Windows 8 Tablet Midi Controllers

[basic303]

So I currently have a set up of several old synths and I have them all being triggered via an Elektron Machinedrum, but I'm considering incorporating an external sequencer in to the set up. My question is, can a Windows 8 Tablet be used as a sequencer, and if so how well? I'd prefer Windows over iOS simply due to price.

[Ashe37]

Windows 8 or windows 8 RT?

A windows 8 tablet? sure. You can even hang a normal USB audio interface off the USB port, install Ableton or whatever on it... we've tried Ableton on my roomate's Surface Pro 2....

[basic303]

I was thinking a little 8 inch Dell tablet, but now I'm leaning more towards a Surface Pro, simply because I would need more than the 2GB RAM.

[Ashe37]

IT depends, a lot of stuff doesn't use more than 2 GB.

I'd wait if you're considering either, new models are apparently coming shortly.

[madmarkmagee]

I know the windows RT tablets are pretty limited, because I have one. No way to plug in an external keyboard etc. If its an RT tablet than there needs to be a windows store app that lets you use it as a controller.

As for the non RT ones, you can install stuff to do anything from outside of the Microsoft store, but can only use it in desktop...

[UltimateOutsider]

Hmm, I've been thinking about trying this with my Dell Venue 8, but of the hundreds of different kinds of USB cables I've got laying around, none of them are Micro-B-to-Standard-B like you'd need in order to connect to a typical USB interface.

I've got a couple USB interfaces that can connect to iOS devices (Roland Duo Capture EX and Avid Fast Track Duo), but they have special cables and class-compliant modes for that.

...

Okay, just searched around a bit and I'm not sure if Micro-B-to-Standard-B cables exist, however I just found a Micro-B-to-Standard-A-receptacle adapter which will probably work. Just use the interface's bundled USB cable and connect it to the tablet via the adapter. Gonna get one and check it out. I wonder if USB power will work in this situation? The Roland has optional battery power, but I'm not sure it's available when used in "normal" Windows/MacOS mode.

The Venue's 32GB storage size is my biggest concern, though...

[Ashe37]

Well, your samples and stuff can be all on a SD card. You can even have a separate SD card just for that use....

[Fatbenelton]

A sufrace Pro is a 'full strength' Windows 8 machine just like any desktop or laptop. Of course, memory, connectivity and graphics power will be compromised but it will run all Windows 7/8 Apps just like a 'normal' PC.

Jon

[Ashe37]

But if you're considering a Surface Pro.... wait a week.

[Stab Frenzy]

But if you're considering a Surface Pro.... wait a week.

It's out today. And actually looks pretty good, which I'm surprised to find myself saying after not having used Windows in 10+ years.

[Ashe37]

But if you're considering a Surface Pro.... wait a week.

It's out today. And actually looks pretty good, which I'm surprised to find myself saying after not having used Windows in 10+ years.

Yep, I was just trying to not feed the rumor mill. Hopefully the Pro 2s will reappear in the supply chain soon.

I'd like one just to use it as a digital sketchpad and for painting textures. (ok, what i'd really like is a Cintiq Companion but anyway)