ok if this is not a April fools joke...
Yeah as if there is not enough DAW software out there
I think the only reason why manufacturers are doing this is because there's always a need for software-hardware "plug and play" (wow that's a retro term) integration and they know if they can provide an idiot proof hardware+software solution they will sell more hardware than they ever can.
Cubase + Yamaha N series (and some other hardware) : Integration
Sonar + VStudio : Integration
Studio One + Presonus hardware: Integration
My guess is Presonus will soon be building an audio interface - control surface - digital mixer hybrid (evolved from StudioLive). For better integration with Studio One of course.
Hmmm...what about Logic and DP? And Reaper? I thought some hardware company would be smart enough to buy Reaper by now
Now the trend is towards dedicated knobs, buttons and faders for stuff like control room functions, stuff that won't require users to configure the software to adapt to the feature list of a particular piece of hardware - something which requires a certain level of understanding of signal flow and routing - something which the new generation won't want to learn.
Anyhow I don't think this is good for consumers cos more platforms means more conversion and compatibility problems. We should just all go back to analog tape
