As some of you know, I am painfully slow in making studio configuration decisions. So slow, that by the time I make a decision technology has usually moved to make it an obsolete or at least less optimal choice….which delays my actions and forces re-evaluation. For me, its almost always hardware failures that trigger the final decision and that is the case this time.
Now that its done, I am very happy with the results. Ive got a computer thats way faster with more storage and a significantly quieter cooling system, an audio interface that gives me 26 analog channels and complete ‘in the box’ mixing, and a sleek workflow that makes it *fun* to be in the studio.
As usual, however, my studio is not complete yet. There are a few key items I would like to add on to it, but they are *very* few:
1. Elektron Machinedrum UW. – Ive got one on loan at the moment, and it defnitely belongs on the shortlist. Ive finally gotten a feel for how to get a good snare drum out of it, and it makes a great companion to the Electribes (they just sit very well together). I could probably forgo the UW part. Glitchy sampling just really is not my thing.
2. Kurzweil K2×00R – I keep thinking a K2600RS would be killer. I miss VAST from when I had a K2000, and the 2600 adds KDFX, Live mode, and just better everything in general. Crappy antiquated hardware? Yes – but full of potential as an FX box.
3. Akai MPC2500/5000 – I admit it: I miss my MPC1000. Selling it was probably a mistake. It was just a great little beat maker, and making a good beat is and always has been the start of great songs for me. At current used prices, I would even consider a 4000, which are starting to drop dramatically despite being more advanced in a number of ways. Do I (does anyone) need a hardware sampler in this day and age? No, but its not about the sampler – its the workflow. Hell, maybe even just a 500 would work out…
But thats about it. I’d have to get a killer deal on any/all of that though. With the impending birth of a child, however, Its probably not going to be. But I am ok with that. Really.