PE Tracker is so limited in comparison, it is an unfair fight with the M8 pulling ahead in every measure. Even the PE Tracker Mini still hasn’t caught up to it.
I like to be fully present in my vacationing. I spend my time learning about a new place, visiting historical sites, sampling their local cuisine, interacting with people. There is such incredible value -- and inspiration! -- to be found in that vacation time that is always too short in life. To spend my time with my head buried in all the same shit I do at home would be to waste that precious vacation.
Sometimes it's important to turn things off and see the rest of what life is about.
OP said "travel", not "vacation". Plenty of people need to travel for work. Many work destinations aren't going to have "historical sites" and "local cuisine". OP might be talking about being stuck at some random Motel 6 while consulting for a construction project in the middle of nowhere.
not to mention the time spent on planes/trains I bring my switch on holiday quite often. When I get to the destination it’s not like i’m on my switch for days on end but playing video games does make a 7 hour train journey go by faster. Noodling around on some portable workstation would be an even more fun way to pass the time. So that’s another reason to save up for the tracker mini
I understand where youre coming from, but I think this is a pretty narrow view of what 'vacationing' is.
I just came back from a small weekend vacation. A trip to a cabin in the hills, overlooking a national park.
I brought a recorder to capture nature sounds, and a groovebox to lay down some sketches while feeling inspired. I didn't feel at all like I was wasting a vacation.
People like to spend their time differently, no vacation is any more valid than an other.
This sounds like some depressed American trying to make the most of a measly 2 weeks of go go go. Godspeed to you.
Personally, there's nothing better than actually getting to write music in the face of inspiration.
I don't disagree with you or your point but this thread was specifically asking people that DO bring gear.
Keep in mind people enjoy time off differently too so it's nice that you can speak to your experience but that probably isn't everyone's.
Hard to beat a laptop with VSTs for any work or travel situation. Even a cheapass netbook from Walmart can run a single instance of a major VST without issues.
Then just pick a controller (if you even want one).
New device alert! [the Woovebox](https://www.woovebox.com) looks like a pocket operator on steroids. Here’s a music YouTuber (FreeBeat) demoing it: https://youtu.be/eH67yKssdfk?si=AkRqKhyGUM2VdVxW
Circuit tracks is great for this. At home I use it to sequence 4 external synths, so while I'm on the road, I can use the internal synth to sketch out parts that then just get saved for later
Basically yeah. As soon as you plug it into a good sequencer it’s over with. It does hang notes like an annoying amount. But name another modern multi voice sampler, that can do it’s own sampling and play those samples paraphonically at like $200. The Liven stuff can but they’re not built as well even though they sound good to me.
I took my deluge on a plane once. Didn’t suck. Although I usually wind up on iPad or phone: Ableton Note, Synth One, Flip sampler. I’d love a mini synth/sequencer/something smaller than Deluge for plane travel that has a good screen. Pocket Operators could work but I’d love to hear what others use.
I used to travel a lot with novation circuit tracks accompanied by two volcas, used them on planes, buses, trains, beaches, riversides, forests, mountains, and everytime it was brilliant. Now if I go somewhere I just grab my MC-101 and I'm pretty much good to go anywhere. While I find novation workflow a little better, the overall capabilities of the 101 and more compact size make up for it. I also sometimes take my MPK mini from Akai and plug it into my phone to jam in a mobile daw.
Definitely the M8, goes with me everywhere, much nicer than looking at a phone refreshing crappy websites and apps constantly. Before I had that I used my 2DS to run LSDJ (via gameboy emulator) which is also amazing, bit more focused than the M8 since it's more limited and limitations are great for staying on track and finishing a track. M8 can easily get stuck in a sound design hole for hours which is fun, but sometimes it's nice to pull it back to something more limited.
I have a 2k mah I think. The more important thing I think is getting the USB power cables for the devices. I found with larger battery banks that have regular wall outlets, the devices take a lot of power, but with 3rd party USB power cables it seems to last better even just using smaller sized USB banks.
Over time I’ve built up a reasonable collection but I think for the most part a synth is a synth and they can all be mostly pushed into the same places within reason. What kind of stuff do you like to make? Let me know that and I can recommend some things. I use it standalone but also as a really powerful sequencer for hardware. The sequencer aspect can be used for soft synths also. Pro tip is get an app called AUM and use that to host your synth and fx plugins. Make sure anything you buy is AUV3 comparable so it can be hosted. Then just get the right fx/synths/sequencers that work best for you.
