The Apple iPad is coming, at least in the US, April 3rd.
And it’s going to be hugely for music making – even if it strikes some people as “just a big iPod touch”.
One reason why the iPad is going to be important for musicians is that it will make a relatively inexpensive multi-touch control surface for music apps.
This is possible now, with apps like TouchOSC on the iPhone, but will really take off with the much larger iPad.
iPhone apps are limited by the device’s 3.5″ screen. The iPad’s 9.7″ screen not only offers a much higher screen resolution, but offers a lower pixel density (132 pixels/inch vs 163 pixels/inch), which should make adjusting controls less fiddly.
Here are five video demos that demonstrate some of the things you can do with an iPhone + TouchOSC right now. Give ’em a look and let me know if you’re ready to try these things out on an iPad!
This first video, via max Min, demonstrates using TouchOSC with Ableton Live.
The next video demonstrates how autoflavour uses an iPod touch with his Novation 25SL Compact MIDI controller to add multi-touch control of Ableton Live and an Access Virus Snow:
Want to go further out?
How about tactile sound design with your iPhone and Native Instruments Reaktor?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvxuKwFE7Tc
You can use an iPhone + TouchOSC to control video as well as audio apps, as this VDMX video demonstrates:
http://vimeo.com/2892864
While you’re at it, why not try touchscreen DJing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q4WXrAJNy4
Did we mention that TouchOSC is a $4.99 app?
Ouch, chill out buddy.
OK, I'll comment.
I'd suggest you lay off the maxi pad worship because it's getting tiresome.
This is a mediocre, inadequate, overpriced, underpowered and user unfriendly piece of over hyped hardware that is on the market only because Apple thinks it has enough market manipulation power to round up Apple fan boys and get them to spend their dads' $500 to $800 a pop.
OK, I'll comment.
I'd suggest you lay off the maxi pad worship because it's getting tiresome.
This is a mediocre, inadequate, overpriced, underpowered and user unfriendly piece of over hyped hardware that is on the market only because Apple thinks it has enough market manipulation power to round up Apple fan boys and get them to spend their dads' $500 to $800 a pop.
hype
haha Nax beat me to it
uh yeah…i'm signing off this blog
have fun
uh yeah…i'm signing off this blog
have fun
Nax –
I understand that you think maxi pad jokes are funny.
And I understand that you think the only reasons anyone would be interested in an iPad would be because they are a fan boy or because they are brainwashed by Apple's amazingly powerful mind control ads.
I'd be interested to know if you have any ideas of substance on this, Nax.
Nax –
I understand that you think maxi pad jokes are funny.
And I understand that you think the only reasons anyone would be interested in an iPad would be because they are a fan boy or because they are brainwashed by Apple's amazingly powerful mind control ads.
I'd be interested to know if you have any ideas of substance on this, Nax.
Please, TouchOSC + ipad is a big saving over a jazzmutant lemur. 500 versus 3000.
Some of these comments are unnecesarily nasty and over the top, but… this is another +1 for being totally overdosed on, and utterly nauseated by, Apple's hype machine.
Some of these comments are unnecesarily nasty and over the top, but… this is another +1 for being totally overdosed on, and utterly nauseated by, Apple's hype machine.
Oh god, another example of Apple managing to turn a deficiency into a benefit – since when has a lower precision interface made anything more accurate? How the hell does a lower pixel density improve the response? Hasn't anyone noticed that mouse precision constantly improves to satisfy the need for accurate input – it doesn't decrease.
Oh god, another example of Apple managing to turn a deficiency into a benefit – since when has a lower precision interface made anything more accurate? How the hell does a lower pixel density improve the response? Hasn't anyone noticed that mouse precision constantly improves to satisfy the need for accurate input – it doesn't decrease.
Oh. My. God. Some people don't like a product that a company is bringing to market!
How DARE Apple do that! Who does Steve Jobs think he is!
I would say more, but I have to go over to the kettle forums and complain bitterly about the new kettle that Russell Hobbs have announced. I really don't want one!
Oh. My. God. Some people don't like a product that a company is bringing to market!
How DARE Apple do that! Who does Steve Jobs think he is!
I would say more, but I have to go over to the kettle forums and complain bitterly about the new kettle that Russell Hobbs have announced. I really don't want one!
Wow. I've never seen so much hostility over a simple piece of technology. I, however, celebrate another cool bit of technology whether it ends up being a midi controller or a portable way to compose music. It's all good.
Wow. I've never seen so much hostility over a simple piece of technology. I, however, celebrate another cool bit of technology whether it ends up being a midi controller or a portable way to compose music. It's all good.
why all the hate… i was a bit disappointed in the ipad but you still can't deny having a MASS marketed device like this will definitely make it easier and cheaper for those of us who don't wanna drop 2g's on a lemur able to get a similar set up for $500… sure it could have been better but you can't deny that if your into alternative controllers this Will be great for that. especially with the ipad to midi cable that was recently announced.
why all the hate… i was a bit disappointed in the ipad but you still can't deny having a MASS marketed device like this will definitely make it easier and cheaper for those of us who don't wanna drop 2g's on a lemur able to get a similar set up for $500… sure it could have been better but you can't deny that if your into alternative controllers this Will be great for that. especially with the ipad to midi cable that was recently announced.
