My (Very) Different DAWless Setup for 2025: A Sampler and Synth Are All You Need

Over the years, I’ve gone through quite a few iterations of my DAWless setup, everything from multi-device MIDI chains to live looping experiments. But life has changed. In 2023, I became a parent, and through 2024, I’ve been figuring out how to balance creativity with this new phase of life.

Studio time is rare now, and when I do find a moment, I don’t want to spend it troubleshooting cables or re-learning complex gear chains. So, I’ve simplified. Radically.

The New DAWless Setup: Just the Essentials

The latest setup pares everything down to the absolute basics: One sampler, one instrument.

The current DAWless setup: Just a synth and a sampler... it's crazy how powerful a combo like this can be :)

Right now, that’s the Digitakt for sequencing, chopping, and jamming and the Roland S-1 as my melodic sound source. But it’s not about the specific DAWless gear. This approach works just as well with a guitar and SP404 MK2, or a Minilogue and Polyend Tracker. The idea is to use just a few tools to stay focused and flexible.

This streamlined workflow lets me sample on the fly, create quick loops, and keep sessions short but productive. Most days, I’m just grabbing 20–30 minutes when I can. These micro-sessions keep me making music without the pressure to finish full tracks in one sitting.

Why Limitations Matter

My 2023 DAWless setup was beautifully complex, with multiple sequencers, samplers, synths and live looping stations... but becoming a parent changes everything

This new workflow isn’t about perfection, it’s about capturing those micro moments of creativity when they come. I’m not chasing polished tracks in one take. Instead, I’m using limitations to spark creativity. Chop a loop. Jam over it. Try warping, filtering, reversing. Record, re-sample, and let happy accidents guide the process.

That kind of focused experimentation feels freeing compared to juggling five devices and MIDI routing. And if a session doesn’t lead to something usable? It’s still time spent learning and exploring.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to make a giant setup work—or just want to try a different approach—give this a shot. One sampler. One instrument. See what you can create.

Want Free Samples to Get Started?

Need some sounds to get started with a Sampler? Sign up for my mailing list and I’ll send you a free sample pack of dusty loops and one shots from analog synths and vintage drum breaks to get you going with this workflow:

Join the list and grab your free samples here

See you in the next session,

—Michael / Sunwarper