As someone who's used a lot of grooveboxes, my absolute favourite is the MPC Live. The batterylife is great, so it's actually portable, and even as a non-moving device (something you leave plugged in) it's great for the dawless setup as well. I use my MPC Live as the heart of all my hardware synthesizers and it really just can't be beat.
In my turn I'm in love with my Akai Force. You get the most for your buck: 64 pad RGB pressure/velocity sensitive controller, advanced sample editing, built in synthesizers and effects (you can add more for your buck), huge amount of storage with additional SSD/HDD, Wifi, Bluetooth, Ableton like clips and Scenes launched from pads or from touchscreen, Arranger mode to finally finish your song! It has Auto Sampler to sample your or your friend's hardware syth so that you'll have multi-sampled version of it in your possession. It has lots of buttons and pots (for buttons and pots lovers). All in all it's the best groovebox on the market! Just one con: it's big. I had MPC One, Elektron Digitakt (still have), Elektron Model Samples, lots of Volcas (still have Sample2). Out of all of them Akai Force is the most advanced tool to finish your song.
The deluge is the best groove-box in my opinion. I know that’s not the topic at hand. Your channel is nice and I appreciate the clarity in explaining things.
Agree with this comment, but I gotta shout out how Gabe acknowledges how he is kind of overlooking the category. Honestly, cut him some slack, he is also still discovering the wonderful world of Grooveboxes, which is why we all watch this right?
@@inf0tr8r polyend only has granular synthesis afaik. Kinda turned me off the polyend and onto the deluge. Deluge does Fm, subtractive, has a modulation matrix type keyboard and is getting wavetables and more. The polyend is probably the better sampler but as arranger synth and midi controller the deulge definitely has the upper hand. That said I own a deluge but a polyend is on my longer list. Chopping shit on the polyend is just insanely fast.
Agree. The Deluge may be the best groovebox. They only need to hire good graphic designers to make the brand and the design of the displays. The super ugly graphic design makes this great machine being overlooked while comparing with the beautiful hardware of Teenage Engineering, Native instruments, Novation, etc.
Yep. Or the MPC Live 2 that I just got. Incredible bit of kit. New drum synth. 7” touch screen. 4 driver monitors. Battery power. Lots of connectivity. 32 MIDI device potential.
I think the mpc one has the most features for a studio brain in the cheaper range. If you want something that fills that midi sequencing role (+sampling) the most fully featured device at the least price are a used mpc 1000 or a mpc one.
Wait you didn't even mention the digitakt, which is the one I decided on. I absolutely love the way their interface is laid out. Edit: sorry shoulda been a top level comment
I am all a tither MPC One or Roland Verselab making a purchase next week so time to decide, may even go Circuit tracks but probably need more versatility.
I kind of like the 'budget' category because it allows you to think about plugging boxes together. Half the fun is getting things to talk to each other. I also like having boxes from different manufacturers because they all have their own flavour, so at the moment I regularly pair a Circuit and a Samples and then choose another box to join them. Finally I like the 'budget' boxes because I have a mind to play live and I think all of them are small enough so you can get a 3 box live rig into a backpack.
Advise for beginners: The best sample based groovebox to start with if you are into dance, house, techno music is Elektron Model Samples. If you are into rap, hiphop, beatmaking, fingerdrumming - your first groovebox is Akai MPC One/Plus. If you have more money get MPC Live2 as it has battery and built in speaker. Don't waste your money on Volcas, Pocket operators and other tiny devices. They will not allow you to learn a lot.
Hey Gabe! Did my homework and I think the right one (for the moment) should be the Novation Circuit Tracks. I already have 3 synths at home and I can take even more out of them with such device. (Novation Ultranova, Behringer Neutron, Uno Synth... Probably a Microfreak anytime soon!) Thanks for this sort of videos. Keep them coming.
