Livid Block Station iPad Dock (Sneak Preview)

Livid Instruments shared some images in the Synthtopia Flickr group of the Block Station – a iPad MIDI controller docking station.

There’s no official announcement yet on the Livid Block Station, but they’ve obviously put a lot of thought and effort into this prototype.

Check it out and let us know what you think. Should they put the Block Station into production?

Update: These are available to order now for $460. 

Features:

  • 20.5 x 9.5″ x 2.5″ (WDH) / weight 5 lbs.
  • iPad holder (doesn’t power the iPad). Also fits a net book.
  • USB Powered
  • MIDI in and out jacks
  • Bi-Directional MIDI communication (talkback)
  • Class-compliant: no drivers needed for Mac, Windows, or Linux.
  • 64 Programmable backlight buttons for talk-back and interactive performance
  • Programmable MIDI mapping allows you to change the MIDI settings on the hardware
  • Anodized aluminum body
  • Open Source software tools to create your own LED talkback interaction
  • Editor included for MIDI editing, and LED talkback programming
  • Made in the USA
  • Expansion jacks for additional connections
  • Two 1/4″ jacks for Roland style foot pedals
  • Compatible with any software that supports MIDI learn
  • ROHS compliant
  • USB cable included

18 thoughts on “Livid Block Station iPad Dock (Sneak Preview)”

  1. Great job on the mockup, but I don't want/need a button grid. I would love to see a real product based on this, minus the grid, with a row of about 8 assignable buttons instead.

  12. Halfway between the prices of something like the Akai APC's and a monome seems fair, especially when you see how nicely it's crafted.

    I'd hesitate to spend that much on an iPad accessory, though, because tablet technology is changing so quickly.

  13. How does the iPad connect to the Block if it doesn't use the port? Also, how will this work with the iPad 2? Or is that why they made it not dock? I just don't get how it would do MIDI without the connection.

  14. Exactly.
    Given the fluidity of the tech involved here, I would not spend that.
    May be if they made a add-on to the normal block?
    That could work.

  16. iPad "dock"? Considering the fact that this doesn't plug into the iPad at all, lets go with "iPad Holder."

    So it's an iPad holder with a couple of faders and a handful of pots, all of which are rendered largely irrelevant by a variety of iPad apps, including the one they used in their own screenshots.

    So it's an iPad holder with semi-unnecessary controls which flank an 8×8 grid. Oh, and it costs more than I paid for my Monome 64.

    Yeah, no thanks.

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