Hardware Update 2023!

[@bulentkamali]

I was thinking about you the other day. Good to see you back.

[@mutee333]

Good to have a new video from you, I was checking out your socials yesterday to see whats up.

[@WichyBaldwin]

It's refreshing to see that once your reach a certain level in your gear, there's really not much else you MUST buy. Like, these hardware is more of a "how can I make more enjoyable the workflow I already have without overcomplicating it" than "I must have it or else I can't live" and that's awesome!

[@jonathansandusky7446]

Good mics will break you. Microphones are an endless pit ... endless. Everything is cheap compared to the microphones.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Absolutely! Once you have the basics there's no inherent "need" for anything. It's mainly about making everything more efficient or - as you say - enjoyable. After all, if we do this every day, some tools are worth investing in if they make life easier, even if they're not entirely necessary to do the job.

[@joegrint6280]

Great to have you back - I've missed your videos!

[@grobinson9352]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you.

[@chrisharrison809]

Glad to hear you’re busy! Love your channel. ❤

[@ryanknaggs]

Hi Anne, How awesome!I recently did the same thing with my Hardware updates, like a new Focuerite 18i20i with 7.1 with Adam audio, plus the Monogram and Stream Deck too! There are other things too, but I just thought to connect with you on the same items you talked about. I'm a little Jealous with all the cool Kalimbas and reed instruments you showed on your video. They do sound really great when you play them into a microphone, it adds more realism to things for your composition! :). Anyway so glad you see you again. Ryan Knaggs - Thinkspace student.

[@kaeleb1968]

Glad to hear that you have been busy working and not just ignoring us 😊 Welcome back!

[@J-MLindeMusic]

Nice to see a video from you again! Excited to see what changes you've made to your template...

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Coming next week! 🙂

[@jonremimuziq]

FYI, I absolutely LOVE those cinematic-relaxing videos you include at the beginning of these videos 🙌🏾 … can’t wait to upgrade my setup as well (I take my pointers from you 😅)

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

It’s my excuse to go outside on occasion :-)

[@jonremimuziq]

@@AnneKathrinDernComposer We all need that excuse ... otherwise, I'd be a hermit who stays in my apartment day in and day out lol

[@mikevirtualteacher]

Glad to see you back! Glad you are working lots! Great video as usual. Looking forward to the next one! Cheers!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Coming back next week with the software version of this! 🙂 I couldn't finish it before traveling to Vienna but I'll have it ready when I get back.

[@seanfourie7]

So good to have you back Anne ,even if its only for a brief time.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Not too brief I hope! Next video is coming next week already and I've pre-recorded a few more. 🙂

[@kenvives]

Nice to see you back!

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Good Seeing you again Anne. I hope to hear some of the work that you completed while you were away. The last few projects you did had some great music in them. Those Christmas songs / themes were beautiful.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Thank you! Some projects will be released later this year and some will come out early / mid next year. 🙂

[@dariuszlabuzekart269]

Finally bought your first house on the hills. Congratulations! 😀

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Ha, I wish! Then again not sure... it takes forever to get up there and the house has a bit too much of a concrete warehouse chic for me. Great for parties but I like it homey, warm and welcoming where I live.

[@rbingraham]

Glad to see you back. It's a bit weird, but I literally just wondering, what happened to Ann 2 days ago and checked your channel to see how long it had been. Mostly just glad to see you're busy and doing well.

[@alainberthe1329]

Nice to see you back! ;-)

[@mauriciosanchez9237]

I’m seeing new lights, and cool vibe on background.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Yes! I didn't mention it but it's the Philips Hue Lights. They're fantastic!

[@fhatsk8er]

A controller that can be used for both midi and video, that’s a KZbinr’s dream! (Or at least mine)

[@AlexMoukalaMusic]

Funny coincidence, I was just watching your older video on composer hardware earlier today and now this one came out! Also, this is the fourth video I saw praising the Monogram controller this past week. If only there was a way to buy it from Europe without incurring into insane import fees…

[@AlonsoJoaquinComposer]

Hi Alex!!!

[@DojoOfCool]

Great to hear you're busy, busy is good and thanks for checking in.

[@craigwilliamdayton]

Yea!!! Our Cinematic Fraulein has returned!!! It is always a treat to watch an Anne-Kathrin Dern video. I learn a great deal. 😊 Thank you, Anne-Kathrin!!!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Happy to be back!

