My dawless setup

My dawless setup as of 2026-03-20

Novation Circuit Tracks

Tracks is the sequencer for its own internal drum tracks and Integra-7.

Pros

• Fun groovebox also as stand-alone
• Rechargable battery
• Velocity sensitive pads
• UI is fast and convenient once you memorize what everything does
• Probabilities, micro-timing and independent pattern lengths

Cons

• Mono samples
• Drum tracks are monophonic
• Only 4 drum tracks + 4 midi (the 2 synth channels can be used as midi)
• Internal synth not the greatest

Roland Integra-7

Integra-7 rack synth (or "sound module") is the jack-of-all-trades of sounds. Any type of sound you need, it's probably in here.

Pros

• All the sounds you need: pianos, synths, flutes, drums etc.
• SRX expansion boards included
• Multiple tracks with EQ, layering, effects

Cons

• Editing patches is a chore and differ based on sound engine
• Limited effect chaining possibilities (1 master fx for sound patch + studio set reverb/chorus)
• Limited number of parameters available via midi CC

Roland T-8

T-8's best feature is the 303 bass. You get a couple of drum tracks also.

Pros

• 303!
• Fun as a standalone noodling machine

Cons

• Single audio out
• No midi cc control other than note input

Roland P-6

P-6 is a sampler but also a granular synth.

Pros

• Stereo samples
• Granular synth, and it's controllable via midi cc

Cons

• Limited sample time on highest quality (couple of seconds @ 44.1/stereo)
• Cryptic display and menu diving

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-770

DR-770 is a drum machine.

Pros

• some usable sounds
• original/variation patterns

Cons

• contains 808 & 909 kits but no 909 ride
• midi sync setting not persisted when powering off

Boss MS-3

MS-3 is a multi-effect.

Pros

• multiple effects

Cons

• mono input

Valeton GP-50

GP-50 is a multi-effect.

Pros

• nice distortion/OD/cab effects
• decent delays and reverbs
• midi cc control
• looper included which is also cc controllable

Cons

• mono input

Faderfox UC-4

UC-4 is a midi controller. I use it to control Integra-7 (channel levels, filters, reverb sends), P-6's granular synth and GP-50 parameters.

Pros

• Nice faders and lots of controls in a compact box
• Editing is easy once you get the hang of it
• Groups

Cons

• All edits are saved immediately so make sure you're editing the right group
• Digit display only, no text (have to just remember what each control does)

Midi Solutions Merger

The Merger can merge and/or copy midi signals. 2 in, 2 out. I use it to get UC-4's signals routed to everywhere they need to go since not every device has a midi thru. Also useful when connecting different midi miniplug standards (type A/B).

Pros: does what it should without external power

Behringer HD400

HD400 is a "hum destroyer". Useful in the signal chain to kill USB ground loops. I have it after T-8 and GP-50 (both are USB-C powered) before mixer.

Pros: does what it should without external power

Zoom Livetrak L-12

L-12 is a mixer and a multitrack recorder. It just about has enough tracks for the current setup.

Pros

• class compliant, works in Linux as an audio interface
• records lots of channels at the same time
• scene memory

Cons

• no physical EQ controls for each channel
• endless rotary controls (for EQ I'd prefer tangible zero positions)