ProTools on your iPhone?

[apadua]

Originally Posted by alexfoinc

ProRemote only works on Mac and only works on iPhone and iPod Touch OS 2.0.

alex

Great work..

Do you have an estimated date for ud PC/Cubase users...

[alexfoinc]

Sorry the video is so bad- I must have a good connection here because it is smooth for me!

To answer your questions (and spew information you didn't ask for as well):

Currently ProRemote uses no authentication and only allows one client to connect for exactly the reason you state. I don't think it would be a funny joke to have someone mess with your session remotely.

If enough people ask, I will add multiple client support and password authentication. Multiple client support would be cool say you wanted to have someone mix with you- perhaps they are across the planet. Really don't know how practical that is; it's just a thought.

You can also start and stop the ProRemoteServer at will to prevent people from connecting to your machine if this is an issue for you.

Should be in the AppStore any day now- Just need to finish some more testing and put in some more fixes. The new SDK really caused me alot of problems especially in the touch department, I had to rewrite all the finger tracking code!

I did manage to add multi-touch which I forgot to showcase in the demo video. If you can get 8 fingers on that screen, all 8 faders will respond now- works nicely for stereo pairs.

Thanks for the "product of the year" vote! All the positive feedback I get keeps me working on this thing late into the night. I really hope you all find it useful and I'm sorry about the price point. Just so people understand, ProRemote is 4 pieces of software, 3 of which were extremely difficult to write (2 required extensive reverse engineering) not to mention getting them all to play in concert is no little feat.

I want to have the initial release in the AppStore by August which is right around the corner and then another "maintenance" release about 2-3 weeks afterwards depending on user feedback.

Also there are no more licensing restrictions, you can install ProRemoteServer on every machine you can find. ProRemoteServer uses absolutely 0 CPU time when not in use and will never interfere with ProTools even while it is running.

Purchasing ProRemote on your iPhone gives you infinite free updates (you will never pay for ProRemote again) and trust me when I tell you some really good updates are coming.

best!
alex

Originally Posted by James Lehmann

Well the video clip is jerky as sh*t but you can still see that this iPhone App looks WAY COOL!

Gearslut buzz-product of the year I'd say!

The only hiccup I can see is that you might suddenly start altering parameters on your partner's PT rig, who is busy mixing something else in Studio B! Is there a 1:1 recognition protocol that ties one phone to one Mac?

[alexfoinc]

PC users hate me

The truth is I have years of experience doing Windoze work so it won't be hard to do---

The problem is that I have a backlog of requests for ProRemote (that don't involve porting to Windows) that I need to finish first. Things like supporting different protocols so that I can support every DAW out there (this does include Windows DAWs).

So once I have Logic support and Mackie Control support done I will port to Windows which will allow Sonar, Nuendo and Cubase users the same functionality as your Mac brothers. The Server is easy to port (it was written in the most portable way I could think of) but the MIDI driver is another story and debugging "realtime things" can be painful not to mention building the installer for the server on Windows is a bitch.

thanks for the kind words, I promise Windows support but I don't have an estimated date, if I were to guess I would guess next year around this time :-(

alex

Originally Posted by apadua

Great work..

Do you have an estimated date for ud PC/Cubase users...

[jval]

This is really cool. I just got my new iPhone and it would be great to have this app, but I couldn't justify the price. I would really only use it to control transport from the live room if I was tracking an instrument or jumping in for group vocals (happens quite often!).

I don't think I would spend more than $50 on this, but I bet there will be a few others who need it more than me. I understand the complexity of developing the software, but for me it would be a convenience and not a necessity.
What about a 'lite' version for cheaper with only the basic features (transport, fader control)??

Just think... ProRemote LE and ProRemote HD!

[alexfoinc]

You have to remember that I have alot of plans for ProRemote- so the initial $150 may be steep but this is a professional product targeted at professional users. Not every professional has an assistant at their disposal so this tool is meant to help. You will never be charged for the newer features.

I hate announcing products that may never exist but once ProRemote has the "full feature set (for 1.0)", I will consider stripping all those extra features away and creating a "Lite" version that will be very similar to what is available now but without the big transport. Probably will cost less than $50 and will only support one DAW.

This isn't product announcement or any reason to "wait" for that product to exist. It may never come to be. Just thinking out loud.

