In a century of continuous technology expansion it’s really common to see that every job, even the most simple, employs or requires the use of technological devices.
Music is one of those fields that has been impacted by this technological evolution. Singers, for example, don’t print their lyrics, they’ll likely read it on a laptop, tablet or even their phone.
Same goes for musicians who use a laptop to write their charts or read it for a gig.
In this scenario, there are tools that can come handy especially in a live situation.
Which Gear Really Matters
Whenever someone plays an instrument, there’s an opportunity for technology. It doesn’t matter whether you are a drummer, a singer, guitar player or violin player. You need your instruments first and in most cases an amp, then maybe a pedal, cable, cymbals, or a preamp and the list goes on.
In this whirlwind it’s really important to distinguish between the gear that you really need and the gear you really want but you don’t necessarily need.
Through experience, I found out that rather than fancy cabinets, or gorgeous pedals, or even awesome mics the things you really need when performing are simple ones, for example a tuner.
AirTurn DUO
The AirTurn DUO is a remote bluetooth device that will allow to control a music sheet on tablet and laptop when performing. By using this device you will be able to turn pages forward and backwards without actually having to use your hands.
It can work with both computers and tablet and it can be a time-saver in various situation from orchestra to a a jazz gig, or even when jamming with your mates.
You can connect it to your computer/tablet as you would do with an external keyboard.
To check that the connection has been established you will need to refer to the LED light that will start flashing every two seconds—once it’s paired.
A great benefit of this device is the fact that it doesn’t require a power cable: the unit works with batteries that can be recharge with a USB cable included in the package. I personally like this idea since it’s always a good habit to keep everything tied and clean when you’re on stage.
You can use it in six different modes:
- MAC/PC
- ProTools
- Tablet
- Transcription
- MultiMedia
- Assisted Technology
For each modes it will be assigned to every button a different function that will allow you to take full advantage of the unit.
The Device Is Divided Into Two Separate Units
- DIGIT BT-106
- ATFS-2 Footswitch
DIGIT BT-106
It’s the brain of the DUO: it’s small, portable and it has six control buttons and a power LED.
Each button will have a different function depending on the mode you’re in. Here’s a table that lists each function per mode:
ATFS-2 Footswitch
Through this two pedal footswitch you will be able to control button one and three by just using your feet. The pedal is really light and easy to transport: it can fit in a guitar case or similar with no issues, although it will require a strong pressure in order to receive the impulse.
It doesn’t make any click or sound at all when push it which it can be a double-edged sword: it’s really professional to have silent gear, especially if you do lots of studio recording.
At the same time, in a live situation, I like to be able to feel when the pedal has been switched on or off.
Pro and Cons
We all want to have reliable gear. Especially when we buy utility products such as metronome, tuners, stands and even the AirTurn DUO, we need to know how they work, what they’re meant to do and what not.
The main use of this bluetooth controller is one and simple: turning page on a chart or lyrics sheet. It can save you time when reading music, when reading lyrics, when performing in general.
I can guess that all the rockers out here are probably thinking that this unit is useless for their purpose and this can be true—I’ve been in rock band myself. Although you don’t know when you will find yourself jamming on a new song your mate wrote and you constantly have to stop the solo section because you have to turn the page.
I know buying a new fancy pedal can be more exciting and thrilling but believe me (I’ve made this mistake myself): those kind of products are the one you really need sometimes.
If you’re looking for a simple device, that you just need to connect as you would do with an external keyboard then that’s the perfect fit for you.
While, if you plan to use the BT-106 in all his mode, as a remote controller—with no footswitch—or any different use, I wouldn’t recommend this product.
Pros
- Perfect for what it’s designed for
- Really long duration battery
- Easy to carry around
Cons
- BT-106 remote buttons are a bit too loose
- Hard to communicate with only a LED flashing red or green depending on the action
- If you wish to change mode, you need to disconnect the device, make the change and then connect it back.
Conclusion
Overall, I find the little device useful in specific cases. I’m sure it can be a true life saver in certain situation, even though, in my opinion, the fact that it can work with lots of different apps doesn’t make the product more versatile or appealing: the versatility has to be relate to the features of the product itself which lacks a bit on this device.
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