When Expensive Music Gear Becomes Obsolete

[Ted]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiGSdBkM2vs

As of now, I still don't have any pedals or gear that connects to an app or a computer for the purpose of editing or patching.

I never thought about it much, but I will from now on. I like the idea of investigating "future proof" gear to avoid planned obsolescence. Bill Vencil (the guy in the video) quickly mentions and dismisses the idea that there is some alternative open source software on GitHub for the Yamaha MagicStomp. This should be the norm. Choosing alternative software and firmware for your music gear should be as common as swapping pickups or strings on your guitar.

Manufacturers should avoid locking multi-effects pedals and other gear behind proprietary software. Providing openness (such as open SDK or firmware/API) would allow third-party developers to create alternative software or updates, ensuring the gear remains functional and adaptable. This would give users more control, extend the lifespan of the product, and promote a thriving community-driven ecosystem.

64Guitars has created a lot of software for Boss BR gadgets. I don't know if he was able to do this because of Boss providing developers an easy way into the hardware or in spite of Boss making it difficult. I'm guessing that 64G reverse-engineered the firmware.

This is a list of the software from our Menu > Other > Links Page > Music Software > Boss BR Software

• BR Rhythm Editor
     
• BR Wave Converter
     
• BR Explorer
     
• BR Song Librarian
     
• Micro BR Patch Documenter
     
• BR Rhythm Arrangement Converter
  

Wouldn't it be great if makers of music gear didn't act like shitty tech bros?

[bruno]

I often wonder about phone apps controlling a devise. H9 is a typical example. However you can still use it without the app, it's just a lot harder. Nb the kemper, it's got an app but never use it.  Obsolescence is a consequence of high tech.

[bruno]

My most expensive piece of tech is the kemper. That cost £1200 in 2015. It has been rock solid for 10 years. To date, that has cost me £100 a year, the cost of a mid priced pedal. That's worked out pretty well for me, as it has provided great service. If it broke tomorrow, i would replace with one of the options out there, however if it ain't broke ....

[dasilvasings]

I have been thinking on this for the last years, and this is why I sold my Fairlight CMI. Damn greedy developers didn't design it with bluetooth to force us to by new Fairlights every year.

More seriously, I sold my Roland JP8000 because I knew in no time I couldn't afford to repair it if something went wrong.

Odd as it seems, it is much cheaper to make music with an Ipad than anything else, even if Apple are masters in designing for obsolescence.

Because of that, I am really trying to stick with PCs, because they are (and will be?) so omnipresent. I opted for Reaper for the same reason. They look a really decent company, not obsessed with their shareholders interests.

Perhaps one day I will move definitely to Linux for the same reason.

Regarding synths, I haven't made any decision, but it is likely I will stand with midi controller and standalone VST plugins. But I have to admit it doesn't have half the fun.

Reagarding brands, I have Line6 and IK multimedia on my black list since their audio interfaces use proprietary cables. My Line6 interface uses an apple lighting cable, and they don't even sell a converter for USB-C.

I also get annoyed with this cloud obsession. Looks like everything we do must live in the cloud because it is so much better for us, bunch of disorganized idiots. Call me paranoid, but I know they are developing quantum computers so they can run AI powerful enough to understand dasilvasings' songs and try to imitate them!

Fools.

[T.C. Elliott]

This past winter I attempted to do straight into DAW recording. A couple of things held me back from enjoying or even really getting comfortable with the process. So I've dug out the card reader and started back with my trusty BR-900. (Hopefully she doesn't see this post and realize I was cheating on her.) But it's just a matter of time before she gives out.

Even if a manufacturer doesn't intentionally build in a wall of obsoleteness, tastes, trends and technology changes. I remember my cousin buying a very expensive 286 computer that was obsolete in 18 months. Oh, the 1980's... how I loathe thee... but also kinda of miss ya, too.

[Zoltan]

We all get obsolete so enjoy it while you can!

For me buying software feels like throwing money into garbage, but if one approaches it like streaming it isn't that bad.

Still i mainly buy drum vst / sample stuff if any and try to stay away from the other temptations.

I remember when i got Zoom 505. It's still working. I remember when i got Johnson J-station and thought if it ever breaks down it's horrible. Well... It still works, but now i think it sounds horrible. Same with Podxt.

So the obsolete can be in the eye of the beholder too!