When “This Has to Go” Becomes a Studio Staple

In a previous post, I mentioned how this channel is a little different. I unboxed a phone charger on camera—and in the very next video, it was a trackball mouse. Not exactly headline material for a studio channel, but that’s kind of the point.

My studio desk has a keyboard-and-mouse tray mounted underneath the main surface. I use an Apple keyboard with a full numeric keypad, which doesn’t leave much room for a traditional mouse. My old mouse—after nearly a decade of service—finally gave up and stopped working altogether.

So I did what most of us do: I started researching.

Discovering the Trackball

While looking for a replacement, I kept noticing something interesting. A surprising number of producers were using trackball mice in their studios—and praising them enthusiastically. The idea made sense on paper: a stationary device with a large ball you move using your fingers, instead of sliding the mouse itself around. Perfect for tight spaces like my keyboard tray.

I ordered one.

When it arrived, everything seemed fine. Setup took a little longer than expected because there were two connection options—Bluetooth or USB wireless. I tried Bluetooth first, but for whatever reason Bluetooth and my studio have never been great friends. Once I switched to the USB wireless dongle, it installed instantly.

So far, so good.

And Then I Hated It

I customized the settings, found a place for it next to the keyboard, opened a program—and immediately hated everything about it.

The cursor was all over the place. I couldn’t click accurately. I couldn’t grab anything. My monitors are set to a very high resolution so I can fit more information on screen, which means buttons and handles are small. Using the trackball felt completely unmanageable.

I remember telling my wife, “There’s no way I’m keeping this—I’m sending it back.”

Her response was simple: “Why don’t you give it some time?”

Reluctantly, I did.

One Year Later

Fast forward a year and a bit—and using the trackball is second nature. It took a few weeks before it felt natural, but once it clicked, it really clicked. Now I completely understand why so many producers swear by them. I love mine.

That experience got me thinking.

How many things enter our studios with a terrible first impression—but quietly become essential if we give them time?

Gear, Patience, and Headspace

I’ve seen plenty of videos where people talk about buying the same instrument two or three times. The first time, it didn’t gel. The second time, still nothing. The third time, suddenly it becomes their go-to synth or favorite piece of gear.

Usually, I’m fairly patient. But I’ve caught myself in moments—some of which made it into my videos—where frustration crept in. Something wouldn’t sync properly, I’d get irritated, and then it would turn out the fix was as simple as turning it off and back on again.

It made me realize something important: sometimes it’s not the gear—it’s our headspace.

If you’re tired, rushed, or already frustrated, you may be quicker to dismiss something that you’d otherwise grow to appreciate. And in doing so, you might be turning away something that would eventually become a studio staple.

Just Something to Think About

This isn’t meant to be wisdom or advice—just an observation.

Have you ever had something in your studio that you were ready to get rid of, only to later realize it deserved more time?

And perhaps the harder question: did you regret letting it go?

Sometimes patience is just another tool in the studio—one we don’t always think to reach for.

Happy music making.