How do you like to physically “play” your touch instruments? What’s your setup?

FizzyLizzy27

I’m really diving into touch controllers - things like Velocity Keyboard, TouchScaper, and especially GeoShred. But I’m having a few issues:
The iPad is freaking heavy. My 12.9 M2 is a big girl and gets uncomfortable in my lap or cradled in my left arm while using the right hand to play.

It’s hard to be super consistent playing on my lap - consistent key presses on Velocity Keyboard can be wonky when balanced.

Holding and playing limits my hands. I’d like to use GeoShred cradled in my left arm and using the right hand to play but then I lose access to the expression pad. And again, Big Bertha’s heavy.

I like to stand and play, so I think getting a stand would be the best bet. I’d want it to be sturdy though for the consistent touch pressure. Velocity Keyboard is based on surface area of the fingers on the screen, so if it’s wobbling a lot that makes consistency tricky.

Anyone use any convoluted case/strap to play with the iPad slung across the shoulder or on the hip?

Maybe a keyboard stand is a good solution, but floor space is kind of limited.

I’m using the iPad as a MIDI controller for my Mac, so I kind of need to work within the confines of my setup here. (Mac mini is tucked behind the iPad mini on the left). I’ve got a small MIDI controller I want in the setup, so maybe some kind of compact keyboard/iPad stand hybrid would kill two birds with one stone.

I’d also love some suggestions on making the iPad a more tactile playing experience. Are there good screen covers similar to PaperMate that gives the screen some grip? What about some DIY methods like the guy using rubber bands to act as guitar strings on the Nintendo Switch in this video?

This is long winded and not related to one specific app, so it may be better suited for a different category. I’ve been toying around with ideas and think there’s value in the topic.

PapaBPoppin

@FizzyLizzy27 said:

I can't give too many pointers towards your questions, however I was NOT aware of Labo Garage (knew about Labo in general, fwiw), and I'm HELLA curious about that! I'm a junkie for Loopy/TouchOSC/TouchPortal template creation, and incorporating gaming systems has been a long-time interest (Korg ds-10 was used a lot, and I really want(ed) an Analog Pocket for its inclusion of a tracker)

Thanks for opening my eyes in that direction!

Gavinski

@FizzyLizzy27 just wondering whether you know that Velocity Keyboard was designed to be used with something like a cushion behind it. There's a video somewhere on YouTube of the dev showing that, not sure which one it is but it'll be on the Blue Mangoo channel channel assuming they didn't take it down

GeoTony

iPad Pro 12.9… 95% of the time it’s on my lap and I’m playing GeoShred .
I use both hands to play so have to rest it on something.
If I’m trying to play something that has a lot of complex chords in it I might rest it on a table for a little bit more stability.
Don’t use any of the other apps you mentioned.

PapaBPoppin

@Gavinski said:
@FizzyLizzy27 just wondering whether you know that Velocity Keyboard was designed to be used with something like a cushion behind it. There's a video somewhere on YouTube of the dev showing that, not sure which one it is but it'll be on the Blue Mangoo channel channel assuming they didn't take it down

Truth to this. If I'm correct, VKB also uses gyroscope movement to help with faking pressure sensitivity, too (not just area of flesh mashery, to keep it clinical)

Lap pillow, folded up sweatshirt, pillowy legs... Anything with a little give should be beneficial (pillow and sweatshirt also work for a stand/table. Only attempt legs use on table if performing in Las Vegas)

I mainly sit and have a few seated methods (table, snare stand with a solid mic stand tray [connects anywhere on vert part of stand], same tray on a boom camera stand [not as stable, but for vert mounted camera angle, works well])... And a few concepts for mobile production jotted down

But nothing towards a standing-in-studio style lol

The keyboard stand with a board makes most sense tho. Especially if there's other controllers or whatever needed in quick reach -- quick portable shelf real estate. Always a plus

FizzyLizzy27

@PapaBPoppin said:

@FizzyLizzy27 said:

I can't give too many pointers towards your questions, however I was NOT aware of Labo Garage (knew about Labo in general, fwiw), and I'm HELLA curious about that! I'm a junkie for Loopy/TouchOSC/TouchPortal template creation, and incorporating gaming systems has been a long-time interest (Korg ds-10 was used a lot, and I really want(ed) an Analog Pocket for its inclusion of a tracker)

Thanks for opening my eyes in that direction!

Let me know if you come up with anything and I’ll do the same. Labbo is a lot of fun and I’ve always had an idea to use Joy Cons motion controls in a little jam. Korg Gadget is on Switch with motion control support and multiplayer - it’s a fun party game when you get a group and it gives you a set amount of time with random gadgets to make a song.

I wasn’t aware of the cushion being recommended for VKB. I’ll look for that video and try it out.

I’ve got a snare stand somewhere. Maybe I could put it on that. Will report back with results.

deadpoetlive

I got a cheap iPhone 6s to play geoshred on, the 3D Touch really helps with the expression, home button and audio jack are a bonus.

ecou

I really recommend a stand of for extensive iPading session. But for playing Geoshred I like to have it flat on my desk.

seonnthaproducer

Might work for your needs

Wrlds2ndBstGeoshredr

I have two positions for GS:

1) Hold in LH; play with RH. A LH finger might jump into the expression controls.

2) For two-handed playing, I put a pillow in my lap and place the ipad on the pillow.