#ipad midi controller

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When the QuNeo first came out, I, like many others, looked at it as the culmination of input from various DJs across the world.  What DJs wanted was a controller solution that wasn’t “one size fits all” – they wanted a controller of your own.  The idea of modularity and being able to build your own controller was been discussed and even implemented in different ways, but to have it done at a physical level was more novel than anything else. Those who have owned wireless touch screen devices, even back with the second iPod touch was out, were capable of doing a few things the QuNeo couldn’t do (it wasn’t even on the drawing board at this point).   TouchOSC was designed for the iPad and iPod to be used as a wireless modular controller, where one could configure their own touch commands and buttons to activate commands on their favorite DVS or workstation.  For those looking for a cheap way to send midi commands, TouchOSC is really the only way to go.  Now, if you are willing to invest some real money and time into a project, Lemur might be an even better bet.  Lemur, takes its cues from TouchOSC – but expands upon them with more interactive features. http://www.djtechtools.com/2012/12/19/building-great-touchosc-dj-mappings-for-ios-and-android/

Musicians of all types that rely on virtual versions of hardware or scaled down versions of iOS software are getting acquainted with the idea of being able to connect programs together within the operating system.  It is not different than what can be done with DAWs like Ableton, except that it is much harder to do using Apple’s system structure.  Basically, it cannot be done without the use of another program to oversee the connections between multiple audio programs.  A little less than a year ago, Audiobus began picking software to add to their list of compatible apps, and although they are certainly better known that other similar apps out there, they aren’t necessarily the best. Jack for iOS is touted to perform the same tasks, such as routing MIDI keyboard to a virtual keyboard and patching audio from one program to another – but it has one thing that Audio bus does not have – it’s free.  Yes, that’s right; they aren’t asking you for a penny to use the software.  As far as usage goes, it relies on visual feedback which actually shows the connections from one device to another, making it much easier to use than trying to sort through a list of commands. http://createdigitalmusic.com/2013/03/jack-for-ios-audio-and-midi-between-apps-high-performance-free/  

Before Live 2 control was released for all the finger happy touch wizards and screen sliding producers, simpler versions of it were being produced all over the place.  The easiest design of them all was not necessarily the best one, but it the most available.  The monome design, especially the grid layout was common to see.  Not far from the Ableton Push or the Novation Launchpad, the grid laid everything out in a symmetrical pattern so that users could find ways to organize their thoughts.  I believe this idea of organization stems from the way Apple users are allowed to switch screens on a single screen.  In effect, it buys you more space when you have little to work with. The trouble with this layout is that it is just too plain.  Not every producer wants button pads, some of them would prefer to use rotary knobs and line faders as well.  Once design changes were implements into the Livecontrol 2, it brought out another spectrum of touch screen midi control.  Layers of control were also added meaning that a small tablet screen could fill up more space than a large HDTV.  This next generation software is actually quite compelling. http://createdigitalmusic.com/2013/06/touchable-ableton-live-livecontrol-2-brings-finger-controls-to-ipad-griid-discontinued/