@ABitRusty 

Forewarning: my brain's bouncing, so hope I can make some sense here.  

First of all, Studio One can do EVERYTHING I want... with sampling, sequencing, and synth plugins - but I don't want all the menu diving & setup of a DAW.  I want to set my laptop aside for right now.  

Been wanting something very portable with at least a simplified keyboard, drum pads & real knobs, but also live looping, enough ports to use other devices, step sequencing with sampling AND ability to morph sound like synths... I want my cake & eat it, too!  

I know there are keyboard music work stations, but they are generally bulkier & a much higher price than what I want.  Originally, just wanted a keyboard I could hear.  My Akai mpk mini 'Play' keyboard doesn't have any sequencing, no live looping recording.  The mini 'Plus' has step sequencing, some looping and more ports to connect other devices (the 'Play' doesn't).  The 'Plus' didn't have any speakers... still VERY inexpensive & I might have to rethink about it.   

Found ways to work around my wanting to loop, but realized I wanted more creative control over sound than just a looper pedal.  AND, a looper pedal isn't a 'piece of cake' - everything's stressful, because it needs EXACT timing.  They'll repeat, but I can't easily change anything while it's playing a loop.  

Can't do hardly anything with my Spark Mini amp without constantly messing with the app.  There is groove looping with the Spark 2 - but it's too big to use near me (right now) & still requires a lot of Spark app use (and still no creative step sequencing, unless I go into Studio One).  

Btw, there ARE 'Groovebox apps', like Koala Sampler (now also has synth features) - great for both Android phone, or ipad. 

...but I'm trying to avoid the phone, too.  

Also related in a sense, if someone is currently used to the workflow of a DAW on a laptop or PC, there are Grooveboxes with a similar workflow - making it an easy transition for those wanting more streamlined & portable live jamming. 

'I' am (obviously) going to steer clear of those.  

I do have a tendency to try things to help me figure out what exactly I'm looking for.  The problem is once I start hitting road blocks & limitations I hadn't anticipated - I quickly lose interest.