I also wrote the YPmobile app that is currently available in the AppStore. Please check it out- I find it actually pretty useful (but I'm biased)... This app was featured on the front page of the AppStore the week it launched!! This project cut into ProRemote development but was a necessary evil, I need a pay check in the end- this is my excuse for why the app isn't in the store now.

alex

Originally Posted by jval

This is really cool. I just got my new iPhone and it would be great to have this app, but I couldn't justify the price. I would really only use it to control transport from the live room if I was tracking an instrument or jumping in for group vocals (happens quite often!).

I don't think I would spend more than $50 on this, but I bet there will be a few others who need it more than me. I understand the complexity of developing the software, but for me it would be a convenience and not a necessity.
What about a 'lite' version for cheaper with only the basic features (transport, fader control)??

Just think... ProRemote LE and ProRemote HD!

[jval]

I think I was about to download the YP app, but read some reviews about it not being very useful in Canada. Not that that's surprising!

[alexfoinc]

Well I submitted ProRemote to the AppStore but there are some issues with my bank not accepting foreign wires. This means I have to setup a new business account just for the AppStore and Apple won't push my App until this account clears their Legal Department.

Fun fun. Anyway the real reason I am posting is that I decided to create a stripped down version of ProRemote for all of those who don't need all the features and certainly don't want to pay for them.

Introducing ProRemote Light Edition for sale at $39.99 (US). It has 8 channels, mini-transport and only works with Mackie HUI clients (like ProTools and Logic). No future development is planned for ProRemote Light Edition- only maintenance.

The full version of ProRemote which supports 32 channels and has a dedicated transport view will have many more updates and will support every popular DAW out there (in free future updates) is priced at $149.99 (US). Custom MIDI and Macro support will be coming as well.

I hope the light edition makes people happy.
best,
alex

[Neeps]

Hi Alex

As soon as you get this working on windows you can have my $150. Or whatever change apple gives you.

Cheers
Neeps

[champ]

this is a nice app and i don't wanna be rude but really are you nuts charging 150,- dollars

$9,99 for the lite version and 19,99 for the full version would be a fair deal don't you think

anyway good luck on sales but i aint buying

[Animus]

wow that is cool as hell. It's funny, I was just thinking about it would be cool to have something like this the other day and then I see this. Never noticed it.

Yes please. Windows version for Nuendo!

[celticrogues]

My 2.5 cents, take it or leave it:

I think this is a really cool idea and an awesome toy to have in the studio, and I totally have huge respect for you developing this and making it work as well as I can see that it does. However, I can't really see this being used as a serious mixing tool in a professional studio. You say its a program for professional users, but from my experience, professional users are already going to have control surfaces that they prefer in their studios, or have developed ways of mixing with the mouse, that are faster and easier than using the (comparatively) very small touch screen on the iPhone for their mixing needs. I'll admit my experience is limited, I am young, and I might be completely wrong about this, but thats how I see it.

The way I see it, this product is more of a novelty product than a serious mixing tool, and I think that by pricing it for professional users, you are eliminating a lot of your potential market for this app. If it were priced more like the majority of other apps in the iTunes store, I think you would get a lot more people to buy it simply to try, and to have around for the few times it will be used than if you keep it at the "professional" price point its at now.

Just my humble opinion though, best of luck to you!
-Mike

[elambo]

I know you've put quite a lot of work into this and that you must have some development costs to recoup, but marketing at a price point of $150 for Pro and $40 for Light will not stir up many sales. The iPhone as a control platform, regardless of how slick the app is, is simply not a practical device for serious operation, and at that price point it's only serious operators that you're marketing to. I'm your perfect candidate - I record myself in the booth, away from the control room, quite often and I'm dying for an easy remote to operate ProTools - and I'm willing to spend good money on something that's helping the session progress smoother or more easily, but if I'm going to be limited to the tiny screen of the iPhone, $150 is way off base. And committing to the Light version, which will never be updated to progress as ProTools progresses, isn't going to cut it long-term.

As someone who's VERY interested in this kind of remote control, this is where I'm coming from. Not trying to burst your bubble - I'd rather like to see your app take off and continue to improve through time.

One other thing to consider - you now have competition with the relatively cheap app called Teleport which lets the iPhone take control over just about any computer, connected to a local network or NOT. It's by no means as slick as what you're creating, but it's functional as a remote for ProTools and it's only $25.

[alexfoinc]

Thanks for the feedback!

