Re: iLive Owners/Users - full fledged iPad app is out
This thread has lead me to re-evaluate the iLive PC/Mac control software. And I am reminded just how much it sucks. I'm sorry, but I have used and evaluated tablet mixing options for mixers for over a decade, and most of the programmers just don't get it. As old fashioned, outdated and horrible as it is Yamaha's Studio Manager is light years ahead of this. One big problem with the iLive software is the lack of a good overview screen. I want to be able to look at all my channels in one or two windows. I want to be able to see Gain, fader position, input meters and channel name. The iLive software does all of this. I also want to be able to see aux send status, HPF settings, EQ settings etc. Even if I can't control them from the overview window, I want to be able to check the status of these attributes, without having to open the selected channel window for every channel.
The next problem is the lack of aux send control and status from the selected channel screen. If I want to know what mixes the kick drum is being sent to I have to step through each of the mixes in mix on faders. How stupid is that? I'm sorry if I am insulting the people who designed the software, but it just seems like they never sat down with someone who is proficient at using studio manager to see how it is used in a real show environment. Studio Manager hasn't changed significantly in many years, they have no excuse. If I piss somebody off than maybe they will finally fix this software.
I don't know if the iLive iPad app solves either of these problems (from the screenshots I doubt it).
The new M7 iPad app is a toy compared to studio manager, but it is an excellent starting point. The meterbridge is brilliant. You will never be able to fit as much on an iPad screen as you can fit on a real tablet, and fingers are a lot fatter than a stylus. Also you can't rest your hand on an iPad to keep steady, or hover over a spot to see where the cursor is. All of these factors will be a challenge if anyone wants to make a really comprehensive mixing app for the iPad.