Using a modular setup seems to win in popularity. I personally know a few artists having Modular part of their hardware setup in their study. One of the cool things with this system is that one can create endless tracks. I've heard a few coming from the fingers of a great producer. His tracks are at least half an hour to an hour. When he releases, he needs to cut it down. I suppose with modular one can create an entire live performance, one this is unique instead of one that is kinda pre-programmed. And yea, I also understood it can become very expensive. That said, I know a few artists producing with hardware. If we start counting the costs to all the drummachines, keyboards and what not they acquired over the years, this can total 200k/400k Euro easily.