Slab: The First MIDI Controller Built Exclusively for Serato Studio
Meanwhile, music making is always better with hardware. Native Instruments and Ableton have had incredible success with their custom MIDI controllers that integrate with their DAWs (digital audio workstations), Maschine and Live, respectively.
However, Serato is hoping it can capture even a sliver of that magic with its pairing of Slab and Serato Studio. Plenty of others have tried their hand at building (or having others build for them) custom controllers for their DAWs — FL Studio, Studio One, and the MPC desktop suite have all gotten dedicated hardware at some point.
Consequently, Serato has going for it is that Studio is a relatively young and streamlined DAW with minimal bells and whistles. That means where Push and Maschine can be intimidating (and expensive) with their sprawl of buttons, pads, knobs, and sizable screens, Slab is much more approachable and affordable at $329.
Design and Features
Moreover, Slab bears more than a passing resemblance to Maschine. It’s not just that both are built around a grid of 16 pads; it’s also the layout, label placement, and font choices.
However, while it might be easy to chop samples or draw a melody with a mouse, it’s just a lot more fun to hit pads and turn knobs. Slab also puts several performance-focused effects in easy reach, like a pitched looper and wah.
Therefore, the velocity-sensitive pads are decent, if nothing spectacular. They’re good enough for some finger drumming, but Akai’s MPC still reigns supreme in this field.
Integration and Performance
In addition, Slab allows you to browse your library of samples or fire up plugins without reaching for your mouse or keyboard. That being said, depending on the size of your collection, it might be faster and easier to go for the mouse anyway.
Meanwhile, Slab is unlikely to win over many new converts. But if you’re already using Serato Studio and have been eyeing Maschine and MPC owners with jealousy, the Slab might be a decent investment.
Conclusion
Consequently, Slab is a decent investment for those already using Serato Studio. It gives you a similar hands-on experience at a reasonable price.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a MIDI controller that integrates seamlessly with Serato Studio, Slab is definitely worth considering.
Source: Link