Great video. I hope Novation are now hooking you up with the new models. My picks for gear would be as follows... Tier 1: Korg Volca Drum (£150) and Sonicware's Liven 8bit Warps (£200); Tier 2 Novation Circuit/Tracks (£360) or Arturia's MicroFreak (£230) plus a hardware sequencer such as Keystep Pro (£350); Tiers 3/4: Isla Instruments S2400 (approx £1000). They're not out yet but I am eager to get my hands on the forthcoming Novation Circuit Rhythm and the Sonicware Liven X FM (preordered for £200).
I have an Akai Force, and I really like it. It was a little intimidating at first, but once I started using it it became pretty intuitive. I can make full tracks on it and master them before I bounce it to my DAW.
I'm nearly 40 and I'm still buying budget gear as I'm a big believer of its not what use it's how you use it iv heard folk making pure bangers on p.o kos and people making trash on MPC X's and iv got a weird workflow thats based around a tascam multitrack so that gives me a the layering I need
The fact that you continue to plug Novation products, after they snubbed you on the new circuit, makes you a better man than me. I bought a circuit because of you, and while I really want the new one, I wont buy it until Novation sends you one, along with an apology. You are the godfather of circuit as far as we are concerned. Keep Grinding brotha.
I appreciate that. To be fair to Novation, they did tell me about the launch a long time in advance, which allowed me to be one of the first to cover it. They express shipped me a unit as soon as they had it, I've got a video ready for tomorrow.
Keep up the good work mate lovin' your channel only found it a few days and I am binging a lot of your videos. Personally the OG circuit in Australia was $699.00 and Circuits Track is 699.00 so I am extremely grateful for the same price , with the MC101 costing $719.00 out here and the MV1 I recently picked up cost me $1300.00
One of the things I love the most about music is that there’s guys out there like you. Honest, and informative reviews in every niche of music gadgetry. I’ve watched several of your videos already. Just trying to find where I really want to start before I make the financial leap.
Toy : Every synth I own. Some were very expensive, but still my toys. Toys : the funnest ones, usually cheap but have a great sound. Play to play! It’s your kit, get what you want and can afford.
Thank you for your in depth videos. I’m kind of new and have learned quite a bit watching your videos on music tech. Keep up the great work 👍! Many blessings.
I have a Akai Force, Roland mc101 and Korg Electribe Sampler 2. Out of all them, I prefer the mc101. It feels more complete and virtually bug free unlike the Akai Force.
I would like it if you could demo a deluge. I have been a happy circuit user, but can't stop thinking about the deluge, I trust your opinion on these matters
I'd love to, it's on my very long list of gear to try. I'm very limited by time these days and I have a backlog of content to finish (including stuff with the Circuit Tracks once that arrives). I'll get there eventually!
I think the Deluge is a good step up from the Circuit. If you love grid based sequencing of the circuit, but crave more power and less limitations, the Deluge really takes it to a new level. It's a LOT more complex, but you've got full access to editing the synth engine on the device (supporting subtractive, FM and soon, wavetable). The sampling in Deluge is awesome. The waveform is displayed on the pads like a screen, and you can zoom right in to single cycle level - the device even supports single cycle waveforms assignment to either or both oscillators and has built in effects etc. It does auto pitch detection, and automatically sets the pitch so notes are correct. It's sequencer is probably one of the best available, comparable to dedicated sequencers - a recent update allows zooming and editing up to 6144th notes!!!! (That's not a typo...) So you can record "off the grid", and actually accurately edit it - when you see zoom editing on Deluge, it kind of blows your mind. It's also got full probability based step sequencing too (and the sequencer is only getting better - it's about to get Euclidean sequencing, and multidirectional play per track - which is truly insane). It integrates well with other gear - full DIN MIDI out/in, USB class compliant midi in/out, CV+ gate output + click out. It also runs on rechargable batteries, and is powered by USB or dedicated power supply. You can also configure