My dawless setup

My dawless setup as of 2026-08

In addition to the below:

Elektron Digitakt II

"The DT" is an all-around workhorse, you could produce a full track with just this one.

Pros

• Lots of channels
• Controls MIDI devices on any track
• Lots of sample space

Cons

• Archaic and stupidly slow USB transfer speed of samples to internal drive
• Official software doesn't work in Linux
• No velocity sensitive pads
• No polyphony, i.e. each track plays only one thing at a time

Roland S-1

Roland S-1 is a compact basic synth.

Pros

• Lots of possibilities: use it as a bass, pad, arp, fx
• Arpeggiator

Cons

• Same as other AIRA compacts, small cryptic display and menu diving

Lexicon MPX 500

The MPX 500 is a multi effects rack unit.

Pros

• Lexicon reverb, a classic
• Delays are also useful, and there are programs with multiple effects at the same time

Cons

• Limited tweaking of presets

Zoom MS-70CDR+

The MS-70CDR+ is a multi effects unit.

Pros

• Stereo input
• Delays and reverb, lots of different ones
• Very pleasing azure color

Cons

• No distortions or drives in this unit, Zoom wants you to buy other devices for that

Samson S-Patch Plus

The S-Patch is a patchbay.

Pros

• Works as a patchbay
• Routing switches at the front

Mackie 1202VLZ4

The 1202VLZ4 is an analog mixer. I use it as a secondary routing mixer.

Pros

• Solid mixer with auxes and returns

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)