It’s an endless cycle isn’t it? This is how I get with too much hardware laying around. Plugging and unplugging things - my true hobby. Buying, selling, updating, upgrading, rearranging, searching for the perfect ergonomic setup, etc. Software has its share of distractions too, for sure, but I always seem to actually complete songs when more software than hardware is involved.
I think, for me, it’s about balance. I’ve realized when I go too much ITB, or OTB, I slowly begin to yearn for something different. Unfortunately, it’s a totally human thing to crave novelty. What’s worked for me is just to keep a few favorite pieces of hardware, dump the unproductive ones, and strip it down in general.
Selling off a bunch of gear soon. I realize now what I’ve struggled with for years was buying hardware based on good reviews, features and functionality, and build quality. All that should be paid attention to, of course. But what matters most to me in the end is basic sound (duh! right?). Does the general tone tickle my brain? How quickly can I get to that point in the sound design process? How large is the sweet spot? Does it have only one preset I like? Does it take forever to dial something in? What does it sound like in the final track? What does it matter if I can make any sort of blip or bleep with the MS20 for instance, if I don’t enjoy the overall tone? It looks cool as fuck, sure, but I never end up using it any more than free soft-synths. I should like the Minilogue more than the Volca Keys, right? The ML is built like a tank, and can do so much more on paper. But I still prefer the V Keys when all is said and done. Listening, just listening, objectively has helped me strip things down in my setup.
Maybe ask - Elektron gear can do anything under the sun… but do I like the general tone? Am I productive with it? For me, gear = tool to make a song. I can’t afford to have a synth museum. If it’s not being used, it’s time for it to go.
But, I totally understand wanting a “Sunday drive” piece as well. For me it’s the Rytm. Do I need it? No. But it’s a nice tactile way to sequence things - either synced to Ableton, or by itself on the couch building the skeleton of a track. I’ve even thought of trading it for a Digitakt sometime in the future. I love the simplicity and overall sound/tone/crispness of the DT compared to the Rytm’s superpowers and somewhat muffled tone.
But… I’ve learned the hard way to not be an early adopter of Elektron products, or any modern tech really. If the Rytm was any indication, the DT won’t be on my radar for purchase for another year or so. I felt the Rym wasn’t really ready until the 1.3 release, which took… quite a while.
I say grab a Push 2, enjoy the Ableton 10 upgrade and milk that for all it’s worth. Then, by the time you are jones’ing for something new and different, the Digitakt will hopefully be updated and working smoothly. My two cents.