Workflow, Control, and Small Problem Solvers

While editing this video series, I was reminded just how much of studio design comes down to workflow—and how long it can take to truly figure out what works. To be honest, I’m still working through that part. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, there are a few key areas of my studio that still need to be completed before everything is fully up and running.

One of the biggest questions I’ve been circling around is how I want my core production tools to interact with each other—specifically the Maschine+ and the AKAI Force. My goal has always been to use both of them to their full potential, allowing each to operate independently, while still being able to sync everything together when needed.

In theory, this should be fairly straightforward. The idea is to have all of the synths connected to the DAW, while the Maschine+ and AKAI Force stay synced via Ableton Link. I haven’t fully tested this yet, but from everything I’ve read, it should be a workable solution. Once the remaining pieces of the studio fall into place, I’ll find out if this is the direction I ultimately go—or if something else presents itself.

Who’s in Charge?

In earlier videos, I talked about different control philosophies:

• letting the computer run everything,
  
• letting the AKAI Force run everything,
  
• or finding a way to move fluidly between the two.
  

For a long time, I couldn’t quite land on an answer. Then I stumbled across a small but surprisingly powerful solution: a USB switch.

I don’t know the exact technical name for the unit I’m using, but the concept is simple. On one side of the switch are two USB inputs—normally meant for two computers. On the other side are multiple USB outputs, typically used for peripherals like printers, webcams, or USB hubs. The switch has a physical button that lets you choose which computer is currently connected to the peripherals.

In my case, one USB input goes to my computer, and the other goes to the AKAI Force. The outputs connect to my synths and controllers. With the press of a button, all of my gear switches from being controlled by the computer to being controlled by the Force—and back again.

It’s one of those small solutions that quietly solves a big problem.

Little Devices, Big Impact

Discovering tools like this is one of the things I really enjoy about studio design. They aren’t flashy pieces of gear, but they can completely change how a studio functions.

Do you use any switch-type devices in your studio? USB switches, audio routers, MIDI patchers—anything that helps solve a workflow problem in a simple way? I always find it interesting how small, practical solutions often end up being the most impactful.

For now, happy problem solving—and enjoy the process.