Using Touchscreen with Beyond/QS/Live Pro

[keebs]

Yep
Not used the LivePro Performer; it's out of production now.
Touchscreen + LivePad Pro (on the iPad) combo can do anything

I'm curious, do you find that operating the touchscreen and watching your projectors at the same time is difficult?

I've used an iPad as part of my DJ controller setup for years now and am getting more into getting a proper laser control surface working. I'm realizing that for controlling music a touch surface is great because you just need to listen to the music... but for lasers, a hardware controller has the advantage of being able to be used more easily without looking at it. Or do most people not watch the actual show, but just use the preview mode to tell what it will look like?

Would love to hear thoughts from ppl who have used both.

Cheers,

Todd Keebs

[danielbriggs]

Hi Todd,
I don't bother using the iPad anymore;
I jab at a few things on the touchscreen(s) and trigger from a physical MIDI controller, only looking at the lasers, preview window switched off.

[colouredmirrorball]

Is that a BCF2000 I spot there?

[Bradfo69]

Hi Todd,

I have both a 15" touchscreen that I've used with a Novation midi controller and, I not long ago I also started using a 24" Dell All In One desktop touchscreen and am fiddling with an Akai APC40. I find I'm looking up and down quite a bit between the controllers and cues versus watching the beams. Part of that is simply not using the equipment enough to have the "muscle memory" to not look down. I don't type well either and have to look at the keys periodically but, I suspect if I used the equipment more, it would become more natural. During slower periods, I tend to actually sit and use the mouse but, as the night wears on and the music gets more upbeat, I find I tend to stand and use the touchscreen more. It's really just a matter of practicing and getting the feel of your equipment. I think in time, you get better at watching the beams and become less focused on the controls.

I do find I prefer LivePro over Quickshow as I think there are a lot more cues and options to work with but, there is also much more of a learning curve. I'm usually discovering new things every time I do a show. I also use the Dell a LOT more now as it's a much bigger screen. Actually, I use large screens for everything now... tv's, computers, etc. My daily work computer has a 27" screen and I love it.

~Brad

[danielbriggs]

Is that a BCF2000 I spot there?

Yep; now swapped out for an APC40.