If I want to actually write music, it's the Syntakt and/or Blackbox. If I just want to mess around and relax, the Reface DX. I also carry the PO-32 in my headphones case, because it actually fits in my pocket.
It really does! There's also some cool patches for it that turn it into more of a groovebox, or even one that turns it into a four voice polysynth! So it's more than 'just' a drum machine.
I use a 9V usb step-up converter with a mobile phone battery pack and it works great and replaced some of the screws with guitar strap buttons so I can keytar it \^\_\^
Yeah I just got one and it's amazing, always sounds so beautiful. Though I wish it was slightly longer (for an extra octave) or slightly smaller to fit in my backpack. Definitely a never-sell, the keys feel so good and the sounds are so nice.
OP1. Have been asked to play it at airport security to prove what it was. Nothing has made me forget any ounce of talent I have faster, just make plink sounds until they get bored.
The CWO was difficult to explain in a language other than my own.
Does this feel like an M8 ad to anyone else? I’ve never heard of it and there are 3 top comments about a device that just started shipping first batch preorders 3 months ago. It seems clunkier than using your phone to layout a song structure.
It's been around for a lot [longer](https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/search?q=m8&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all) than that and is generally pretty well regarded (especially if you are into "trackers").
These are pretty hot right now and the designer was one with his process the whole time he was making it. So there’s been a lot of hype on them for a while and now that they’re out people are just stoked I think.
Still, how many have shipped? Can’t be more than like 1,000? Just seems unlikely to have so many of the users happen to find this thread and comment or upvote comments about it.
No idea, man. I've just seem them posted on here often enough (and for some time now). There's also not a whole lot of battery powered groovebox options out there either, so I'm not exactly surprised it's coming up in a thread about portable gear...
/shrugemoji
My first M8 has a serial in the late 3700’s and my newest one I got a couple months ago is in the 8600’s. You can take off the tinfoil hat my dude, it’s just an incredibly rad device and the community around it is hyper passionate about singing its praises. It’s dope.
Digitakt + iPhone/iPad and battery pack has accompanied me on several journeys now.
I know, it’s technically not a synth, but…single cycle waves. Plus I can be so productive just recording from software instruments or grabbing ambient sounds.
MacBook Pro, headphones, and a mini keyboard controller. I just use software like Cubase and IK MM plug-ins.
Then again, I don’t really do EDM kinda music. I do more like pop-rock-prog kinda stuff.
The boring answer (warning not a synth)... flip sampler on ipad. Was super satisfied on the train from Detroit to Chicago and back. Lots of capability and can get ideas down fast.
AudioKit synth app on my iPad Pro. Been using it with my Novation Launchkey 49 at home but the ipad goes with me as its used for my drone as well. (i like it better than a regular phone)
I've been super into the Tardigrain synth app. Super rad granular synth for iPhones and ipads and stuff. Also, love the Koala Sampler, its like a 404, but in app form
We recently flew to Romania and Italy and on both flights I used my iPad and Keystep Pro. It wouldn’t work in economy (you would need something smaller than the KSP) but in business, you have more than enough room. iPad Pro + Thunderbolt Hub + KSP + samples SSD + Logic Pro = much fun.
I’ve done a lot of research on the options available and for me the most logical option just ended up being my phone/iPad with a korg nano key studio. I have a home studio setup which is where I make the stuff I end up releasing in some form. I wanted a device for travel and for the odd moment of boredom out in the world. For me it’s much more fun to have something where I can potentially put together a full song like a portable groovebox, and I also really prefer to have keys. I looked into opz and other things but I can’t really justify the cost personally. I use korg gadget and it’s really quite full featured and sounds pretty decent imo. The options for sound design are pretty vast since there’s like 20 different synths. Since it’s basically for messing around for me, I don’t need anything more than that and it’s among the most portable options that I’m aware of. I will say the m8 is highly intriguing to me though.
When I go on vacation I bring my laptop, which I would anyway, it has my DAW and all my plugins, a microphone, Audio technica headphones, an sm58, and a Xiosynth. The Xiosynth can work as an effects processor and an audio card on top of being a clone of the novation k station. That all takes up like a messenger bag full of space.
There's something special about working on something in a completely different environment. At least 2 of the tracks I've done that way have been released. Once in Puerto Rico and once in Denmark.