[@acousticscoresaustralis6233]

Really great to see you back on KZbin and I’m so pleased you’ve been working hard and developing your career. You deserve the very best. You remind me of the saying “There are no limits in life, only obstacles! “ you are a true success and are able to remove obstacles in your way to achieve your goals.

[@Dane_Riazer]

First time seeing your channel, nice setup!!! 🙌🏾

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Thank you! And welcome to the madness!

[@AlmaLibreStudios]

Was hoping that your absence was due to more work, so yay! Welcome back! Great point about picking up random instruments. Its easy to get lost in the "mouse world" and forget how fun it is to play an actual instrument. So many different sounds and nuances that you can get from an actual tambourine in your hand.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Not to mention kitchen utensils and the pantry. So many sounds to explore. 🙂

[@michaelcoston6259]

So refreshing to see your flutes and recorders at hand also. I was fortunate enough to have music programs as early as elementary school (starting with the recorder) and it greatly enhanced a musician’s ability to spontaneously improvise compositionally and generate expressive melodies using traditional instruments. The gear really shines in the hands of truly gifted and talented creators such as yourself. Continue to put out informative quality vids. They are both very enjoyable and engaging...

[@MichelBarbaro]

So glad you're back! The knowledge you pass on to us is invaluable. My pocket doesn't like your "Hardware Videos" so much LOL. I already bought a DT-880 Pro and a Sony WH5000MX because of them (No regrets at all!). In the case of the Stream Deck I got there first. I've been using them for a whilenow and I can't live without my TWO units. Yes!!! TWO. A mid 15 buttons like yours and a XL one. Welcome back.

[@carljacobs1287]

Well, Devil's Advocate never showed in Australia - or maybe it did and I blinked. However the DVD got released here, so that's how I got my little fill of Anne-Kathrin Dern over the drought of the last couple of months! Glad to hear you're busy as ever!

[@mustechnology]

Thanks to you, 2 years ago, I recreated your template (VE Pro+Cubase+Kontakt). It works for me well. Now I'm looking forward to your new one!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

That's so great to hear! The new one is just an evolution of the old one so you'll find it easy to implement any changes you want to make. 🙂

[@clenbullard]

Hello. I just want to thank you for your excellent perspectives on music and composition. Very kind. Much appreciated

[@jadrianverkouteren3799]

As someone who has grown up with notation software, I would really be interested to see a video on your workflow and the like to help me do more with my DAW. - Do you use a USB hum to connect all the devices on your desk to your computer(s), or are enough of them Bluetooth to avoid that? - Assuming you play in instrument lines on your synth, how much CC info do you add simultaneously and how much retroactively? I see mockups with massive amounts of CC data below and wonder how that is done. - In just about all your videos I see a recorder sitting on your synth (along with the colored pens), which suggests the recorder is really important to your composition process. Does it have a special use for you creating your scores and mockups? And perhaps not surprising for a video/film composer, you have an amazing video sense as demonstrated in the introductory sequences to many of your videos. Thank you for continuing to put these up on KZbin.

[@stevegeorge7773]

Great to see your still kicking! And back of course.

[@williamtell1477]

Cool, the instruments are my favorite!

[@danacme5806]

Glad to "see" you again !

[@jondellar]

Oooh! Thank you for the info about Monogram CC. I've used a Loupedeck and loved it but this looks much simpler. Love the new kit overall - well done! (And, if I may add, the eye makeup suits you - beautifully nuanced.)

[@michaellaumusic]

Great additions. Using the same, but the later Stream Deck and second bank of faders on the console. Are you also using something similar to Keyboard Maestro on Window to enhance your Stream Deck?

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Not yet but I've been looking into that actually. I currently don't have a ton of time to set things up but I'll probably spend a lot of my winter refining all these things for a variety of applications.

[@NigelDThompson]

Good to see you are busy Anne-Kathrin and always appreciate your views and insight.

[@AtlasBenighted]

Welcome back!

[@stratfanstl]

Nice to see new content. Great opening scenery... That Monogram Creative Console product is one of the most ingenious physical product ideas I've seen in a long time. The ability to physically mix/match the components with bus connections being instantly connected on any edge is very clever. Would probably good at reducing repetitive stress injuries from trying to use a mouse for hours of micro-fine tweaking in DAWs.

[@MichaelBaugh]

I love the lights, the studio is looking nice!

