Hardware vs Software Digital Audio Workstations
for Off-The-Grid Recording Solutions:

Originally written in February of 2013 and last updated Feb 2023 the following information gets periodically updated as technologies evolve. The article compares the virtues and vices of a Hardware versus Software approach to home studio recording. Originally there was an emphasis on recording off-the-grid (that is - no mains power).
While this may still be a consideration, it is no longer a primary criteria.

Since this article may at times appear to have an anti-software and/or anti-PC flavour ... I should probably mention that I have been using, building (several hundred) and repairing PCs since the days of the PC XT and DOS (mid 1980's). I've also clocked up a few thousand hours of writing software for the PC as well. I still hand code much of the HTML on this page. My current PC spec is a 10 core, 4.7GHz Win10 box that starts the day by asking if there are any 8K video files to eat.

This is just to make the point that I'm not an anti-computer technophobe. I'm both familiar and more than comfortable with PC/Laptop/Tablet related technologies, at both the hardware and software levels. I've been using MIDI for over a decade to control multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously ...

As with all things, we each have our own requirements. We have our needs, wants, wishes and of course, the reality of what we can reasonably afford and/or work with, at a given time.


One of the biggest advantages (or so it appears at first) of the PC / Laptop / Software approach to Home Studio Recording, is that most people these days have access to one or more computers. With processing capabilities generally being way more than adequate, why not press them into service and use them for recording your music? It sounds perfectly logical and reasonable.

The catch of course - is that (aside from some older Apple Macs) most PCs and Laptops are simply not up to the task of Home Studio Recording without a serious investment in Software, Additional Hardware and quite a bit of Your Time spent sorting out the bugs, glitches and associated incompatibilities.

[ Microsoft appears to be more interested in making your music for you, than helping you make own. Just an observation. ]

These interesting anomalies will of course vary slightly from one machine to the next. Meaning that there isn't necessarily a single fix that will work for everyone. So, by the time you finally get around to the 'recording' part of your adventure ... in PC based recording wonderland ... your enthusiasm may have taken a serious hit or two along the way (not to mention your credit card).

That's not to say however that PCs and/or Laptops won't be a part of your solution. For example ... I'd love to be able to completely avoid the use of a PC/Laptop in my music recording process. However, that is simply not going to happen.

AXE-Edit (for AXE-FX III) and the Roland Integra require a PC/Laptop USB connection. The Laptop also serves as a Guitar/MIDI interface and as a MIDI control centre, something I'm hoping to eventually work-around with some (hellishly expensive) BOME gear - you know, once I learn how to drive it.

In April 2022 I started using a ZOOM L20R (mixer / recorder) which won't even work without an iPad - and of course - final mastering is generally done on a PC as well - Why? Simply because it's so much easier. It's that old problem of mix automation.


Things to bear in mind - Operational Parameters & Restrictions

The original general assumption here was that base power would be supplied by batteries, which may then either directly provide 12V or 24V DC (preferred), or go to an inverter to be converted to mains level 240VAC 50Hz (or whatever it is where you live).

While solar and/or wind power might be a part of the available power solution mix, each of these may (read: almost certainly will) introduce unwanted noise into the power grid, simply due to the way these devices operate and the required voltage regulation. Whilst this might not be an issue while watching youTube, it very well could be a serious issue if you are recording. So we are assuming low power consumption and preferably drawn directly from a set of batteries where possible.


So, hardware or software DAW for Off-The-Grid and/or Home Recording?

The following table should provide some general insights ...

What is Latency?

Simply put, Latency is an unwanted delay that is generally specified in ms (milliseconds), which is usually a result of the PC's CPU trying to do too many things at once. A latency of less than 50ms is generally acceptable. Once it gets to 100ms (1/10 of a second) it may be audible and/or problematic. A close analogy would be like hearing an echo of your own voice during a telephone conversation ... it can be very distracting. Ideally of course, latency would be zero or very close to zero (as it is for most hardware DAWs).

