Ditch the DAW! 4 Computerless Production Setups for Electronic Musicians

If you’ve been hanging out in the electronic-music sphere
recently, then you might have heard talk about the trend of going DAWless. But
what does that mean? Simply put, going DAWless refers to making electronic
music without the aid of a computer. Rather, it relies on comprehensive
standalone music-production systems, grooveboxes, sequencers, and other
hardware devices for composing, arranging, and performing. Proponents of
DAWless setups prefer the intimate interaction you get from hardware along with
the side benefit of reduced screen time.

Electronic-music producers at Sweetwater agree that there is
something inherently satisfying about making music entirely outside of a
computer. By forgoing the visual feedback provided by a DAW and the
point-and-click convenience of sequencing tracks with a piano roll, DAWless
systems force you to approach electronic composition differently, which may
inspire you to break from your normal patterns and create in unique ways. Plus,
some of the baked-in limitations of DAWless setups can help eliminate choice
paralysis that presents itself when you have a computer packed full of virtual
instruments and plug-in processors.

DAWless setups come in many forms from relatively simple
single-device systems to complex configurations of multiple synths and drum
machines synced together via MIDI. And they typically necessitate a fair amount
of auxiliary equipment that’s not required when using a DAW, including a mixer
and a hardware recording device — if you want to go fully computerless.

Aching to shut off the screen and get your hands on some
sick hardware? We are, too! So, let’s explore four computerless setups you can
use to ditch your DAW!

Portable DAWless SystemsAll-Inclusive Standalone WorkstationsThe Mysterious World of EurorackDAWless Like It’s 1984

Portable DAWless Systems

One of the most appealing aspects of a DAWless setup is the
ability to create distinct spaces for different aspects of your music making.
Designating assigned areas with specific tools — even if they’re in the same
room — for writing, jamming, mixing, and so forth is an excellent creative
hack. However, with a portable DAWless system, you can take the concept even
further and remove yourself from the studio completely. Hunker down in your
favorite coffee shop. Head out to the beach. Or retreat to an isolated spot in
the woods. Changing up your environment can pay serious creative dividends.

Novation Circuit Tracks Groovebox

The Novation Circuit Tracks groovebox is a favorite piece of gear for liberating ourselves from the studio. This small but formidable workstation includes two polyphonic synthesizers, four independent drum tracks, two MIDI tracks, and a selection of eight reverbs and 16 delay effects. The Circuit Tracks boasts a highly intuitive workflow, and its built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to four hours of run time. To expand its capabilities, you can use its two MIDI tracks to drive external gear. We recommend pairing it with the Modal Electronics Craft Synth 2.0 monophonic wavetable synthesizer, which is also battery powered for complete portability.

The Circuit Tracks allows you to store your sequences in any of the available 64 project memory slots. If you want to record using this portable setup, then the iZotope Spire Studio 2nd generation portable wireless recorder is an ideal complement. It includes two high-quality mic/line preamps and a powerful editing app for iOS and Android. For recording with this setup, simply connect the line output from the Craft Synth 2.0 to one of the two external inputs on the Circuit Tracks. Then connect the stereo output of the Circuit Tracks to the two inputs on the Spire Studio — and presto! You’re ready to compose and record anywhere!

All-Inclusive Standalone Workstations

Though DAWless electronic-music production is currently trending, using a comprehensive hardware groovebox for music production was the norm in hip-hop and other sample-based genres stretching back to the late 1980s. These days, FL Studio dominates hip-hop production. But there are still producers who prefer the groovebox workflow established on the legendary Akai MPC series.

Among hip-hop and electronic producers at Sweetwater, the Native Instruments Maschine MK3 is a popular groovebox for taking tactile control over their computer-based music-production setups. However, Maschine users have been clamoring for a standalone version for years to enjoy the device sans computer. Enter the Native Instruments Maschine Plus.

Native Instruments Maschine Plus Standalone Production and Performance Instrument

With the Maschine Plus, you’re treated to the familiar
layout and operation of Maschine but in a completely self-contained device. For
DAWless creation in the studio and as a live performance tool, the Maschine
Plus excels. Equipped with substantial processing power and a built-in 24-bit/96kHz
interface, the Maschine Plus is a complete production workstation that
integrates your custom samples with 8GB of production-ready sounds and a full
suite of effects. It includes stereo outputs for monitoring or direct
recording. Plus, it seamlessly interfaces with any DAW if you prefer to put the
finishing touches on a production in the box.

While the Maschine Plus can serve as your entire production
system, it also includes expansive MIDI I/O features to connect a vast array of
external synths, samplers, and drum machines. If you’re looking for a command
center for your DAWless setup, then you can’t go wrong with the Maschine Plus!

