The Perfect DAWLess Setup: formula for a compact synth rig

[@lundsweden]

SlowHaste, most of us bedroom/amateur musos suck at playing keyboard, myself included, but I love how relaxed you are admitting it! I myself am a bit defensive about my suckyness. But sucking at playing has'nt stopped a lot of people acheiving success!

[@SlowHaste]

Hahah yeah, I never had any formal keyboard training the way I have with physical drums - that’s actually how I got started with music! It’s great though because even without proper technique, it’s basically just a medium to play sounds you’ve designed on any device.

[@baconbigbeats]

That’s some baaaaaaaaad G.A.S. right there homie.

[@AhmetKizilay0]

Congrats on 4k! Your videos are a great way to start the weekend:)

[@SlowHaste]

Thanks a ton, I appreciate that!

[@coldsludge]

I had the Digitakt for a couple of years, and in April your videos convinced me to get a Digitone and Keystep, I am incredibly satisfied, and grateful to have found your channel! I dropped the entire stand the other day and freaked out thinking I killed everything, but nope, one small dent in the Digitone box and a dented top of a knob... disappointing but damn, if anyone was curious about the build quality of these machines, they are tanky!! 😵‍💫

[@SlowHaste]

Haha oh no! Sorry to hear about the drop, but that surely is a testament to their ruggedness. I’m glad I could help urge along your journey into Elektron gear 😎

[@callelewander6789]

“I’ve struck gold” mega congrats man!!

[@SlowHaste]

Thanks so much!

[@avengingsylph]

Hi Daniel! Thanks for this....Makes things a little clearer. Your content is always good.

[@SlowHaste]

Thank you!

[@JohnLunney]

Your video production quality is fine already, keep focus on the usefulness of the material.

[@SlowHaste]

Thanks John! I’ll keep that in mind, at the end of the day it’s all about the content itself.

[@all1nz]

Great work. I am still putting everything through Ableton and can’t quite kick the habit. But since my last gig I have found myself creating more and more music ‘live’ with the Digitone, Syntakt and Microcosm and it is very satisfying. I can see this evolving into a DAWless rig if I am brave enough to go with my instincts and ditch the laptop! Thanks as ever for being an utter inspiration

[@SlowHaste]

Yes that’s quite a setup you have on your hands, too. I would probably feel the same way as you if I were trying to switch to a setup with a DAW myself!

[@lrkx_]

Adding a synth…personally I really like the old Waldorf Blofeld. It’s really good with the Digitakt, with the multitimbral part integrating well with the 8 midi channels. The desktop unit is pretty small, ideal for a portable rig. My 2c anyway :-)

[@SlowHaste]

I don’t know much about the Blofeld but it’s always worth looking into new synths - I’ll certainly check it out!

[@Lorneplumber]

@@SlowHaste blofelds sound excellent if a pain to navigate

[@Old_Man_Jay]

I just picked up a minilogue xd about a week ago for my little setup and honestly, its such a great synth! This and an opsix(which I'm working on getting) will be all I need to pair with my circuit tracks and rhythm. This will be my personal studio setup till I die or until something breaks. XD

[@sinewaymusic]

That's fun to hear you're able to dedicate more time for KZbin content. Had no idea 4K users already generated some income. Congratulations! I'd recommend keeping it at one video per week and not increase the stress since that's why you're devoting a day week for this, to reduce the stress (?). With regards to GAS, you asked about the Minilogue XD, and, seeing now that you bought it already, I hope you're liking it. Me, I really like the sound of the Minilogue XD but I find myself rarely using it. I prefer to just autosample the great sounds into the MPC because I just don't really like having things interconnected all the time. You have embraced a more deliberately dawless workflow than me, where I'm mostly looking at hardware for inspiration and then finishing my work on the MPC (which admittedly is also hardware) so I can roam around freely and not be tethered to a particular room in our house. It's really liberating, but it does remove some of the awesome elements of dynamically changing some parameters on the Minilogue XD on the fly, unless you print an entire audio track for it. I find that workflow optimizations and GAS often gets in the way of just finishing up my tracks, and I've learned that the less I mess with midi and audio cables, the better. So, I try to autosample the best sounds from my synths and use them more as presets on the MPC so I can sit in the sofa or even in bed when jamming away and producing my tracks. It's a great compromise between the full dynamics of a hardware synthesizer, and the limitations of using only the built-in synths of the MPC itself.

