Patch panels on the VCS3 are a cool but they suffer the same problem, the connections and the parameters are not grouped logically.

What I’m imagining is a hardware box with an integrated multi-touch interface, something like a super-Lemur. The model for the virtual instrument would be the modular synth, but all the modules and connections would be virtual. The touchscreen interface would adjust itself according to which modules were enabled, and virtual knobs and other controllers would let you directly effect module parameters. The connections would be handled through a virtual patch matrix, something like the VCS3, but also controlled through the touchscreen, just by touching junction points to make or break connections.

Add to that an appropriate musical control interface (I’m partial to the Continuum, but any expressive controller could work), and patch memory for all parameters, and I think you’d have a viable virtual analog synth that could be played like an instrument. It might even be possible to go further and replace the virtual modules with real analog modules, although at least some of the signal path would still need to be digital. Still, it would be an interesting machine…

Also, it’s tougher working in digital realms with software, because you don’t have this physical signal flow. So I think as we get better hardware platforms for sensors, embedded hardware, etc., we’ll have some new opportunities for people to try new stuff.

But that makes the Easel all that more inspirational, of course.

http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/TUTORS.9.0.html?id=9&act_session=450

he says some really interesting stuff, and puts the interviewer back in his place a couple times!