The Mysterious World of Eurorack

Another exciting option for DAWless music production lies in the mysterious and esoteric world of Eurorack modular synthesis. A format established by Doepfer in 1996, Eurorack enables you to build fully customized synthesizers from discrete modules. The sky’s the limit as far as what kind of synthesizer you can make. Classic subtractive analog synthesis sits side by side with cutting-edge technology like probability-based function generators, granular synthesis, and DSP-powered effects. And they’re all networked together via 3.5mm patch cables. There are no presets with Eurorack — the point is to foster sonic exploration toward the discovery of never- before-heard sounds. Assembling a Eurorack system requires fairly sophisticated knowledge of synthesis. Yet, some Eurorack-module developers have released preconfigured systems that are an excellent starting point for the Eurorack curious.

One such system is the Erica Synths Pico System II. Packed with 14 ultra-slim modules, the Pico System II includes an 8-voice module, a VCO, a VCF, two sample-based drum modules, a host of modulators and effects, and two three-input mixers, which can be sent to a single output module. With the Pico System II, you have everything you need to create sparse, experimental compositions. However, you’ll likely want to pick up a Eurorack-friendly keyboard controller, such as the Arturia KeyStep Pro. This 37-key controller and sequencer can act as a traditional MIDI keyboard, but it also offers control voltage, gate, and mod outputs for Eurorack. Moreover, it offers four lanes of polyphonic sequencing and a dedicated 16-part drum sequencer, making it ideal for driving numerous Eurorack synth and drum modules.

Erica Synths Pico System II Modular Desktop System

If you’re obsessive about sound design, love the idea of twisting
knobs and using cables to physically create patches, and enjoy a little
unpredictability, then Eurorack may be the DAWless system for you!

DAWless Like It’s 1984

While the three previous examples have been relatively
self-contained, let’s look at a more complex DAWless setup that leans into the
analog synth sounds of the 1980s. At that time, pioneering electronic artists,
from instrumental acts such as Tangerine Dream to synth-pop legends including
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Tears for Fears, used a combination of
live playing along with sequenced synths and drum machines. Thankfully, for
those of us who still harbor romantic notions for the golden age of synth
music, it’s easy to replicate those settings with modern instruments and devices.

For a DAWless synth-pop setup, you’ll need a polyphonic synth for your chords and pads, two monophonic synths to handle bass and leads respectively, and a drum machine — and you’ll definitely want to choose analog devices! Our dream team includes the Sequential Prophet-5, a faithful re-creation of one of the most adored polyphonic analog synthesizers ever created. To handle those low, throbbing synth-pop bass lines, the Moog Minitaur analog bass synthesizer is tops! And, for classic lead tones, check out the Doepfer Dark Energy III monophonic analog synthesizer. Next up, grab an Elektron Analog Rytm MKII, a fully analog drum machine with an integrated sampler and step sequencer. With these four components, you’ll be in old-school synth heaven!

Sequential Prophet-5 61-key Analog Synthesizer

To play the four components simultaneously, you’ll want to select a sequencer to function as the brains of your setup. In this hypothetical setup, the Analog Rytm MKII could handle that task. Yet, if you’re looking for a more immediate interface, then we recommend the Polyend Seq. It accommodates up to eight lanes of 32-step polyphonic programming with pattern chaining for composing complete songs. On top of that, it provides several performance features for switching up patterns on the fly.

While all of the synths listed feature USB MIDI connections, to keep things DAWless, we’ll connect them via 5-pin MIDI cables. The most efficient and reliable way to do this is with a MIDI thru box, like this 1-in/8-out offering from Erica Synths. Since the Polyend Seq is the brain, you’ll want to connect its MIDI out to the MIDI in of the MIDI thru box. Then connect the rest of your gear to the MIDI thru box’s outputs. By assigning each of the Polyend Seq’s pattern lanes to a separate MIDI channel, you can sequence all of your synths from a single unit. It also allows you to stop and start your programs and to sync the tempo to the drum machine, which can be programmed independently.

Now, it’s worth noting that, with this setup, there are a
lot of analog outputs — three from the synths and eight individual drum outputs
from the Analog Rytm MKII. That means that, when you select a mixer, you’ll
need to choose one with enough channels to accommodate your gear and leave room
for yourself to expand. Needless to say, going DAWless with a sophisticated
setup such as this requires a significant investment. But it doesn’t get much
more fun or inspiring than controlling a full band’s worth of killer analog
synths in real time!

To DAW or Not to DAW?

Ready to ditch the DAW? Then reach out to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. They’re happy to help you spec out a DAWless setup that fits your needs and budget. Of course, you don’t need to be dogmatic when it comes to going DAWless — it’s not an either-or proposition. We find that DAWless setups are awesome for kick-starting creativity and reconnecting with the physical nature of music making. But, when it comes to post production, we’ll take the streamlined editing and massive flexibility of a DAW any day! If “to DAW or not to DAW” is the question — then “yes” is the answer!

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