These days - if you pay enough money for a PC/Laptop (a minimum example: Intel i7 (7th gen+), 2.8 GHz+ Quad Core CPU, 16GB DDR4 RAM, SSD Boot Drive, 1TB HDD, USB 3, etc.), latency should not be a word you'll need to learn about. Hopefully ;-)

  Latency can have a range of causes (click for examples)

The biggest problems with Latency are that it can be unpredictable, complicated to minimise (if that means manually shutting down background services on your older PC) and of course potentially expensive (if the solution is to buy yet more hardware). A simple way to avoid many latency issues is to avoid Bluetooth devices.


A Final Word on DAW Software:

It's been around for decades. I remember using an early version of CakeWalk on a Windows 95 box (yep, I've been around for decades too). Though the performance and feature set of software DAWs has improved out of sight, along with the A to D front ends ... you're still working on a machine (the PC / Laptop) that is not primarily designed to work with high quality audio. A PC is one of the noisiest and pro-audio hostile electronic devices you can imagine ... the true marvel is that so many people get the great results that they do, in spite of this.


Jan 2016 update:

As control surface technology continues to evolve/improve, the distinction between hardware and software based DAWs also continues to blur. The increasing reliance on USB MIDI in most new equipment (in place of the once universal 5 pin DIN MIDI In / Out / Through ports) is an annoyance however, as it makes the use of a PC essential, rather than optional.

You may notice though that the more expensive or 'High-End' controllers ALL have 5 pin DIN MIDI ports available as standard. There are also (rather expensive) MIDI breakout boxes available that allow any MIDI gear (includes software MIDI devices) to be connected via USB and/or DIN MIDI - everything connects to everything. There is also MIDI over Wi-Fi, though you can rig something similar to this yourself with a couple of old iPhones running Bluetooth ;-)

There are several good reasons why manufacturers are are going down this USB MIDI only path. Firstly, they can build a box with mainly keys, knobs, pads and buttons that has greatly simplified electronics (seriously, you could make your own) - because the real work is being done by software running on a remote processor (PC / Laptop / Tablet).

The result is maximum corporate dollars for minimal electronics / hardware and importantly, lower cost to the consumer.

And of course, if the driver software isn't too wonderful and/or 'class compliant', manufacturers also ensure that at some point in the not too distant future ... you will need to upgrade! Everything these days is built with a frighteningly short anticipated working life.


Jan 2019 update:

I/O (Input/Output) devices have seen exponential improvements over the last few years. While high-end still means high price, entry level devices now often also boast astounding specs. Recording at 24bit and 192KHz can be had in your lounge room for a few hundred bucks.

Many I/O devices will also come with an option to download an LE (Light Edition) of a popular DAW software (or in some cases several), so that you can begin almost immediately. It just keeps getting better (more or less ;-)


Jan 2021 to May 2022 update:

Well, it has finally come to pass - who would have guessed that a virus would create a world full of bloggers, artists, and musicians - where even singing in the shower is now 'a thing'. You know, whatever 'a thing' actually is.

More importantly, we have reached that place where Hardware DAWs are becoming scarce again in the context of the Home Studio. Not surprising when there is a whole generation now that is used to doing everything from a touch screen (and a very small one at that).

Along with specialist high quality hand-held devices that can record six or more channels, the traditional Hardware DAW has evolved or perhaps morphed into the ultimate 'all-in-one-place' recording mixer. Where live recording of rehearsals / gigs / sessions and subsequent mixing and mastering can all happen anywhere, any time - on virtually any equipment (subject to the usual 'real-world' limitations of course, that are often conveniently omitted from the glossy brochure and YouTube video review - oh, hang on, that should probably be 'paid promotion' ;-)

The attendant assumption of these new technologies, is that a part (quite likely, a very substantial part) of the production process will be completed on a Software DAW. Which is another way of saying that while the possibilities become greater for some, they have lessened for others - status quo.

Releases of dedicated or 'true' all-in-one (studio in a box) hardware DAW music production gear (like the Tascam DP24 and 32) are becoming increasingly rare. A trend that will quite likely continue.

Since we are talking about off-the-grid use, a note on power consumption and cost:

Older - Tascam DP-32 SD, 12V, 12W (with phantom power on), new cost AUD $1.1K.

