IMO it's important to look at hardware ergonomics vs software UX. In the case of the channel names, with hardware you typically rest your hands on the arm rest/faders while listening/making mix decisions, which would obscure the channel names. But with software, you rest your hands on the keyboard/mouse thus allowing flexibility in channel name placement.amcjen wrote:Hmm, I really like meter bridges, but that's because I've never had meters at the fader before like Reason does. Seems kinda nice to have them there instead.selig wrote: Another option I didn't mockup is a meter bridge like the original SSL - but you can put a monitor closer to the controller if there's no meter bridge, so maybe best for it to be an option anyway. So many ideas, so little time
Interesting to consider the various efforts to stick closely to the Reason layout vs straying a bit for real-world use (like putting the channel name above the fader, not below!)
See if you can find any hardware controller that puts the channel names BELOW the faders!
That's also a reason meters don't typically appear beside faders, and show up on meter bridges instead. Also consider with hardware the entire channel strip is always visible (obviously!), but with software, not necessarily. And with somewhat limited vertical UI space, it makes sense to move meters down to where they will always be visible without adding unnecessary 'height' to the UI.
Other considerations for hybrid hardware/software UIs: you won't have tool tips with hardware, so ideally the channel strip will do double duty, displaying the actual value of any knob/control when adjusted. Touch screens can be useful too: imagine how to change channel order with hardware? With a touch strip above the fader you could simply drag channels to different positions/orders. This "hybrid" approach is why you see modifier keys on controllers like the ICON for Pro Tools, as having option/command/shift available on the controller allows many commands to be duplicated from software (such as parameter reset to default) not otherwise possible - and is why touch knobs are handy (even when not motorized). Same for having a save button that lights up when you make any changes (to remind you to save), and an Undo/Redo button that similarly lights up when anything can be 'undone'. Consider adding a numeric key pad and provide space for a track pad/mouse on the control surface as well - can be quicker to use these than to move away fom the controller to the keyboard mouse. Your main keyboard can reside in a pull out tray below the controller.
The stated goal is to NOT have to look at the mixer screen, right? A well designed controller will allow you to use the computer monitor strictly for seq/rack view.
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