Hardware gone soft

It’s not often we see a hardware product derived from software. The Maschine+ takes NI’s existing Maschine controllers and software, and merges them into a new device that can operate independently of the computer that used to bind them. The Polyend Tracker follows a similar path, but it’s more what you’d call ‘inspired’ by tracker software, rather than directly based on one application. Any device created this way has to resist feature bloat, as a fixed hardware interface can’t convey the same amount of information that a more flexible software display can. Of course, we usually see the exchange happen the other way round – although there are many forward-thinking plugin makers, there are many others proudly modelling the sound of classic hardware, whether vintage synths, tape delays or legendary recording studio consoles. There’s still a feeling that this approach gives credibility to a software product, and it’s marketing friendly too. The ultimate conclusion of software-like-hardware syndrome is seen when software adverts use graphics that make the software interface look like the front panel of a hardware box!