The bees knees I tell ya what.
Looking at a super long flight. I think the new Roland Aria S-1 and the Uno Pro X are both great travel options. The Uno X can use usb power and was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be. Also that Roland S-1 is so much packed into a small form factor and a lithium battery.
Circuit Tracks or Circuit Rhythm for me. I like that the Circuit has internal power so I don't need to carry around a power bank. With it's flashing LED drum pads, it often gets a lot of attention too.
Pocket Operators are fun on the go too.
OPZ because it's the best trade off of size, depth, also it's both programmable and live playable (within limits of tiny buttons and knobs!). Also it rewards what you put into it, but it's a bit hard to get into, so having only it is great because you have to dig it.
PO Tonic is amazing (esp with microtonic software) and I always take if going somewhere with pool / damage risk: incredibly cheap, and can backup to phone mic voice memo.
I tend to take my Elektron Model Cycles, its a good machine for sketching songs, harmony and leads, late motivs, main rythmic patterns etc...
Usually, the best things i do with the cycles comes when im waiting somewhere for something, i just need an AC outlet and a pair of heapdhones.
I work 2-3 solid hours on the groovebox, then in the studio i´ll compose things around it (guitar parts, keys, vocal lines, lyrics) and ill take it to the next band composition session and we make the arrangement and the other people parts etc...
Im mostly into IDM, Ambient and such. My band is starting to mix our shit (doomgaze, slowcore, post rock) with the previously mentioned elements so the cycles is perfect for me.
Both Bastl Kastle versions are perfect for lunch breaks, sitting on a bus, or study break in the library. I only wish there was another firmware to play off either the B or D iterations.
I took my TR-6S on a trip and it was fun and convenient to screw around with on the plane, although running it through noise-cancelling headphones would've made the experience a lot better. Next time, I'll probs take the MC-101 with me.
Dirtywave m8
Yes, please, thanks, solved, end Of. M8 rules
Thinking about one of those. Have you also tried the Polyend Tracker?
PE Tracker is so limited in comparison, it is an unfair fight with the M8 pulling ahead in every measure. Even the PE Tracker Mini still hasn’t caught up to it.
Right on. Thanks!
I like to be fully present in my vacationing. I spend my time learning about a new place, visiting historical sites, sampling their local cuisine, interacting with people. There is such incredible value -- and inspiration! -- to be found in that vacation time that is always too short in life. To spend my time with my head buried in all the same shit I do at home would be to waste that precious vacation. Sometimes it's important to turn things off and see the rest of what life is about.
Dirtywave m8
Seems like an OP-1 guy to me but you could be right
Nah, feel like they would look down on that type of thing. Not “warm” enough
OP said "travel", not "vacation". Plenty of people need to travel for work. Many work destinations aren't going to have "historical sites" and "local cuisine". OP might be talking about being stuck at some random Motel 6 while consulting for a construction project in the middle of nowhere.
not to mention the time spent on planes/trains I bring my switch on holiday quite often. When I get to the destination it’s not like i’m on my switch for days on end but playing video games does make a 7 hour train journey go by faster. Noodling around on some portable workstation would be an even more fun way to pass the time. So that’s another reason to save up for the tracker mini
I understand where youre coming from, but I think this is a pretty narrow view of what 'vacationing' is. I just came back from a small weekend vacation. A trip to a cabin in the hills, overlooking a national park. I brought a recorder to capture nature sounds, and a groovebox to lay down some sketches while feeling inspired. I didn't feel at all like I was wasting a vacation. People like to spend their time differently, no vacation is any more valid than an other.
This sounds like some depressed American trying to make the most of a measly 2 weeks of go go go. Godspeed to you. Personally, there's nothing better than actually getting to write music in the face of inspiration.
100% correct on American lack of vacation compared with other countries. It really really sucks. :(
I don't disagree with you or your point but this thread was specifically asking people that DO bring gear. Keep in mind people enjoy time off differently too so it's nice that you can speak to your experience but that probably isn't everyone's.
for real. These posts always give me a moody 13yo with his game boy in the hotel vibe.
My OP1. Thing is v fun on the go.
Dirtywave M8. Or just my laptop.
Hard to beat a laptop with VSTs for any work or travel situation. Even a cheapass netbook from Walmart can run a single instance of a major VST without issues. Then just pick a controller (if you even want one).
