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Please Help Me Pick My Home Setup

Recently moved to a different state and had to sell off most of my synth gear prior to that. Now that we're finally getting properly settled in, I want to build out a modest setup anew in my home office.

The intended use will be mostly DAWless jamming for my own amusement, but I may dabble with software instruments from time to time (I have a license for Pianoteq and Cinematic Studio Strings, as an example).

I was able to bring the following with me to get started with: a pair of Neumann KH 120 monitors, a Yamaha Reface CS, and a Source Audio Nemesis and Ventris pedal. I did also recently pick up a Motu M2 to act as an audio interface for my PC, which I use with a Sennheiser e935 mic.

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Was thinking of adding a Novation SL MkIII 61 as a master keyboard to control everything. It seems like a quality controller and I appreciate the usefulness of the key lights for scales, etc. However, I also really hate the idea of spending that much on just a controller alone when I'm not even planning to use a DAW much at all. The alternative idea is to get an actual hardware synth in a similar price bracket with a solid keybed to double as a master controller, in which case the Modal Cobalt 8X is extremely appealing for not that much more money.

Two other instruments that I've been lusting for:

1) Audiothingies Micromonsta 2 - always wanted the original and it just seems like such a great value that I could fit easily on the empty space of the panel of either keyboard mentioned above.

2) Novation Circuit Tracks - like the Micromonsta, always wanted to own the original Circuit and the new one is even more tempting.

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Finally, a few questions:

1) If you were in my shoes, what direction would you choose: a proper controller like the Novation and build from there or go with a hardware synth to fill that role, like the Cobalt 8X, to get the most bang for your buck?

2) Does it make sense to own all four of the combo mentioned (Cobalt 8X, Reface CS, Micromonsta 2, Circuit Tracks) or is there too much overlap there? Any other choices I should be considering instead?

3) Lastly, I was also thinking about picking up a Tascam Model 12 to serve as the mixer for all of my gear, including the synths being discussed and possibly some electronic drums in the future, etc. Does this seem a prudent enough choice for a DAWless approach or overkill?

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Your opinions, advice and critiques are very welcome and most appreciated. Thank you for your time!

submitted by /u/712Jefferson
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