Current - Tascam Model-24 Multi-Track Live Recording Console 52W, new cost AUD $2.1K (and don't forget the PC and software to go with).

Just for comparison (and because I bought one), the Zoom LiveTrak L-20R is 12V, 24W and costs around AUD $1,100 + $500 for an iPad (no software needed for recording, but mastering will still want to be done elsewhere).

The main improvement with the Tascam Model-24 is that it can record 24 tracks at once compared to the 8 tracks at once of the DP series.The Model-24 relies on software DAWs for engineering, mastering, post production - the DP series does not.

The Zoom LiveTrak L-20R, while brilliant in a live situation and capable of recording 20 tracks at once, will also benefit from external / PC mastering once the music has been captured.

The big advantage of the recording mixer is the two press recording capability. Press once to arm, press again to record. It's your mixer - everything is generally plugged in all the time - so there is bugger-all to set up. So push the button and get on with that playing and recording.

No more excuses for forgetting those world shatteringly brilliant musical ideas that were gone when you woke up the next morning day.


Update February 2023:

Not surprising that TASCAM should take the lead and set a new bar (again) with their impressive Sonicview range. This is turf they have owned for quite some time.

Available for pre-order at the kings ransome of US $7K for the TASCAM Sonicview 24XP alone, this is not something we'll all be rushing out to buy. Particularly if one is going to also populate the rear I/O (slots 1 and 2), at an additional expense of over US $1K+ each. The Sonicview 24XP Stage 'Bundle' comes in at just under US $10K.

This may be a lovely piece of kit, but Cakewalk (now by Bandlab) is once again available 'free' of charge for the full version. So I'm thinking these TASCAM units will not be finding their way into too many home studios any time soon. Well, not as new anyway.

Your Comments:


230212 - (Excellent) Well, with the new Tascam Sonicview, high end standalone recorders might be making a come back! Cheers - Cameron

Editor's Note:
Not surprising that TASCAM should take the lead and set a new bar (again) with their impressive Sonicview range. This is turf they have owned for quite some time. See full comment above under Update February 2023.

Some emails with Cameron (or his AI) inspired the 'No AI - Bot Free Zone' logo - feel free to use it ;-)


190921 - (Very Good) I hope to provide some useful comments at a later date. For now, the initial article and subsequent comments by all participants are all appreciated and still relevant. It's All good. Thanks.


190919 - (Excellent) I make music as hobby since 15 years, played in 2 bands and tried several solutions to record and mix our songs, finally coming to an AW4416. I think I will stay with it until it lasts. I even bought a 8in/8out ADAT interface a few month ago to expand it. The MIDI drum (and other MIDI instrument) problem I solved with a QY700 sequencer + a MOXF6. It is MTC synced to the AW4416. Thank you for sharing this great article!

Editor's Note:
The Yamaha AW4416 was on my wishlist for over a decade. The specs are still awesome, even today ... but it was the motorised faders and ability to record and play back an entire scene/mix that really had me drooling. Thanks for additional info on the related gear for your recording solution - greatly appreciated ;-)


190614 - (Excellent) I have bought an older Zoom MRS-8, and never used Ableton Live again for recording. Even though I have a good control surface for Ableton, the simplicity of the Zoom beats Ableton and probably any other DAW. I'm not saying that I live without DAW, I do, but use it only for time stretching and post production like cleanup, tempo correction, etc.. But the master mixdown is again a task for the Zoom MRS-8, because the algorithms just kick ass right out of the box. Also the drum machine and the bass synth beats anything that I've heard in DAWs (Cakewalk Sonar, Ableton, Magix Samplitude <- the best sound of the three mentioned). My productivity just improved a lot both quantity and QUALITY.

Editor's Note:
Thankyou for the informative comment ( ... and a little validation is also nice ;-)


190223 - (Excellent)
Excellent! 100% = The truth! All is covered!
USB MIDI controls = Not universal! + Learn & re-learn...
Old external DIN MIDI gear? Very informative!