[@bagheeramusic2452]

I really like your setup and also your thoughts behind it! :) I've got a quiet similar setup. I've got the Blackbox, Bluebox, Digitakt MK I, Syntakt, Octatrack, Revolo, Launch Control XL, SH-01A. In my case, I'm using the Bluebox as my main mixer and the Novation Launch Control is connected via USB so I can control the 6 channels and some send-return action with this MIDI Controller. The Digitakt is basically for the whole drums and the Syntakt is there for some backup drums a mainly for the melodic stuff. :) The SH-01A is for live "playing". I've got a lot of Sequenzes in the Octatrack so I can get some nice grooves out of it with some effects from the Octatrack on top of it. :) In the Blackbox I've got some longer samples from my studio sessions or some melodic parts from my ASM Hydrasynth - wich I want to take with me in the live situation but it's to big to carry it easily around^^

[@Jimantronic]

Congrats on the 4 day week 👍 As for more gear, you're at the sweet spot and I didn't hear you say you were limited or that there was stuff you wanted to do but couldn't. Having been down a very similar path to you, I would recommend you looking at Drambo on the iPad. It's really good since v2, it has an electron style way of working, kind of a 'roll your own octatrack'. It works great in a larger setup filling whatever gaps you have for sequencing, more voices, sample manipulation, more FX, recording, whatever you want really. Plus it works great on its own, so you can use that as your portable scratch pad/ mobile rig/couch studio. Add a midi controller like a korg nanokontrol studio and it's very hands on.

[@SlowHaste]

Thanks! I’ll have to look into that for sure

[@manuelromero4408]

Just started DAWLESS because of constant computer upgrades with no more support for devices. I picked the Tascam model 12 to connect JDXI and TR 8s Guitar and dynamic microphone. Now just need to practice practice practice.

[@hobonickel840]

I have randomly seen more people using those Elektron Digitak more than any other piece of gear... so they must be good.. I'm going to start keep count!

[@renekasbergen]

Thanks, love this video! I think it’s wise to have a basic “philosophy” behind your setup. I’ve been thinking a lot about mine lately. My setup is also DAWless, but completely different from yours, except also taking up relatively little space (no big key synths or modular). I have an old iPad with AUM for mixing and effects. The rest is all more or less “dedicated” devices; controllers, sequencers, synths. The 8 channels on my interface each have a specific “role” (drums/bass/lead/chords/etc.) configured in AUM, each with specific (MIDI mapped) effect parameters fitting that role. Because I have more synths than inputs, I use a patch bay to assign a synth to each role/channel per project. I removed my grooveboxes (OP-Z and Circuit Tracks) from my permanent setup. Because of their all-in-one nature, they made my routing overly complex. I now use them as mobile musical “sketchpads”, just like I did when my GAS journey started…

[@SlowHaste]

Totally agreed: I’ve found that the all-in-one devices tend to fight for that role - but somehow, things like the Octatrack have worked to snap everything else into their own roles because it kind of excels at doing a bit of everything, but reaaaaly shines when you give it one distinct role and push it to its limits within that - I’m still working on getting the most out of it, but it’s definitely added a lot of character to my rig.

