That's some stuff right there, Glover. I'm rocking a MPC 2000XL, Korg Triton LE-61 and a Zoom 8-Track digital recorder. No experience with computer based systems to compare with, but I love the way beats hit coming off of the MPC. Also... 16 chanel Mackie board, Crown Amp, roland monitors and two EV-500's (house shakers.. literally) for the heavy stuff.

I'm back and forth in regards to the virtual vs hardware. I create tracks using the ASR-10& MPC2000. Dump this into Cubase, add some Synths.Import theses unto a pro-Tools session for Vocals. It's a lot of work, but it helps when you're working with someone halfway around the world.

I hear you big. PT's is the best for editing and vocals. I love the VST's for Cubase though. For PT6 I think there is something called a wrapper that will let you use VST's with PT. Would def save you a step.

Glover man, I don't even have words for how great your doing your thing man!

As you know I personally prefer everything virtual, as big audio companies are now just starting to come into the softsynth game(KORG, Novation, AKAI, etc..)and it's getting real interesting. I’ve used both hardware and software sequencers and i find that software is way better and easier wether you have hardware or software, it's great to have a visual aid while you also rely on your ears. I have yet to find a hardware sequencer to challenge cubase SX or Nuendo.

I agree somewhat to your conclusion on the MPC v.s. Virtual drums. But every time I think of that argument I go to listen to some little brother tracks(which were made on fruityloops) and there hard as hell and were made on the computer so it's to each it's own, I own both a MPC20000xl and battery and I will agree the mpc has a unique sound simply because of the digital audio converters and that it was made geared to drum percussion, but all can still be emulated on a computer. It's all really to each his own to me. Great article.

Thanks Lance...why don't you throw up some of your secret layering techniques? Everytime I check your stuff I hear a lil something new...

The argument presented isn't really an argument as far as I'm concerned. Instruments are simply tools. Analog, Digital, Virual--It's the soul of the person controlling the tools that makes all the difference.