Originally Posted by elambo

I know you've put quite a lot of work into this and that you must have some development costs to recoup, but marketing at a price point of $150 for Pro and $40 for Light will not stir up many sales. The iPhone as a control platform, regardless of how slick the app is, is simply not a practical device for serious operation, and at that price point it's only serious operators that you're marketing to. I'm your perfect candidate - I record myself in the booth, away from the control room, quite often and I'm dying for an easy remote to operate ProTools - and I'm willing to spend good money on something that's helping the session progress smoother or more easily, but if I'm going to be limited to the tiny screen of the iPhone, $150 is way off base. And committing to the Light version, which will never be updated to progress as ProTools progresses, isn't going to cut it long-term.

As someone who's VERY interested in this kind of remote control, this is where I'm coming from. Not trying to burst your bubble - I'd rather like to see your app take off and continue to improve through time.

One other thing to consider - you now have competition with the relatively cheap app called Teleport which lets the iPhone take control over just about any computer, connected to a local network or NOT. It's by no means as slick as what you're creating, but it's functional as a remote for ProTools and it's only $25.

[alexfoinc]

Once ProRemote is out, see if you can't get someone to let you try their copy out.

I understand your point of view, but if you have ever used Frontier Design's Tranzport you will immediately see the value of this product (or not)...

The Light Version is aimed at musicians at home for instance where having both a control surface and assistant isn't a reality for most...

The Pro edition has many things in store for it so while it may seem like a novelity to some, it might actually be handy enough to send your assistant home for others.

The price point reflects what it costs to build a piece of software like this- I've built many of the things you use everyday on your computer and know how much development costs. This software is coming at a considerable discount considering I have used every other product out there that does something similar to ProRemote. Now, I'm not asking anyone to buy it- so if the price offends you, please vote with your wallet and simply do not purchase the product. I respect your opinions. I am not trying to recoop the costs of development as that would make the software even more expensive! I'm just trying to share something I think is useful.

thanks again for the input,
alex

Originally Posted by celticrogues

My 2.5 cents, take it or leave it:

I think this is a really cool idea and an awesome toy to have in the studio, and I totally have huge respect for you developing this and making it work as well as I can see that it does. However, I can't really see this being used as a serious mixing tool in a professional studio. You say its a program for professional users, but from my experience, professional users are already going to have control surfaces that they prefer in their studios, or have developed ways of mixing with the mouse, that are faster and easier than using the (comparatively) very small touch screen on the iPhone for their mixing needs. I'll admit my experience is limited, I am young, and I might be completely wrong about this, but thats how I see it.

The way I see it, this product is more of a novelty product than a serious mixing tool, and I think that by pricing it for professional users, you are eliminating a lot of your potential market for this app. If it were priced more like the majority of other apps in the iTunes store, I think you would get a lot more people to buy it simply to try, and to have around for the few times it will be used than if you keep it at the "professional" price point its at now.

Just my humble opinion though, best of luck to you!
-Mike

[leg]

Hi Alex, it looks like a great product. I have a question for you. Does the lite version work with DP6 under the HUI protocol? If it does, I'm buying right now.

Thanks,

Luis

[alexfoinc]

I'm still trying to get my hands on a copy of DP so I can ensure compatibility. The truth is I don't know if it will work.

My experience has been that ProRemote will work with any HUI host. My warning is that currently the Pro version is optimized for ProTools so some advanced features may not work in DP w/ ProRemote.

I plan to support DP properly in a future version (I have to finish up Logic support first)...

Originally Posted by leg

Hi Alex, it looks like a great product. I have a question for you. Does the lite version work with DP6 under the HUI protocol? If it does, I'm buying right now.

Thanks,

Luis

[sr2000]

(I have to finish up Logic support first)...

So when you do finish up Logic support - what exactly will you be able to control in Logic?

Screen shots w/Logic?

[djdiscord]

I'm seeing people everywhere berating this poor guy for the pricing of this app. Honestly though, if making money is the plan, I really think that quartering the price would increase sales at least ten times over. People have made the point that the app is more for home studios who can't afford this and I agree, I include myself in there. I think that the app is probably worth $150, but I can't justify paying that for what it does. For something like $40, I'd go for it just to check it out (That lite version with no future upgrades and a bunch of limitations is not even close to doing it for me though.) If you look at simple economics, it is quite clear that a LOT of money could be made from this app by lowering the price. I think I'll just give teleport a shot for now, that will let me do anything in my DAW (though admittedly not quite as slick!). Good work Alex, and I appreciate your work. I also strongly suggest a price reduction in the future, your sales will go through the roof!

