Datasheet

for more than just percussion. Bass lines
were easy to do with Trigger Finger, and the
fact that the pads are both velocity- and pres-
sure-sensitive was nice. You can assign any
M
IDI controller to be sent when you apply
pressure to each pad, so you can have a
very broad range of expressive possibilities
available to you — this worked great with
synths like Arturia’s Minimoog V. Of course,
y
ou can also use the knobs and sliders to send
MIDI controllers, which is great. But being able
to dynamically apply pressure from the pads
can really bring a performance to life.
Above all, the Trigger Finger and its soft rub-
b
er pads makes programming — I really should
say “performing” — drum and percussion
parts
fun. No more hours slaving over a grid or
typing in data. Hit the record button and play.
It’s a blast, and it makes a real difference in the
sound and feel of your MIDI drum and per-
cussion tracks — just avoid he urge to click the
“quantize” button in your software!
Is It Cool?
Yes, it’s cool! In fact, at under $200 street
price, the Trigger Finger is an easy EQ
Exceptional Quality award winner — there
isn’t anything in its price range that comes
close. It’s very easy to use, has a free soft-
ware editor and includes a “Lite” version of
Ableton’s Live 4. Just plug it in and go. I was
making tracks in R
eason within seconds of
connecting the USB cable.
The pads feel good, they’re dynamic in
their response, and the eight sliders and
four faders are incredibly handy. Basic pro-
gramming from the Trigger Finger itself is not
a problem, and for more in-depth program-
ming, Enigma takes you as far as you want
to go. About the only thing I wish it had
was a power switch.
I’ve been waiting for someone to come out
with something like the Trigger Finger for a
while, and at this price, M-Audio has made me
and my drum and percussion parts very happy.
Trigger Finger is staying in my studio.
Strengths:
■ 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive
pads
■ Can be powered from USB
■ Easy installation
■ Comprehensive MIDI support
■ Easy pad and controller programming
■ Free Enigma editor for Mac and PC
Limitations:
■ No power switch
E
Q JANUARY 2006
www
.eqmag.com
54
Gearhead Gearhe