At first glance, the Hotkey Matrix might not look much different from other Pro Tools control surfaces. However, as you learn the shortcuts, you will find that it makes operating the software a lot more like operating a real machine. It is designed to be very close at hand, fitting next to your regular keyboard. In order to make effective use of a control surface with software, it needs to be compact and close to the computer screen, ideally requiring very little reach.
Even though the Hotkey Matrix is a piece of hardware, modern audio production is a software-based work process. The Hotkey Matrix is a tool designed to enhance your control of the software. Many modern control surfaces attempt to bring functionality by emulating old technology like an analog mixer or console. That form factor was dictated by needs we no longer have. These control surfaces also have a virtual element: faders and knobs change functions instead of being dedicated controls, so they lack the solidity of a real physical interface. Of course, these types of control surfaces have their place and we still use them. A button push cannot replace a fader when it comes to something like volume automation. However, the Hotkey Matrix is the only control surface we are aware that is entirely comprised of fixed commands.
Another issue the Hotkey Matrix addresses is the problem of too much customizability and complexity in the user interface. We have spent years deciding which keyboard shortcuts are most valuable. By presenting a set of predetermined commands, it saves you untold amounts of time you would have to spend researching and programming something similar. Working with music and audio is a process of making choices. By minimizing the field of choices in your tools, the Hotkey Matrix lets you focus on the critical choices needed to create excellent work.
The Hotkey Matrix also helps with the issue of shortcut "discoverability." If you look at the list of Pro Tools keyboard shortcuts, there are hundreds. It is overwhelming, and many people are not aware of some of the most useful keyboard commands available. Obviously, we could not put every single Pro Tools command on the Hotkey Matrix, but we carefully picked the set and made it easy for the user to discover new commands.
In addition, the Hotkey Matrix requires no additional software to install, learn, or maintain. There is no extra utility running in the background, so it doesn’t consume valuable system resources. The programming is all pre-loaded and stored in the keyboard itself, which means you can take it with you to any workstation. It is built on a commercial-grade keyboard manufactured by Cherry Corporation, which is known for making keyboards of the highest quality. We have been using Cherry keyboards in our studio for over eight years and have had no failures.
Our goal is to move the art of audio production forward by creating an interface that makes sense for both how the human body works and how software works. As we control our audio workstations, the more tasks we can offload to our memory, the more our mind is freed to focus on the creative process. We have found that after using the Hotkey Matrix for a while, most people don't want to go without it!
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