Digital lofi operates a software-based studio out of a workspace in Pawtucket, RI.
Dlf’s hardware, beyond the instruments themselves, is primarily used to interface with the studioware. At present I am back to using an M-Audio Audiophile 24/96 synced to an Event EZbus, but presently I am upgrading my PCI card to (most likely) a LynxL22 or LynxOne. I mix through Event 20/20bas monitors. Mackie Control is used for, uh, software control (Sonar primarily; see below). I have an Alesis QS6.1, which I use as both a MIDI controller and ROMpler (frankly, I can’t be bothered to program it; scrolling through menus on LCD screen is too much for me.) For MIDI control I use a Novation ReMote25 and a M-Audio TriggerFinger which is quite useful for all sorts of things, the least of which is beats. And there are a few other odds and ends that I use here and there.
I also have a Dave Smith evolver desktop. A POD2.0. A circuit-bent Casio SK-1, as well as a stock version. A Lexicon multi-fx unit.
For instruments I have a Fender Nashville Tele; not one of their deluxe American made models but I like it quite a lot. I have a fascinating Guild D’armond guitar which is sort of knock-off of a Gretsch Duo-jet, with D’armond pickups & a Bigsby tremolo; I have it strung in the Nashville tuning (also know as high-strung which is pretty funny to me.) (This guitar, strung thusly, is great sounding and fun to play). I have a Taylor (from the 900 series I believe) with a stereo Fishman pickup (great for capturing two signals from a singal performance; three if you use a mic). Additionally, I have a vintage Gibson, which I won’t discuss here, but gets used. And I have a cheap-ass lap steel that has it’s uses but is basically a plank with some cheap guitar hardware and strings.
But digital lofi is about software and samples. It is software that brought me back to making music, and these are the tools I am most excited about. As much as some might be horrified by my setup (the computer monitors are mis-matched even!), and others might be a bit envious, and I will certainly look to upgrade the studio, I don’t have much desire to start chasing expensive hardware. I like working “in the box” and I’ve yet to fuly fully tap the creative potential at my fingertips. The price-point to value ratio is through the roof, the filtering of music-production to the consumer is heartening, and, frankly, I like software.
Software kit list:
| Sequencers/Hosts | Softsynths (Commercial) | |
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| Drum samplers | Samplers/Sample Players/ | |
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Sample Libraries |
DSP | |
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*This list will be an ongoing project, as I get it sorted out.