[@georgekay372]

I have a very similar setup to yours as you know (almost identical). I was considering getting a second HX Stomp for my effects, that does stereo and everything else you could ever need, it even responds to midi. Got one on my gigging rig that I used as an amp for years before I got my Fender Duo Sonic 22. I’m also considering getting rid of the DT for a Syntakt and just use the OT for samples as I don’t do samples very much. But I will never ever ever ever ever part with my Digitone. I love it so much. Also, as for the Minilogue, good choice! Also consider the Hydrasynth lineup, they are incredible. Edit: “how much debt are you in” listen I just bought a Gibson SG

[@SlowHaste]

I saw your sg and it looks beautiful! I haven’t ever been into them but something about the color way caught my eye. Also I regret selling my duo sonic, I had one of the MIM models they released around 2015-2016 I think? And it was so much fun to play and had the most unique tone. I’m working on a video for next week about mixing drums with multiple samplers that I think you’ll find interesting - the Syntakt could definitely do some of the tricks I’m going to try with the DT + OT!

[@georgekay372]

@@SlowHaste pretty sure my Duo Sonic is one of those! With the splittable humbucker in the bridge. So much fun! And I’m modding the SG right now, got a P90 in the bridge now! Excited for next weeks video, that’s gonna be super interesting!

[@minimal.camera]

Nice one! I have kind of a similar setup. My only thought on your setup is that you could separate the DN/MC signal path from the DT by routing them separately into the OT. That would let you apply different OT effects to the two sides, which makes sense to me.

[@SlowHaste]

Yep, agreed! I’ve recently been tinkering with everything separately, but have a project set up for that too

[@G0nz0uk]

I love my Digitone, Digitakt and Typhon Dreadbox oh and Keystep. My final piece of gear will be the Microcosm.

[@SlowHaste]

It'll be well worth it when you get one!

[@G0nz0uk]

@@SlowHaste I think if you did a video on it then I will pull the trigger and get one so Dan please don’t :p GAS!

[@GeorgeLocke]

Has anyone ever really bought a final piece of gear?

[@adriaduch5094]

Very interesting video. I think getting the Analog Heat is a great option. I find myself always applying the softer saturation but it gives the track a very warm sound. Whether you apply it to the mix or to any sound. I might get (GAS) the SP404 mk2 only for the effects. It offers 37 and some must be really fun to play with like Vinyl simulator, Lofi, Cassette, Warm saturation, Filters, Scatter, Tape, Chorus… You could check it if you want multi effects. Keep up this videos!

[@SlowHaste]

That's exactly what I'd want to use the heat for -- it seems like it would be worth it even just for that. Thanks for watching and the advice!

[@drewnorth3816]

The magnetic preset is my favorite for this use. Reminds me of my old portico tape simulator. love it.

[@FlyingPetschman]

thank u!

[@Schtoopot]

I recently got the Heat. I now run everything through it when im recording into my daw. My minilogue xd has been relegated to cupboard tho. It's a great synth but ive found the digi does everything i need

[@SlowHaste]

Glad to hear that about the heat - it surely seems like a great unit. Do you find that you miss anything about the Minilogue that the Digitone just can’t quite seem to pull off?

[@Schtoopot]

@@SlowHaste a keyboard but xd only has 4 note poly. Pretending analog makes all the difference (lol). No, there is something to be said for the analog filter, it sounds v nice. I mostly used the xd for pads which i think it does really well.

[@SlowHaste]

@@Schtoopot nice! Sorry about the multiple replies, it said I lost connection but clearly it went through hahah

[@TheNamrebug]

I would skip the minilogue. Tried it. It’s quite limited (especially for sequencing). Microfreak is cheaper and way more powerful. Also love the reface cs for a portable virtual analogue. Finally: deluge is a no brainer. I’ve had it for 3 years and it is an endless inspiration machine. Keep up the wonderful channel!

[@SlowHaste]

@@TheNamrebug thanks so much, & thanks for the advice!

[@peacefulpigeon7254]

Please - be grateful if you could put a link to explain how you connect everything up in this set up thanks

[@SlowHaste]

I don’t have a full video dedicated to that, but there’s a chapter at the end of this video that should hopefully explain what you’re looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHOteHp3aceZeZI

[@peacefulpigeon7254]

Oh Thanks a lot!