[@GianlucaCalesso]

New video from Anne, new beautiful video for sure!

[@FLH3official]

Good to see you back, AKD!

[@cedricmi]

I finally bought a trackball, the Elcom Huge. A few weeks of use after, I highly recommend it, especially for people with limited desk space.

[@MuzixMaker]

Welcome back! What camera are you using for your channel?

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I'm using the SONY ZV-1.

[@MuzixMaker]

@@AnneKathrinDernComposer thanks! My wife has a small sewing channel and I’m looking to upgrade the video. Love your channel!

[@iancurrie3763]

So nice to see you again! And you look great!

[@AlexWalkerSmith]

Happy upgrading! I've always been good at memorizing key commands, but ever since I started using a second keyboard for dedicated commands and macros, I've begun forgetting some of those commands as well. But the way I see it, memorizing commands is becoming an anachronism. It's like knowing how to drive a manual transmission; it's helpful if you find yourself driving an older vehicle or something, but not really a necessary skill anymore.

[@MarkKuypers]

Same here. Except for the transmission part. Stickin' to my stick...

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

@@MarkKuypers Yes, same! It's very uncommon in the US where it's mostly automatic transmissions so it's a fairly useless skill here. But very useful whenever I travel back to Europe.

[@johanneschristopherstahle3395]

When I was a kid I used to remember all my friend's phone numbers. Now I'm glad I'm able to remember my own number... Digital tools are quite handy, but they often make us lose skills we had before.

[@lukewarm5356]

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the 1990s, especially since you also have the Sennheisers. Contemplating buying a pair, and there sure seems to be a wide range of opinions about them

[@GregLassalle2015]

Dern!!!!! Great to see you back here again. 🙌🏾

[@TimBoulette]

Good to have you back, Anne. Hope this means you’ve been busy.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

It does indeed!

[@bergeronsound4197]

Wonderful video as always. I was wondering what backup battery rack are you using. I saw it a while ago but I can't seem to find the video again.

[@thpthp]

Thanks for the Elgato Mic Arm recommendation. I just got the one that reaches over your monitor from behind. I've been a composer for decades and I swear this is the best $100 I've ever spent!

[@Amedee360]

your videos are worth the wait!

[@dbmusicproductions9181]

I like that mic stand! Have the Streamdeck and have used key commands which are great, but I bought a template for Cubase that also has midi functions through the Streamdeck and other software that communicates between the hardware and Cubase, but it was buggy, so I’ve stopped using that. You’re right about the keyboard. My preference is not flat. My fingers want to feel what’s in the vicinity. :) Fun video. Welcome back. Every musician should carry a pair of egg shakers everywhere they go.

[@Benjamin11111]

Bedankt

[@xiaoyun440]

good to see you back! Looking forward to more videos!

[@LucaPoletti]

Ehi! Very useful video, thanks! Which mic are you using? Thanks

[@gabriel_kyne]

Your eye makeup is SO COOL!!!

[@TheAffeMaria]

Hey, great video and products! Can you maybe tell us about your room treatment and monitor setup? It seems you are set up in a suboptimal way (hight, tilt, width, distance and also the screens in front). Maybe you could tell us production quality wise how you manage to not suffer from that.

[@rogeralleyne9257]

I'd love to get your perspective on A.I. & how you're using it!!🙏🙏🙏

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Planning a video on it but there currently isn't any useful AI for music (unless you use ChatGPT for Reaper code or the smart tools in iZotope products if you mean that).

[@rogeralleyne9257]

@@AnneKathrinDernComposer 🙏 So happy that you're still creating content!! Keep Inspiring 🙏🙏🙏

[@yaoguangtang1759]

Hi,welcome back.

[@herzaislad]

Yeay you're back!

[@amaxlevin]

Rad gear! I appreciate you ⚡⚡

[@tpetzmusic]

Super cool update! If you don't mind me asking, are you recording the woodwinds and hand percussion just right at your desk, or do you go into a studio space for it?

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Depends on the project. If it's low budget it'll be me at my desk very close to the mic. If we have live budget, I always opt for a professional player in a studio or someone who can remote record in their own home setup.

[@anthonystahl]

I love my Monogram. hoping you'll do a video specifically on how you integrate with Cuibase? 🙏🙏 Please and Thank you!

