Actually more than ten years...  I've noticed some things are different since the last time I was "in".  Nobody seems to use mixers anymore, for one thing, and dedicated sound modules seem to have become a thing of the past.
 
I'm not sure what I need anymore?  Are soft synths the thing these days?  Am I really all set with just keys, computer, software, interface, and monitors?
 
Doesn't anybody like real knobs and faders anymore?

You can do an awful lot with *just* that now a days.


best regards,
mike

Yeah... that's my set up too. 

I am on my second DAW. This one is a custom build with an external interface and a pair of studio monitors. 

An old midi keyboard gets the midi in.

I started out a few years ago (again) after having been in about 10 yrs back and getting out due to software OS upgrades that killed the drivers in my old computer soundcard. 

So imagine my surprise when I jumped back in and realized I did not need a mixer board and all the synths were now software based and sounded so much better than the old hardware based stuff. 

Welcome back.... the gear and software is amazing.... ask questions, jump in and make music. 

I run X1 on XP but that OS is old... however, the system is rock solid. I hear the new 64 bit stuff is good too so have fun.

I'm a knobs 'n faders guy, too. Like you, I'd been away for awhile before getting sucked back in, in 2005. 

It began innocently enough. At first, I just used SONAR as a tape replacement, still with the familiar mixer in front of me and hardware synths. Then I discovered the joys of automation, something I'd never had at home before. From there it was all downhill. Next came samplers and software synthesizers and a too-large collection of plugins. 

I went from owning one midrange compressor and one crappy reverb to having a dozen of each - virtual ones, of course. Before I knew it I had a serious G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) problem. That's when I found this place, somewhere I'm not alone, where I can commiserate with others similarly afflicted.

Cerberus, turn back while you still can!

are you doing any live stuff or just talking studio gear?  

It becomes a vicious circle.  I'm finding that vsti stuff, which I love and can't make all kinds of great sounds leaves a little something to be desired, sonically.  I started out on tape and analog synths.  I still through in some analog when I bother to get it out.  But recording virtual stuff through a good analogue chain gives me the air, tone whatever I miss, sonically.

So yes, a digital system is wondrous compared to our old, cobbled together home analogue systems.  Compressors/EQ on as many channels as you can shake a stick at.  Layers to the max.  Synths that can mimic acoustic instruments, classic synths, and sounds that one could never get on old analog synthesizers.  there is a convenience w/ mixers that is missing, of course, but that is balanced out w/ repeatability and saved settings.  But at some point you still need a good to golden front end if you want the sound you remember from the good ole days.

@

Some of us still use mixers and hardware. Use whatever workflow you're comfortable with and happy recording!

I had not touched anything musical in 25 years and about 12 years ago got back in the game. I went the purely digital route because of convenience and cost for the first 4 years. I have to say it was a struggle trying to get the results of a mixer and tape. Eventually I started moving away from plugins except piano and synths which, once you pass them back through a decent preamp, move in a positive direction. Also a good collection of modest microphones can be all the EQ you need except for maybe a plugin or hardware EQ for the occassional need.

In the last 8 years I have moved to a hybrid system, searching for hardware deals wherever I can find them. I can't impress enough the results of a couple of transformer & tube based hardware pieces for preamp, compression and EQ. Also if you can afford at least one decent digital/reverb/fx box, you can do a lot.

Don't get caught up in the plug in fascination. You can pour a lot of money down that well with no recoup on your investment. A lot of times the basic plug ins that come with your DAW are enough. I have found that no plug in does hardware compression as well as a good box. They are fine for minor coloring and slight compression but they can kill your sound fast. Some reverb plugins are adequate.

Depending on your budget, you might find hardware summing something you want to explore. I love knobs and dials and having gone a full 360 on digital still prefer them.

Cerberus

Actually more than ten years...  I've noticed some things are different since the last time I was "in"... I'm not sure what I need anymore?... Am I really all set with just keys, computer, software, interface, and monitors?

I can relate to this.  My New Year Resolution for 2007 was to become a musician again and to catch up with current music technologies.  This was one year in which I actually followed through on a resolution.

I still use my mixer for input and then monitor control. They are still very useful for that, but there is no point using one for mixdown anymore.
I still have a bunch of hardware synths and processing stuff that I keep because it is worth nothing if I sell it. It looks cool piled up in the racks and when people come in they expect to see that kind of stuff. 

Don't sell your old gear keep it. But you might find yourself never having to use it again. 
One thing I'd recommend is a hardware compressor which  is a valuable tool for inputting.