tracks to work like a looper pedal (yes, you can plug a guitar and MIDI foot pedal, and layer recorded tracks in real time). Oh, and it has UNLIMITED TRACKS - the only limitation being the processor. I've had over 20 tracks of audio and synths, with effects playing without a hiccup. Even playback speeds can go to insane high and low extremes for sound design. It's sampling engine has time stretching per note (like Ableton Simpler), plus multi-sampling, and "drum kits" that offer sample and synth patches from the same "instrument". It's not perfect, but for me, a guy who just freaking loves grooveboxes - why I also love Gabe's channel! (I've had Circuit, Octatrack, Analog Four, Electribe 2, Roland MC-303, Maschine +, Roland JD-Xi and a bunch of other stuff...), the Deluge is honestly the most amazing device I've ever owned - It's expensive (but not super expensive for what it can do), but I think it punches well above its weight. I'm a fan of Maschine + as a super powerful (but overpriced - I'm NOT a fan of the NI tax!) production machine. But looking at the price and features, the Deluge smashes it IMO. Deluge feels nothing like using a computer (also what I love with Circuit) Watch some more Deluge videos (Red Means Recording, Cuckoo, Dolo Jones, Ollie Loops and of course Loopop for in depth review). If you are ok with the price, you are buying a super powerful groovebox work station, capable of full professional tracks, if you put in the time to learn it. I can't recommend this device enough - if you LOVE grooveboxes, Deluge is a dream machine! For me, it is everything I wished the Circuit was - and more.
@@mrclaytron thanks for your very welcome answer. It seems like an amazing machine, the looping function, wavetable, synthesis, sample to oscillator, have just sold it to me. I like to work 'outside the box' as much as possible. That's quite a statement that you say its the most amazing device you've ever owned. Thanks again, for a brilliant reply. Your getting a sub from me 👍😁🎶👌
@@adamshatwell thanks man - just be sure to watch some videos about the Deluge before you decide if you really want one - for me, it's brilliant - but not everyone loves the workflow, so just read and watch as much as you can on it to decide if it looks right for you (I'd hate for you to buy one and then find its not your cup of tea) - but if you do eventually get one, be sure to record some tracks to share with the other Delugers on RU-vid :-)
I've had a deluge since the first "public" sales. It is beyond a groovebox, though that's what category it could fit in. It is essentially a complete DAW in a diminutive, battery powered box. I do not use it for recording onto, though that is one of it's capabilities. Unlimited tracks, unlimited steps, sample editing/playback, fm/subtractive/(soon wavetable synthesis), (soon euclidean sequencing), this is the machine for you. I have never been disappointed with my purchase. It is a sophisticated instrument with ever-expanding capabilities.
Great video! I still feel like 'Groove Box' is different than a DAW-less all-in device. MPC and Maschine are targeting an alternative to a computer and DAW. Recently, I'm using Drambo on an iPad and find it to be the most complete groove box I've used so far.... for $11.95.
Awesome video Gabe! It’s definitely a very exciting time to get into dawless✌🏻 Pd: I would recommend you trying out the digitakt, I think you might like it a lot... beware though, elektrons are highly addictive lol, cheers bro!
Buy a 8 year old or newer laptop for at or under $100.....buy any midi controler.....boom! You have any and every sound you want and can do what everyou want
I bought a Maschine+ instantly when they launched it because I've been wanting it since I got my Maschine 1. But it is very expensive for what it is. I also retrofitted it with a battery and RipCord cable so if you ignore its size & weight, it's fairly portable. What I hate about it is the quiet inputs. You really have to drive those in order to get a proper signal. same issue as MK3. Other than that I have also an OPZ Which is amazing for what it is. I do wish it had Line In, but you can get around that by sampling via USB from the phone which is also super cool. I'm really excited about the Circuit Rhythm too. The tracks version, I preordered it , but I plan to return it. I just wanna test it.
You are a great RU-vidr and the info you give is quality! I know one day it will be harder to reply to all our questions 😳Hope your channel keeps growing more and more!
