Why no Soft Keys on S3?

[jacko]

Quoting the manual:

Soft Keys
This feature does not apply to S3.

I think there is a missed opportunity to make S3 a possible replacement for Artist Mix+Control. Artist Control gives us access to hundreds Soft Keys and that has become huge part of my workflow. I use them for Memory Locations, 48 Automation Snapshots, Groups and many more.

Have Avid designers not considered making top 16 knobs assignable as multi layered Soft Keys in similar style to Artist Control?

Unless there will be an iPad app soon with Eucon Soft Keys - then I will shut up and I will buy it even if it's insanely expensive :)

[Brandonx1]

Can't you use the transport with the s3? Is so, it's got 20+ soft keys and it's a transport.

[jacko]

Originally Posted by Brandonx1

Can't you use the transport with the s3? Is so, it's got 20+ soft keys and it's a transport.

Currently that's the only way to add some Soft Keys, but this isn't enough. For example accessing all 48 Snaphots is impossible, some other Eucon only Soft Keys such as Next / Previous Playlist and many more. There probably is at least a 100 useful Eucon Soft Keys.

[Darryl Ramm]

I suspect Avid's answer for somebody wanting lots of Eucon soft keys is step this way sir and have a look at our lovely S6.

[jacko]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

I suspect Avid's answer for somebody wanting lots of Eucon soft keys is step this way sir and have a look at our lovely S6.

Well, this way Artist Mix + Control combo is more capable feature wise. I don't think they would go for something like this.

[Brandonx1]

Agreed. Artist control and mix are probably a better controller and they are cheaper. What's the problem here?

[lucienpalmer]

Originally Posted by Brandonx1

Agreed. Artist control and mix are probably a better controller and they are cheaper. What's the problem here?

I disagree, but it depends on your personal preference. I don't like using a touch screen, so having an S3 with 32 knobs sounds great to me. I do agree with the OP that they missed the boat with no soft keys. I'm guessing that is why they are showing it with the Transport in the promo photos. I use a transport and love it. I turned the numeric keypad into my Automation control panel.

[lucienpalmer]

One more thought, since I played with one at AES in LA today...

I love having LED meters next to my faders. It's one of the main things I wish my two Artist Mix' could do. Also, those 32 knobs on the S3 can do a plugin spill like the S6. That is awesome. I only bought two Mix' so I could have 16 knobs, and I'd much rather have 32.

The only thing I don't like it that it passes audio. It's not something I care about. I only want a control surface. I'd rather spend twice as much money and get meter bridge screens like the S6.

[jacko]

There wouldn't be a problem if it was possible to use Artist Control together with S3. Artist Control, despite its cheap quality and outdated touch screen technology, is still an amazing workflow enhancement thanks to Eucon features they introduced together with Pro Tools 10.

[iirth]

The S3 does have built in transport controls, aside from the touch strips at the bottom edge. They're located in the global controls section.

This is pictured in the Quick Start Guide of the Venue 4.5 standalone software.