RECORDING The pok: a new pedal for stage and studio - By Catharine Wood<br /> (Audio Engineer/Musician)<br /> <br /> In March 2007, X-Tempo Designs released the world’s first completely wireless DAW foot controller called the pok (pedal operated keyboard). With no power or data cable required, live perfor -

rockintracks writes: By Catharine Wood
(Audio Engineer/Musician)

In March 2007, X-Tempo Designs released the world’s first completely wireless DAW foot controller called the pok (pedal operated keyboard). With no power or data cable required, live performers and DJs using a DAW can use the pok to foot-operate the DAW from the stage. For solo studio musicians and live performers, the pok is a different kind of pedal board that offers a whole new world of functionality.

The pok uses wireless USB technology in conjunction with a DAW’s command (“shortcut”) keys. The pedal button functions are customizable and support Mac or PC-based DAWs such as Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic, Cubase and Ableton Live. Recording sessions can be run from an iso booth or remote location up to 70 feet from the DAW. For musicians who act as their own engineer, the pok is a long-awaited invention. The pok leaves musicians’ hands free to play.

As a multipurpose user, Aaron McLain (L.A.-based Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter/Producer) raves about the pok’s ease of use in the studio: “Now that I have this great invention that was so long overdue, life is so much easier. Now, when I’m recording vocals, I don’t have to reach over to my computer’s keyboard to do another take. Nor do I have to do that while recording guitar parts. All I have to do is control the session by using the pok’s foot controls, and I’m in business.”

As a performer, Mclain finds the pok’s stage function immediately applicable and needed: “I’ve been trying to figure out a way for my drummer to start, stop and locate the various loops that I have going in my live show. Before, he had to reach over to the computer, stop it, start it, and locate songs by using his hands... It’s just more to cause confusion and make him lose focus. Now that I have the pok, I programmed my location points – as well as start and stop. This has made it a lot easier for my drummer and it’s less stress for me.”

This valuable tool for the stage and studio retails for $449 and can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at www.x-tempozone.com.