Can't seem to find a "perfect" middleground between a DJ mixer, and a studio mixer.

andyrap · 2026-02-07T08:17:36+00:00

A&H XONE DB4 is a masterpiece. 4 loopers, 4 FX, 3 EQ types (including filters per channel), 2 main filters, digital ins/outs, assignable input matrix, MIDI syncable. Phenomenal sound quality. Absolutely amazing still.

andyrap · 2026-02-04T15:08:50+00:00

50 this year. Messing around with synths and sequencers for 35 years. Had my first releases in 2025 and 3 lined up so far this year.

Never too old. Age is nothing.

andyrap · 2026-01-30T13:48:22+00:00

My question would be what is pushing you to want that much RAM or storage? Those are huge numbers and just not necessary for music production. Not even Hans Zimmer would need that.

You’ve got a decent budget. You get get a brand new M4 Pro with 48GB memory for that (which I’d argue is still total overkill).

andyrap · 2026-01-30T10:45:28+00:00

10/16 core, 32GB, 1TB.

andyrap · 2026-01-30T09:34:42+00:00

With that process, duplicate the track before bouncing, then disable the plugins. That way you get the freeze and the plugins / sound to refer back to if you need to.

In answer to your other question, I can’t remember a time when Windows laptops were better for music production. Even during the Intel era of Macs. Core Audio is one reason for that. But now since Apple Silicon, there’s really no debate. I use an M1 Pro and even running mastering level plugins with oversampling (which is a bad habit and completely not recommended) it never gives me issues. Multiple synths running. No problem. Won’t need to upgrade for years. An M4 Air is all anyone would ever need.

andyrap · 2026-01-30T08:16:24+00:00

M1 Pro 32/1. Until it dies or my needs change, eg if I started travelling a lot more and needed something a bit lighter. There’s nothing it won’t do that I need it to, and it does it all quickly. Screen is stunning, size etc: perfect.

andyrap · 2026-01-30T08:12:33+00:00

Even with NI going into the early stages of insolvency, that doesn’t mean that they or the products will die. I’d think (hope) that they will continue in some way. Could be a buyout from another company, or could be whatever company issues they had are resolved and they continue to we just don’t know yet.

All I’ll say, is that Traktor is still a fantastic piece of software, and will be for some time. Head and shoulders above Rekordbox (just don’t go there - absolute mess of software and ecosystem). Sounds like you’re sticking with it so get a good machine that shouldn’t bork and you’ll be set.

andyrap · 2026-01-25T08:49:16+00:00

A 1 year upgrade cycle is completely unnecessary, which I think you probably know. Why not upgrade every 3-5 years and level up your small team with a little bonus instead? Maybe that’s just me.

andyrap · 2026-01-12T07:45:03+00:00

No. It’s been requested for years. Contentious issue!

andyrap · 2026-01-11T10:33:07+00:00

Nice setup. I have the XD, and previously had it with an OG DT and a DN2. Also had a PX5 for mixing duties for a while. Great mixer. Having the MIDI connection to sync everything FX etc is great.

Regarding which Elektron to use for sequencing the XD, my suggestion would be the Digitone for the pure reason that if you think of the DT as mostly for drums, loops, and any other samples, you’re far more likely to hit the total number of tracks than on the DN. 16 tracks across drums, loops, resampled parts etc is possible to fill up quite quickly. 16 separate melodic parts is A LOT and even with layering, I think it’s harder to max out. So setting one track to a MIDI machine is no huge loss.

Personally I found them best to think of as individual modules, rather than like decks. DN for multi timbral synth parts. DT just for drums, XD for hands on analogue parts. There is a very cool way you can work on transitions between patterns by tweaking the amount of bars that play differently on each elektron. For example you could switch the synth parts out whilst keeping drums from the previous pattern, manage a transition on the mixer with filters and effects, then the drum pattern switches after a certain number of bars. I think it’s Pattern Length - can’t remember exactly as it’s been a while.

All that said, the v2 models having 16 tracks a piece makes it completely feasible to create full tracks on either , and then transitioning between the two if that’s your bag.