Here's what I think if you're starting out, anything is good as long as it's affordable for you, I started with a Yamaha qy70 that I paid 75.00 for and a Casio ht700 that cost me 7.00 from a charity shop. I still have it and will never sell it because it's still useful for long train rides. I sold most of my old gear to purchase an MPC one, I did my research before taking the plunge, it had to replace all my old gear and it did it with ease. it's at the higher end in price but when you compare it to the new circuit at its price new, it's not much more to save up for an MPC one, if budget is tight I can not recommend an old Yamaha QY70 enough, if it's sampling you want to do, a used PO33 is the way to go, they sell for about 50 -60 used. use what you have until you get better at it, better gear will not make you a better musician, it never has and it never will.
I just chose to buy a Maschine Mikro mk3 over the new novation circuit. For me it is essentially the full Maschine of you don’t mind having it hooked up to your laptop and using that as the screen rather than having the built in ones. The limitations are almost non existent if you don’t mind clicking on your computer screen sometimes. Also it’s only $270 vs $420 for the Circuit and $650 for the full Maschine. A no-brainer if you ask me.
That's fair, they're different devices for different use cases. The Circuit is much more performance oriented, the Maschine stuff is more beatmaking/composition oriented. I've definitely thought about getting a Mikro myself, I might pull the trigger on one when I have more time.
Ahhhh thank you for reminding me about the chromatic and polyphonic sampling I love the synth Engine but it is a bit too clean and nice for music I want to make !!! Time to get the 101 and tr-6s out again
Nice to see The Polyend Tracker getting love, despite the latency issue, however this is getting addressed in an upgrade, Polyend does care about their customers unlike other companies (rhymes with Morg)
I think the thumbnail image is great! I am getting to know the Akai Force, which I picked up recently. It isn't a groovebox, but I am connecting with it. It's more of a mobile studio than a groovebox, though. I didn't like the limitations of the cheaper grooveboxes. Thanks for the video!
You should try one out if you haven’t yet. As a guitarist for me, the OP-Z is more of an musical instrument with musical mode recognition and improvisational aspects, plus no screens (unless you plug one in), no loads of buttons and dials, no menus.
Dedicated Grove boxes looks fun but are unpractical, they always fail in something like sound quality, ability to arrange a whole song, display for edits, user interface. Your old laptop with a Launchkey mini is both easier, more powerful and most important a better time investment as you can start simple and then develop the idea with all bells and whistle.
what’s your take on more “hybrid” devices like Push 2 or the cheaper, non-standalone Maschine? They’re not quite grooveboxes since they’re tied to a DAW, but let’s be honest, most people are working within arm’s length of a computer with a DAW anyway. I’d also argue that iOS has matured into a groovebox-like experience (Android is too fragmented to really compete in that regard, unfortunately, and lots of great iOS apps don’t come out on Android) at this point. You’ve got people like Hainbach replacing their OP-1s with iPads, and you can certainly make complete tracks entirely in iOS at this point depending on what your budget for software is.
I think it's great, the more options the better. I've thought about getting a Maschine Mikro mk3, the only thing stopping me is time to actually use it, given how much of a backlog of gear I already am trying to get through. And yeah, seeing iOS music production get to this point is great, the tools have gotten really powerful. It's something I'd like to explore in the future, time permitting.
Agreed they deserve a mention, but I guess hes never really covered them aside from the Model Cycles so probably tricky for him to accurately classify them. They're kinda their own thing, both in workflow and capabilities. Like there is literally not one other device or even piece of software can can do what the Octatrack can do, so can understand some reluctancy to cover these without having full knowledge of them.
Cant speak for the digitakt but the digitone is more of a ultra-powerful digital synth that happens to do groovebox type workflow fairly well. Trying to program full drum loops on one track can be tedious given the sound management and locking required. On the spectrum of grooveboxes, its definitely on the less "fun" side and more on the "sound design / powerful" side.
Yeah that's a blind spot of mine that I've tried to remedy a bit, but I've not totally gotten there yet. Although note that I'm mainly using the lists of grooveboxes as examples to give the categories context, and it's not meant to be an exhaustive list.
