Post
by silikon » Tue May 06, 2014 3:57 pm
I'm desperately trying to understand the whole controversy over hardware and software. It escapes me.
That said, regarding energy usage, I'll tell you without equivocation that most vintage or current hardware synths or effects devices use far less energy per instance than say a typical modern (or elderly for that matter) computer. Heat dissipation speaks of inefficiencies less than amount of energy absorbed (IIRC). Generally, most desktop PC/Mac's use around 400-600 watts depending on many variables that are likely out of the scope of this conversation.
I know that most all of the synths I've owned, absorb around 10-60 watts. Tens of watts versus hundreds for a single computer. I know that I could energize literally all of the synths I owned at one period of recent, and it would use only slightly less than the single PC that I had built that had an 800 watt power supply at full processing capacity. (less than the rating of the power supply therein)
(bear in mind that doesn't include modular systems, which can vary wildly depending on modules used and the number of modules overall)
Things like a Fairlight, an Emulator II, and certainly the Synclavier will use more, in line with what one would expect a normal desktop computer to consume as they were essentially, computing devices themselves with all the encumbrances.
Obviously powered speakers, amps, and especially tube-driven amps (guitar, bass) will also absorb a large amount of energy.
Synths, by themselves absorb far less (even with inefficient power supplies).
Regarding licensing issues, even the most obfuscated licensing is manageable if you put effort into such activities. I personally save all my license information into an encrypted file that's backed up. This includes any license keys that are associated with iLok or eLicenser license files. I know that iLok also has a fee-based license backup service, in case one loses or damages their iLok, but even that's unnecessary as they'll replace the licenses on a new iLok (that you would have to purchase), albeit within a week or so, and not instantaneously. I can't be certain, but I believe the eLicenser mechanism also has this. Then there's also the fact that most reputable developers also have a database of purchased licenses in the event you lose them.
I also believe that a comparison of software to hardware is essentially "doing it wrong". Yes, there are emulations of hardware, but really they're emulations and shouldn't be expected to model the most delicate nuance of a hardware device. If you're that up your own a*s about some nuance of any synth (not a derogatory statement at all, I'm guilty of the same thing oftentimes) then you shouldn't look to software to fill that void.
To answer the OP's question, I use hardware and software to different extents. Being able to have hardware around for me is an absolute luxury and I feel fortunate for having that ability. If the time comes that I've got to do everything in the box, I'll be okay with that as well.
echo 1 > /dev/awesome