I’ve been spending most of my time doing most of the things I do, using a computer, for over 30 years.
I understand the push towards embracing of constraints, as well as the greater degree of reliability that can come from using outboard gear to the exclusion of computers in a live music rig.
But I see so much of that sentiment expressed so forcefully that sometimes I feel like a pariah for simply loving my computers and what I can do with them. I realize it’s not for everyone, and I love that people are finding new ways to do things. As a matter of fact, watching the modular synthesis very closely frequently inspires me to try using my computer in new ways I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. So, I’m all for the cross-pollination of hardware and software ideas.
But I just wanted to start a thread to lend some support to those who, like me, haven’t jettisoned the computer as of yet. For me, one of the biggest advantages to an inboard system is the significant space savings that are possible.
Got any tips for increasing the reliability of a computer-based music system? When using a computer to make music, what do you do to make it an efficient experience, to avoid endless noodling with minimal musical result? How do you seek out and establish constraints when using a computer?
Sometimes I think “freedom from choice” can potentially be a matter of mental discipline. Do we really need physical barriers to flexibility in search of constraints, or can constraints be more a matter of choice, a choice that perhaps evolves over time?
Curious to hear your thoughts.