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Hi, Im seriously thinking of buying a tablet & running Cubase 5 with windows XP.
Im using a Phonic firewire mixer as an audio interface.
I want to use XP so my old plugins will work & also my mixer only has XP drivers.

Does anyone have any experiences with running a DAW on a Tablet computer and what are some issues I should look out for?

I know that I'll want to meet the minimum specs for Cubase 5-
(2+ GHz processor (Dual Core or more recommended)
1024 MB RAM, 4 GB free hard drive space
Windows XP (SP2) Home or Pro, Windows Vista)

Any recommendations on what tablets (convertibles fine) to consider?
Thanks,
Tim

Comments

Big K Sun, 02/27/2011 - 05:14

Yeah, I have seen how Eric Persing of Spectrasonics has demoed the new Omnisphere update at NAMM controlling it smoothly with a tablet, as well. Maybe there will be some non i-pad version, too. If there is any good non-Apple device out there, let me know!

Watch this amazing synth..
[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.spectras…"]Spectrasonics - Videos[/]="http://www.spectras…"]Spectrasonics - Videos[/]

MikeT99 Sun, 04/10/2011 - 16:59

Yeah, using one's tablet (even iPad) to really control your DAW would be great, like a big, touchscreen remote. I'm talking about controlling the DAW in your PC or Mac with your tablet via Wifi (as is done with that Steinberg gimmicky app just for transport). I guess its up to software manufacturers, as Steinberg, to see if it is profitable to develop such tools, and then targetting them at a price-point, or bundling them with up-market versions of their software. Imagine the zooming in, out, the knob turning, fader rising, automation writing!.... Letting go of your mouse and keyboard for a while...

thatjeffguy Sun, 04/24/2011 - 09:30

I'm playing around with Saitara Software's "AC-7 Core" app on the iPad. It's only $7.95 so I thought I'd take a chance. It promises complete DAW control via Mackie Control protocol, and includes templates for all the major DAWs.

Well, unfortunately, you get what you pay for. It is a sadly disappointing app! While it does successfully control transport and fader functions, it lacks some of the basics that would make it a truly useful app. I was hoping to be able to replace my Frontier Tranzport, but it's not to be. Back to the Tranzport until someone develops a comprehensive DAW control app. (For which I would gladly pay much more that $7.95!!).
Jeff

timmcperson Thu, 07/26/2012 - 05:15

After my initial post, I couldn't anything worth considering that met my expectations, mainly because tablets dont have the processing power yet to run a fully spec'ed DAW. But now I have come across what I hope will be the 2nd next best thing, using the "DAW Remote HD" app on an ipad to control Cubase on my desktop PC. Its totally customizable, supports cubase/nuendo running on Windows and uses mackie control protocol running through wifi. So a bit like the "AC-7" app that Jeff mentioned above, but customizable & (hopefully) better.

If I remember, I'll update on how it all goes.

dvdhawk Tue, 10/16/2012 - 10:08

TheJackAttack, post: 394751 wrote: Presonus also has remote control via iPad and possibly Android tablet.

Virtual Studio Live can run on any decent laptop be it Windows or Mac, as long as it has a reliable/compatible Firewire chipset.

StudioLive Remote (the software to wirelessly control VSL and the corresponding mixer from a tablet) is only available for iPad at this time.

PreSonus explains why here: These Aren't the Droids You're Looking For

StudioLive Remote is a nice way to control the SL mixer remotely in a live environment, but I don't believe it has any control over DAW functions. Whether or not you can create a network using two laptops that would do everything you would want to do with a full-blown DAW, I can't say for sure. I've seen video of someone using two (windows) laptops. They were running VSL and Capture on the primary laptop connected to the mixer, and running VSL on the secondary laptop to demonstrate wireless mixing from the remote laptop. The primary computer was providing the WiFi signal and the playback from Capture. The secondary laptop had control of the mix from down the street, but I don't think it could start and/or stop Capture.

timshel Tue, 10/16/2012 - 11:18

I am not a big fan of using ipads or windowpads or amazonpads to control any daw I am working with. It will definitely change the way you work but will not make the workflow more intuitive. There is a lack of tactile response which makes it hard to forget about when mixing. One option is the Behringer BCF2000, which can be buggy, but I've had issues with the Euphonix Mix. If you have a friend with an iPad then have them download the free V Control software and then find a friend (or buy a motorized control surface). Compare. Return the motorized module.

The important thing is developing a workflow that is intuitive to you. Get the whole gear thing out of the way so you can make some emotionally provocative music.

dvdhawk Tue, 10/16/2012 - 14:47

timshel, post: 394768 wrote: I am not a big fan of using ipads or windowpads or amazonpads to control any daw I am working with. It will definitely change the way you work but will not make the workflow more intuitive. There is a lack of tactile response which makes it hard to forget about when mixing... .

There would be a number of wired alternatives capable of transport and fader control. Depending on distance, a person may have to use a range extender for the USB run over 16'.

Personally, the only studio application I can think of where a wireless tablet would be ideal - would be for the remote transport functions as mentioned earlier in some of the other posts. For instance, if I were in the tracking room, wishing to start and stop the DAW that's in the control room. Certainly easier than moving a grand piano into the control room sweet-spot.

For the foreseeable future, I would not expect a tablet to have enough horsepower to standalone run any serious DAW program. But as the OP has found, using one computer for the DAW and the tablet for remote access can work well.