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In-depth Feature:  M-Audio Trigger Finger
Nick B writes: .

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In Use
I hooked up the Trigger Finger with my laptop system running Logic 7 and using the much-underestimated Controller Assignments feature (Preferences: Control Surfaces: Controller Assignments) was able to utilise the knobs and faders to control my plug-ins and Instruments quickly.

The pads were responsive, and eminently playable, with a dial-able velocity curve you can find the one that suits your touch. I didn't notice any large value stepping when going from soft to loud, but as with any new system, it will take a little getting used to.

Having pads for triggers has both advantages and disadvantages. What's great is that you can get into playing drum or percussion sounds with more of a feel than a keyboard input, making your parts more natural sounding and letting you wig-out with more gusto - if that's what you want. The disadvantage is that when calling up a new set of drum sounds that perhaps don't follow a standard mapping, it can be a bit of a palaver tweaking pad note assignments to access all the sounds. That's why the combination of using a chromatic pad setup and the transpose slider can really speed things up tremendously, keeping the muse with you.

Conclusion

It's fair to say that the Trigger Finger should not just be limited to one shot drum sample triggering but a whole world of possibilities are opened up when working with a program like Ableton where you can fire off entire arrangements and tweak on the fly for maximum creative fun. It would have been nice to see and external trigger input or two for adding a foot-pedal - always nice to be able to trigger a kick sound from a pedal, makes the playing experience more satisfying.

Not only that, but you could easily use the pads for VJ setups where MIDI control gives you access to all sorts of live creative options. I'm not a VJ myself but I'm told this sort of thing is quite common.

At the price, M-Audio have got it just about right, if your desire to hit pads is strong or you need something to go with a live setup, then this should open up your world. I think for serious programmers, you'd still feel the need for a keyboard based input device too, but there's nothing to stop you having the best of both worlds. In fact, I'm certain M-Audio would be more than happy to supply you with the keyboard too.

The Trigger Finger retails at $249 US but can certainly be found for less

Competition
Akai MPD-16 $399.99
16 pads but with no extra assignable controllers or LCD readout. Velocity is limited to full or 16 steps. No pressure data transmitted. Very much the MPC way of doing things. Probably the closest rival.
Price @ Zzounds.com

Roland SPD-S $595
Rolands compact pad controller with built in sampling - features 9 pads that can also be setup to respond to stick or fingers. External pad inputs too.
Price @ Zzounds.com

More Resources              Articles - full listing
  • Trigger Finger Video @ M-Audio
  • Trigger Finger Pages @ M-Audio

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