Dreams of portable power – hardware

Am I the only one dreaming of the exact opposite of a big studio from time to time? In other words a portable solution to carry with me everywhere. It sounds easy, and available, but a further look into it reveals it’s not.

Actually, I have heard of some hit makers do their stuff with only a computer, their app of choice and samples. This is probably fine for some styles of music, but for everyone who wants at least a small dose of rock & roll it’s a little bit harder. The computer is quickly joined by a guitar, a microphone, some sort of preamp or audio interface and perhaps something more as well, and suddenly we’re not so portable anymore. At least not more than your regular gig band. I’m talking backpack portable.

Let’s make a list! I love lists. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sound sources (you know, instruments and such)
• At least one microphone, probably more. If you’re a lucky sudd who don’t like vocals you don’t need this. I envy you.
• A portable computer
• A pair of headphones
• An interface to connect everything to

Keep in mind that this is the bare minimum. A killer preamp, a guitar amp and perhaps a tracking compressor would be preferable to a lot of people.

The problem arise with the very first thing we add. Whether out favorite instrument is a synth, a guitar or a bass, it’s one extra bag. Probably a big bag on top of that. And if you (like me) want to record your amp instead of an emulator – at least most of the time – then we’re in some deep shit. I know of some rock & roll solutions for this, like using a really small amp. Probably not something someone who’s really picky with the sound would prefer, but I’ve talked to some blues cats on the other side of the Atlantic who really enjoys the Roland MicroCube and Pignose portable amps.

The microphone is perhaps the least of the problems. Not least since you’ll probably want an interface that sport some kind of preamp in itself. In other words, don’t worry about the external pre if you aren’t a snob. If you want to be among the badder asses of this planet then say “fuck you Neumann” and record straight into the MacBook built-in microphone. It might end up sounding cool. If you think it sounds too pretty then sing into your cellphone and import the file to your computer.

I guess that settles the computer question as well – buy a MacBook. Or if you want something that won’t break, buy a PC instead. Of course you’ll have to deal with Microsoft software on it. In other words it’s really a question of if you want your hardware or your software to break. If you dare use Linux and want a really cool portable solution Indamixx is the ticket.

If you have more space then you can try to couple these fairly low-end solutions with something more high-end. I’ve heard very good things about the API A2D which has both the 312 preamps as well as good AD converters (or so I hear). Couple it with an Mbox and a great channelstrip (or a compressor if you’re too much of a pussy to track with EQ) and you have a killer tracking rig that can compete with what most people have in their studios.

Are you portable? What’s your solution?