Smithson Martin Emulator
You may remember Smithson Martin as the guys who made a splash a while back with this crazy monstrosity touchscreen DJ controller which smacked of vaporware.
Well apparently that thing was real and now it’s even realer because they have released a beautifully designed desktop version that’s infinitely more practical. Unfortunately it’s like $5000 so it’s not happening. But one can dream. Personally, I still haven’t figured out whether touchscreens are my thing for live performance. I got an iPad with the hopes of incorporating it into my live workflow but it still hasn’t happened. I personally don’t like having to be constantly looking down at gear the whole time and I need the tactile feedback of knobs and sliders.
Still not sure if I’d dig the Emulator for live music, but I think it would be great in the studio. And not just for music either, I think this would make a great Photoshop or Lightroom controller if set up properly.
10 Comments Leave A Comment
Pat says:
April 23, 2012 at 11:59 amActually, both the designer of the original Emulator and the company’s owner are professional DJ’s with years of experience.
My friend who shoots video for them will be attending your show in Toronto. If you shoot me an email, I’ll put you two in touch and you can give one a whirl. I think you’ll actually be very impressed.
I am not affiliated in any way with Smithson Martin, other than having partied with them and Porter Robinson in LA a few months back. The free Grey Goose is all that could be considered a cause for bias.
massta says:
April 23, 2012 at 12:39 pmThe Emulator software is something I’m very interested in. He ports to Resolume and Abelton Live and other packages. This would be great for a VJ. Instead of an expensive device, you can get the software and purchase a see through touch screen like these artists are using:
http://www.peauproductions.com/blog/2011/04/11/filo-and-peri-djvj-consulting-job/
carlos says:
April 23, 2012 at 1:32 pmI’m with you, Scott, when it comes to knobs vs. touchscreens. Touchscreen controls just don’t feel as natural or even as responsive as actual knobs/faders. The extent of my touchscreen devices are limited to a Kaoss pad and an iPhone app for live performances, and even those are used sparingly . Even in a studio setting, I’d be hesitant to toss out my other controllers and use this device exclusively.
Scott says:
April 23, 2012 at 2:31 pm@PAT-
sounds good, would love to give it a spin!
@carlos-
yeah I guess I’m just stuck with that old paradigm, maybe just need to give it a little more time.
Anonymous says:
April 23, 2012 at 9:30 pmI’d take the shitty faders and knobs on my old sh-101 over touch screen controls any day. No substitute for the real thing.
This is a great little article on the subject.
http://worrydream.com/ABriefRantOnTheFutureOfInteractionDesign/
Spencer says:
April 24, 2012 at 10:17 amLooks beautiful, seems a bit gimmicky. The best part is being able to customize the layout.
jon says:
April 25, 2012 at 8:04 amWhat about this price point? It seems crazy. 2500 for a touch surface seems way out of whack with the rest of the market. There’s got to be a way to port the software to iOS and proliferate more effectively that way, even if it was just a remote controller for software running on a linked laptop/desktop.
Also in agreement that chunky faders and knobs are better. Until touchscreens can give a tangible feedback when parameters are changed, I will stick with the midi controllers. With actual knobs, I can adjust things without actually looking at the controller, which helps connect the performer to the audience, something that is crucial for electronic music perfomance, in my opinion.
Edward Platero says:
April 25, 2012 at 1:36 pmScott, My Name is Edward. I shoot all of the promotional vids for SmithsonMartin. I’m going to be in the Vancouver area at the end of may around the time of your show on the 25th. I’d love do do a demo of the KS-1974 for you. Let me know if this works for you.
Edward
aveyraa says:
May 10, 2012 at 4:33 amYou didn’t answer the aptasnim question correctly, your comment was not saved. Press “Back” and answer the question better.Just to be sure that your message won’t be lost – copy it now to the clipboard. 搞得我很紧张来着.. 特地来留言测试一下下….果然..是啥子插件啊?压根都木有问题出来
Norman says:
June 13, 2012 at 12:37 pm… so what is the point of this when you can get an iPad touchscreen and run touchOSC or a similar program for a 10th of the cost???