Re:Surface Music Kit features
by kenjackson on Sunday December 29, 2013 @12:03PM
(#6980196)
Joe Hahn has composed with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK6Hs-qHh84
As an ex-DJ I could definitely find use in something like this. The core music program has to be good, but a complimentary keyboard like this one would certainly enhance the experience -- especially for live Performances.
Oh, I could find uses for it, especially if it presents as a usb midi device[1]. And I'm sure it can be used for some fun things and actually have a place in a live set. It just feels like a toy, rather than a serious bit of music kit for musicians (even if it has been used by serious ones, however anything can be used by musicians :P)
[1] Actually, if it did, that would get me a lot more excited by it!
Re:Surface Music Kit features
by WalterSear on Sunday December 29, 2013 @01:49PM
(#6980681)
As an electronic musician, it's totally a toy. No velocity sensitive anything, nothing but a mediocre imitation of a drumpad for input, and no inter compatibility with other devices.
It is M$'s answer to the tenori-on.
The sliders are without any physical control, so they add little over pure touchscreen sliders. And the fixed-functions are disappointing. Similarly the control buttons don't seem to add anything at all.
The pads do make sense - having even slight physical definition to them will make them easier to use when performing. Really it needs piano keys, as again, the physicality they would have offered would have helped with performance.
Another case, I suspect, of designed by someone who wouldn't actually use the final product.