An Incredible Story of my G.A.S., Staying Awake for 3 Days & Move – My 3 Tops and Flops
The Highlights & Downsides of the Week in my Life as a Musician
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An Incredible Story of my G.A.S., Staying Awake for 3 Days & Move - My 3 Tops and Flops · Source: GEARNEWS / Marcus Schmahl
What a week of tops and flops: My G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) had struck years ago and now it finally became reality. I was at the even bigger ADE 2024, I’m still amazed, but with aftereffects and side effects. And finally, I can perfectly capture my musical ideas on the go and even work on them for the studio. These are my tops and flops of the week.
My Tops and Flops of the Week
G.A.S. Explosion: The Wait of Over Two Years is Over!
Wow! It was a real surprise when, after waiting for over two years, I received an email this week from the manufacturer I had put on a waiting list for studio hardware. I’m talking about Sequentix and their ‘legendary’ Cirklon hardware sequencer. I can no longer remember the exact date when I finally decided to buy this sequencer. But the hardware had been on my G.A.S. list for years – often seen in countless videos by producers I really respect.
And then everything went very quickly: I opened the email, clicked on ‘pay’, entered my address and three days later the package with the Cirklon 2 plus accessories was at my front door. Well packed (including CV breakout box, wooden side panels) and with a really solid paper manual. For me the hardware is already worth the money. Integrated into the studio, the sequencer is really a lot of fun. Of course, I still have a lot to learn about using the hardware, as there are an incredible number of functions in this versatile box.
From now on I will be using the Cirklon 2 simultaneously and synchronised (via my E-RM Multiclock) with Ableton Live as an machine to create new ideas for drum and melody sequences. When programmed well, this means parameter lock for all my synths and more creativity through expanded possibilities. This is definitely a highlight of my week and belongs in my tops and flops of the week! If you are also interested in the hardware, I recommend getting on the waiting list as soon as possible. More information can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Amsterdam Dance Event 2024 – Three days awake and my impressions
Another annual highlight for my tops and flops of the week took place last week in one of my favourite cities, Amsterdam: the Amsterdam Dance Event (short: ADE). I was there from Wednesday to Saturday to see what has become a really big event, to meet friends and acquaintances and to meet new people. During the day there were very interesting panel discussions, workshops on all aspects of media, management and label work, as well as an exhibition of audio equipment, instruments and software from many well-known manufacturers. You can test everything and get advice. For me it’s like a paradise within a paradise.
As evening approached, the event moved to bars and restaurants, with plenty of meet and greets along the way – networking at its best. And then, until the next morning, it was on to the countless clubs, halls and extravagant venues where international artists, live performers and DJs showed what they are known for. With a Pro Pass, I was able to wander from one party to the next to make sure I missed nothing and saw everything. Sleep is an absolute afterthought in Amsterdam during these days – you should plan for it!
The low point of the week was coming down with the obligatory flu that I always have to expect after these events. An incredible number of people in the city, crowded trains and a time of year that germs love. That means fever, sore throat and coughing. Thank you, ADE! But as they say, if you can party, you can party.
By the way, the next ADE will celebrate its 30th anniversary from 22 to 26 October 2025. Next year’s event will definitely be again a highlight of the tops and flops!
Ableton Move – always with you and it was worth it!
For me the top product (so far) and definitely a winner of the tops and flops of the year: Ableton Move. A lot of people are thinking: ‘This thing is totally reduced’ and ‘you can’t really make music with it’. That’s true, of course. But what I’ve always wanted has become a reality. I can take a piece of my ‘studio’ with me as a notepad. And the best thing is: I can capture ideas, be creative, use sounds recorded with the microphone, jam. And finish a song? The finished song is, of course, finished in the studio.
Move automatically transfers all the data to the Ableton cloud, where I can access it in the studio and in Live 12 with a single click. It couldn’t be simpler. Of course, I still miss a few features here and there, but maybe they’ll come in a future update. Nevertheless, Move is already a great companion on my travels and even in the living room, where I can quickly work on a new layout.
I’m currently working on a new ambient album, 50 per cent of the ideas for which have been created in and with Move so far. Instruments and sounds can be changed later, but the basic sketches are there – and it’s pure fun! You can find out more about the hardware at the manufacturer’s website.
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