CONDUCTOR
Hardware Computer Interface For Music Sequencing Programs
1998 Final Year University Project
A revolutionary concept for a hardware interface & plugin software for controlling any linear timeline based music sequencer program in a non linear manner. The Conductor would enable the user to trigger pre-recorderd midi loops & samples on a sequencer program using a grid of 16 buttons. The midi loops & samples could be triggered live, quantised in perfect time & recorded, this would release the user from the constraints of the linear timeline & enabled the sequencer to be controlled in an improvised manner, more as if it were a musical instrument. A number of other buttons & knobs on the Conductor could be configured by the user to control other sequencer functions or to send traditional midi control messages. The Conductor was designed to be an all-in-one control solution, therefore it could also switch function as a normal trackball mouse by pressing a dedicated button, this would give the user totally integrated operation over all sequencer functions & general computer use.
In 1998 there was nothing on the market like the Conductor. For a similar product to appear, it was another 3 years for the first release of Ableton Live software, another 3 years for Ableton Live to incorporate midi sequencing & 5 years before the first commercially available dedicated hardware controller was released for Ableton Live, the Novation Launchpad.
Physical Visual Prototype
Demonstration Of Conductor In Use
Ergonomic Testing Styrofoam Model
3D Model Generated In Bryce 2
Descriptions Of Hardware Controls
Software Plugin User Interface Design
Software Plugin User Interface In Context With Music Sequencing Program
