Small Synth Mixer (with Multi Track Recording) 1010music Bluebox Review

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Buy 1010Music Bluebox (perfect circuit affiliate link) 👉bit.ly/3SNe8eX

[@MattiasHolmgren]

I will probably need to do an updated video soon since 1010Music is testing out USB AUDIO in the latest beta versions of the BlueBox firmware!!! Can't wait to try it out!

[@classyB916]

Do it! Just got one and almost all the videos are 3 years old and don't explain the new features since then

[@twiglet2214]

Just ordered the Bluebox so thanks for your guidance Mattias - now i can get on with the rest of my life ! Great stuff.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Congrats, you’re gonna have a fun time with the 1010music BlueBox! Make sure to upgrade the firmware to the latest if its not already up to date! 😄👌🥁

[@twiglet2214]

@@MattiasHolmgren Thanks Mattias - will do.

[@augustisraelsson2250]

Nice review :) The keys on the summit are distractingly noisy though

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Oh, haha thanks.

[@ursdubel3585]

This thing is a powerhouse a pound for pound item 🤣🤣🤣I think the bluebox would be a nice fit for my boutique synths, drum and my SP 404.. I NEED ONE 👍👍👍

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yeah the BlueBox is still with me, love it as a small synth mixer for my desk jams.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Enroll my Logic Pro for Beginners Course 👉 bit.ly/3yYtSDI

[@theshinyobject2438]

This was very helpful.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Charronegro_13]

Nice review, I love my blackbox and bluebox, they are my swiss army knife in my setup.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

YEah, lovely small devices!

[@PaulKwitekmusic]

Hi great video ! does this box have any usb audio .. does it also work as an audio interface ?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yes if you install the latest firmware you can use audio over USB with the BlueBox, but only for the master stereo output...not for individual tracks. You can also use it as a stereo I/O audio interface. Thanks, appreciate the feedback!

[@bleighhh]

@@MattiasHolmgren hi, can you please clarify a point. It does not do Audio over USB for stems (which is fine because it can be done just by transferring the files) however it can be used as a audio interface using the 6 stereo or 12 mono input? Can I theoretically plug it into a laptop and record the stems directly in my daw?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

@bleighhh with beta firmware you can get access to stereo out for daw / computer recording. Not all separate stem channels last time I checked.

[@PaulKwitekmusic]

@@MattiasHolmgren thxs ~!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

What synth mixers do you use in your setups?

[@StephanieSante]

totally ITB. Ableton or Logic. I use Push 2 with Live 11. Also have Maschine MK3 (used last 4 years). I mostly use the Push 2 as my controller though. But thinking of OP1f for small portable and living room fun.

[@jaysire]

Tack för videon! Man, I have to say your camera is sharp. Maybe the sharpest I've seen on KZbin. What model is it? Also, thanks for the comprehensive walkthrough. I have the bluebox and I've been using the most intuitive features for a while, but I felt like I needed a deeper dive and this video was an excellent start.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

THanks Jocke, it's the Sony a6600 with a SIGMA f1.8 16mm (and 30mm) lens. They are the best you can get for the money and recording crisp 4K. The camera is a bit expensive, but if you work professionally with video it's a nobrainer. The lens is a bargain for the quality it presents. Cool, yeah Bluebox is actually a lovely little device. But I would love to see USB transfer in the future....if it's possible to add. ;)

[@wayneanderson2866]

I’ve had my bluebox over a year & at first I was excited about having a device (non computer/tablet) that could play backing tracks for a live gig . What I discovered is that unfortunately there is no forward/skip/reverse functions on the device that would allow that. It can only playback a selected project that is preloaded but no way of choosing an order of files/tracks that would be ideal in a live setup. Not only was I hoping the bluebox could play my tracks but also sync to other midi gear at the same time….which would rock! I’m guessing it was only designed to record an entire performance as one file but after that you’d have to transfer files elsewhere to do what you want with them😬😢

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Wayne, I know it's lacking some real good "playhead / navigation features". But at least you can setup small waypoints for play-start, punch in-start, punch-out position. So if you setup a start position, the play will always start from that location. So it's one way of setting up if you just want to overdub a small solo at like 2:50 into a song. ;)

[@Musikkeller-Innsider]

Maybe you should look into the blackbox by the same company.