@@GabeMillerMusic totally understand Gabe. It actually just highlights how big this category of products has become. You cover a whole bunch but yet the grooveboxes I primarily use barely get a mention, namely Akai MPC-X, Akai MPC Live, Akai Force, Polyend Tracker, Octatrack, Digitakt and Analog Rythm (strictly speaking a drum machine but still very much has groove box functionality). Its ok man nobody could possibly know and cover every product under the sun. What you do cover, you're doing a great job of.
Thanks! I'd definitely like to get more into Elektron stuff given more time. I'd really love to give the Polyend Tracker a go for a total switchup, that's very high on my list.
Listen to Gabe Miller here, because he knows what he is talking about on this topic. I would go right for the "kind of expensive" one's, and learn one of them inside and out. You will be way better off overtime, and it will definitely pay off. I have an MPC One on the way soon, and I cannot wait, because it's really on then, because I can do everything stand alone for real...SBN RESONATE
Hyped for the Korg Drumlogue and if they update the Electribe. They have come a long way in UI/UX and quality and quantity of synthesis since the Electribe 2.
He's overlooking pretty much everything in the upper tier...to not mention or even acknowledge the RS7000 E-mu 2500 or spectralis/Quasimidi or even the wack-ish big old Roland'MC x0x' boxes really pegs this video to novice-level. This video has no working definition of the topic: MPCs have been MIDI+sampling throughout their existence and not tied to a grid. "Sorta" grooveboxes, at best. And people mentioning things like Deluge - that are evolutions of the monome and Live: a clip launch+MIDI paradigm. Again - at best, 'sorta' grooveboxes but not the goal there, either.
Pricing is clearly pretty different here in Australia. I could get the Deluge for considerably less than any of the other grooveboxes in the "kind of expensive" category. Guess that's the "Australia tax" at play. Also kind of convenient that the Deluge comes from just over the pond and arrived very quickly.
Anecdote: There is a famous filmmaker who makes all her films with old video cameras and very little editing. Another filmmaker known in the high art world creates with, literally, only toy cameras. Context, capability, construction, & connection, (feel, aesthetics, etc.) all have to be considered. They easily become interchangeable depending on the person when considering the word “toy” to describe a piece of gear. The word “toy” has become, unjustly, a derogatory term.
I expected this to be a Circuit lovefest. I was wrong. I apologize. My next music purchase will be an MPC One. Yes, it's a groovebox, but I think it's more than that. I love techno above all other beat-heavy music, so I am going to make some on the MPC. But I want to do other stuff, too, that is more ambient, experimental and not so linear. I want to use a sampler as a proper instrument; more than just beats, loops and one-shots. I am hoping I will like the interface and that the MPC will let me do what I want.
Interesting that you say that, I actually think it's really impressive on a technical level, but has a ways to go to be properly useful for everyday situations.
@@GabeMillerMusic I thought about keeping it for around campfire hang outside and running it through a portable speakers, letting someone play some drums on it while I played Cigar Box Guitar. But... ehh...
Really nice video as always. What is the best cheap beat making device for under 150$US in 2022? I am starting to hate working with my SK-1 from 1985. If it's better than that, it's great for me.
I’d say Circuit/Tracks Pro rather than a lite version would be nice. Workflow of Novation but competitive features of ie. Akai/Maschine+ (yes a small screen may be needed).
I know they're mostly above your spending comfort level, but you didn't mention Elektron at all! Of all the grooveboxes out there, I see Elektron gear the most. Especially at gigs. The Octatrack and/or Digitakt are the heart of many, many musicians' setups. Some folks think of them as the holy grain of grooveboxes. I wouldn't go that far, but they are pretty amazing machines. You might really like the Digitakt/Digitone or the Models units.
