Visualists have a challenge: visual hardware needs often aren’t quite the same as music’s. To make matters worse, there’s still no single, killer DJ-style control surface. There are lots of interesting entries, from Numark’s Total Control and NuVJ to the M-Audio Xponent and Vestax VCI-100, but, as our own Jaymis can attest, finding one that’s “just right” for you personally can be a challenge.
The new Livid Ohm, open for preorders now and shipping by the end of the month (US$790 intro / $899 list), has an interesting combination of features in a lovely case. In the center is a set of 36 trigger buttons with backlit LEDs, with mixer-style controls on either side, and trigger/mute buttons on each fader. For mix-heavy visual performance, this could be really ideal. I’ve never been a big fan of endless layers of video composited, so I’d love to see what’s possible assigning layers to generative visuals instead (possibly mixed with a layer or two of video), using a tool like Processing or Flash.
What this controller isn’t is a scratch controller, which may disappoint Jaymis. But as a mixer controller, everything’s where it should be, and all the additional trigger buttons, logically placed as mute/trigger buttons or on/off switches for effects and A/B switching, could make this really ideal in performance.
Lastly, it’s a pretty good deal. $800 or so may sound steep for a hardware controller if you’re strapped for cash, but Ohm comes with the full version of Livid Union, Livid’s Mac/Windows visual software, normally US$299. Finally, VJ hardware bundled with full-blown software and not some “special edition.” All in all, while I seriously doubt this will satisfy the ongoing search for a “perfect” controller for everyone, it’s a balanced-looking design I’m eager to try. I expect to have a test unit. Naturally, I’ll try it with software aside from just Livid Union, as well — choice is good!
What’s your current hardware controller of choice? (Me, I’m working on setting up this Wacom 6×8 and a Monome, so my setup may look very different!) Let us know in comments…
Full specs and details of the music implications over on Create Digital Music:
Ohm Controller: Buttons, Crossfader, Faders for Visualists, Musicians, and DJs
And check out the Livid product page for ordering info. Worldwide shipping, rest of the world! (Have that currency converter ready…)
Ohm Performance Instrument [lividinstruments.com]
the VJ in my live group uses motion Tokyo.drive. A fantastic piece of equipment.
drum pad styled buttons, lots of faders and knobs, all backlit, looks great!
Wood brown with light blue, not sure if I like the color combination, but that's just personal, other than that seems pretty solid.
One thing.. its twice the price of what a midi controller should cost.
I would like to use it with my own software, would be cool if they drop the price for those that just want to incorporate the hardware to their own workflow without the need to buy their software.
[…] And for more thoughts on what this can do for live visuals, video art, and VJing, head over to CDMusic’s sister site: Livid’s New Ohm Control Surface, and the Hunt for the Perfect VJ Controller [Create Digital Motion] […]
see the Vixid machine !
4 layers out; 16 entry; many controle and keyer…the must for a VJ.
watch on vixid.com
[…] And for more thoughts on what this can do for live visuals, video art, and VJing, head over to CDMusic’s sister site: Livid’s New Ohm Control Surface, and the Hunt for the Perfect VJ Controller [Create Digital Motion] Apple Boot Camp Soon Less Valuable: Upgrade to Leopard, Or Else (Updated)Logic Environments: Connect Logic to Nintendo NES via MIDINES […]
cool gadget, i would recommend it to my VJ friends. 🙂