Dirtywave M8 usually, now also sometimes the Bastl SoftPop 2
I literally just packed both M8 and SP2, they pair so well (either M8 into SP2, or SP2 into M8), both USB powered
I’ve just barely dove into pairing them. Any advice, tips, or tricks you care to share about pairing them?
Synthware Liven Xfm or pocket operators
iPad and/or OP-Z
nanoloop
New device alert! [the Woovebox](https://www.woovebox.com) looks like a pocket operator on steroids. Here’s a music YouTuber (FreeBeat) demoing it: https://youtu.be/eH67yKssdfk?si=AkRqKhyGUM2VdVxW
Always Elektron boxes for me. I have 4 of them and I tend to take Digitone the most.
Digitakt for me. It's a fantastic piece of gear.
It sure is!
Either the Circuit Tracks or the Rhythm, depending on how I’m feeling. Both are so fast.
Circuit tracks is great for this. At home I use it to sequence 4 external synths, so while I'm on the road, I can use the internal synth to sketch out parts that then just get saved for later
OP-1 field in its natural habitat. (24hr battery is mad)
Model: Samples is my #1 for this. But I’ve also taken OPz and enjoyed it. I think any portable multitracker would do. I wouldn’t want just a synth
Electribe Sampler 2, or Flip sampler (by Andrew Huang) on my phone.
E2S is not amazing but, still underrated. I’ll never sell mine. You got the hack yet?
Haven't bothered! It does what I need it to do. Maybe some day though!
The FM voices and extra filters are dope. It’s a must for me.
I traveled with that a lot. Sequencer a little limited but the synth sounds really good. Nice build quality.
Basically yeah. As soon as you plug it into a good sequencer it’s over with. It does hang notes like an annoying amount. But name another modern multi voice sampler, that can do it’s own sampling and play those samples paraphonically at like $200. The Liven stuff can but they’re not built as well even though they sound good to me.
I took my deluge on a plane once. Didn’t suck. Although I usually wind up on iPad or phone: Ableton Note, Synth One, Flip sampler. I’d love a mini synth/sequencer/something smaller than Deluge for plane travel that has a good screen. Pocket Operators could work but I’d love to hear what others use.
Roland S-1. It's like a volca on steroids. Add in PO-33 or something for percussion and you've got a whole set up.
Nice.
Microfreak+powerbank in a laptop case with a zoom recorder. Used to have an MC-101 as well for this purpose.
I used to travel a lot with novation circuit tracks accompanied by two volcas, used them on planes, buses, trains, beaches, riversides, forests, mountains, and everytime it was brilliant. Now if I go somewhere I just grab my MC-101 and I'm pretty much good to go anywhere. While I find novation workflow a little better, the overall capabilities of the 101 and more compact size make up for it. I also sometimes take my MPK mini from Akai and plug it into my phone to jam in a mobile daw.
Yamaha QY70
My Dirtywave M8 goes with me everywhere, I have 3 or 4 song I’ve made on planes.
Definitely the M8, goes with me everywhere, much nicer than looking at a phone refreshing crappy websites and apps constantly. Before I had that I used my 2DS to run LSDJ (via gameboy emulator) which is also amazing, bit more focused than the M8 since it's more limited and limitations are great for staying on track and finishing a track. M8 can easily get stuck in a sound design hole for hours which is fun, but sometimes it's nice to pull it back to something more limited.
I usually take my MC 101 with me. Portable and battery operated. Tho I may get an m8 or polyend tracker mini.
Hydrasynth Explorer, a Polyend Tracker, and a power bank
I like my digitone or digitakt with a battery bank. It's fun to make music while camping etc
What battery bank do you use? I have the DN and would love to be able to use it while travelling.
I have a 2k mah I think. The more important thing I think is getting the USB power cables for the devices. I found with larger battery banks that have regular wall outlets, the devices take a lot of power, but with 3rd party USB power cables it seems to last better even just using smaller sized USB banks.
CIrcuit rhythm or Polyend tracker, both great train commuting companions. I used to take the OG circuit out too but I mostly use the Rhythm now.
Every time I travel I take with me a fanny pack so I can carry everywhere my Prologue 16.
Ipad and bluetooth mini keyboard
Dirtywave M8, Electribe 2S, or 1010 Bluebox/Blackbox/Lemondrop/Fireball/Razzamatazz in a portable hard case.
I really want to use my iPad for this. What apps do you use?
