ReasonTalk.com

Have you heard of www.elektron.se ?

You are not wrong. It is one of many possibilities, based on your need for "no big displays anymore."

Try to get hold of an old hardware sequencer. I mean something like my Yamaha RM1x or so.



These can be used stand alone or being hooked up to Reason. These older machines are fun to use, and can be bought for reasenable prices often.

Eddi-16 wrote: ↑

16 Nov 2021

Thanks - yes, but it feels - but I have to say that I have not a clue about it - really fiddly to me.....feels like to move through a small display and many submenus....in my opinion a really "reason/hardware - unlike - flow".

Or am I wrong?

Not much menu diving.. or any besides project/device settings. The screen simply tells you what your encoders are controlling, and you change their destination using buttons.

It's more button diving actually. With a lot dual function buttons, that's where the learning curve comes from.

Not an analogue box, but a Novation circuit Tracks might be something you fancy: https://novationmusic.com/en/circuit/circuit-tracks

You need a sample player, sequencer, synth, (how many inputs does your card have?

I would start with a digitakt cause of overbridge and sequencer, plus a small synth, the microfreak is a good, versatile option. Or one of those Yamaha reface ones.

Or to end it all, you do not need nothing anymore:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -sequencer

I would get along with it anyway!!!!

Eddi-16 wrote: ↑

17 Nov 2021

Thanks! I have a Scarlet 2i2 only, 2 Inputs, no Midi in, but can change if I have to...

+ I have a beatstep pro & 61 Keyboard with own Sound already

Two inputs is enough cause with the DT you get to multitrack all 8 outputs separately via overbridge. You can also record the input (microfreak for example) directly through overbridge so you still have the two inputs on your card free for your keyboard plus another instrument you may add later on.

Eddi-16 wrote: ↑

16 Nov 2021

Hi all,

because of my job and projects I am very often in front of the computer-displays ...

I´m in the same situation. Sitting in front of a computer all day at my job makes it quite exhausting working with a DAW in my spare time. To try something different I bought a Digitone (my first hardware synth since 20 years).
While it´s fun working with it, the difference is that I now stare at a very tiny screen

Joking aside, I don´t know if a workstation like Akai Force or MPC X Series makes the situation better. Their display play an important role I assume that you end up further staring at screens.

The modular route, analog type step sequencers or learning how to play keyboard/finger drumming is maybe a better option.

Beyond a mouse and a keyboard, some may want to stay away from a touch screen. With a touch screen you absolutely need to focus, then move your finger, like a mouse, to validate your decisions. Gestures, like zoom in and out, are obviously the same when using a phone, or a tablet. You may want to check and compare the total weight and size (Digitack vs Force) of the gear before a final purchase.

https://comparesizes.com

If I wanted a very compact good value for money set up that also plays well with a DAW I'd get an Elektron Digitone and a Roland MC-101.

I have the Digitone, it's just plain great. 4 audio tracks and 4 midi tracks... So you could sequence the mc-101 from it.

I had the mc-101 and will get one again. 4 audio tracks, all the roland drum sounds and 1000s of synth sounds.

Both have audio and midi over USB.

Probably looking at £450+ and £280+ on eBay.

Saw a video on this recently - https://synthstrom.com/product/deluge/

Might be the sort of thing you are looking for....I've never used it myself but it looks pretty cool.

stillifegaijin wrote: ↑

17 Nov 2021

Saw a video on this recently - https://synthstrom.com/product/deluge/

Might be the sort of thing you are looking for....I've never used it myself but it looks pretty cool.

That's definitely a winner if op wants as little display as possible.

PhillipOrdonez wrote: ↑

17 Nov 2021

That's definitely a winner if op wants as little display as possible.

The Circuit Tracks has even less (=no) display.

If you want less screen than an Akai Force but more external sequencing than a Novation Circuit, the Korg SQ-64 might be what you’re looking for: https://www.korg.com/us/products/dj/sq_64/

Worth noting that moving to a hardware setup does mean you lose some flexibility that you have with software and you’re likely still gonna look at some kind of screen. Also sending midi to hardware synths when you’re used to working with software can be a bit of a chore, dealing with multiple midi channels…etc… With that in mind, I’d suggest Machine Plus. Gives you the most sound flexibility with included instruments and some expansion options. While still being standalone. You can then load the the project on a computer later to bounce stems/files for mixing elsewhere rather than having to record it. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... instrument

Another option is some have found success using one of the Nektar panorama controllers to make Reason feel almost like hardware and minimize computer screen time. Since you already have a keyboard and drum controller, perhaps a Nektar P1 might be an option https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ol-surface.

jam-s wrote: ↑

17 Nov 2021

PhillipOrdonez wrote: ↑

17 Nov 2021

That's definitely a winner if op wants as little display as possible.

The Circuit Tracks has even less (=no) display.

Haha that is true

Eddi-16 wrote: ↑

17 Nov 2021

OK, makes sense, but youre not working with the mouse and keyboard anymore, aren't you? Its a bit other feeling than sitting in front of a classic DAW?

True, turning more than one knob at once is cool. And it´s more immediate when changing sound parameters. Entering notes or chords in step mode is a bit cumbersome where you´d wish to have full blown sequencer display but you get another way of access for doing an arrangement (e. g. limit yourself, more minimalistic etc). All in all Elektron did a really good job packing stuff in such a compact device and it sounds great.