iPad/Tablet integrating Midi Controller Prototype

[filespnr]

@milo see..because at the very least, if as you have stated, there is nothing novel about my design, (which I feel that there is since it's real and the only one around) at least I have proven that for the last 5 years I have had the same ideas as people who are product managers. I would say that since I have also demonstrated the use of these products, that I have surpassed them in relevancy, but nonetheless, doesn't that speak well of my ability to work as a designer.
I'm going to be as direct as I can be. I want to design at DJ Tech. I love their products, and know for a fact that they are actually built to a higher standard than many more expensive controllers.
I'm doing all of this in the belief that Christopher and I will come to an agreement about my ability to lead the company into the future.
I'm doing this for the people who have been cheated of their just dues, the Steve Carrolls, the DJ Focus's, and the Ean Goldens; (who I'm guessing has stories similar to mine), and the guys like yourself who are far more creative than your average producked manager.

[filespnr]

thank you for checking out my post and commenting. I think we need to separate DJ products into commercial use and prosumer use. In the same way that buying a $300 set of cookpans does not mean want to be a chef, or buying a car doesn't mean you want to be a a cab driver, many people have DJ equipment for uses other than creating a dance floor mix. I won't go into it, but I think we can safely say that many turntablists and controllerists of great technical ability don't use that entertain crowds, but instead for their own enjoyment. Both world's of DJing are equally valid and important, and yes, your assertion that the ipad has limitations in regards to mixing, is true. It makes up for that with it's ability to be user designed and refined. The iPad as control surface fits most well into "performance DJing", and I'll do my best to demonstrate this in round 2 of the online DMC.

[deevey]

and yes, your assertion that the ipad has limitations in regards to mixing, is true. It makes up for that with it's ability to be user designed and refined. The iPad as control surface fits most well into "performance DJing", and I'll do my best to demonstrate this in round 2 of the online DMC.

Never said it "cant" ... but buttons mashing, moving sliders or scratching on an iPad just doesn't (and can't IMHO) give you the same feeling or level of comfort as twisting a knob, using a real fader or pressing a real button.

The mere fact that you need to look at the screen to ensure your fingers are in exactly the right spot is a distraction to the job at hand - its bad enough glancing at the screen to check stuff isn't going to screw up with soft-takeover.

I think we need to separate DJ products into commercial use and prosumer use.

They already are ?

In all honestly though, without sounding like an ass, is I'd step down a peg or two before claiming "I did it first" rights on anything these days - Similar designs find themselves being produced by multiple companies at multiple times throughout history, simply because they are good designs and make sense to the designers. Fair enough in the case of Steve Carroll (my Namesake BTW) and intimidation he fell victim to industrial espionage plain and simple.

If your idea is indeed worthwhile and unique PATENT IT - an internet forum or youtube video as a safeguard will at best be hit-and-miss in court, at worst be thrown out by the judge as evidence, and not to sound the pessimist, DJTT/Youtube and wherever else could lose all its data tomorrow and then what ?

On another note I feel the need to watch the simpsons episode where homer designs the car

[MiL0]

However, I think when the day comes and I am proven to be absolutely correct about iPad controllers, we will know I was telling the truth. Is it boasting to say that as long as I gave away my ideas and expected nothing back, that I was praised as a "visionary", yet the instant I expected to be paid for my intellectual property, I was shunned.

I've had a few beers so sorry if this comes across as bit harsh...

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but I still don't see anything particularly 'visionary' in what you're describing. Whilst it's true that there isn't a lot of iPad controllers out there (apart from the existing Numark ones), it doesn't mean that it hasn't been thought of already. Just off the top of my head, there's djdab's controller (from 2 years ago) here:



What I'm trying to say is that it might appear in your eyes that you've come up with a unique idea but tbh it's simply inevitable that we'll start to see commerical controllers with the ability to interface with tablets like the iPad sooner rather than later. It doesn't mean that anyone's stealing your intellectual property... it's simply because it's such an obvious progression that it's bound to happen.