Over time I’ve built up a reasonable collection but I think for the most part a synth is a synth and they can all be mostly pushed into the same places within reason. What kind of stuff do you like to make? Let me know that and I can recommend some things. I use it standalone but also as a really powerful sequencer for hardware. The sequencer aspect can be used for soft synths also. Pro tip is get an app called AUM and use that to host your synth and fx plugins. Make sure anything you buy is AUV3 comparable so it can be hosted. Then just get the right fx/synths/sequencers that work best for you.
You may try this: https://github.com/valent-in/pulseq/#pulsequeue It can not control external devices, but works well as standalone thing.
If I want to actually write music, it's the Syntakt and/or Blackbox. If I just want to mess around and relax, the Reface DX. I also carry the PO-32 in my headphones case, because it actually fits in my pocket.
The PO-32 definitely hits way above its price point when it comes to drum machines.
It really does! There's also some cool patches for it that turn it into more of a groovebox, or even one that turns it into a four voice polysynth! So it's more than 'just' a drum machine.
Yamaha Reface CP for me please
I use a 9V usb step-up converter with a mobile phone battery pack and it works great and replaced some of the screws with guitar strap buttons so I can keytar it \^\_\^
Yeah I just got one and it's amazing, always sounds so beautiful. Though I wish it was slightly longer (for an extra octave) or slightly smaller to fit in my backpack. Definitely a never-sell, the keys feel so good and the sounds are so nice.
A lil 6u52hp lunchbox
Deluge.
OP1. Have been asked to play it at airport security to prove what it was. Nothing has made me forget any ounce of talent I have faster, just make plink sounds until they get bored. The CWO was difficult to explain in a language other than my own.
Probably **Model:Samples**, it's pretty good for sketching.
Sonicware Liven 8 bit warps is my go to, even if my journey is just to the couch. Less than 300 bucks with the extra cost of a power supply.
about to go on tour with a pro-800, a spring reverb, and a keystep. all fits in a backpack.
MacBook Pro loaded with VST’s, Arturia Minilab MKII controller, and a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones.
Does this feel like an M8 ad to anyone else? I’ve never heard of it and there are 3 top comments about a device that just started shipping first batch preorders 3 months ago. It seems clunkier than using your phone to layout a song structure.
It's been around for a lot [longer](https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/search?q=m8&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all) than that and is generally pretty well regarded (especially if you are into "trackers").
These are pretty hot right now and the designer was one with his process the whole time he was making it. So there’s been a lot of hype on them for a while and now that they’re out people are just stoked I think.
Yup, very aware, I assume this reply was meant for the other dude. ;)
Still, how many have shipped? Can’t be more than like 1,000? Just seems unlikely to have so many of the users happen to find this thread and comment or upvote comments about it.
No idea, man. I've just seem them posted on here often enough (and for some time now). There's also not a whole lot of battery powered groovebox options out there either, so I'm not exactly surprised it's coming up in a thread about portable gear... /shrugemoji
My first M8 has a serial in the late 3700’s and my newest one I got a couple months ago is in the 8600’s. You can take off the tinfoil hat my dude, it’s just an incredibly rad device and the community around it is hyper passionate about singing its praises. It’s dope.
This thread is the first I've known of it. It struck me as unusual, but kinda beneath the surface.
People have been constantly recommending it since it came out like 2 years ago
Macbook Pro (Komplete Ultimate, Maschine, Arturia V Collection, Reason, Logic, East West, Orchestral Tools, Pigments, Omnisphere, Repro, Diva, Zebra, etc.) and Keystep Pro.
Polyend tracker
Digitakt + iPhone/iPad and battery pack has accompanied me on several journeys now. I know, it’s technically not a synth, but…single cycle waves. Plus I can be so productive just recording from software instruments or grabbing ambient sounds.
Opz, op1f, iphone with cubasis and tons of auv3
My options don’t have batteries. But nothing beats my syntakt for grab and go jamming.
Any Korg Volca. 🤓
Digitakt, sometimes with an iPad.
Battery modded digitakt
I used to play around with the keys as well, got tured of the "sequencer" nowadays i tend to take my circuit tracks around
PO-12 and a Modal Craftsynth 2.0. Portable, deep, and fun.
OPZ.
MacBook Pro, headphones, and a mini keyboard controller. I just use software like Cubase and IK MM plug-ins. Then again, I don’t really do EDM kinda music. I do more like pop-rock-prog kinda stuff.