Editor's Note:
Thankyou for the support ;-)


161007 - (Excellent) Quality information my friend, I played with this stuff for along time. Began in an electronic music class in HS on reel to reels and a moog model 55. The evolution of technology is amazing. After a little break I'm splicing my old Akai 8" deck into my hybrid 4416/software rig with some new energy.

I was looking for some reassurance that my aging hardware was still relevant. I have found incorporating a computer system helped with the organization and such, just by enlarging the monitor. I have to second your opinion on the  difficulty of drum tracks with my older hdware setup anyway. I've enlarged my space to incorporate an old set of Ludwig's.  Its a fact the tech end of this science, can pull you away from the music. Of course some of us are in it to record. I'm still about that thrill of the music myself.

Decent mikes and some preamps maybe can do a lot for your sound... Some of the software problems are less daunting if your recording a session, rather than punching in and out with simulated instruments. its tough to lay down some heartfelt grooves when your playing to a machine that's being difficult.... I've spent a lot a time on a few masterpieces... alone! Rewarding but you can't replace that live feeling.

Hey thanks again for your time...  Very useful information for anyone getting started, and us relics too. I'm biased myself to the all in one DAW's... I might add, older hardware based equipment can be had for a fraction of what it retailed at originally. A Yamaha 4416 was $4000-$5000 new. And state of the art when they came on the market. The instruction manuals are enormous. There's much more user friendly and less expensive modern lines out there  Prices have gone down across the board for equipment in general. Keep an open mind and you can put about anything to use. Truth is my 1st band we recorded on a cassette recorder, copied the tapes and sold them in the neighborhood... good luck!

Editor's Note:
Thanks for that note. In the end, it's all about the playing. About being creative and doing something you enjoy. I'm a dinosaur too. I still like to get hands-on once in a while and modify my gear when it suits me, or even make my own. Challenges are good, physical and mental ... ;-)


161007 - (Very Good) Good stuff. I've gone from a Teac A-3340 to a Roland VS 840 to a Tascam US-1641 with Cubase LE 4 and now considering a Tascam DP24SD. I'm just looking for a solid, reliable multi-track workhorse - and honestly don't have the time to deal with all the driver compatibility and latency issues of the Software / Laptop approach. Thanks for a good treatment of a complicated topic. Here's to creativity!

Editor's Note:
I use a Tascam DP24 (an older one with CD writer ... very handy for a quick demo). I wish it had motorised faders and that it could record/playback a mixdown, but otherwise awesome! No muss, no fuss, just play and record. Of course, if you want to edit out mistakes on individual tracks ... well, you probably won't ;-)


160313 - (Excellent) I am a musician who simply wants to concentrate on music, so the simpler solution for recording is the one I seek. I find the hardware option more attractive for its simplicity but I am concerned about compatibility with any studio I might use for mastering or mixing. Do you have any suggestions?

Editor's Note:
Firstly, any current model multi-track recorder (all of which now have USB connectivity) should be able to produce standard files (usually .WAV) that are readable by and/or transferable to a reputable recording studio for mastering purposes. If you have any local studios in mind - ask them.

As for the equipment itself ... well, the field is a lot smaller than it was ten years ago. Though, there are still several reputable manufacturers building equipment suitable for the Home Studio market, and these include:

• Tascam who still make a full featured desk-top recorder/mixer (DP24 / DP32).
• Roland (Boss) who seem to have essentially moved to portable only devices.
• Zoom who are covering their bases by making their multi-track recorders also function as Software DAW control surfaces.
• There are also still some classic machines from Yamaha, Akai, Korg and others that have impressive capabilities. Though by now they would almost certainly need new hard drives and perhaps a few other replacement parts. Great if you like a project, not so great if you need to find an old IDE hard drive.
  Just FYI - There are IDE to SATA converters around theses days. Could be worth a try - ed. Feb 2023.

What I have noticed over the last few years, is that the number of new hardware product releases has slowed dramatically. I'm sure that a huge part of that is due to the mainstream move to Software DAWs (read: lack of sales).

Another reason though, is that there is really not much else you can bring to the table in terms of Home Recording hardware. Building ever bigger desks with more channels would just mess with the high-end pro market, so that's just not going to happen.

