Neyrinck V-Control Pro for iPad

Neyrinck have just released an update to their V- Control for ProTools. Version 1.1 now adds dual surround panners and peak hold meters to the already impressive interface. Having used version 1.1 for a few days now I have to say that I am very impressed indeed. I have tried and worked with various control surfaces over the years, however for the size of an iPad and quality of this software, this is hard to beat.

My initial  impression was that V-Control was a gimick, a toy, and something used just to show your friends as I was quite dubious about not having "actual" faders to push and pull. However this is not the case. This is actually a very serious piece of software and  the response of the touch faders is excellent. Panning using the virtual pan pots takes some getting used to, however the new surround panners compensate for this. It also supports flip mode, sends, a scrub and shuffle, group suspend and many more features...

At US$49.99 or AUD$59.99 V-Control on the iPad is now a far cheaper option than any other control surface.... plus you can check your email, read the paper and play games in your downtime! even factoring an iPad, the price and flexibility of this configuration is amazing!

iPod/ iPhone remote

Ever since getting my first ipod touch I have been interested in it's use as a remote control. This includes controlling the TV, DVD player, Amp etc, but more importantly I have been interested in it's use to control my computer. One example is that I currently use my ipod touch to remote control my mac when I record in the studio. I do this by setting up a local wireless network and using the ipod as a remote mouse/ keyboard. This is very cool as I can control my cpu in the control room with it's noisy fans from the studio floor.

This guy however has taken the use of the ipod/iphone to a whole new level...

The iPad has landed...

Finally after much speculation Apple has released it's much anticipated tablet- the iPad.
Apart from looking like a giant iPod Touch/ iPhone - already I can see where this device will find it's market. To be honest, I was dubious at first about the similarities to the iPod touch, however after some more thinking I can see where this device will be an awesome addition to a musicians arsenal.

Apart from being able to what you would expect: email, web, itunes, iphoto etc.... I think the iPad will be able to be unleashed as a multi faceted virtual instrument/ interface. Depending on what apps are created, I predict that the iPad will be able to be used for virtual keyboards/ synths, virtual drum kits, virtual tactile response interface and even a virtual mixer (maybe in conjunction with being connected to a PowerMac/ Macbook etc)... it will also be intersting to see if some of the big music software companies embrace this product as a control surface for their proprietry software.