[@bob-rogers]

Good presentation of ideas. I like the idea of the Analog Heat, but I watched a comparison video and to my ears Erica Synths Acid Box is better for the kind of thing I'd use it for. I see you got the Minilogue. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I just got the Black Friday Hydrasynth Explorer deal. It's really nice. It has all the subtractive stuff plus a lot more.

[@Tim.Traveler]

Within this type of setup..Where would I place effect boxes like microcosm or Gen Loss, etc... ? I assume between both DIGs but are there other places? Love this setup... I dont want to spend any more time in front a computer!

[@SlowHaste]

You could put them anywhere! Stereo effects would be great on the master output. Or you could mess around with effects directly on the Digitone

[@Tim.Traveler]

Thank you! Its hard to not be intimidated by the Dig... lol@@SlowHaste

[@jamiejudesmithart]

Can I recommend the Poly Digit/Bebo for Effects? You are able to customise effects by using the touch screen to patch different effects together. You also get multiple inputs and outputs that you can assign different effects to, or even route sound out of the box, through other pedals and back in to the Poly Digit/Bebo. I think it is incredibly versatile and could be a good addition to your dawless rig.

[@SlowHaste]

I’ll certainly check that out, it sounds like a viable contender!

[@Philodrone]

I think Novation Peak would be more advanced version of Minilogue perhaps? Personally I’m into granular effects and processing loops /drones, but for now ipad must suffice and fill my flex spot because my budget is exhausted for now :p Also, for some reason I was researching the MI Rings ^^

[@isaacanthonydj4124]

does bluebox have a master "insert" or can you set it up to have that? i think using an OT with a mixer i would want to use it as master efx on an "insert" not return, and not the master, so you can punch it in/out.

[@bertokleine280]

Yes the deluge is wonderful a specially after the 4.0. update…. Buy one a be amazed……. For outdoors music sessions I use my deluge with an iPad ….. Nice vid….. lovely greetings from Germany

[@SlowHaste]

It does sound like a perfect option for me… thanks for watching as always!

[@distant_early_warning]

Congrats on 4K! Similar setup more or less, but using a Torso T-1 in place of the Keystep. On the sketchpad front you may want to consider the Dirtywave M8... I tend to have that as my goto sketchpad these days over the Deluge.

[@SlowHaste]

Thanks a ton! The M8 seems like a great tool indeed... I'm not at all familiar with trackers, I'll have to do some research for sure!

[@garylacy8067]

HELP or plain old advice on how the best way to set up this little rig, Circuit Tracks, circuit mono station, Microfreak and Drumbrute Impact....appreciate all ideas my friends on routing best effects etc i am new and after saving for ages help is required as i just want to get the best out of it, i could set it up but if i have got it wrong or maybe its not as efficient you all know better than me!

[@LomaGnome]

2:54 Welp that was too real. Also glad I could contribute to that dopamine hit. Interestingly enough my setup mirrors yours so heavily that I've actually got a Microcosm arriving in like a day. Bluebox is on the horizon though. I'm curious what makes the Octotrack an arranger? I've seen people beaming about that hardware but it really does seem like a bigger Digitakt on the surface to me.

[@SlowHaste]

Haha yup, it’s a well kept secret within the synth enthusiast community. Thanks for the sub! Great question! I could have explained this in more detail: I really love using the OTs crossfader to assist with pattern transitions, and it’s especially useful in that you can apply these effects to incoming audio (the other digis, in my case). So even though the Digitakt is controlling the pattern changes, I can use the Octatrack to give beats more movement, and play with the musical arrangement on the fly. I hope that makes sense!

[@LomaGnome]

@@SlowHaste Makes perfect sense, thanks for the breakdown

[@likethetoffee]

I’ve owned the minilogue xd and didn’t really gel with it, a bit thin sounding to my ears. I have an Analog4 now and would recommend checking it out.