[@indiefilmcomposer]

Nice update I prefer the trackball and got the larger version of stream deck to recall workspaces in cubase/ nuendo , that allows you to recall and switch between VSTs with a touch of the button , big time saver no scrolling,

[@KrystofDreamJourney]

Yeah, you’re back :-) Looking forward to your next video about the upcoming story-telling through music workshop in Austria ! It will be awesome to see the footage, Especially for those of us who are busy working, and couldn’t make it to the location to see you there… Glad you’re busy writing and keeping your desk tidy ! (no time for making videos).

[@Jhale1966]

Glad to see you back! :D What type of Music Keyboard do you use when it's not being used to hold your dry-erase markers? :D

[@JudgeFredd]

Great channel !

[@dhightone6755]

At 15:30 in this video, you mention that you added more RAM to your computer. After this addition. how much RAM do you now have on your computer?

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Good question! I have 128GB in my VEP machine and 65GB in my host computer. The host can still go up to 128 as well but I haven't needed that yet.

[@dhightone6755]

@@AnneKathrinDernComposer Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but what does VEP stand for and what is it assigned to do that your host computer isn't doing? (I admit that I have not yet watched all of your previous videos. You probably covered this in one of those videos.)

[@PendelSteven]

About Elgato - they're part of Corsair and both are high quality. Concerning macro's - yeah, I know. Currently I'm still using a Logitech G600. 12 buttons on the side, mostly programmed with useful macro's in daily use: select all, copy/cut with pase in the corner, undo / redo and on the shift are several screendividers provided by Microsoft PowerToys FancyZones. That way I can grab a window, shift and click the right screen zones then shift and put it in the zone. For the latter you can see why this is more useful as macros on a mouse. The undo/redo also comes in handy whilst drawing... notes on a pianroll for example. And thus my next mouse will be a Razer Naga. I love 12 buttons on the side! I don't even use those for gaming, haha!

[@TonyThomas10000]

Good having you back. Love all your new additions. Have you tried TouchOSC by Hexler? Runs on a tablet (Mac or Android) and you can configure it on your PC. Allows you to create custom touchscreen controllers very quickly and easily. Also, very inexpensive.

[@mrcsmusicstudio]

Hello. I found your videos as a KZbin suggestion. I clicked on it and was pleasantly surprised with the content and also the integrity of your purpose. I've done some composing and arranging over the years, but my mainstay is a piano teacher. I own a school in NJ. Years ago when I was finishing my masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music I wanted desperately to finish my last 6 credits with a film scoring class. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me take it because only the 2nd session was being offered. Oh well.. One of my early dreams would have been to do exactly what you are doing. I listened to your history and your school path and all that. Anyway, best wishes of continues success!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Welcome to the madness!

[@mrcsmusicstudio]

TY! I'm already hooked. When I open KZbin the algorithms are suggesting. ..ha PS. I saw your hardware video(s) I have an older RME 800 fireface interface that I cannot use. I still use my UCX. that gets used every day. If you have any use for the fireface interface, I will gladly ship it to the west coast. PS. The UCX has better conversion going in, but Fireface (in my opinion) has better conversion going out. 🙂

[@JeromedeLille]

Hello, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Have you compared the dt 990 with the audeze lcd-x?

[@CybreSmee]

Cool setup. Im similar minimal except I have a large Presonus StudioLive 32sx console purely for mixing orchestral BUS channels from my template. The desk handles all the EQ, reverb, delay, compression etc, and I just have 12 or so stereo channels I can mix on the fly. I thought it was overkill at first, now I couldn't live without it. Unloading all that processing of the CPU has been great too.

[@Zaleskee]

Hi Anne-Kathrin, do you sync protools and cubase for your projects ( for video and Master for the Entire projects) if you do what Synch devise do you use?. and if not , do you just import the Video to Cubase?.. Thank you for your videos and education. great video by the way!.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I just use the video inside Cubase these days. We used to have a separate machine running Pro Tools or Video Sync to play the video but that was mainly a resource issue since computers were struggling to decode heavy video data while also running everything else. With modern computers that's no longer an issue so I don't bother.

[@RamtinDidab]

Can you show us your PC config and how many vst instruments do you load in your template with ease?

[@bmatt2626]

Cheap pen displays are life-changing for editing CCs, if mouse-drawing for an hour hurts your wrist.

[@asan1050]

Anne-Kathrin Dern ! ThanksMuch!

