Escaping the Daily Grind: A Camping Trip Near Delft with Portable Synthesizers

In our fast-paced world, the constant buzz of daily life can be overwhelming. The endless notifications, busy family life, and the barrage of responsibilities all take their toll. So, when I felt the weight of it all pressing down, I knew it was time for a break.
But this wasn't going to be just any getaway. I decided to combine my love for music with a retreat into nature: a camping trip near Delft, armed with a few portable synthesizers.

The Perfect Location

Delft, a city steeped in history and known for its picturesque canals, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a camping trip. However, just a short drive from the city, you can find yourself surrounded by the serene beauty of Dutch nature. The tranquil landscapes of forests, meadows, and rivers provided the ideal setting for a weekend of unwinding and creativity.

I set up camp a small, not too busy camping spot, far enough from the city to leave the noise behind but close enough to retain the comfort of knowing civilization wasn't too far away. It was the perfect balance: a retreat into the wild with a touch of modern convenience.

Synthesizers on the Go

For this trip, I packed light: my essentials included a tent, some basic camping gear and food and drinks, and, of course, my portable synthesizers. My lineup featured the Roland J-6, Korg NTS-1, Korg Volca FM2, and IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro X. The beauty of these devices lies not just in their sonic capabilities but also in their portability.. It all fitted nicely into my backpack.

Roland J-6: This compact device is a powerful chord synthesizer, perfect for laying down complex harmonies on the go. Its internal battery meant I didn't need to worry about finding a power source. I used this as my master clock and midi output for the rest of the devices. It's onboard FX meant I didn't have to worry about bringing another effects pedal, which means less cables and powering difficulties.

Korg NTS-1: Despite its small size, the NTS-1 packs a punch. It's versatile, allowing for rich sound design, and is powered via USB, making it easy to connect to a power bank for hours of play. I used this primarily as an end-of-chain effects device, for adding that extra touch of delay and reverb.

Korg Volca FM2: This little beast brought the classic sounds of FM synthesis to the game. With its built-in effects and battery power, it was the perfect companion for the other gear.

IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro X: A more advanced option in my portable setup, the Uno Synth Pro X delivered fat, analog sounds that filled the night air with warmth and depth. Its USB power option was perfect for plugging into my power bank, ensuring I could keep the creative flow going without interruption.

Audio-in options: The Roland J-6, Korg NTS-1 and the IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro X all have an audio-in connection. This way, I could set up the audio routing as I pleased, without having the need to bring a mixer into the game.

For recording my sessions, I used a cheap Zoom H1n recorder. It has an audio-in connection so I could connect the end-of-chain NTS-1 audio-out with it. The H1n then sent the audio via USB to my Android phone where it gets recorded along with the video footage.

A Weekend of Reflection and Creation

As the sun set in the evening, I realized how much I had gained from this experience. The simplicity of being in nature, combined with the ability to express myself musically, provided a much-needed reset. The constant buzz of everyday life faded away, replaced by the serene sounds of the natural world and the melodies I created.

This camping trip near Delft was more than just a weekend away—it was a reminder of the importance of taking time to reconnect with oneself. And with the help of my trusty portable synthesizers, I was able to turn that connection into something tangible, something I could take back with me into the busy world: a collection of sounds and memories that would serve as a reminder of the peace I found.

In a world where we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the pace of life, sometimes all it takes is a few days in nature, a handful of portable gear, and a desire to create something beautiful to remind us of what truly matters.

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