[C Heat]

Originally Posted by djdiscord

I'm seeing people everywhere berating this poor guy for the pricing of this app. Honestly though, if making money is the plan, I really think that quartering the price would increase sales at least ten times over. People have made the point that the app is more for home studios who can't afford this and I agree, I include myself in there. I think that the app is probably worth $150, but I can't justify paying that for what it does. For something like $40, I'd go for it just to check it out (That lite version with no future upgrades and a bunch of limitations is not even close to doing it for me though.) If you look at simple economics, it is quite clear that a LOT of money could be made from this app by lowering the price. I think I'll just give teleport a shot for now, that will let me do anything in my DAW (though admittedly not quite as slick!). Good work Alex, and I appreciate your work. I also strongly suggest a price reduction in the future, your sales will go through the roof!

But he makes this very clear above:

"Now, I'm not asking anyone to buy it- so if the price offends you, please vote with your wallet and simply do not purchase the product."

[jonboyrock]

I am interested in this in used to control a Digi Profile or Venue console.... any chance of that happening?

[alexfoinc]

Originally Posted by jonboyrock

I am interested in this in used to control a Digi Profile or Venue console.... any chance of that happening?

I've gotten a lot of requests to enable ProRemote to control live consoles.

ProRemote will be adding custom macro support and you will also be able to create your own remote surfaces to assign these macros to. With these two features alone you will be able to control anything out there that responds to MIDI with the UI of your choice.

[alexfoinc]

Originally Posted by sr2000

So when you do finish up Logic support - what exactly will you be able to control in Logic?

Screen shots w/Logic?

Support for Logic means replacing my code that communicates with your DAW from Mackie HUI protocol to the Mackie Control protocol which supports a bunch more DAWs.

The Logic team recommends that I use Mackie Control protocol instead of HUI because it is better supported in Logic and enables ProRemote to understand more about what it is controlling.

HUI is incredibly limited and the extra features made available by ProRemote in ProTools is accomplished thru key commands sent thru MIDI.

To gain these extra features in Logic, I need to change MIDI protocols on the fly.

ProRemote also supports EuCon but Euphonix has forbidden our use of this protocol.

[moe schmidt]

yea thats amazing man

im a student at Madison Media learning music production
and if you need a group of people to test this send me what it takes to make this work with the i phone or touch and ill get a group of people together

and will it work with the new version 8.0 also

[alexfoinc]

Originally Posted by moe schmidt

yea thats amazing man

im a student at Madison Media learning music production
and if you need a group of people to test this send me what it takes to make this work with the i phone or touch and ill get a group of people together

and will it work with the new version 8.0 also

The current version that is out now supports PT8. Thanks for the offer to test but unfortunately my beta program is fuller than I can manage! If some people drop off, I'll let you know!

best,
alex

[weezul]

dont forget to make a blackberry version

[Daddy No]

this looks awesome

if you are looking for further projects please could you do something to enable me to use the touchscreen of the iphone as a midi controller

have a look at brian eno's bloom iphone app to see the sort of thing

a poor man's jazzmutant lemur...?

[alexfoinc]

Originally Posted by Daddy No

this looks awesome

if you are looking for further projects please could you do something to enable me to use the touchscreen of the iphone as a midi controller

have a look at brian eno's bloom iphone app to see the sort of thing

a poor man's jazzmutant lemur...?

There is an update coming out in a couple of weeks (or less) that includes an XY controller that you can setup to use as a MIDI controller. It also lets you use the accelerometer to change CC values...

I may also release the XY pad as a standalone app but still haven't decided yet.

[9th Ward Records]

Have you considered a regular (click based) hand held remote? That's what I was originally looking for when I found this thread.
It just so happens, I have a iPhone. I'd like to beta test a mac version.

[alexfoinc]

Originally Posted by 9th Ward Records

Have you considered a regular (click based) hand held remote? That's what I was originally looking for when I found this thread.
It just so happens, I have a iPhone. I'd like to beta test a mac version.

If you have a moment I would be interested if you could describe what you mean...

Oh- like buttons you click... duh

[Linck]

Hi Alex,

Your iphone app looks realy great. Its surely gonna work nice in at booth if your working alone...

Now this is just a thing im realy missing in my studio and would make the app soooo great(i think)...

The automation window(Comand 4)..This would be really handy if you dont own a expensive controller.

The pan window...

Best
Nicolai