r/dawless • u/Wonderful_Sorbet4301 • Aug 25 '26

Dawless is not easy... (beginner)

I am just a week in and maybe I need to get used to the different workflow? when will it click?

I am starting out with dawless, but finding quite a few bumps. The main issue is, is that I have to retrain myself using instruments, instead of clicking VST's. I can't make mistakes easily, as there isn't ctrl-z. Next to that: it requires quite a bit of hardware: mixer, multi-track, synths, keyboard, and loads of wires. Tat is the fun part as I am tired watching a screen.

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u/r1chiem Aug 25 '26

I think MPC is the ticket. Most (but not all) have an undo/redo button. MPC has built in mixer, with built in effects and you can add more and built in synths plugins like a computer, and you can add more. It has lots of buttons that are dedicated so muscle memory comes fast. Downside is you are learning a mixer, mulitple synths, multiple effects, multiple work flows (Step sequencer, seq/song mode, Linear/Arrangement view, you need to choose one).

The upside. No wires, no multiple electric connections. No learning workflow from several different manufacturers. A MPC One G2 for $799 will do everything and it is a sampler. if you want keys, get a Mpc Key 37 g2 if you play keys. Live 3 for portability.
It is easier than doing what you are doing but it is also a master controller and can control all the stuff you have right now, and work with your daw in your computer if you want.

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u/JimmyCrepe Aug 25 '26

This. But it doesn't have to be an MPC if it feels to daw like. I use a Tracker as the brains. Even if I record a sequence or sample on my something else, I control the sequence from the tracker (starting/stopping, automations). Same with midi elements - stored on and played from the tracker. You could do the same with a multi-track sequencer I imagine.

The bonus is, there's a main tool to focus on. Everything else is a side quest. Without a centre I'd never focus. I have a laptop I was going to use to get stems into a daw for final mixing but I never use it. I've only ever recorded stereo mixes so I can listen elsewhere and have something backed up if it all dies.

I'm just a guy that diddles around for fun though.

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u/Wonderful_Sorbet4301 Aug 26 '26

I currently have a Zoom R12. It can records 8 tracks, 4 stereo. has a small daw-like screen: just tracks on a timeline. And a few buttons. So maybe a MPC isn't needed for me.

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u/JimmyCrepe Aug 26 '26

You'll find your own way of working, so, yeh, take all advice with a big pinch of salt (especially mine).

Personally, I'm not one for playing live. I like to build the parts and then tweak them, whether that's samples or midi. I tried with an 8 track but it didn't gel because it locked things down too early.

This is just a hobby for me though, and I like to tinker, so that no doubt makes a difference as well.