I am almost at the point where something have to go when something new comes with home studio. Almost. Connected everything to audio interface and there are only two channels free. I will keep them free incase I want to play guitar straight to computer and for those time I want to use something not connected to studio. Room is also running low. But there are couple small items still coming or at least in consideration. After those it is something comes something have to go.
It will helps with GAS when you have to give up something you like for something you might like. During last year I have got few “dream synths”. My dream synths are obtainable. Not something like CS-80 which is not realistic or even sensible for several reasons. I don’t count even Deckard’s Dream realistic. I could get the money but I can’t see myself spending that much money on synth at the moment. What I have in my studio is pretty much what I can think of owning with boundaries I have set.
Hardware synths have to have VST (or other) control which let me turn knobs on synth and it is recorded as automation in DAW. Unless it is eurorack compatible. More about that later. Current setup have almost all synths currently on market fitting the specification and which I actually want to have. I can’t think of anything I really want on market. That could change with new synths.
Having all synths with hands on control have made me appreciate hands on control. It is more rewarding to turn the knob than move the mouse. Before rearranging the flat I had to control most synth with mouse. Now every synths’ controls are easily available. I have started to use Pulse 2’s knobs. I thought I would use it only through VST controller but having the synth easily accessible has made me use the knobs. User interface is one of main reasons to have hardware synths.
I didn’t plan to have eurorack corner. BARP 2600 was going to be there for those times I felt like using modular. Then I realized I have room for 0-Coast. Also room for small eurorack case I already had where I could put modules to support 2600 and 0-Coast. Modules I mostly already have. So there will be small eurorack corner. We will see if that gets any use. Usually I tend to use synths with complete midi control when I do something with intention to release it. Eurorack is for meditation and trying weird ideas. That said last two videos feature BARP 2600.
Not sure how much money I will put into eurorack corner. I have rack plan in Modular Grid with three new modules I have wanted for sometime. Haven’t got them because didn’t have room for them on rack I had and didn’t use eurorack that much. I have used software versions of eurorack more than real eurorack. I want hands on control and ability to save and tweak patches later. Eurorack gives first but not second. Software gives second but not the first. Won’t get those three modules at first. I see how much I use ones I already have before getting more.
Goal is to have setup stable for years to come. There will be upgrades some of quite soon but everything should stay quite same. Nothing new with huge learning curves. More time on making music. Less time on learning new gear or planning new gear purchases. Learning existing gear take some time. Have made some purchases lately to get stuff I have dreamed about but it should be over now. Almost over.