were will hardware production stand in the future?

[Xabiton]

Hardware will always be around. Some people simply just prefer hardware.

Sure some will but I highly doubt workstations will be. Look at how often they are coming out with new hardware workstations these days. They seem few and far in between as opposed to software not to mention the price difference for the same sort of functions and often times more for a lot less. Analog synths sure I get that but digital hardware (Motifs, Fantoms, Mpcs, Tritons, Kronos, Jupiter 80s) idk how much longer they have.

---------- Post added at 05:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 PM ----------

You can get an MPC for under $300 these days, Turntables for $99, Older Keyboard workstations for under $200. I think that will make alot of new to hardware guys start accumulating gear. It's no longer a need, but I see hardware coming back in a nostalgic type of way. All it takes is some big hit from some young producer who uses an MPC, a few EMU Racks and a Roland XP 50 and next thing you know, everyone who wants to be a producer with $1000 to invest will try to get as close to the same setup as possible.

lol that's kinda true. I remember wanting a Triton back in the day at first because I heard the Neptunes used one (like 2002) then after trying one that is when I really fell in love. Never did buy one though.

[P. Casso]

I see your point but you have think about users other than our types. Keyboard players can be some of the pickiest bastards in the world. In truth most sequencers in keyboard workstations are very lacking compared to software DAWs. I stopped sequencing on my MPC years ago but have been using it as an overpriced MPD since but I can never bring myself to sell it. Even with Maschine and the new MPC being able to load MPC files I still would rather hold on to it. The Jupiter 80 (though very overpriced) is a great buy for a live keyboard player, beatmakers not so much as there are a million other ways to spend you money. If you buy a piece of hardware you have it forever as long as you take care of it. Software gives you more bang for the buck but you only have it as long as you have a compatible system around.

I will admit that a great majority of beatmakers buy hardware for the wrong reasons.

[deanlofts]

have been using it as an overpriced MPD

Have you been reading my threads from 2008? :P

[Xabiton]

I see your point but you have think about users other than our types. Keyboard players can be some of the pickiest bastards in the world. In truth most sequencers in keyboard workstations are very lacking compared to software DAWs. I stopped sequencing on my MPC years ago but have been using it as an overpriced MPD since but I can never bring myself to sell it. Even with Maschine and the new MPC being able to load MPC files I still would rather hold on to it. The Jupiter 80 (though very overpriced) is a great buy for a live keyboard player, beatmakers not so much as there are a million other ways to spend you money. If you buy a piece of hardware you have it forever as long as you take care of it. Software gives you more bang for the buck but you only have it as long as you have a compatible system around.

I will admit that a great majority of beatmakers buy hardware for the wrong reasons.

I am honestly not sure why more keyboard players do not use software on stage. I see them every so often but it is rare. I think having a laptop and Reason or something like that that is stable as hell and just works well would be great on stage.

[youngjboy]

I don't think I would want to use a controller and laptop on stage to replace a keyboard, but I don't disagree that software has its advantages. I like the hybrid formula of a hardware feel with software flexibility. I mean as a Mpc 2500 owner I can be real and say that a waveform can be cut in software much faster.

I like the Mpc ren angle where even though it is software, it has the same mpc main window and feel.

[P. Casso]

I am honestly not sure why more keyboard players do not use software on stage. I see them every so often but it is rare. I think having a laptop and Reason or something like that that is stable as hell and just works well would be great on stage.

I've seen some of your savvy types do it but I think some of the older not as computer literate guys are probably scared to. If I was playing out live an 88-key controller, MBP and MainStage would definitely be a nice option.

[youngjboy]

I've seen some of your savvy types do it but I think some of the older not as computer literate guys are probably scared to. If I was playing out live an 88-key controller, MBP and MainStage would definitely be a nice option.

I consider myself computer savvy and still wouldnt go with a controller and laptop as first choice. I would be willing to try, but I would be looking at things like reliability also. Workstations don't tend to freeze, reboot, etc, and some keyboard setups are just easier to use on stage, then a controller/software.

[B-Cool]

I'm actually going back to an MPC after taking 2 years off and sequencing in my DAW. I could get by w/o it, but it just feels all uncoordinated like a right handed pitcher trying to throw with his left hand. Its all personal preference, I grew up on the MPC so of course that is what I"m most comfortable with.

[P. Casso]

I would be willing to try, but I would be looking at things like reliability also. Workstations don't tend to freeze, reboot, etc, and some keyboard setups are just easier to use on stage, then a controller/software.

True. You would definitely have to make sure you laptop is running well. I've seen some hilarious scenarios during DJ sets involving crashing.

[tReHoLLa]

these workstations are kind of overrated but they aren't. they teach you all aspects of music production. it's completely different from pointing and clicking.

synthesizers are where its at. and workstations and mpc's and all that will always have value because it's like a classic car.

sure there are plenty of electric cars on the market, and eventually we'll get solar cars, but there are some people who will always stick to classic "Muscle cars" because you can't put a price on feel.

that's why an mpc will always smash on these mpd's and maschines. the mpc 2500, 1000 and 5000 series with the direct record takes your music to a different level. i went from about a five to about an 8 in terms of how i see myself musically.

tens are timbalands, neptunes, kanye's

elevens are michael jackson, hendrix, quincy jones, curtis mayfield., dilla
im pushing for an 11. ive got some bonafide nines and even a few tens, but i wanna be an 11.

it's like playing an rpg and finally leveling up.

why pay 2000 for a macbook when you can get a pc for about a quarter of that price.

computers get outdated every two months.