DAW/Computerless Set Ups?

I am BY NO MEANS a DAW/computer hater. So I hope this doesn't turn into a weird debate/flame thread! That being said...

I was curious if anyone here has an affinity towards computerless setups. Don't get me wrong, I have a full-fledged Logic Pro 9 setup at the studio that I absolutely adore. Sometimes though... just being in there, with the computer on & recording is just not very... inspirational. Not all the time, anyway.

There's been a little spot in my heart for computerless setups that exist away from the studio. My bedroom "rig" has generally always been without a DAW/computer, just to keep the intimacy. I've had several setups (including an SD-card multitracker) but I always prefer to record/commit to tape when I'm flying solo. In my case, cassette tape.

About a year ago, the PSU for my PortaStudio 424 MKIII took a walk and I've been a sad, sad dude ever since. I recently got back on my bedroom setup grind and ordered an A&H ZED60-14FX to use as the brain of the setup and an Akai CS-702DII to record into. Got me wondering what some other DAW/computerless setups look & operate like.

If y'all have one I'd love to see/hear about it. Why you picked what you did.

Here's the recorder:

My setup is entirely computer-less. Or at least, my computer is bare-minimally involved in my workflow. I use it to record stuff from my setup (pretty much always just the master output of my mixer), and I've used it sometimes to get drum samples and such (though pretty much I just work off of this one pack of like 1000 assorted drum sounds that I DL'd a couple years ago, processing them on my hardware; I also often record/synthesize my own)



I'm not sure exactly why I've decided to use hardware so exclusively, but it's just what I prefer doing.
I find I can do what I want to do just on hardware, so there's no reason to add in the computer element of it. And no question the sound and production style of my stuff has been affected by the limitations of hardware. No question, DAWs offer way more features and options than dedicated hardware, but I think restrictions better encourage creativity, and you're forced to get familiar with all your gear inside and out.

I've considered getting a hardware recorder (not talking about the baroque instrument...already got a bunch of those ), to fully isolate my workflow from the computer. But my preference towards a physical setup over software isn't really affected by using a computer just in the final step of the process. So I haven't bothered getting a hardware multitrack or anything.

Since I gave away my Mackie 32.8 buss I am running an Allen and heath R16 into my Adat HD24 using adat optical. This only allows me to use 16 tracks but that is usually enough for me.








I do have a computer in the studio but only use it for a bit of sample editing (Usually Adobe Audition). Everything else is hardware synth and samplers.

I would like one day to connect the Zed R16 to the computer but I can never get anything like that to work.

nice setups

computer-less setup is reason why I keep my hardware drum machines around even though most of the beats I do are done in live...i still like to sit down with a bag of dro, couple records, turntable and mpc.

*Pilchard* wrote:I would like one day to connect the Zed R16 to the computer but I can never get anything like that to work.

If you have an ADAT Lightpipe input to your computer, should be able to get it going.

sciguy wrote:pretty much I just work off of this one pack of like 1000 assorted drum sounds that I DL'd a couple years ago,

What pack would that be?

i'm working on a computerless/computer set up at the moment

-AKAI MG614
-MPC2500
-AKAI s950

its a nice sounding setup, just need to add a s3000 to the mix.

all those components that are going into the AKAI MG614 can be easily switched to my DAW depending on what style of hip hop I'm working on.

theirs a guy around here by the name of Clint who has some really well put together studios that doesn't require a computer.

Give his name a search

kneebone77 wrote:

sciguy wrote:pretty much I just work off of this one pack of like 1000 assorted drum sounds that I DL'd a couple years ago,

What pack would that be?

http://drumsamples.org

Most are pretty generic or weak. takes a bunch of layering and processing to get decent sounding hits. But I find it's more than enough to work with.

Thanks!!!

I dig the rigs, y'all! Very simple, powerful.

@Forknspoon - That tape recorder is f*cking sexy! Had no clue Akai made cassette multi-trackers. The arm rest padding is a nice touch.

Once I get mine setup and everything operating how I want - I'll snap a picture or two and share it with y'all. Ergonomics are hard to nail down in my tiny studio, especially with my drum set(s)/amp(s) that are in there. Ugh... I just want a 15'x15' room. Would be gangstar-ar-ar!

Yeah MPC is my hardware sequencer and sampler. No daw here.
Use d1200 to record which is a digital 4 track recorder. Just got desk and boy I needed it

bliprock wrote:

Dope On Plastic CD on the floor.

I haven't got that one.

Well spotted coz. yeah I got three and four on cd. I think I might have two on wax but. Will have to check but did. All great stuff and is probably a reference cd I guess - Good to pass cd through mixer to A/B it against my stuff two at same level to compare. Also it's just dope on plastic beats loud through monitors so that's just how I roll always good that. Even though its old series it still has a great sound still production wise. I do listen to newer stuff.
There's stuff not in shot and more coming

Dope On Plastic and Beats By Dope Demand were great compilations. I'm missing a few but I'll probably collect the rest having seen this post.





I'm surprised you're not rolling with the 2500 with that many mixer channels.

Oh man that's **** mad. I loved art work, funny as. Cut out dj shit.
Must have in any ones collection that whole series. Kids don't know what they missing.

I'm up to 16 inputs already not counting CD player.

Extra outs from MPC and XR and other synths with parallel compression via aux sends and stereo fx returns from 2nd stereo aux sends. Not counting subgroups patched for keying compressor inserted on stereo master mix bus out either. That's meaning though I need to change compressor times ect but find riding the fader of the group sends (not sent to mix bus) that triggers the compressor insert also works. Need finaliser or something so can change settings as I change program material that needs different master limiting settings. Works a treat and is like a daw

And yeah love to get 2500 but I ain't rich. One day soon hopefully. That and another polysynth, midi controller and another fx rack. Then pretty much sorted. Of course then can make my own dope beats with no daw. Heat is issue though. Got 35 degree day tomorrow so might not do anything cept listen to dope on plastic. And a beer