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GEAR / TECHNOLOGY => gear/tech/etc => Topic started by: Skin Flick on August 08, 2026, 11:00:55 PM

Title: Less Is More setups
Post by: Skin Flick on August 08, 2026, 11:00:55 PM
Anyone here have a nice minimal setup they prefer to use? Currently I'm working with a Behringer Wasp, SP 404 MKII and my vocal mic. Looking to swap the wasp out with something more...dynamic in it's place. What are the more barebones setups you guys have?
Title: Re: Less Is More setups
Post by: Atrophist on August 09, 2026, 12:25:34 AM
I've been working with an experimental sampler, the Torso S4. At home it's part of a larger setup, but live I can probably get away with using just that, and a Quilter pre-amp/DI thingy for added gain/dirt which the S4 is lacking. The preamp also has an FX loop for a pedal or two if needed. And the sampler has two independent inputs for contact mics, tape players etc.
Title: Re: Less Is More setups
Post by: Balor/SS1535 on August 09, 2026, 01:18:07 AM
Assuming that you are also implicitly including a mixer in your setup, incorporating a feedback loop is a great way to "double" things up with minimal additions (though a pedal chain running feedback helps a lot).
Title: Re: Less Is More setups
Post by: Skin Flick on August 09, 2026, 03:57:42 AM
Quote from: Atrophist on August 09, 2026, 12:25:34 AMTorso S4

Looked at the price...jesus. I do envy that you have one though. Is it used on your last couple releases?
Title: Re: Less Is More setups
Post by: Atrophist on August 09, 2026, 04:16:44 AM
Quote from: Skin Flick on August 09, 2026, 03:57:42 AM
Quote from: Atrophist on August 09, 2026, 12:25:34 AMTorso S4

Looked at the price...jesus. I do envy that you have one though. Is it used on your last couple releases?

I got a good deal on a second-hand one. And no, I don't have anything out yet where I've used it. I've only had it for a couple of months.

EDIT:

I do think it's a bit overpriced for what it is, and what it can do. And the fact of the matter is that a couple of years after they've released it, they still haven't come up with all the features they promised. It still needs better filters and effects, and the ability to reorder the "devices".

Still, it's a very inspiring and versatile machine. And very intuitive to use. If you have the opportunity, give it a try to see if it's for you or not.
Title: Re: Less Is More setups
Post by: Skin Flick on August 09, 2026, 04:33:09 AM
Quote from: Atrophist on August 09, 2026, 04:16:44 AM
Quote from: Skin Flick on August 09, 2026, 03:57:42 AM
Quote from: Atrophist on August 09, 2026, 12:25:34 AMTorso S4

Looked at the price...jesus. I do envy that you have one though. Is it used on your last couple releases?

I got a good deal on a second-hand one. And no, I don't have anything out yet where I've used it. I've only had it for a couple of months.

EDIT:

I do think it's a bit overpriced for what it is, and what it can do. And the fact of the matter is that a couple of years after they've released it, they still haven't come up with all the features they promised. It still needs better filters and effects, and the ability to reorder the "devices".

Still, it's a very inspiring and versatile machine. And very intuitive to use. If you have the opportunity, give it a try to see if it's for you or not.

I do think the 404 MKII works best for what I need. the layering is perfect, easy to sort, tons of samples, and it works as a mean vocal effect unit. Once I play enough scratch cards and win I'll grab the S-4, it has a neat layout and I dig the videos I saw on it.