[@ritsio]

YES. Such a great channel

[@FelipeTellez]

Would highly recommend pairing the Steamdeck with Soundflow. Some real quality of life optimization for Sibelius and Pro Tools on my end. Keep up the cool work, and really digging the makeup and lighting =) life in technicolor rulez =)

[@wonder6789]

Curious about the opening sequence. Is this a party at your place? 😮

[@cliveymasters3643]

How lovely to see all these gadgets that I will never have the money to buy.

[@ListenHereOldMan]

holy woah the company that made that low-rise mic stand sends them to every creator w 1k+ subs on any platform, 90% of the (obv inflated af) price is influencer mktg

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I wish! I had buy mine. 🥲 But the quality does warrant the price to be honest. This will last a lifetime if not terribly mistreated. An similar lower quality stand on Amazon would probably cost half but it would also break apart eventually.

[@MooseMalarkey]

We’ve missed you! Glad you’re back.

[@J.SebastiánCollao]

Thanks you very much for these videos. I have a question, and it would help me a lot if you could answer it. I currently have the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 interface, but I am thinking about switching to an Audient iD4 Mk2. The price of both products is the same, but I've noticed that Scarlett interfaces are inferior in terms of preamps, converters, and headphone output. Considering that the Audient would provide better quality overall and also sufficient power for high-impedance headphones (it seems Scarlett supports up to 80 ohms well), and considering that I don't have a well-equipped space for recording and would only record one instrument at a time, why would you choose the Focusrite with multiple outputs over an Audient when working with samples?

[@poissonpuerile8897]

The Audient is vastly superior. Its pre-amplifier is one of the best in the business, while Focusrite's pre-amps are among the worst.

[@EdwinDPZ]

Is that mansion the house from Big Fat Liar?? But anywho I really like that modular controller. And while you didn’t mention it in the video that’s some nice ambiant lighting you added to your studio.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Oh yes, it’s the Philips Hue lights. I should probably have mentioned those as well. Love them!

[@MichaelGraybill]

Stream deck + Cubase Logical Editor × Gpt4 for getting creative with logical editor how-to's has been a fabulous combo for finding new ways to do things. Grats on a great year btw!

[@thb5505]

Shes back!

[@earthlightsmusic2743]

Uke to me means George Harrison, ocarina means harpist Alisa Marie and her tribute to Tolkien's Luthien, and kalimba means the highly creative Saga Bjorling (Starur). Have fun with those! To me you are my arranging teacher who also steered me to ValhallaDSP's very immersive reverbs!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Always happy to help! And always happy to steer people towards ValhallaDSP!

[@cesmcmyth]

Want to hear those scores with flutes.

[@rgallitan]

Well your workflow setup may not have changed much, but it's fun seeing how much your KZbin "set" has changed. Look at this gorgeously arranged and colorful backdrop - complete with RGB bounce lights! - compared to the mirrored closet doors from 3 years ago 😂 Congrats on being so busy!!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

It's the Philips Hue Lights! Maybe I should have mentioned those as well. I wanna get a whole set for the entire place. 🙂

[@PendelSteven]

Also, flat or highh keyboards are not so much about taste... It also depends how big or small your hands are, if the keybaord is lower or higher.... Etc. The fact of the matter is, I am typing this on a flat keyboard, but I can't wait for my new mech keyboard to arise. With proper height, I constantly feel I'm typing too low on this one. But it's cheap. I had other prirorties, you know. But I'm glad I ordered a "good" keyboard - for me. The numpad will even come with five macrobuttons. Not sure what to do with the rest, but one of them I will map calculator to :).

[@antekketna7080]

And my hardware is manuscript paper, a couple of pencils, a good quality rubber and a pencil sharpener.

[@elierouhana1181]

We miss you ❤️

[@ernstlieber4340]

Could you tell me how the server computer and the host computer are connected in order to transfer the audio?

[@madworker1927]

You should buy redragon m911 gaming mouse it has lot of macros really helps to switch between tools in cubase

[@danymalsound]

Willkommen zurück! \m/

[@nicksaya]

I like the dials but they are never in stock. Want to have something other than the dial I created on my touch screen to control Cubase control room volume.

[@subbbass]

Deine neue Villa im intro?

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Haha, natuerlich! 😅

[@Ricardo-qj9wh]

Wise men say Only fools rush in, But I can't help falling in love with you ❤, otherwise very interesting, currently I use a tablet with touch osc configured with my shortcuts