Midiman Shows Surface One at MusikMesse

Surface One Prototype

Surface One is a virtual control surface that is completely user-configurable. The basic elements (or objects) that the user manipulates consist of virtual channels, buttons, and knobs. Any object on Surface One is programmable and can transmit any message communicable via MIDI (including volume changes, note on/off, alterations to any parameters, program changes, etc).

Surface One utilizes a fiber optic-based touch-sensitive material as its primary interface. This smart fabric, originally developed by the Canadian Space Agency and now licensed by Tactex, transmits the information it receives through touch so it may be converted into MIDI and sent out of Surface One to control MIDI-compatible devices.

The objects on Surface One that utilize the Tactex fabric are in reality virtual controllers,meaning they can exchange roles, locations, and functions. Surface One s functionality is thus context sensitive in that it is redefined by the environment in which it is being used.

Because the fabric can read up/down, left/right, and pressure information at the same time, Surface One is capable of sending multiple messages simultaneously,each of which can be assigned to a different MIDI parameter.

The result is a powerful and unique tool that defies categorization.

Surface One may be used:

• As a virtual mixer to control sequencing software
• As an soft synth controller or sample player
• As a virtual controller for any MIDI instrument
• As a virtual Light Board controller
• To program hardware synthesizers
• In a performance setting as an instrument/controller
• As an input device for content creation programs
• As an input device for graphics and animation software

The buttons on the Surface one may transmit any info variation, from solo/mute in a sequencer environment to MIDI note info in a performance situation. Different types of motion, (touch, double tap, pressure) can trigger different commands. A shift function that allows instant access to a second layer of objects. Resolution of objects can also be user defined.

Pressure applied to the top or bottom of a fader results in a fade in or fade out on that channel. The left hand may trigger note info while right hand controls parameter changes in real time. Objects and presets may be copied and pasted to new locations

Flash memory permits upgrades.

Hardware features:

• Connects via USB or MIDI
• 2 in/2 out MIDI operation
• Eight virtual touch panels, user-definable
• Eight virtual buttons,user- definable
• Thumb Pad,user-definable as one to three regions
• 16 rotary encoders,user-definable
• Programmable via GUI/USB
• Functions as a standalone device without a computer

*This information is preliminary and subject to change.