One thing is for sure; Apple is doing great on the advertising. I mean; "it doesn't matter HOW you talk about it, as long as you're TALKING about it". Sorry folks, the hype is me and you and I'm not getting involved.
Darn, too late 🙂
One thing is for sure; Apple is doing great on the advertising. I mean; "it doesn't matter HOW you talk about it, as long as you're TALKING about it". Sorry folks, the hype is me and you and I'm not getting involved.
Darn, too late 🙂
…sign me up…
Ipad to midi would be great. It's still better then the iphone. Nobody calls me anyhow :'( Not after that last full frontal video conference, last month.
Dave, you'll be missed. But i'm sure we can find another, Daves are a dime a baker's dozen!
Ipad to midi would be great. It's still better then the iphone. Nobody calls me anyhow :'( Not after that last full frontal video conference, last month.
Dave, you'll be missed. But i'm sure we can find another, Daves are a dime a baker's dozen!
Well, these videos DO make me wish the iPad was the machine I wanted it to be. As it is, I'll just have to wait until a competitor comes out with a touch tablet computer that meets my needs.
The loss of the knee-jerk Apple-bashing and juvenile attempts at humor is certainly going to hit hard.
I'm excited to check out the iPad, but not so much that I want to rush out and get one. It think we're going to be better off letting the gadget freaks break in the technology and then benefit from version 2.
The loss of the knee-jerk Apple-bashing and juvenile attempts at humor is certainly going to hit hard.
I'm excited to check out the iPad, but not so much that I want to rush out and get one. It think we're going to be better off letting the gadget freaks break in the technology and then benefit from version 2.
I myself am pretty shocked at how many people seem to LOATHE and HATE the iPad, like someone's forcing them to buy one. Okay, Apple has a lot of money to market stuff, so what? Do you get this angry at Budweiser putting out so many ads? DON'T BUY IT, and please, don't complain that you don't want one. Who cares? No one! If we want to buy one, we'll buy it, so all your snivelling gets nobody anywhere.
Whew. Sorry. I just think that this "hype machine" that people are talking about isn't THEM, it's US.
I myself am pretty shocked at how many people seem to LOATHE and HATE the iPad, like someone's forcing them to buy one. Okay, Apple has a lot of money to market stuff, so what? Do you get this angry at Budweiser putting out so many ads? DON'T BUY IT, and please, don't complain that you don't want one. Who cares? No one! If we want to buy one, we'll buy it, so all your snivelling gets nobody anywhere.
Whew. Sorry. I just think that this "hype machine" that people are talking about isn't THEM, it's US.
Otherwise… I am a little disappointed by some aspects of the iPad myself, but I'm a futurist, and I love working with capacitive-touch computer interfaces. If I wait a few months, iPads will come down at least $100 in price, and it'll be worth it for me to get one. Even if I got one ONLY to control my software synths, it'd be worth it. Do you know of any other hardware midi controllers that can do so much and cost so little, all in one? With TOUCHOSC, you can do pretty much whatever you want, like having a Lemur, but without the $3k price tag. $4-600 isn't really all that much for a great controller.
My ONLY complaint about TouchOSC is the fact that it can only tether via WiFi: I once got a gig at a club that had no WiFi or routers, so I couldn't use it. My laptop does have Bluetooth and the iPhone cable, so it'd be great if I could use one of those. I know Bluetooth is robust enough to handle it.
Otherwise… I am a little disappointed by some aspects of the iPad myself, but I'm a futurist, and I love working with capacitive-touch computer interfaces. If I wait a few months, iPads will come down at least $100 in price, and it'll be worth it for me to get one. Even if I got one ONLY to control my software synths, it'd be worth it. Do you know of any other hardware midi controllers that can do so much and cost so little, all in one? With TOUCHOSC, you can do pretty much whatever you want, like having a Lemur, but without the $3k price tag. $4-600 isn't really all that much for a great controller.
My ONLY complaint about TouchOSC is the fact that it can only tether via WiFi: I once got a gig at a club that had no WiFi or routers, so I couldn't use it. My laptop does have Bluetooth and the iPhone cable, so it'd be great if I could use one of those. I know Bluetooth is robust enough to handle it.
I will say, though, that what i'd rather have is just my software itself on a touch screen. Why bother sitting there and programming any controllers to do what your finger on a touch screen can do already?
I will say, though, that what i'd rather have is just my software itself on a touch screen. Why bother sitting there and programming any controllers to do what your finger on a touch screen can do already?
Well, these videos DO make me wish the iPad was the machine I wanted it to be. As it is, I'll just have to wait until a competitor comes out with a touch tablet computer that meets my needs.