[@SlowHaste]

I actually picked up the XD a few weeks ago and will be shooting a video on it tomorrow!! Always down to check out more Elektron gear though :)

[@el_dani]

Why not using the OTs in- and outputs? Both Digis to the input, an effect (Mercury as great recerb) as send on the main/cue out, hit me up if you want to know how to set up a OT scene as real outboard fx send!

[@SlowHaste]

That’s a future video tutorial I’d like to do! Tbh, I’m not currently doing that because I’ve been filling up the banks with an old project template I have set up where my Digitakt was the brain, prior to getting the Octatrack.

[@tobi-y7862]

I just wanted to say that the xd is a 4 voice polyfony and for the price you could do a lot better..i recently bought a deepmind 6, and i do not regret that. 6 voice polyfony, a nice mod matrix and loads of effects. I was looking for a good synth in that price range, and looking at the Korg Xd, modal electronics argon 8 and cobalt 8, hydrasynth explorer and the deepmind 6. In my opinion the deepmind 6 sounds so great and i went for that..i was actually so impressed with the hydrasynth explorer but i had to make a decision. The way the deepmind sounds and how versatile it is... Perhaps in the future a hydrasynth...

[@SlowHaste]

Haven’t looked into the deepmind so I’ll have to check it out - I’ve heard it’s a great value for the money though!

[@newflanged_]

I was about to ask you about the minilogue when you just mentioned it on yout vid haha. I really like the looks of the older one, not the xd. I could use the Model:Cycles as my synth, but it’s a bit limited. Also! So looking forward to seeing that generation loss mkii !!! It really caught my attention. I’m supper happy with my m:c+digitakt combo, especially if you want to keep it minimal, I don’t have much space rn, and you don’t need an audio interface with them!!!

[@SlowHaste]

I read your mind! Oh yeah, I’m so excited about that gen loss. I’ve had a couple of the prior editions and ended up trading them for other things, and I regretted it both times. I’m glad they’re integrating it into the regular CBA lineup

[@newflanged_]

@@SlowHaste maybe a dumb question but… you said stereo is important for you with pedals hmm is it because the octatrack and de digitone are stereo? It wouldn’t be the case for the digitakt I suppose

[@SlowHaste]

@@newflanged_ Exactly, I like to maintain a stereo signal chain throughout my setup. And even though the Digitakt can’t record or play samples in stereo, it still has stereo ins/outs!

[@sir-gamesalot]

Roomm to grow: get a patchbay ans then you can mix and match effects in a more flexible way.

[@SlowHaste]

Not a bad idea at all!

[@G4Nazarener]

Digitakt and Deluge doesn’t make a lot of sense for me. I would rather combine the Deluge with the Digiton. Actually I combine Deluge with Syntakt and add some boutique synth such as SH01 & SE02 and a Monologue as masterkeyboard. The Onyx 820i sends signals via aux to a Bastl Thymes and an Oto BAM. The mute buttons send signals to the input of the Deluge. The Deluge is also my master recording device.

[@SlowHaste]

The Deluge would def be more of an all-in-one outside of the studio box for me to write/tinker with, if I end up with it! I’ve recently been thinking more about a flagship synth though… trying to get more serious about my keyboard “playing”

[@intersweat]

Near 5k now

[@SlowHaste]

So close!!!

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

Interesting hearing you work through your setup! It's no different than a RPG...the Digitakt is the rogue, Digitone is the mage, Octatrack is the tank... 🤣

[@SlowHaste]

Hahah oh my god it’s perfect

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

@@SlowHaste Bluebox is cleric...

[@leshamas_]

"... How much debt are you in?" - real GAS questions here

[@SlowHaste]

None at all!

[@XxXSEPIOXxX]

Microfreak 😳😳

[@SlowHaste]

Microfreak is great! I borrowed one from a friend for a while, but it was while I still had modular & felt that Plaits was covering most of those sonic bases.

[@Tim.Traveler]

At least for now.... LOL