Dawless / Hybrid / In The Box Production Setups

[@Hessencemusic]

In the end, I believe each approach has its own advantages. For me, a few years ago I broke away from the DAW and began exploring parallel systems like eurorack and monome. After a "small" adjustment period, I suddenly clicked and discovered that this freedom fostered creativity more than anything I had tried before. It was about developing things on the fly... Later, in my humble experience, I found that starting from that base and either transitioning to a hybrid setup or finishing it in a DAW is the way I've achieved the best creative and sound results.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

I think hybrid is the best of both worlds. You get away from the computer screen and you also get the flexibility and speed of finishing tracks within the computer.

[@Hessencemusic]

@@craigwilliamsmusic 100% agree… and it’s the way creativity flows faster

[@alloedee]

The new thing gonna be synthless dawjamming

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

Hahahahaha

[@GrootsieTheDog]

After years of experimenting and TOOO much money, I finally have the set up that works best for me and that I really enjoy: Simplicity was key. So a Hybrid, Maschine MK3 DAW (the integration of Maschine hardware and software is really great IMO) + a Hydra synth. I don't feel like I need tons of hardware synths (software emultation are so awesome these days) - one synth takes care of tany craving I have for the tactile sense of playing and programing an actual synth. Its not that its necessary but the Hydra provides another vibe, a dif space or environment I can go to. Its like going form a large warehouse studio to a little intimate room. Its also a psychological thing - knowing that I have the option to play around on an instrument takes away that lingering feeling that I'm "missing something" or felling caught between a false choice of DAW or DAW...less(o rDAW-less is more lol). Just enough of a change up. Its a nice marriage. Important for me was to avoid the possibility that my files would not contain the fully realized end product. So I simply bounce the hydra to audio whether its a sequence or an off-the-grid improve. That way if ever I just want to take the laptop and Maschine MK3 or for some reason the hydra is no longer available, the hydra part is still there ;)

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

Thats the move. The best setup is the one that you create the most music and have the most fun with.

[@dr.gregoryf.maassen2637]

Excellent video! I'd like to add that when you're working "in the box" using a DAW, whether with or without a MIDI controller, it's easy to get swept up in purchasing too many VSTs, to be referred to as "VSTAS" or "VST Acquisition Syndrome." Often overlooked, it is equally addictive and possibly even more costly. Software developers' marketing is highly persuasive, but it raises the question: How many plugins do we really need? How many VST effects are required besides those provided by the DAW? An exciting new trend is the integration of VSTs with hardware synthesizers, like the Korg Modwave, offering the best of both worlds.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Great point and I think the way around it is to think of your DAW as an actual studio set up - have a template with synths placed in the slots the same wayevery time, ready to go (regardless if needed or not) so when you start a new "project" your more apt to start creating instead of thinking "what synth should I use today".

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

I'm a sucker for a VST sale or a new shiny thing. If the price is right I will test things out and some might make it into the fold. For the most part I will use a load of the built in Logic effects (Eq, compressors, reverbs etc) I just use the other instruments from a few brands like TAL and Audio realism.

[@AlecKinch]

IMO ;) Searched for years for this “utopia” & I think I found it. I have used most of the DAWs. Cubase Logic Protools Reaper Studio One Luna. And then I tried Ableton Live, & my inspiration, fun, creativity , & SPEED, was like so never felt before. I steered away from Ableton for years as I thought it was only for EDM , boy was that a huge mistake. I have had the PUSH 3 for about 6 months, and it is the single greatest tool to bridge the DAW to HUMAN issue I felt in all those other daws.!

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

I feel that the push controller with Ableton is a great solution to get you away from the screen without having to pay loads of money for equipment.

[@shambien]

My take: DAWless and live playing feels more spontaneous; people are tired of formulaic and 'perfect' (but boring) music made in the studio/DAW. Personally, I am also sick and tired of sitting on a computer, as you said.... plus, having worked in IT for 30yrs, for me, that "mouse and keyboard" posture really stiffens my creativity. I want to make music when I am making music and touch instruments... not tend to Microsoft's or Apple's updates.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

100% if I can get away from the computer to capture those initial ideas I’m happy. If I can get an A section, B section, C section before touching a computer I’m very happy.

[@SheenSayer]

Well done Craigo

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

Thanks matey!!

[@MapleSonics]

For me personally it was the resentment of configuring music, instead of playing music and the updates that would fuck up my system, or slow it down. I do use my daw to record whatever i’m doing.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

I feel that. I think the trap that people fall into when they're all in the box is they try and always update, always get the newest plug-ins etc. I always had the mindset of "if it ain't broke don't update it"

[@MapleSonics]

@@craigwilliamsmusic That is too simple i believe. When your pc is connected to the internet, you will have to update every once in a while, just for safety. To not have it connected to the internet seems to me almost impossible. And i did not even touch on sync issues in a hybrid setup. I eventually got everything running in sync, but it is not flawless as Ricky Tinez demonstrated the other day.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

I don't use any sync boxes and my setup is pretty locked.

[@MapleSonics]

@@craigwilliamsmusic yeah, pretty locked is not good enough for me.

[@RetrokitsDev]

Of course if you want to go hybrid/dawless you do need the right tools or you’ll be stuck in a bar loop pretty quick😏

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

You’re definitely right. Unless you have a MPC or a tracker with the ability to have sections you’re going to be rocking that 8 bar until you get it into the computer.

[@dracul74]

For me, jamming and recording my tracks to a digital mixer or bluebox using real synths and drum machines is the most enjoyable and creative experience. I do then export to a sd to mix and master on the PC in Ableton. I have done long periods of pure dawlesssness (lol) and same for complete in the box work... but yeah neither of those workflows seem to satisfy me long term.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

I think whatever captures that spark of an idea is the key. I would love to capture a live jam and be done but it’s not how my workflow works.

[@AquaUrban]

Hey good video man.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

Thank you!!

[@christopherknowles]

Just fucking make music. Don’t rearrange your case, don’t buy/steal new software, you don’t need any more gear. Today, make a song with what you have, as it is. Then make 20 more songs. Then maybe reassess.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

100% If you can't make music with a basic copy of Logic or Ableton adding another 20 pieces of gear isn't going to solve the issue.

[@christopherknowles]

@@craigwilliamsmusic it might though.

[@craigwilliamsmusic]

hahahahahahahaha Touché