Which of all has the best live looping experience, im a Turntablist and want get into live looping my cuts but with a drum machine thrown in I'm looking at getting a boss 505 and maybe thr trs 8 for the live possibilities but is there anything that does it all i was looking at the 707 but from what people have said the loop recording doesnt suit a live situation ..maybe 505 is the way
Good time to be learning. I wish I was 40 years younger but I think I’ll jump into this. I like the idea of several groove boxes to learn with just to a void the computer, or be working on ideas while the computer is doing something else. I see Novation line has a lot that worked with not only Ableton (that I won’t worry about because of price) but Logic Pro X (cheap $200. GarageBand Pro). What sort of budget grooveboxes to start with that won’t be superseded by new gear or say Logic Pro etc. I will be order a Native Instruments Maschine Mikro because I like working with my midi keyboard with Native INstrumetns Komplete Kontrol. I may choose to go Maschine MK3... but the Mikkro for $250 and looking at screens but not easy sampling.... (haven’t decided on that one yet.. though I hear one can use the Mikro with MK3 at the same time and not be a purchased and stuck with later... don’t know). Anyway I’ll review your recent videos with Roland and Novation grooveboxes.. every time I look there seems to be another new one. I did get a Roland VT-4 that I like a lot. (Voice changing box with live hardware effects).
Really great information. I'd like to get a synth/drum machine for my 8 year old, and having used MPCs, and old Electribe groove boxed in the past, think they might be complicate for him to use. I'd like him to have the tactile experience of creating and manipulating sounds and beats with knobs and pads on a stand alone piece of equipment. I like the look of the novation, but would be interested in your view on this, and if you think something in the 'cheap' category would be better! Cheers.
I usually recommend a Novation Circuit to beginners looking for something budget, and yeah I'd recommend it for a kid to learn on. It's pretty straightforward to learn and has some room to grow into
I'm trying to buy my first groovebox and ive been unable to decide for a while now. Part of me wants to be cautious and buy a cheaper one like the circuits or mc101, but i also fear i would miss some visual feedback. The bigger ones with a bigger screen are on my watchlist for that reason.. the 707 or mpc one.. maybe a deluge The issue with those is that they jump in price about twofold. Really not sure how i`ll ever decide on this.. but i guess that does save me some money
would've liked to have seen your thoughts on the Pioneer Toraiz SP-16. It's the quintessential groovebox, but sadly it's been recently discontinued. Still tons out there for sale tho, particularly from Japan (used)
Yeah I'd definitely like to give more Elektron stuff a go in the future. I'm more interested in the Digitone than the Digitakt, but I'm sure either would be dope.
@@GabeMillerMusic just curious what dont you like about the digitakt? no shade or anything i have one and i have my opinions on it (some great and some annoyances). I want to get something else im considering getting digitone to finish off the combo or completely switching directions for a whole new work flow but im just curious your opinion if you have one specific reason it doesnt get mentioned much. im sure it would be redundant for you to own one with all the other boxes you do have. Thank you!
I don't have anything against it, but yeah it would be slightly redundant in my current setup, and I just don't find the feature set as appealing as some other samplers out there. Also, I just think the Digitone seems neat and would be an interesting change from the kind of stuff I normally use.
@@GabeMillerMusic hey thanks for you opinion man much appreciated. i find the sample organization or lack of to be very frustrating and just the fact that you cant really store "kits" to be a little bit of a miss. i love the sequencer paramater locks though and the control all function!
I'm picking up one of the new Circuit Tracks and I want to be able to mess around with it while on the go, like during a lunch break or something like that. Anyone have a suggestion for a case or bag to keep it from getting banged up?
Here’s the case I use for the original circuit: Gator Cases Mixer Case (G-MIXERBAG-0909). For me, it works great and will even fit cables and some small accessories in addition to the circuit without being bulky. The dimensions of the new circuit tracks appear to be similar, so my guess is this case should work fine with it.
You’re getting a lot of plosives coming through on the mic. Not always, but there’s times where it increases noticeably. At those times the proximity effect increases the bass too much so I’d say it’s simply getting too close on occasion. I don’t think a pop filter would help, it’s just distance. The mic is already off-axis to your mouth so that’s good, it’s prob just a touch too close. Or something.
