It's GAS time!

[Panopticon]

I've been using some of each for a couple years now, I just think if something has the sound I'm after, I'm going to use it, be it hardware, software, miking up a bell in a metal can and running it through fx, whatever. My gripes with hardware are of course the ad/da and latency issues (since soft synths are generally automatically compensated for latency by the sequencing program). My gripes with software are stability and ease of use (they crash now and then, and go through and program them for a controller keyboard is much more tedious than simply turning on hardware and playing). But I use both, and wouldn't give up either.

Juho, have you checked out fxpansion's BFD? It's REALLY killer...

[Juho L]

Originally Posted by Panopticon

My gripes with hardware are of course the ad/da and latency issues (since soft synths are generally automatically compensated for latency by the sequencing program).

Err... There's no such thing as latency in hardware. Well, of course there is some latency (few ms's) but not a latency you could notice.

My gripes with software are stability and ease of use (they crash now and then, and go through and program them for a controller keyboard is much more tedious than simply turning on hardware and playing). But I use both, and wouldn't give up either.

When I installed Windows XP my studio software haven't crashed since then. Very reliable system. Would even take it on a gig.

Juho, have you checked out fxpansion's BFD? It's REALLY killer...

I'll get one next week.

[Hollowcell]

MIDI controllers naturally are part of anykind of studio setup so going in complete software setup doesn't mean you don't have controllers.

Of course, but this isn't the type of control I meant really.

You still need a way to mix and eq with hands on controlls IMO.

And this is the last thing I'd use MIDI controller for. You have really strange habits.

You have never used a hardware desk before by the sounds. Also that's what I meant about buying the latest in digital hardware. A digital desk with motorized faders to work with-in software can be nice.

I think the software route is fine as long as you have the money to buy the latest in full digital technology.

Actually same goes for hardware in exception that nice hardware setup is going to cost you way more money.

Yep, true, but at least the money is going towards a better sound isn't it?

I have to admit, there are some great sounding softies now days, but put them next to a VA - yeh. nearly as good (some are better than VA even). Put them next to an analogue - 8O .

You're having quite strange logic here. You're strarting to compare digital and analog stuff. Hoho. Trying desperately to get me stay in hardware?

You were the one saying "I'm going to leave hardware for good" hehe. Last time I checked analogue gear was pretty much all hardware!

I'm not saying that you should stay hardware, because in the end it's your choice. It's just I know why I like hardware - (specially eq, mixing, outboard and analogue synths) and your recent music doesn't seem like the kind of music that should be all done in software. Of course synths are one aspect, but FX, EQ adn mixing are another.

I hope you don't end up buying all this stuff, then suddenly change your mind! (just like the Modular and Yamaha - hehe)

[Tomer=Trance]

thos midi mixers are expensive hollow.... you can even get a real hand digital mixer for that price

[Juho L]

Originally Posted by Hollowcell

You have never used a hardware desk before by the sounds. Also that's what I meant about buying the latest in digital hardware. A digital desk with motorized faders to work with-in software can be nice.

Digital desk would be nice addition to my setup.

Yep, true, but at least the money is going towards a better sound isn't it?

Better sound or not better sound I still can't afford a nice working hardware setup in million years. That's the reason why I'm moving to software. I could consider hardware setup when I graduate and get a well paying job.

You were the one saying "I'm going to leave hardware for good" hehe. Last time I checked analogue gear was pretty much all hardware!

Yes, but there's still no point in that comparisation. And maybe I would get an analog synth some day since I have one input on my sound card and plugging in an analog synth would be nice. Maybe that "leaving for good" was an exaggerated declaration. I just can't affor working hardware setup and that's it. Only HW I'll be having are bass, mic stuff and MIDI controllers. Probably that analog synth if I can get money somewhere.

I'm not saying that you should stay hardware, because in the end it's your choice. It's just I know why I like hardware - (specially eq, mixing, outboard and analogue synths) and your recent music doesn't seem like the kind of music that should be all done in software. Of course synths are one aspect, but FX, EQ adn mixing are another.

I think that Pulsar card has better EQ and stuff than I've used before, so in that aspect my setup gets even etter.

I hope you don't end up buying all this stuff, then suddenly change your mind! (just like the Modular and Yamaha - hehe)

Nah. I'd have kept this setup if I hadn't had to sell the A4000.

[Panopticon]

Originally Posted by Juho L

Err... There's no such thing as latency in hardware. Well, of course there is some latency (few ms's) but not a latency you could notice.

Well, I'm wasn't talking about audible delay, which isn't much of a problem, but there is certainly enough latency in a computer-sequenced hardware synths to introduce unwanted effects like comb-filtering (say, for example, you're playing an audio snare hit and piping the audio through the main outs, as well as into the virus input). Or if you're doing overdubs, even 2ms latency is enough to feel out of the pocket....

[Juho L]

Originally Posted by Panopticon

Well, I'm wasn't talking about audible delay, which isn't much of a problem, but there is certainly enough latency in a computer-sequenced hardware synths to introduce unwanted effects like comb-filtering (say, for example, you're playing an audio snare hit and piping the audio through the main outs, as well as into the virus input). Or if you're doing overdubs, even 2ms latency is enough to feel out of the pocket....

Ahh! Yes, you're right. But there's also that same effect happening on some software plugins.

[Juho L]

www.kolumbus.fi/juho.lepisto/Birdland.mp3

This doesn't sound very bad, doesn't it?

[DIGITAL SCREAMS]

Hang on a sec. I dont understand the difference between software (computer based) and Hardware VA. Why do they sound different? Both dereive their sound from software dont they? I beleive there is a subtle difference....but why??!!!

Juho have you every used an analog before? I suggest you get yourself a decent cheap mono and use the dsp thingy for polyphonic sounds. For a time I used to run drum loops through the Pro-One filters and it brought a big smile to my face. HC, do you have audio in on the CS-10? YOu should maybe try running mono sounds through it instead of ur vintage warmer plugin.

DS

[DIGITAL SCREAMS]

Originally Posted by Juho L

www.kolumbus.fi/juho.lepisto/Birdland.mp3

This doesn't sound very bad, doesn't it?

The truth is juho it sounds good. Sounds like those sounds were coming from the Arturia minimoog V hehe. At the end of the day if the sounds you are using sound good enough, then use them. If however, certain sounds sound better using real analog then use them instead. Decent software synths and VA's are good enough for most duties now. I still feel that most bass and leads duties are better served on true analogs.......this is just my opinion.

Take this MP3 for example. Its VERY impressive and sounds really nice.......but if the bass had been done on true analog....it would of just had the edge. The truth is most people really dont notice or give a shit. But to people like me, quality of sound is of paramount interest. Hehe.....maybe I should become a synth tester!

DS