How I ACTUALLY Make Music (as a groovebox nerd)

[@Iamrunningsolate]

“I have limits to how much Jank I will accept.” That’s my fav. line in the video. I have had endless fun with my Rhythm over the last year and this channel has been a big part of that. Thanks Gabe!

[@JayM928]

I was having this moment where I was thinking you’re like an alternate universe version of me … into synthwave and metal, an engineer that likes to produce electronic music… and fair enough, you seemed to have escaped the awkward, introverted, inarticulate part in your universe … Then you pull up an excel sheet to talk about music… now you’re checking ALL the boxes.

[@lonelybiscuit243]

I'm guessing there's a big overlap between electric/software engineers and daw less music makers

[@shapeshiftersmediagroup]

Grooveboxes are the way to go! Really good video, my device breakdown is definitely similar to yours in that the MPC is the bulk of my work, with other devices as extremely useful supplements to them.

[@Cidr0n]

Sequestering... Learnt a new word today

[@CallousCoder]

I feel you Gabe! As a software developer I don’t want to turn my desk chair 90 degree from my customer laptop, to my Mac and record music. To me recording is chore because it involves YET AGAIN, a computer. So when I play I literally take my mobile connect it to my tiny Yamaha THX amp pick a nice 80s metal album (yeah old dude) and grab a guitar and play along. When I write or record my synth and or metal music, I need a DAW and it’s like “uhhhhhh so not feeling it”. It’s like being at my job. And worse is, just like with software engineering, you have all these possibilities and you dive down a rabbit hole, trying all Sorts of stuff. Instead of just recording and later your tracks. And for synth and travel that’s where my Little Roland JD/XI comes in. As a Nice step drum sequencer a single analog (a bit useless) and a few digital channels. And I scratch up ideas when sitting on the couch or in the sun. And then when I have the ideas Ram them in a DAW and finalize them. That minimizes my DAW time.

[@unclemick-synths]

My musical journey has been a Picasso-esque quest to get back to recording like how I started on my Tascam 244 Portastudio but with the benefit of modern tech. The MPC One is what enables that. After huge rat-holes of multitimbral MIDI sequencing in the 90s and multitrack digital audio in the noughties that encouraged endless turd polishing, I adopted the mantra "The mix starts _before_ you hit Record". On the 244 there was no choice - track bounces baked-in the decisions. That's how I use the One. I decide what sound I want and I commit. I have a hardware chain and I'm not afraid to compress and EQ on the way in (to the horror of those who insist "you gotta record clean" 😱). I don't use sample packs much - trawling through samples brings back memories of trawling through ROMples in the futile hope of finding sounds that do better than "that will do". Instead I rely on instruments with mojo - my Yamaha Refaces, my bass guitars, my Neutron, my Roland AE-30 wind synth, and my sax. I throw ideas into the One's sampler and chop them around and then use sequences to refine the arrangement. Like you I export for final mix in Reaper but if I've obeyed the mantra it's only for a quick polish and adding buss effects.

[@humperdidoo]

That MC101 at 3:48 looks awfully like an MPC One!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

oops

[@synth-studio]

Lol it happens!

[@cthulholmhastur5317]

Hahaha I was just about to post that, and then thot, "hmm better make sure I'm not l8 on that!" Sure enough, it's already been duly noted! But great videos, nonetheless brother. Good stuff!

[@synth-studio]

Thanks for this, Gabe. Glad to hear I'm not alone in wanting to get away from the day job by spending time with a single groovebox! I'm really similar there, and also prefer highly portable gear. I've also found myself doing a basic arrangement in the box, but then hacking it all to pieces once in the DAW. Se la vie!

[@stratuspei9405]

I just started with synths and got a Circuit Tracks which I found out about from your videos. I very much align with your minimalist preference. And your dog is so nice! Will watch your Circuit Tracks tutorial 👍

[@SIAKPHDLIVE]

You’re the man Gabe. Love your vids and music. Keep it up!

[@DocBolus]

The one thing I really see as essential is having gear for sound design and treating that as a way of expanding your palette. I do however think that grooveboxes connected together create interesting ways of working, especially on the live performance front.

