Hey yall just sharing my idea for a simplified modern octatrack or a new Digi style Mixer:
Digi sized box, cross fader at the bottom, 2 screens, one for “A” side and one for “B” side. Each screen shows list of fx, current track, Bpm and audio pool. Can play incoming audio or songs/samples loaded onto the drive (or usb input). Can have 4 parameter knobs for each screen and 4 master parameter knobs. Ability to use as a traditional dj controller with song playing on side A and being able to cue the next song on side B. Master effects can be applied to the whole mix with freeze delays, reverb, looper, compressor etc. maybe can borrow the envelope follower and analog saturation + distortion from analog heat?
The big thing to set it apart from other boxes could be to have presets for transitions. You can have a bunch of transition presets like risers or sweeps/drum fills that are pre programed (and be able to customize your own) that will activate a transition over 4 or 8 bars into your next song . Give it 2 stereo inputs maybe an SD card.
Definietly would not be an Octatrack killer, instead would be a cheaper alternative for someone that just wants a super simple digi style mixer without all the functionality of the Octatrack. This was just a fun idea I had, the application however of how it’s built and the most important deciding factor the PRICE would certainly be a difficult decision. The price of Analog heat +fx imo is pretty outrageous at $1350 CAD, The Octatrack is roughly $1900 CAD unless you get it used. A simple digi style mixer without OT functionality I would love to see at like $600 but we all know it would be more like $1000 - $1200. Also if they did add analog heat distortion it would take away sales for the heat so I don’t think they would do that (but would be awesome if they did).
Just wanted to share and see if anyone else has thought about this or had ideas!