I've been recording my own original music for years now and playing on other people's albums for even longer. When it came to my own stuff, I felt like I never got anything done, but could never put my finger on why that was.

This past august, my wife and I bought our first house and in the process I lost my project recording space. I used to have an 001, a couple computers (one for recording, one for soft synths), TONS of plugins, mutliple flat panel monitors, two pair of decent studio monitors, three desktop 4 space racks all loaded with outboard gear, a handful of great mics, an 88 note controller, and a 16 space floor rack filled to the brim. I used to spend DAYS wiring and rerouting things. I had become so discouraged with my lack of progress with my own music, that I decided I'd sell all my recording stuff off. Besides, I really didn't have the space in my new house for a project studio.

A couple of months after we moved in, a friend of mine gave me his Mbox and told me "You need to start recording again." While I appreciated the gift, I thought - What am I going to do with only two inputs?

It has been one of the best things for my music!

I've discovered that I'm a tweaker. I get wrapped up in the process and lose sight of the end goal. Right now, I've got my instruments, a Shure KSM32 mic, and my laptop. I don't even have a permanent place to set stuff up - it's been awesome! With the lack of gear to distract me, I've been more productive with this setup than I was in years prior.

Anyway, just thought I'd share. If you find yourself getting stuck, simplify.

nice story man. i can relate. we all get wrapped up in buying the next piece of gear, coveting gear, or just basically doing stuff other than actually playing/recording. i used to have an mbox and liked it a lot. small, simple, protools le, no BS. and so portable. NOW GO MAKE A TON OF MUSIC! have fun.