[@JohnnieBailey]

Fantastic video! We have very similar processes which is shocking I haven’t met a ton of producers that work that way

[@synth-studio]

I think there are more of us than it seems. Like Gabe mentioned, these “synthfluencers” have tables and racks full of gear, and I think hobbyists assume that’s how you have to do it. But we know better : )

[@Antonio_Ortiz]

I had never considered going DAW-less/having a hybrid setup until I got an OG Circuit. The joy of making music instinctively is irreplaceable, and my output has skyrocketed. I am now looking into the Tracks, Rhythm, and maybe the MPC One and Polyend Play as my next step up. Really wish the sample playback on the Rhythm wasn't monophonic, but not the end of the world. Thanks again for all of your content. This new world of music gear has been a pleasant surprise for my creative energy. I'll check out your 2nd channel and your beats. Curious if you have your mixing/mastering process there.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Really glad these videos have been helpful and that you've been having increased creativity! Some of my latest MC-101 videos show my typical mixing and mastering, like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opqocoigbruNjrMsi=uPQta7mRkJsyTSrZ

[@petert7807]

I hardly ever buy sample packs! But I have purchased a few of yours! 👌🏾

[@emixbase]

Thanks for the video !🍻

[@leewightman8619]

Iv been making music on just a Yamaha DJx and a multi track recorder I sometimes program a the drums on my phone or an old Xbox daw cause the step sequencer on the djx is too fildy but it has six tracks to record over either step sequencer or real time and has a basic sampler so I make what I can on that . Them fire them into a daw just to put on effects compresser ect but I put my final mix on minidisc then put it through the daw then back on to minidisc....I do alot of bouncing but gotta use what you feel comfortable with ..I find daws to boring and I never really got into my computers find them to much hassle ..I work with what I know....old skool

[@RSKT_music]

Man, I'd really love to see you have a crack at the Deluge some day. I don't think it will tick all of your boxes, but I think you'd be able to accomplish so much with it. Here's hoping it winds up on your channel in the future :)

[@synth-studio]

I’ve been telling Gabe this for awhile, too : ) the Deluge is incredibly capable, and one of the best hardware arrangers I’ve ever seen.

[@RSKT_music]

@@synth-studio haha yeah me too. I e always loved Gabe's channel and If I had the money I'd buy one and send it to him myself, but sadly I'm not in a position to do that right now. :(

[@MasterStatusUK]

Ye I watched that entire intro thinking…’so this is a deluge video,right?’ Get one dude!!

[@K.KILLORAN]

Going way back with the b roll. I think some of that with the og circuit are from when I first started watching you a few years ago?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yep! Ian and I have been going through old jam videos and harvesting footage with nice visuals and/or music to use as combination b-roll and background music. Thanks for watching for that long!

[@bobbylimesmusic]

yesss music and excel. well presented!

[@phillindablank]

I don't think you ever covered the octotrack on your channel (could be wrong) but the versatiliy on that machine is crazy. I love my MPC Live 2, so useful for actual music production in today's age. - Love the speaker on it, use it all the time and great for sharing with your friends or people you are working with. - All the inputs you need - internal hard drive storage - lot's of possibilities in terms of editing samples/ different program types. -pretty much can do all the mixing on the machine itself. I like trackers and more grid type base stuff for certain applications (basslines, hihats, trippy fx, sending lfo on a per step basis) so im thinking of either getting an elektron machine or a polyend tracker sometime this year. Great vid!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I haven't used the Octotrack, I don't really have the time or energy to learn something that in depth at the moment. Maybe someday! But yeah a lot of the stuff you mentioned about the Live 2 also applies to the One for me. And I do believe it has a tracker sequencing view that might be worth a go!

[@phillindablank]

Yeah the step sequencer on the MPC gets the job done, I especially like to use it when programming in new drum patterns I have trouble playing in live and then nudging the notes off grid a bit. I believe everything that you can do in the live 2 you can also do on the One if I’m not mistaken. Both great machines in my opinion. Keep up the good work!

[@HealyHQ]

Gave me food for thought!

[@crnkmnky]

Great video. Thanks!

[@boydw1]

I'd like to see you revisit the Akai Force sometime. I'm also curious whether you think you could have been similarly productive with the Force if you'd had that from early on rather than the MPC One.

