Music Hardware Setup Pt. 2
After working with the setup from my previous post, I ran into issues with the dawless abilities. I’ve created a new setup that involves keeping the computer in the loop, so I can add VSTs and other benefits.
I decided to connect the Scarlett 18i8 to the computer so I can still have sound coming from the computer. I then plugged the Mixer and MPC into it so I could record in my DAW. I decided that a pure DAWless setup isn’t really what I’m looking for. I actually like to use the daw along with my hardware. The idea that you have to pick one over the other is a misconception. It seems implied that if you go “DAWless”, then you must not use a computer.
I’d prefer to have the power of all of my equipment working together, and that includes a costly piece of gear (the computer), along with the other music hardware. Ableton link is therefore more important to me than it was before.
I still have my Zoom H-6 connected to the 18i8 so that I can quickly record from the entire setup. I am also connecting my headphones to the Zoom so I can monitor the whole mix. I was having a very bad time with humming noise, but it turned out to be a cheap unshielded USB cable.
The USB hub stayed connected to the MPC so I can connect the music hardware to it and still achieve a separation between MIDI ports.
I spent about an hour jamming with this setup and I found it to be a lot of fun to play. I’ve spent a lot of time exclusively in a DAW over the past few years and this was much more fun. I wish I had started sooner.