Apologies if I'm misunderstanding or not seeing the bigger picture.






and of course, my own concept from 2 years ago (which I incidentally first dreamt up before the iPad was even announced/rumoured) :

[MiL0]

Just watched your video again and I think I kinda get where you're coming from now. You're obviously much more keen on using the iPad (or whatever tablet) as the centre of your controller setup, rather than to complement normal hardware controls (encoders, pots, faders, etc). This is definitely a preference thing imo - not everyone likes to use on-screen virtual knobs over real knobs. Touchscreens are great for some purposes but terrible at many other things. If you're serious about trying to bring this to market or patent it, you should probably take this into consideration.

[deevey]

@ MiL0 ... Dj Raja June might disagree (remember her!) :P

[zestoi]

It isn't boasting if it's true.

in *your* opinion it's true ... you have come across as sounding a bit off - which is why i didn't reply when i first read your post.

it's not a bad idea, but not a great or unique one either. that doesn't mean u shouldn't do it, it's all good, but i don't see anything revolutionary about it. you're using cdj101's in there atm?

i'm sure tablet pc's will play a bigger part going forwards more and more but not as the main/only control surface. i'd love to be able to rely on one for the brains to run the software and browse tracks, flipping thru itunes artwork style - even do some XY pad type effects stuff - but a dj needs something tactile that they can just reach down to with minimal actual *looking* at it to use.

NI F1 and behringer MM 1----during the testing of the scs3m, which I was the first person on the planet outside of the company to get one.

nem0nic would be able to confirm or deny anything related to the SCS series and behringer CMD's.

good ideas anyway, maybe for a niche market. but try to not come across quite so full of yourself next time

[filespnr]

[Emmett]

Disagree with your idea of a controller having a tablet housed by the controller casing. Keeping in mind you mention in your video that the tablet will stay inside the unit, but is removable. A couple of considerations...

1.) Assuming you are enabling the end user to choose their own tablet, the tablet casings are all different sizes and will require different size controller casings for every tablet on the market. Either that or your controller casing will look entirely unprofessional with an ill fitting tablet.

2.) Assuming the controller manufacturer is supplying the tablet I am of the opinion your product will be far too expensive (considering most people don't use two lap tops) and/or not provide enough custom computer options for how much it would cost. Generally if people are running a dedicated music laptop/tablet they usually have a custom set up or use a Mac.

3.) The second version shows a casing attached to the tablet screen. This basically makes the tablet less portable or time consuming to remove for other uses. It will also require a cover to fill the hole the removal of the tablet has left.

4.) For what your controller casing does it is absolutely enormous due to the location of the tablet and tablet screen.

5.) Built in speaker is also a terrible idea that I will not even bother discussing...


Running with the assumption that people will pay for a controller with a CPU inside of it, wouldn't it make more sense to use the controller casing and build a computer inside of it rather than trying to retro fit a tablet? Surely it would be cheaper, enable a smaller foot print, customisation (by the manufacturer) of every component specifically for audio applications.

Couldn't you just make a neat stand (internally routed/powered cables, nice clips to attachthe stand to the controller, adjustable size to fit a variety of different sized screens) that the end user can attach to the unit? I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who have a touch screen already and don't want to buy another one or would prefer to choose there own.

At short, I think your design is not marketable with a tablet except for maybe the tiniest of niches. No hate intended...

[deevey]

You do realize that a laptop stuck in the center gap where you have the tablet is probably much much easier to work on, won't require a mouse and will be much higher spec.

How are you planning on accessing FX/EQ etc .... ?

No Hate intended either, but you haven't addressed any of the ideas laid / products out above and how they already solve a lot of your "issues".

Cue buttons at the top of the unit IMHO is asking for trouble to begin with.

Likewise built in speaker is silly - the only "small" speaker system worth a crap that could possibly be installed inside is a Bose Wave system which would be "ok" for a small bedroom at best and costs around $700 :P

If you really intend trying to market something like this.

1. Develop the software
2. Decide on a particular tablet which is going to be used - not multiple ones.
3. Decide how users are going to access their controls such as cue points EQ's / FX etc ..these issues have not been addressed.

Battery powered is a silly notion IMHO - if you are running a DJ application you are most likely going to get minimal battery life not even taking into consideration the controller itself.

Slap some bigger wheels and a case on a CMD micro and you have your controls in a nice lil package.

Casing design is the least of your issues - the software / hardware interface is.