[@jantuitman]

I like to have a very long form midi sequencer (Deluge or Squarp) on a table, connect 1 or 2 external instruments and then write the song entirely out on the sequencer. I am experimenting with live sequencing, but a huge part it just recording fixed arrangements.

[@GrayContrast]

Hey dude, always digging your videos! I am looking for a good tiny add-on bass synth for my CT set-up. Wanna sequence it through the CT and need it to be small to fit into my busking flight case. I value low end and a engine that sounds different from the CTs one. I'd appreciate any tips big time, Gabe!❣️ (I am gazing at the Minitaur and roland 101)

[@vergellim7361]

I have a mpc live 2 and it just easy to come up with ideas when youre in a standalone. But mixing and adding effects is much easier in a daw. Come to think of it Im planning to get the sp404. 😀

[@jmoody3]

The nerd in me recognizes the nerd in you. Nerdmasté.

[@wren23_bass-synths]

I use my MPC One about 50% of the time with the rest split between the MC707 or SP404mkll. I just got the Maschine+, so I sold the MC707. I can see that the One and Maschine will be my main groove boxes and the SP for live performances.

[@vergellim7361]

are you planning to use them together? Ive got a live 2 but still thinking of getting the sp404 or the maschine + since i like the workflow of the maschine.

[@wren23_bass-synths]

@@vergellim7361 I just got the Maschine so I haven’t integrated it yet. I’ve used the one and sp together many times. I use the one as the brain of my recording and dawless setup. With usb/midi hub I can control all my synths and samplers.

[@MS7.7]

@@wren23_bass-synthsI am in opposite with side kick. I use MPCX with Maschine+. I’ve been thinking a lot about getting MC707. Why did you get rid of it? And do you find maschine+ as better substitute?

[@wren23_bass-synths]

@@MS7.7 if you have a Maschine+, you really don’t need the 707. The Maschine+ is a full production unit and does more than the 707. The biggest selling point of the 707 is the synth engine. Other than that, you really don’t need it. If you want the synth engine you can get the smaller 101. Gabe has a video on that unit. For me, the Maschine+ replaced a couple of synths I use for live performances. I replaced my One with the Live ll which is my main sequencer in my studio.

[@MS7.7]

@@wren23_bass-synths I understand both MPC and maschine inside out. However I’m digging the MC tactile experience. I can’t deal with mc101 since it has shared knobs and much smaller layout p. Not going mobile here, all on my desk. MPC can provide excellent sounds via either plugins or keygroups. I still want to taste Roland that’s it. I want to hear silky pads and lush sounds out of it. Does MC707 have that magic? I tried Zencore on PC and I loved the sounds but not much the interface but I spent enough time to be comfortable with. I considered MC707, Sh-4D, and System 8. I know they are all different but I just want to jump on one of them. I prefer MC because it’s groove-box + sound module but sound design seems convoluted. SH-4D looks nice but kinda weird and limited! System 8 is something I will definitely get but maybe next year.

[@JayM928]

13:50 been there. Awkward, especially during playback, but highly effective.

[@googlepigs7027]

I Love this video. So great to see your whole process clearly explained. Thanks Big Gabe ! 👏

[@morrillkevin]

Would love a video on how you do that first pass of sounds that may go together. Also curious about that further down the line in synth sound design. I feel like my tracks often get crowded.

[@speedyboy6155]

Easy, just pick sounds from a sample pack you are trying to sell/advertise in a video

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I genuinely use my own samples a lot, and promoting them helps me be less reliant on working with companies to keep my channels going. But I chew through samples (from Splice, producers I like, etc) at an insane rate, and also do a lot of sound design for tracks I make in videos. I usually try to shout out where I got the sounds, regardless of whether I'm getting paid to do so, and you're always getting my legit music production process in my videos.

[@bijanrisdanaa]

Hi. I make beats on an MPC live and I would like to connect it to my circuit tracks to use the effects. Can you give me an explanation on how I should connect it and what wires are needed thank you.

[@Pheonix0114]

Gabe, just wanted to let you know as a person that listens to all your music, I've rarely of ever known what device you're working on

[@untoldstory176]

I always say that too. clever dude ,) by the way i prefer machine mk3 as a finger drummer, because i don't have to work my ass off anymore.