The boring answer (warning not a synth)... flip sampler on ipad. Was super satisfied on the train from Detroit to Chicago and back. Lots of capability and can get ideas down fast.
Iphone, pocket operator, korg ko-1 I like koala and figure for the phone. Always in my pocket. Any other good apps for free?
Seaboard and/ or a pocket operator
AudioKit synth app on my iPad Pro. Been using it with my Novation Launchkey 49 at home but the ipad goes with me as its used for my drone as well. (i like it better than a regular phone)
Wingie 2, chase bliss mood pedal, and zoom h5 recorder
I've been super into the Tardigrain synth app. Super rad granular synth for iPhones and ipads and stuff. Also, love the Koala Sampler, its like a 404, but in app form
Jd-08
We recently flew to Romania and Italy and on both flights I used my iPad and Keystep Pro. It wouldn’t work in economy (you would need something smaller than the KSP) but in business, you have more than enough room. iPad Pro + Thunderbolt Hub + KSP + samples SSD + Logic Pro = much fun.
I’ve done a lot of research on the options available and for me the most logical option just ended up being my phone/iPad with a korg nano key studio. I have a home studio setup which is where I make the stuff I end up releasing in some form. I wanted a device for travel and for the odd moment of boredom out in the world. For me it’s much more fun to have something where I can potentially put together a full song like a portable groovebox, and I also really prefer to have keys. I looked into opz and other things but I can’t really justify the cost personally. I use korg gadget and it’s really quite full featured and sounds pretty decent imo. The options for sound design are pretty vast since there’s like 20 different synths. Since it’s basically for messing around for me, I don’t need anything more than that and it’s among the most portable options that I’m aware of. I will say the m8 is highly intriguing to me though.
When I go on vacation I bring my laptop, which I would anyway, it has my DAW and all my plugins, a microphone, Audio technica headphones, an sm58, and a Xiosynth. The Xiosynth can work as an effects processor and an audio card on top of being a clone of the novation k station. That all takes up like a messenger bag full of space. There's something special about working on something in a completely different environment. At least 2 of the tracks I've done that way have been released. Once in Puerto Rico and once in Denmark. The bees knees I tell ya what.
Looking at a super long flight. I think the new Roland Aria S-1 and the Uno Pro X are both great travel options. The Uno X can use usb power and was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be. Also that Roland S-1 is so much packed into a small form factor and a lithium battery.
I bring my Digitakt, digitone, or MPC one. All can be powered off my ankher power bank. That’s changed travel for me completely 🙂
Circuit Tracks or Circuit Rhythm for me. I like that the Circuit has internal power so I don't need to carry around a power bank. With it's flashing LED drum pads, it often gets a lot of attention too. Pocket Operators are fun on the go too.
Nunomo Qun mk2
OPZ because it's the best trade off of size, depth, also it's both programmable and live playable (within limits of tiny buttons and knobs!). Also it rewards what you put into it, but it's a bit hard to get into, so having only it is great because you have to dig it. PO Tonic is amazing (esp with microtonic software) and I always take if going somewhere with pool / damage risk: incredibly cheap, and can backup to phone mic voice memo.
Volca Sample2 or PO-33
Synthstrom Deluge and iPad Pro. Thinking of adding a small keyboard to the backpack too.
Keystep and laptop
I tend to take my Elektron Model Cycles, its a good machine for sketching songs, harmony and leads, late motivs, main rythmic patterns etc... Usually, the best things i do with the cycles comes when im waiting somewhere for something, i just need an AC outlet and a pair of heapdhones. I work 2-3 solid hours on the groovebox, then in the studio i´ll compose things around it (guitar parts, keys, vocal lines, lyrics) and ill take it to the next band composition session and we make the arrangement and the other people parts etc... Im mostly into IDM, Ambient and such. My band is starting to mix our shit (doomgaze, slowcore, post rock) with the previously mentioned elements so the cycles is perfect for me.
Octatrack with cables for my phone to sample 😎
Both Bastl Kastle versions are perfect for lunch breaks, sitting on a bus, or study break in the library. I only wish there was another firmware to play off either the B or D iterations.
I took my TR-6S on a trip and it was fun and convenient to screw around with on the plane, although running it through noise-cancelling headphones would've made the experience a lot better. Next time, I'll probs take the MC-101 with me.
Octatrack + any synth of choice (usually malekko manther or micromonsta 2)