Go to any electronic music performance and you'll see the artists on stage all staring at their computer screens. You may wonder where exactly the "performance" comes in. But look more closely and you'll see they're actually manipulating hardware controllers that are connected to their laptops, tapping on rubber pads and sliding their fingers around to control the software.
These controllers aren't just convenient tools, they're as essential to a musician as any other instrument -- they inject a very human tactile element into the otherwise sterile act of using software to create sound.
Novation is known for its line of awesome keyboards and trigger controllers. Now the company has shrunk its popular Launchpad S controller, which is meant for use with a laptop, down to a size more suited to be used with an iPad. In fact, the new Launchpad Mini can be powered by your iPad, so you can plug it directly into your tablet. There's no need for an external power supply. There's also the Launchpad iOS app, which is pre-loaded with sounds and effects, but can also accept samples of your own making.
Of course, it's weird to use a hardware controller with your touchscreen tablet, which already has a tactile interface that, while not exactly the same, is more familiar and versatile. But this little 64-pad grid also connects to your laptop. You can use it as an ultra-compact controller on Ableton Live or other pro-level software like FL Studio. I actually prefer the more compact controllers -- things tend to get cluttered pretty quickly on my desktop. The smaller the hardware, the better. So yes, I want one.
Street price is around $100, and it'll be available in October.