[@philippeedwards5813]

I love your dog 🐶!

[@myanrellick]

"I don't like clutter" Proceeds to clutter then entire frame with a plant. :D

[@AutPen38]

Should throw away the groovebox to give the plant room to breathe.

[@mishagolynskiy9962]

hi Gabe, have an odd Q for you... I saw you played with Koala sampler... I love it, but keep searching for a good controller for it for my phone... I was wondering if you had tried to hookup you circuit rhythm to your phone/tablet? or any chance you could check if that could work? thinking about getting that setup - it seems like it would be an awesome combo ... haven't come across what people have been able to control with circuit rhythm...

[@sandyturner1911]

So, I can only afford one more box. I have the Novation Bass Station 2 , the Crave, the Keystep 37, and the Drumbrute Impact. Which of these machines would be my easiest bet.? I've read some bad reviews about the Circuit Tracks..I don't know whether those problems have been fixed with Firmware..I have the same idea..I have a Tascam Model 12, which I'm recording into, and my plan is to upload that music into Logic, later, to mix and tweak, when I'm ready. Thanks!

[@GODInTheWax444]

Hi Gabe, would you consider the Roland SP404 mk2 a groove box? I think it would function well like you said as a portable device to get ideas down on when you're out and about. It fits in a backpack or carry bag and you can run it on 6 AA batteries. It has a TON of features, I mean... you can use it to make your entire beat, but its definitely adept at capturing ideas.... you can even plug a mic into it. What do you think? Sorry if you mentioned it in this video, I was cooking at the same time as listening.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'd consider it one, yeah. I have one on loan right now and did a video on it, I still haven't totally clicked with the workflow but I need to spend more time with it.

[@nexuzeb79]

metal traxs???? reallly???? how heavy are we talking here? I was a bit surprised.... Metal fan myself, you didn't strike me as one :D Awesome! Where can I hear one of your trax?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Here are the most recent ones: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmXReWtun9CjeaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjRaJKfaceri7c And yeah metalcore and other guitar driven stuff makes up a large percentage of my music listening diet.

[@JayM928]

Do you think it would be fair at all to assess suitably of these devices for me - in terms of output/sound/style, not user experience - based on how much I like the sound/style of the songs you made with each one? For example, if I liked more of the songs made on the MC101/707 than the MPC, is it fair to read into that at all in terms of the box’s flavor? I’m going to buy some groovebox so I can jam without a screen in my face, but there are more personal preferences/opinions about each box than there are buttons and parameters on them. Even with all the reviews out there, it’s incredibly difficult to narrow the field before throwing hundreds of dollars at ‘em. Maybe grasping at straws there.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I think it's fair. Of course, I would take that with a grain of salt, since I'm going to inject my own sound into whatever I do, maybe even if it's going against the grain a bit. If you can find a tutorial or beatmaking video showing the process, AND you like the sound of whatever groovebox it is over some of the others, that should at least get you a solid option.

[@Ulvens]

Hi! Exactly what I have started doing. I even travel with my One or MV-1, but also one of the the P.O's. I only log the One around, if there are outlets on the way. I wish I had more grooveboxes, with batteries. Should I get the 707, and the Digitact/tone?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

The 707 and takts aren't battery powered (to power the takts you need a ripchord and sufficiently strong battery pack), but if you want comparable stuff with batteries, the MC-101 is very much worth a look, and maybe the Model: Cycles. Although if you're fine with lack of portability, it really depends on the workflow and results you're after. The 707 is more traditional sounding and fully featured, whereas the takts are more limiting but also a bit more experimental.

[@Ulvens]

@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah. I have a ripcord for the One, but I don't trust it. Sometimes it shuts itself off randomly, so I need something safer. Maybe It's the batterybank, although I do have a 20000mAh Aukey. I though that would suffice, but.. The 101 might be something. I'll have to check it out. I have no experience with the Cycles, but I don't know if it brings anything new to the table, since I have the MV-1 and One. I'll check that one out too of course. Thank you so much for the tips! Very nice of you to take time out of your schedule to answer me. Do you have any experience with the Dirtywave M8? Maybe that would be something to look at. Other than that I would love to incorporate a Polyend play/tracker into my setup. Thank you again!

