Using the Embodment Erae 2 in combination with the Drumbeam is an interesting idea… but expensive indeed. I didn’t know you could use sticks with the Erae. I found this page + videos explaining probably everything relevant about this:
But well, at least in my case the Launchpad X wins hands down:
- I already have a Launchpad X, and it has been pushed more and more to the corner with the arrivals of the Roto and the Oxi One to my desk. The Erae would cost an extra 900€ (double the Drumbeam). The Launchad X new is at about 200€, and you can get second hand ones for half that price. The Launchpad Mini is even cheaper, and more than enough to launch clips and scenes.
- The Launchpads are officially supported in Bitwig and they integrate well with the clip launcher. I don’t know how Bitwig’s clip launcher can be used with the Erae. There seems to be an alpha script with disclaimers developer by a volunteer.
- The Erae is bigger than the Launchpads and it might be more difficult to attach to a stand and keep it stable.
All in all, it looks like the Erae would be more an alternative to the Drumbeam than a complement, for most of us anyway.