
Great and well done. As a synth pro i really appreciate your channel and competent videoposts.
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 :)
Wow, the video I've been waiting for!!!! Love you Bo!!
looking forward to the recording setup.Thanks
Soon will build my hands on workstation!. thanks for all tutorial!
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
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
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?
Thank you! This is the video I didn’t know I needed
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.
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.
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
Thanks man. Loved your videos on de circuit. Love to see more DAW-les setups with the circuit as the "brains".
(Signed up... 👌👓)
Top thanks, man! So clear 🎉
In a band now, but considering venturing on my own, or should I say, doing my own project
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!
And so... It begins
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.
Its 3 channels on the circuit. Drummparts come over midi channel 10 and can be used, too.
Thanks for the video, I have a Yamaha RM1X that I’m going to use as a sequencer.
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
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?
Great video, this is a great idea too, put the knowledge for people out there is good for business and for the electronic music culture! cheers!
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
Hi there, your channel is excellent! I'm a drummer who is quite new to using synths and only have experience using the Roland spdsx.
I'm thinking of buying a Korg Volca bass and Roland Aira t8 to use mainly for live work and jamming. Can these be connected direct to a pa system and what sort of cables or leads would I need? Any help or info would be great! Thank you.
this is really helpfull and well explained. thank you
Was there a follow up video to this? Connecting it all together would be cool
Its called ”lets build a hardware synth setup”
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’
"Any way that you can afford and that works for you" < correct answer ;)
new to the channel, amazing starter set up video!
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.
Great video as always, if you had a in depth Digitone review I’d probably want to go out and buy one!
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!
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 :-)
Woah I was just looking into this, thanks Bo
Love your content .
Thank you very much this is so usefull ! I'm looking forward to see the other video about mixing and recording hardware synth but could you make a video about how to connect midi to sequencer and explain step by step how it works ?
Yes! Part 2 will be how I set a couple of setups up :)
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!
Building the right studio environment has always been one of my biggest frustrations. You just bought a really good soundcard but then you're speakers are not good enough. And, ahhhhh you're harddrive is not big enough to run all you're plugins.
Then some of the mixer channels are getting noisy. Latency, not enough cables, midi sync issues, etc...
At the end of the day all you want is to do is have some fun and not all those frustrations.
There where times that I wanted to give up on making music.
My advice to a beginner is to save up and get premium gear with good warranty.
Get a good soundcard, speakers a small mixer and a good PC or Mac with a large harddrive ( 1TB SSD) and at leat 8 or 16gb of RAM, unless you are going for a DAWless config.
Anyone else have had that same experience?
I have the experience of "I want a b c d e f g x y and z but I don't have enough money, can possibly save for a only for 3-4 weeks, then b for a month and a half..." and so on. Minimum wage slave here. Took me 2 years to save for my current $900 laptop, another good while to upgrade from Live 9 Intro to 10 Suite.
Thanks for supporting beginners and all who cannot decide which hardware to choose for their setup! Bo, your videos are essentially helpful. I’m pretty happy with current setup and i’m thinking of adding only one more synth(yeah sure, only one, who am i liying to) from Roland boutique series. Reasons: they are battery powered, small, have MIDI and a lot of hand controls. Looking at JX-03. Does anybody know small synths with similar set of features?
Thanks! Monologue is battery powered and then you have the Volcas, OP-1, the OP-Z coming.
OP-1 cool , but it's out of my price range. At least I can bring OP-Z through customs as a TV remote control .
Nice Video. Like your way to convey your knowledge
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.
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)
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