[@unclemick-synths]

@@Ulvens I've found the Ripcord good for my One but the power pack needs to have 5V 2.1 A output. It goes for several hours but shuts down when the battery pack starts to lose power even though there's still enough juice left to fully charge my cellphone.

[@MatusFinchus]

Excellent video. I'm a Groovebox man myself, to be fair. Also - the recording on a phone by humming or singing - been there MANY a time. Why is it so cringe?! :D

[@synth-studio]

I have done this a few times, too. Got a melody and no groovebox to hand.

[@AutPen38]

It shouldn't make you cringe. Not only does top producer Fred again hum ideas into his iPhone, but most of his ideas (and phone recordings of his friends) end up on the actual records. There's a lot to be said for the emotion that comes across in natural/unplanned one-take recordings. Keep it real.

[@Justin_Shadow999]

Gabe, you don't seem to have much to do with Elektron Grooveboxes. Have you tried any of them / have any opinions on them?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I've used and reviewed the Model:Cycles, Digitakt, and Syntakt. I enjoyed all three, but the Syntakt is the only one I've kept.

[@sl2125]

Hi Gabe, can i use you sample packs in the MPC?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yep! They're all wav files, so those will load in like anything else. There's only one MPC kit, but everything can be loaded in using browse.

[@mooted5513]

Oh no. Routing. Cables. Lol.

[@jackphoton]

Do you 'officially' copyright your work or do you just release it into the wild and rely on publication date for proof of your ownership? I'm hung up on whether to copyright first or not before releasing material here on youtube or anywhere for that matter. The copyright process is enough of a pain to hinder while the desire to simply share the work without regard is great. We shouldn't have to worry about miscreants stealing work, but it's not like anything I create is going to be a million dollar hit, so official copyright seems like vanity at that point. And even if copywritten, there would be courtroom costs to defend the copyright if the work is stolen. Who can afford that? Normal people certainly can't. Yet, there are thieves everywhere. I've had a 3d printer of mine copyright claimed by others here on yoube for doing nothing but making the normal printing noises.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

As far as I know (and I'm far from an expert, this isn't legal advice, etc), when you make a creative work, you automatic own the copyright. If you ever get maliciously claimed on KZbin, you should be able to fight it, I've had that happen to me several times and have always successfully fought it.

[@jackphoton]

@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks for the reply. Yes, whether publicly released or privately held, one automatically owns copyright to a creative work once that work is fixed in tangible form; written, visual, sonic, sculpture, etc. One cannot copyright an idea (amongst other things such as lists, directions, ingredients/components, etc). One must file copyright on the idea of the music and for lyrics and separately for a given performance of that work. So, while Mozart is out of copyright, the local Philharmonic Symphony's performance of that work is copywritten as well as every live performance done even if not released as an album later. Yes, malicious copyright can be fought on youtbe, though with some administerial friction, blood pressure/stress increases and without guarantee in one's favor. Benefits to official copyright is registered proof of legally binding ownership, the prevention of others from making derivatives of your work, your exclusive rights and ownership to do with the work what you like as well as registering that official copyright with youtube so they can track down instances of one's music on its platform and block or monetize those displays. A 20 song performance can be collected on one album and copywritten at once for $60 + another similar $ for the lyrics and musical ideas behind the performance. There are some hurdles such as providing written version of the music. How one writes out the kind of splice splitting, beat repeats etc that can be done with a Rhythm and similar, I have no idea. Thanks again! PS. Request for a look at the RC-505Mk2 if you happen to own one! I think it's next for me, but i still need to evolve into it.

[@IchihoBankai]

Velocity on circuit tracks is utter trash.

[@IchihoBankai]

Don’t you have central heating in your house?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

This might sound crazy, but I just wanted to wear a hat that I think looks neat.

[@99bigjim]

shower-thought songs..... I always refer to that as "music by mistake" ----- hit something on the synth or instrument by accident, and it sounds great !

[@bruhzooka]

What a frkn joke! Your plant is too small man!!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Gotta pump up those plant numbers, those are rookie numbers!