The Absolute Minimum Viable Creative Setup Thread

geometric.soul · 2022-05-06T13:50:21.244Z

I’m leaving on an extended trip soon and have been inspired to bring my norns shield with me for recording short audio/video clips at the various places I visit. Ideally I would have as minimal of a setup as possible, right now I’m just planning on the norns plus a Tascam field recorder for capturing sounds of these places.

I’m curious what ideas people would have for norns as a solo music making device.

Helen · 2022-05-06T13:53:33.462Z

Load up all those scripts you’ve thought about but not yet got around to and use the time away to try them out!

Random question back to you - How are you planning on powering the Shield? Mains supply where available? Or one of those external battery pack thingies?

geometric.soul · 2022-05-06T14:13:13.438Z

I have a 10 Ah battery that I usually power my norns shield with, even when using it at home. I haven’t even come close to fully draining it but I would imagine you could get 3 or 4 hours out of it.

fourhoarder · 2022-05-06T17:35:15.246Z

I heart vacation setups

image1920×2341 448 KB

wheelersounds · 2022-05-06T18:07:55.039Z

I continue to be very fond of the aesthetic of a LDC sticking out of a small format mixer. I bet it’s fun to feed back when it’s sitting on a speaker.

fourhoarder · 2022-05-06T19:30:20.947Z

depends on your idea of fun. me, yes. others, well…

eequeue · 2022-05-06T19:57:22.209Z

I went through a period of wanting to have as little gear as possible. My last live performance was with a 15 yo laptop running mixxx on lubuntu and a Nintendo DS running glitchDS.

That being said, I did perform from inside a tent for that show, so that kinda killed the minimalist vibe I was going for …

vires · 2022-07-14T15:42:15.250Z

Curious if you got any specific cable to connect to the shield and battery. I’ve heard that it has to be up to a certain AWG, and 5.1v rather than standard usb 5v but I wonder if that’s actually the case. Be glad to know your experience bc I’m a little afraid of damaging my shield doing this the wrong way

geometric.soul · 2022-07-14T16:50:56.900Z

I’m using a USB A to C cable that I know works for quick charging on my phone, but honestly did not check wire gauge or voltage output specs on the battery. I definitely should have checked more carefully but it seemed to work so I didn’t question it

Kamil · 2022-07-27T10:50:01.267Z

I have started with just plain PC and Jeskola Buzz tracker software. Great fun!

_mark · 2022-07-27T11:34:36.827Z

Cut my teeth with Buzz back then… have fun!

The Zephod Void instruments were always great. And the Peer… controllers added so much for more advanced / generative stuff.

geoffroy · 2022-07-27T13:00:15.587Z

I miss Buzz ! My first album was done entrely with it. I also miss Audiomulcj

bharris22 · 2022-07-27T14:42:20.493Z

After having some problems with cables, I have used these with success connecting my Norns to a USB battery:

amazon.com

Amazon.com: SABRENT [6-Pack] 22AWG Premium 1ft Micro USB Cables High Speed USB...

Buy SABRENT [6-Pack] 22AWG Premium 1ft Micro USB Cables High Speed USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B Sync and Charge Cables [Black] (CB-UM61): USB Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

$7.98

Voltmeister · 2022-07-27T21:27:39.164Z

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Recorded seventeen pieces with this setup over the last ten days. Listening back, I deem four of them viable for future release. Lovely setup. Will do this more often.

MGFM · 2022-07-27T21:41:40.226Z

Would like to hear some examples if you are happy to share

Voltmeister · 2022-07-27T21:47:59.846Z

Thanks for the request. Sorry, I plan to keep them in the vault to feature on a future release.

TanaBarbier · 2022-07-28T13:00:18.663Z

After all, you are the Vaultmaster.

Kamil · 2022-07-29T12:03:00.564Z

It was back in early 2000s when I was using solely Buzz…great piece of software, but bit unstable at times! I loved it’s modular approach to constructing your own virtual studio…I wish there was mac version

Blueboy · 2022-08-01T17:44:06.174Z

I got some rechargeable batteries so it’s a bit more minimal without the power packs.

TR6S_TB-03_Colchester1800×4000 1.07 MB

zoundsabar · 2022-10-20T03:14:32.447Z

I’ve been spending a week here and brought my most minimal setup. It works okay!

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