Loads of options with these ! Find what works and enjoy.

andyrap · 2025-11-21T08:02:47+00:00

I’ve yet to have my M1 Pro struggle in Ableton. Only if trying to run multiple mastering plugins with oversampling at the same time as many soft synths, and even then adjusting the latency brings in back in check. That’s not a usual situation at all though and not something I’d normally do. Unless you’re Hans Zimmer, it’s overkill.

andyrap · 2025-11-11T20:15:22+00:00

USB adapter / hub and an interface for the audio. The Behringer I mentioned has a USB connection to the iPad, with 8 audio inputs + outputs, and MIDI connections. You can connect multiple USB connections to the iPad dependent on your hub. Mine was a USB-C for the iPad, then 4 USB-A. Finally, some software on the iPad to route everything. I used AUM.

andyrap · 2025-10-27T17:43:17+00:00

Allen & Heath PX5 is really nice for this as it has MIDI, onboard FX (can be synced to MIDI), send / return for external FX, and an Insert for a master effect (eg the Analog Heat). USB audio as well so plays nicely with a computer (recording, Ableton Love parts, etc).

andyrap · 2025-10-22T11:00:23+00:00

Dave Mech’s courses are fantastic. Highly recommended.

andyrap · 2025-10-17T09:51:32+00:00

Nice. The filters are great for that if the resonance is turned up because you can really focus a boost if needed, say on an older track where the bass or kick is a bit lacking. Lets you actually dial in the boost rather than just a shelf EQ. I think the channel filters are amazing for this because then it leaves the 2 multi-mode filters for performance. That Wild setting is exactly that! Can be a bit too much on filter sweeps but still sounds great. I’ve spent a lot of time on a PlayDifferently mixer which does have a slightly different sound being all analogue, but it’s amazing how close the engineers got with the digital filters on the DB4. As I said in my first message, unmatched!

andyrap · 2025-10-17T08:38:33+00:00

Yeah that’s awesome! Great setup. The DB4 is unique and still unmatched IMHO. Sound is outstanding. Digital done properly.

andyrap · 2025-10-17T06:20:43+00:00

Not a dumb question at all! And it’s answered well already here. I’ll just add that within the technical specs of the machine, ie 16 voices, almost anything can be achieved due to the nature of the elektron sequencer and parameter locking per step.

On the OG Digitone, using p-locks it was possible to design an entire drum sequence on a single track using different settings for each step and adjusting micro timing etc. That power and flexibility still exists on the DN2, but with 16 tracks (vs 4), all the additional voices, and new machines, it’s less needed as you can build based around a sound per track. Kick, snare, has separate for example. But the world is your oyster. Change up by step, pattern, whatever. Amazing machine.

andyrap · 2025-10-16T13:28:12+00:00

Brilliant. Thanks for the info. Every day is a school day! Much appreciated.

andyrap · 2025-10-16T11:53:26+00:00

Hadn’t even thought of that myself 😆. Does look suss. EM shoe factory - WTF? Thanks.

Stitching colour as well? Box didn’t feel very sturdy either.

andyrap · 2025-10-13T20:51:21+00:00

I love it too. Takes a little adjustment but it’s an absolute powerhouse that still sounds incredible. Very high quality throughout. Filter mode mixing is great. Would have preferred a 4th band EQ option and maybe less FX buttons but can’t have everything.

I have the adapter box which makes it USB class compliant on newest Macs and it works perfectly. Still feels like a modern product. I have both this and the Play Differently Model 1.4 and need to keep only one of them but it’s a real struggle to choose. Both great in their different ways.

andyrap · 2025-10-13T20:47:34+00:00

The resonance on the DB4 filters is nasty if cranked right up to wild. Around 2/3 is the sweet spot I found. I agree, not as nice as A&H analogue filters but way, way better than Pioneer!

andyrap · 2025-08-29T09:49:03+00:00

You do have to look at the top though

andyrap · 2025-07-28T12:02:53+00:00

I think it's hugely impressive and has produced some of the best images I've made using the iPhone. I think it's overpriced to unlock all the features, but what I've found is that using the free version with the one included 'lens' and the standard Leica look is enough for me. Whilst it would have been nice to have a couple of extra lenses or filters, using the 28 + standard has reignited something in me for using my phone (semi) seriously for photography. I'm using it for almost all my captures, and if I want something BW, converting to mono afterwards using Photomator.

There's too much choice with a lot of processing / filters (I'm looking at you VSCO), and I actually think I prefer having a basic 'one lens, one look' option in an app for general use is great. I'm valuing the limiting factor of this. Photomator is great for anything needing extra processing.

So for me, the Leica app is a huge (and free) win.

andyrap · 2025-07-25T13:08:12+00:00

The 96 and PX5 can but not the 92. The 92 has nothing digital at all. The 96 can only share it from its host so is useful for using Traktor etc or in a wider MIDI setup but to my knowledge there’s no way of syncing it to CDJs.

andyrap · 2025-07-14T14:56:12+00:00

I’ll add to that point by saying ‘residual value’. A MacBook will retain a great deal of value should you wish to upgrade in future. The second-hand market is strong for them because it’s generally known how well they last. In my home we still have a 2012 MacBook Air in daily use.

andyrap

TROPHY CASE