[@VanaVanaV]

a usb port and compatibility with logic pro ipad would be great

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Agree, USB transfer (maybe also audio interface) would be sweet additions indeed.

[@ghost.cassette]

Nice review, I agree with most points and even went out to get one on my own since I thought it would really bring my dawless setup together. I however discovered another big shortcoming which is that the Device USB input also does not support usb midi clock functionality. I wanted to use it to sync my OP-1 with my other gear but alas no luck, simply doesn't work with this box.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yes Bluebox only has midi via…midi ports. ☀️There are ”midi to usb-midi”devices but that require additional gear.

[@greenkhidr2]

I'm guessing you don't want extra gear in between but the Retrokits 006 works perfectly as a hub receiving clock over USB from the Bluebox.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks for the tip Nicholas! Great idea if I would need to sync up. 👍🥁☕️😃

[@twiglet2214]

Thanks for a really detailed review Mattias - i'm still trying to decide on the Bluebox and it's small footprint but fiddly controls - file transfer not an issue for me - or the Tascam Model 12 at twice the footprint size but tactile knobs/sliders and easier controlability i'm split 50/50 since price is not an issue.I'm a dawless home hobby musician and this is the most difficult decision so far in terms of expanding my capability to create electronic music.Any feedback would be helpful thanks.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi, I believe the reason why I grabbed the 1010music Bluebox is because it's form factor, onboard effects and ability to record...also overdub. I also have a much bigger mixer (Mackie VLZ 16 channel) but it's not convenient to use in these small synth setups where you just want to have a lounge chill time. ;) I believe Tascam Model 12 also falls into the "bigger mixer" category. So I guess it's all up to what you really need and want in your setup. I know it's a really difficult decision. Was for me too. But I'm having tons of fun with the Bluebox and the effects is just state of the art. And the ability to swifly introduce that to whatever signal is great. You can also hook up a midi controller to it if you want more tactile control with more knobs. The touch screen works nicely for changing params but I mostly have it set on one screen to be able to introduce effects. I'm gonna do a small walkthrough of my little synth desk setup (maybe the whole studio) it's long overdue and talk about why I have this setup and how I use it to perform and what the settings are etc. Maybe that would be helpful? 😋🍿

[@twiglet2214]

@@MattiasHolmgren That's very helpful thanks Mattias - the mix/rec device is now the last in the chain re getting set up and initially i came across the B/box some time ago but money was an issue - it looked absolutely perfect for my needs and lots of reviewers ( Sonic State,Loopop etc ) were raving about it as a dawless setup for hardware synth users like myself so it was a question of when,not if,i would get one - small form factor a big bonus ! I then in the meantime shot myself in the foot by doing further research after reading a few people were not happy with certain issues around file transfer,recording etc,touch screen/controls being fiddly but i believe the latest firmware update addressed a lot of those issues.I came across the Tascam 12 and it looks and sounds super and again people raved about it being tactile etc but yes the B/box i think will do what i need it for nicely. Online research and buying is great but it's also nice to have human input from an experienced user so thanks for being both human and experienced - awesome ! Just bought the Lemondrop today so the Bluebox will keep it company methinks ?

[@LostStylus]

wish they finally added an audio interface to it

[@llorenzoTV]

It#s in the new beta, now.

[@TheGorillafoot]

This is a pretty promising little device

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Absolutely. In a firmware update its also possible to use it as an audio interface.

[@TheGorillafoot]

@@MattiasHolmgren I bought one right after seeing this. Have been looking for something like this for a long time. Almost got a TASCAM model 12.

[@Digiphex]

Can you record each track of the OP out of sync and then sync later in the Bluebox somehow?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Nope you need to record additional layers where you want them. You can punch in/ out though and navigation on bluebox is a bit fiddly but it works. Its pretty straightforward. I usually record a OP performance into it on a stereo track. Might have the Summit, Digitakt or something else on track 3,4. After that performance I sparkle extra layers on the extra tracks where needed. Then export the layers into the DAW for final mix. Processing.

[@Digiphex]

@@MattiasHolmgren Would be cool to have a MIDI sync and also free shift of individual tracks.

