PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Off-Topic Is anyone using an Elgato Stream Deck for music notation software, or your DAW?

Do you like it? I'm considering the MK-2 with 15 buttons.

[For those who don't know what this is, you connect it like a MIDI Control Surface, and program keyboard shortcuts. I can see why it might make working in some music software more efficient, but I have yet to read a recommendation by a musician.]

Ask, and ye shall receive. There is active development of an Elgato Stream Deck script for Gig Performer to support its use in live performances and in the studio. There is a long GP forum (over 200 posts) that I can't link to because its in the beta testers thread, and not available to non-beta testers. I'll link to other short threads that reference Stream Deck. Suffice it to say that gigging performers are making excellent use of it when performing for audiences.

This first thread started a few years ago, but is still alive.

https://community.gigperformer.com/t/using-a-content-creation-controller-like-elgato-stream-deck-in-live-performance/3069

A thread about the new model, Stream Deck +

https://community.gigperformer.com/t/new-model-from-elgato-streamdeck/12445

And a link to the Gig Performer website. I've been using it for years and have found it quite useful, even for my studio-only use.

https://gigperformer.com/

I've been using streamdeck for couple of years.
I had the 15 button one, recently sold it and upgraded to xl version. You can have many "pages" in it for very different tasks and different programs. Very useful for repetitive tasks. I also use it for non music, work related stuff. Once you figure it out (usually within one hour or so) it is convenience and a time saver.

This is older photo



Check out these people. I make my own buttons and commands, which is super easy, but I am considering their set for Cakewalk:

https://www.sideshowfx.net/


Recently I made a Midi Control trigger pads for U-Jam drums.

Thank you both!

EDIT: I picked one up today at Best Buy and I’ve started fooling with it. Fun!

Next attempt: macros in my Notation software.

There is a complete blog article on the Gig Performer website: https://community.gigperformer.com/t/blog-how-to-install-and-use-the-stream-deck-extension-in-gig-performer/15955?u=npudar

Thanks!

I’ve been using an XL or years. Since my dominant arm was crippled by stroke 15 years ago, this is one of many devices that makes my life easier and music production possible.

I had one of the first streamdecks and did like it. I had upgraded several times and tried different versions and they were pretty decent. I had issues with the tiny screens not representing colors well, especially between different models. I though I could live with it, but I will admit it bothered me way more than I should have. This caused me to spend way too much time trying to get things to look "right." That's mostly on me and not the product. It was a somewhat stupid reason to give up on a product that did work.

There were other little things I didn't care for; but again, it did work!

Anyway, where I'm going with this is, my son is happy. He has a good number of streamdecks to use! AND I found something like like much more than other options. Touch Portal.

It can be a bit finicky for some; but I have only run into a minor glitch 1 time and had to restart my computer to get it working. I think I've had that with pretty much any app/program I've used at some point.

That being said, I like it SO much better. Rather than type out all that it can do, I'll provide a link so you can see the visuals and everything. I love it for the most part.
Custom buttons, sliders, info screens, you name it. Multiple decks for....$7! The app itself is under $15. The true cost is what you run it on. I've tried some pretty hefty tablets, and one I got for test driving a car. I think that tablet was around $100 only. It ran great!
Multiple pages is one thing. Multiple devices is a GAME CHANGER, imo.

You can even use your phone if you wanted to. I never done that, so can't totally comment on it. However, I do have a friend who walks into his recording room with it. He uses it to Record, Play, Stop, Rewind, cue markers on his computer (and fan) that are in totally different rooms.

Just some food for thought as you're checking thing out.

Best of luck. Any device streamdeck or other, can be so helpful!

I should also mentioned I am NOT associated in any way, shape, or form with Touch Portal. I'm just a raving fan. I used it with SO many programs. Each has a TOTALLY unique look to the point I almost feel like I'm at a different workstation when I change programs. I might be strange, but I find that very helpful for my simple brain!

Touch Portal

Touch Portal looks good. I’ll try it. I like that it runs on many platforms. And those prices are ridiculously low for a lifetime license. I would have thought all the decimal points were shifted.

I know what you mean; but can confirm those prices are correct and that it works really well!

Good luck with it all.

I use a Stream Deck for music work, including BIAB:



As others have mentioned, colours aren't perfect, but it's good enough for me. I've got a MK1, which internally is the same hardware as the MK2 just with a different stand/housing.