@@GabeMillerMusic The rule I use personally in mic placement is stretch your thumb and your pinkie apart, that's about how far your mic should be from your mouth
@@GabeMillerMusic id be curious how you'd like the more traditional workflow of the digitakt or analog rytm. Start a Kickstarter to fund a synth binge! 😁
I wonder why Elektron Digitone doesn't get mentioned. It seems to have all the features of a groovebox, a synth, a sequencer, mixer, external hardware support etc. Doesn't have a sampler, but is it a hard requirement?
Hello, if you can help, I play Bass, Acoustic and Electric guitar. To do music, with record parts from the instruments and create music, what the best choise, novation tracks, rithm, or buy a used novation circuit? Thanks
Hi Gabe, since you are working on a video for the Machine+...i was going to get one but after i have seen another video...with 4gigs of ram, it show that after your load just 2 plugins the CPU is already max out...please check that out and looking forward to that review...prob they are already working on Machine+ 2 with at least 16RAM, thanks
If everyone wants my honest recommendation on this topic, because I have owned many cheaper synth/drum machines before, and still own them, but if I was you, and I was serious about this thing, then I would go right for something around a 1000 dollars or a bit cheaper. I would not get something under 500 dollars if you are serious about going stand alone. I own a Roland JD-XI, and I am doing some really great music with it, but I have been using it and these other "cheaper" "budget friendly" synth/drum machines since 2000, so I know alot about them. I would not recommend anything less than, or cheaper than the Roland JD-XI, if you are being serious about making music. The Electribe 2 isn't so bad, and I own the gray version myself, but it's just not enough to get really serious with. There's only global effects, and the overall sounds are pretty mediocre, but you can make it work if you really desire to, because I do, but it's all up to you to make it something...SBN RESONATE
I did a video when I hit 20k subscribers about what I learned over the course of growing a channel, all that stuff still applies. Usually, reaching out to a company hasn't worked for me, they have to like the content and the audience size first. That just takes time, consistency, and constant course correction to get to. Although I'd start a channel for the love of the RU-vid video as a medium FIRST... It was years before companies hit me up to send me gear. And having tried as many devices as I have isn't even close to necessary. If I was just making music and not running a gear focused channel, I'd probably own only two or three of the devices I click with the most.
It definitely is, although I've seen it put more in the synth category. To be honest, the only reason I didn't mention it is because it wasn't top of mind. I mainly mentioned grooveboxes as examples, and this wasn't meant to be an exhaustive list.
@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah, there is so much stuff out there, you can´t list it all. but to me the digitone is the first thing I think of, really want that thing
Are the lower end grooveboxes (Circuit etc) more for say jamming than actual production then? Looking at the Circuit Tracks videos seems to suggest that it's pretty intuitive to use and just pick up and run with compared to even the slightly more pricey offerings like the MPC One mentioned in the comments which for all it's added features (Sampling, the new drum synth etc) looks way more serious and complicated to operate and really only for those who know what they're doing, not casual users looking to while away some time doing some musically creative stress relieving.
That's definitely true to a degree, although I would say don't underestimate the production capabilities of less expensive grooveboxes, and don't overestimate the difficulty of more expensive grooveboxes.
Polyend tracker is amazing, but I can't use mine anymore, too buggy. I lost days of work twice already. I really hope they fix their code because they have a winning formula, it just needs more quality control.
Good day, kind sir! I'd like to ask a question, if you don't mind. I've been using DAWs for like eternity and i wonder how do you mix songs from grooveboxes? You record stems one by one, bring them into your daw and mix? Or you use internal effects for that?
It depends on the groovebox. The Roland MC-101, Korg Electribe 2, and a bunch of the more expensive ones have ways to export or record multiple tracks. For others, like the Circuit, you would need to mute and unmute stuff to record each track one at a time. It's totally doable, but kind of a pain, so I rarely do it myself.