Though if anyone from Tascam is reading this ... guys, I'd really like motorised faders and recordable/replayable mix-down. Yamaha had it decades ago on their AW4416 ... what's keeping you? - oh, and onboard MIDI drums perhap ;-)


160313 - (Excellent) I've been searching for days for a clear explanation why one might choose hardware over software DAW. This is the best article out there. In the past I used a Windows computer with Pro Tools. I spent so much time plowing through the unnecessary and uninteresting stuff just to get simple things done that I found I started to dread sitting down to work on a song. I kept thinking that if I just stayed with it and kept learning, it would eventually be fun.

Then the software problems began. All of the ones you mentioned, I experienced. I finally gave up. Now, after a few years have passed, I'm getting the bug again. I have a new iMac and was planning to buy Logic Pro. But I started having flashbacks about the previous experience. So, I started to seriously consider a hardware DAW. I was just about there when I read your article. You basically voiced every apprehension I have about repeating the mistakes of my first pass at home recording. Thank you so much!

Editor's Note: Thanks. It's always nice to be appreciated. A couple of points worth mentioning here: Apple gear in general does tend to be more "Audio Friendly", though I can't comment on the software's actual performance.

And of course the very nature of software, that constantly changing fluidity, is ultimately the very thing that differentiates hardware from software. When I next plug into my Tascam DP24, it will predictably behave and perform exactly how it did the last time I used it. It won't suddenly fail because I downloaded some absolutely 'necessary' security, application or driver update required by my computer's operating system (or just some obscure application). The DP24 will just work - it will simply do exactly what it's meant to ;-)

Point in case: When I started using the latest version of MIDI guitar it wouldn't work properly (they had changed the way it interacts with the ASIO drivers). The recommended fix was to download yet another third party driver. So some great software went from working, to not working, to sort-of working (most of the time). Then I wanted to try out some hardware MIDI controllers (to get some drum pads happening) ... and guess what, now nothing MIDI works properly. You just gotta love those good old Windows driver conflicts. That's just life using a computer - whenever you change things, shit happens! ;-))
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150226 - (Excellent) I have been using a Tascam 2488 Neo for about 5 years and it has stood the test of time with good usage. It has been in the shop for a failed switch but I bought the parts from Tascam and replaced most switches. The sound quality is awesome and setting up for recording is painless and quick. Thanks for this page. It validates what I've been telling my software buddies!

Editor's Note: Sometimes things will simply resolve down to personal preference and how comfortable we are at working with the tools available to us.
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141027 - (Excellent) Exactly the question I'm trying to answer. My new problem: Should I go the hardware route if my budget is only $500 and I already have a Macbook Pro?

Editor's Note: I'm a firm believer in making the most of the available resources. Given the tight budget, going hardware would be difficult, whereas you just might be able to do the software approach (given that you have a decent computer). Of course, just about everything (particularly upgrades) is way more expensive to do on a Mac, so in the long run this won't necessarily be the cheaper option. But it surely would get you started.
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141018 - (Excellent) Right up to this day I haven't spent any ideas between software DAWs and hardware DAWs. Thanks to this article I've now got a perfect first overview of this topic. I am totally new in music production, thinking in either investing in a MOTIF XF6 or purchasing some appropriate software DAW together with a simple keyboard. For what I have found out so far is that I might spend almost the same money for any software solution compared to the features that the MOTIF offers, if I'm not totally mistaking. Appreciating the effort you've spent for your valuable comparison, I am leaving an excellent rate for this article! - Cheers M

Editor's Note: Thankyou! :-).
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141015 - (Not Useful) The only thing I agree to is latency. Everything else is a dish of random lack of knowledge.

Editor's Note: I truly appreciate when visitors take the time to post a comment. Even negative comments can lead to improvements when they are of a constructive nature.

Some visitors though, are just legends in their own mind and seem to miss the part (right before the comment box above) where it says "... If you decide to rate this article as Not Useful, please leave a comment explaining why, so that the article may be improved ..." Anyone can be a 'smart-arse', and it usually doesn't even require you to be all that smart. So, have a better one.



Incept Date: Wizard - 130226
Last Update: Wizard - 230331