[@llorenzoTV]

I don't see why taking out the card and inserting it into the laptop is more of a handling than turning the device off, plug in a usb and restart in a mass storage mode. That doesn't seem like something important to me.

[@morten1]

I just wish the effects could be recorded for a track, instead of the mix output. I will not be using it as a mixer but as a multitrack recorder

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yeah I also hope they make it happen because the fx are stellar in it. 🎁☕️

[@morten1]

@@MattiasHolmgren perhaps it's possible to record the master with effect and then assign that to a track?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

@@morten1 yes that's what I've been doing, but it only works the first time (first stereo recording). Because the next time around you have tracks running alongside which you don't want to record the other time around. But for recording a stereo performance and fiddling effects it works....as you are recording the master to get the effects applied.

[@morten1]

@@MattiasHolmgren alright mate, thanks. Maybe it's possible to route some tracks to output 2, to free up the main channel to record an input with effects. Dunno

[@Elrinth]

How can you get phantom power to a mic If u wanna connect one to this?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Elrinth, you need an external microphone pre-amp to amplify the mic (and maybe add +47V phantom power for condenser mics) and then connect the output to the input of the 1010music Bluebox. Currently I'm only recording Op-1 field, Op-1, Novation Summit, Digitakt (additional samples, cymbals etc.), Uno Synth Pro and 0-Coast into the 1010music Bluebox.

[@StephanieSante]

@@MattiasHolmgren Summit just sound great.

[@paulbryden-bradley7846]

Thanks for the honest review Mattias, frankly 1010s behaviour over firmware is disgraceful and substandard, but it's a useful enough little box if you understand the deliberately imposed limitations and are comfortable with that sort of business practise. I want to be nice about it - I still haven't sold mine, it does useful stuff outside the rack in a format nothing else provides, but I will never buy anything from the company again even if I keep it.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yeah I agree that the unit should have shipped with USB transfer from the getgo. Even my 14 year old Zoom H4N has UsB file transfer. Its the weirdest ”choice” ever made. It should also have worked as an audio interface via UsB. Every other gear on the market these days work that way. even Elektron boxes. 🤯☀️ But I like the form factor as a mini mixer for the synths and adding quick nice effects so I also kept it. But I send its output directly to camera for my performances. So I skip fiddling with the micro-sd card as much.

[@ukbloke28]

Yeah I agree. Their response every time anyone points out something missing in their products is that it's a bonus feature and we should be grateful if they add it. Like saying the devices can sample when they don't have any cropping?! What kind of sampler doesnt let you edit the sample? That's not a sampler, it's a recorder. I can do that on my phone.

[@newflanged_]

I am... shocked at the downsides. How couldn't they think about the transfer thing? O_O That's a big deal imo for such a price tag.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi, yeah it's a weird choice to not release a firmware update yet with that feature. OP-1 has USB file transfer mode. 😉 Even my old Zoom H4n has a USB file transfer mode 🔬, and most other gear with audio files and a USB-port. It's a no-brainer and should be their top priority. THat said I do really like the other features of the bluebox so I'm still using it, and try to minimize the times I flick out the micro sd card to transfer files. The major feature I love is to RECORD the MAIN while performing with the reverbs, delays and EQ. Then import that result (.wav) into the computer for final mastering. Forgot to mention it records in 24bit 48khz only. No 44.1khz mode yet.

[@StephanieSante]

How are you liking your OP1f at this point? Still worth it? Any issues?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Absolutely love it Stephanie. I use it every chance I get. On places (in the DAW) where I usually bring a vst to create a sound I pick up the Op1 field and quickly design a patch instead. I have many of my synths connected to the Arturia 8pre and via Adat to the Zen Tour audio interface so I don’t have to fiddle to much with cables and setups. Only issue I have is the same issue as the OG-1. That sometimes a sound trigger via the keys is ”doubled”. They didn’t solve that one…maybe a mechanical issue or issue with 0-1 velocity . 🤣

[@StephanieSante]

@@MattiasHolmgren Thank you Mattias.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