Well, these videos DO make me wish the iPad was the machine I wanted it to be. As it is, I'll just have to wait until a competitor comes out with a touch tablet computer that meets my needs.
Really, if you don't want to draw out all the people who are sick of Apple hype, then don't write hyped up headlines like this one.
I've seen you're 5 reasons, and I still don't want an iPad. Don't try to tell me that I want Apple product when I don't.
Imagine if you wrote an article called "5 reasons why Windows XP is still the best platform for Music". It doesn't matter one bit what you write in that article, you're still going to get 50 negative comments dumping all over you from people who don't use XP.
So, yeah, don't tell me I want an iPad when I don't, and I won't get the shits.
Sarcasm aside, of course a good many people who habituate sites like synthtopia are upset about the iPad, because it's a gorgeous piece of kit that was not designed with them in mind. All that technical expertise they have acquired using their computer is redundant for something like an iPad. You can't get under the hood and tinker with it.
Funny thing is, that's precisely why I'm delighted by it. My dad has a computer that constantly baffles him – he's 85 years old and doesn't need all the hassle that comes with a computer. My wife uses one at work all day and doesn't want to use one at home. My daughter doesn't have one – she uses mine and I have to wait my turn. And when they encounter technical issues, guess who they all ask to sort it out. Yup, me, the unpaid tech support. Well, I've been playing that role for quite long enough, thank you.
I don't get help requests about my iPod Touch – they all just use it and it works. Only problem really is the tiny screen. Bring on the iPads, say I.
Do I want one? Well, yes, they look great for when I'm playing a gig. I wouldn't trust a proper computer at a live event – they crash, freeze and stall. My iPod Touch doesn't. But I'm fourth on my list to get one. Guess I'll just have to wait my turn and make do with a little screen.
Sarcasm aside, of course a good many people who habituate sites like synthtopia are upset about the iPad, because it's a gorgeous piece of kit that was not designed with them in mind. All that technical expertise they have acquired using their computer is redundant for something like an iPad. You can't get under the hood and tinker with it.
Funny thing is, that's precisely why I'm delighted by it. My dad has a computer that constantly baffles him – he's 85 years old and doesn't need all the hassle that comes with a computer. My wife uses one at work all day and doesn't want to use one at home. My daughter doesn't have one – she uses mine and I have to wait my turn. And when they encounter technical issues, guess who they all ask to sort it out. Yup, me, the unpaid tech support. Well, I've been playing that role for quite long enough, thank you.
I don't get help requests about my iPod Touch – they all just use it and it works. Only problem really is the tiny screen. Bring on the iPads, say I.
Do I want one? Well, yes, they look great for when I'm playing a gig. I wouldn't trust a proper computer at a live event – they crash, freeze and stall. My iPod Touch doesn't. But I'm fourth on my list to get one. Guess I'll just have to wait my turn and make do with a little screen.
Really, if you don't want to draw out all the people who are sick of Apple hype, then don't write hyped up headlines like this one.
I've seen you're 5 reasons, and I still don't want an iPad. Don't try to tell me that I want Apple product when I don't.
Imagine if you wrote an article called "5 reasons why Windows XP is still the best platform for Music". It doesn't matter one bit what you write in that article, you're still going to get 50 negative comments dumping all over you from people who don't use XP.
So, yeah, don't tell me I want an iPad when I don't, and I won't get the shits.
Really, if you don't want to draw out all the people who are sick of Apple hype, then don't write hyped up headlines like this one.
I've seen you're 5 reasons, and I still don't want an iPad. Don't try to tell me that I want Apple product when I don't.
Imagine if you wrote an article called "5 reasons why Windows XP is still the best platform for Music". It doesn't matter one bit what you write in that article, you're still going to get 50 negative comments dumping all over you from people who don't use XP.
So, yeah, don't tell me I want an iPad when I don't, and I won't get the shits.
I've had TouchOSC on my iPod Touch for several months. It's a cool app and a bargain too. There's an editor available that allows you to configure your own layouts. And there will be an iPad version.
Having said that, the small screen size of the iPod makes it a bit awkward to use with this application. The iPad will be a major improvement. At the moment I use my Edirol PCR-800 controller keyboard when I need knobs and sliders. But that doesn't have an X-Y pad and I use TouchOSC when I need one or two of those. I use Ableton Live most of the time and TouchOSC works quite will with it.
Howard Harawitz
Halifax, Nova Scotia
I've had TouchOSC on my iPod Touch for several months. It's a cool app and a bargain too. There's an editor available that allows you to configure your own layouts. And there will be an iPad version.
Having said that, the small screen size of the iPod makes it a bit awkward to use with this application. The iPad will be a major improvement. At the moment I use my Edirol PCR-800 controller keyboard when I need knobs and sliders. But that doesn't have an X-Y pad and I use TouchOSC when I need one or two of those. I use Ableton Live most of the time and TouchOSC works quite will with it.
Howard Harawitz
Halifax, Nova Scotia