Jeff Evans I think you have to separate the technology learning and practice into other sessions away from the music making. That is what I tend to do. Have setup, test, play, learn, practice etc.. sessions. There is a lot to keep up with. Keeping your instruments updated. Your software. The program you use to do this very thing. Bring your creative sessions into focus at times and the technology disappears to the background on those days. As it should. I made a piece of music the other day which sounded very much like something I did in 1982. The creative ideas were the same and I was pleased that the musical concepts came through. The end result was very similar too. Showing the ability to recreate a ton of analog synth sounds and well. Without owning them. Think about the music only. How the first idea starts and how they build from there. None of that has gone away. It is up to you to tap into it mentally.
Jeff EvansThe other day I got synth called kHs ONE by Kilohearts. This is one amazing sounding instrument.
dmbaerIn general, having a massive collection of plug-ins certainly can be a distraction. However ... There's an old saying that goes something like: you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. Same with plug-ins.
michaelhanson you control the art.