That ”mechanical defect” / doubling / flam of notes you play that can occur (especially on drums) is easily overcome by using any of the sequencers to trigger drums. I think it all relates to a shortcoming on the input keyboard they selected for the OPs and since its not velocity sensitive it becomes even more noticable than if it was a bad velo-sensitive keybed. A flam at vel 127 is more noticable than a doubling at vel 23. That said most of the times it just plays fin, melodies work fine. Playing drums is where it pops up sometime. 🥁☕️

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Still one of my favourite aquisitions for my music. OP-1 field and the Summit. ❤️🥳

[@StephanieSante]

@@MattiasHolmgren I have strongly considered new OP-1Field but after reading about TE very poor customer service the stuck key issues I have had to hold off. While you live in Sweden it may be much easier for you to get your unit fixed but here in USA its another story I guess. Some folks waits 3-4 months for fixes. Make sense? Obviously Elektron has much better CS or did (not sure anymore). What do you say?

[@bleighhh]

does it function as an audio interface yet?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yes there is beta firmware to record stereo. But you do not gain access to all inputs over usb last time I checked. Only stereo signal.

[@girlinagale]

Just got a Bluebox yesterday. I have set up a project with my routing and I want to duplicate it, can I save my first project to a new project?

[@girlinagale]

OK I got it, Save As (new file name).😊

[@ArcAudios77]

Thanks Mattias, was a good watch. Touch overpriced at £499 in the UK. Expected it to be no more than £399. Regards from Western Scotland.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the 1010music Bluebox rundown. Yeah the price is a notch high (but not like the TX-6...lol), but it's pretty feature packed, and very portable when hooked to a powerbank. Nice formfactor IMO. The reverb and delay sound super nice too. I'll show the effects more closely in another video when I perform some song. What mixers do you use in your setups?

[@ArcAudios77]

@@MattiasHolmgren Still working option - Roland MX-1 nothing more than a 6/10 hence a desire to move on. Like the Reverb & Delay options upon the 1010music Bluebox - heard about it a while back just expected a price at £399. Thanks & best wishes as you move forwards Mattias.

[@LostStylus]

overpriced? Lol, there are literally no competitors. TE's TX-4 is slightly coparable, but priced even higher

[@ArcAudios77]

@@LostStylus Overpriced indeed, would have gone for it at £399 not £499. At this price it's missing too many features required by me today. USB Midi Clock functionality being one. Regards

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

siiiigh [looks sadly at his Tascam 12....dreaming of input-to-track assignability like in the old days]

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You can assign the inputs to whatever track on the Bluebox 😄

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

@@MattiasHolmgren that’s what I’m jealous of!!

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

@@MattiasHolmgren that’s what I’m jealous of!!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Ahhh yeah it’s pretty neat, no more ”cable pulling” 😄😂🎸

[@Ipsissimus]

Would be perfect if it was an audio interface and interact with a DAW. Because of that, I won't be getting it.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yeah thats just a very wierd product development choice. 🫣

[@disconnectpub]

Mixer nightmare. Navigating and getting things done quickly not possible on this piece of $550 tech. Thanks for this video. I don’t like this piece of equipment. I think it’s ridiculous. The deep dives in the menus and all the bullshit.

[@gibson2623]

They are TRS but not balanced? There s something wrong here. These mini jacks are a joke.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Oh yeah? How is it working for you?

[@gibson2623]

@@MattiasHolmgren I Passed on this...There s no way i would these silly mini jacks

[@MattiasHolmgren]

@gibson2623 i hear ya, its for mobility / portability.

[@gibson2623]

@@MattiasHolmgren ye mate...it could still have proper jack inputs wirhout affecting its size I suppose. It s a nice piece of gear

[@gz625]

Sound of summit keyboard is extremely cheap 🤢

[@MattiasHolmgren]

😂 dunno what u mean. I think the Summit rocks. Extremely accessible, except for the mod matrix which needs menu fiddling. The sound spectra is very broad.

[@davidlynch4338]

@@MattiasHolmgren I think he is referring to the physical sound of the keys coming through your mic. It does sound very plastic and of light build quality, but I know the synth itself sounds amazing.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

The key feel is lovely on the Summit IMO. Nothing wrong with the key strike sound either. Thats my opinion. 😃💎