![]() ![]() One of the best features about the ShuttleXpress is that I can jump from a Final Cut Pro editing window to working in Photoshop and it will have remapped itself automatically for the task at hand in the active window, that’s a huge timesaver and something terribly overlooked by other manufacturers. Not only is the ShuttleXpress delightfully compatible with all of your relatively large-name applications, it also comes with a ton of configuration profiles straight out of the box working with everything Adobe Illustrator to Pro Tools HD to Apple iTunes. Most jogwheel/transport controllers only allow you to configure the controller for one application at a time, but the ShuttleXpress allows the functionality of the controls to change as you go from application to application without any extra clicking. The software that the ShuttleXpress utilises is where it really shows off. In terms of compatibility, the ShuttleXpress is compatible with recent versions of OSX and Windows – and although it is a USB 2.0 product, is compatible with USB 3.0 ports. The drivers for the ShuttleXpress are on an optical disk, which I just couldn’t get to fit into my MacBook Air running Mountain Lion 10.8.4 but is available to download here. The Contour Design ShuttleXpress Software A pity as it is something that would be made all the more portable if the cable could be removed, which means if it breaks then you can’t replace it without soldering it. Sitting at about 1.5m, it can and does get in the way – plus it is fixed so can’t be removed. When you add in the weight from your hand, it’s not going anywhere fast. ![]() It is light enough to not care about the weight – and the feet are grippy enough to keep it firmly grounded. The ShuttleXpress fits the hand of more or less any adult The buttons themselves are large and contoured meaning that any button on the controller is always within reaching distance of your fingers as it measures a mere 4.25″ in diameter. This wheel is encased by the black-covered wheel – this is limited and spring-loaded, meaning that it returns to its central position upon releasing pressure. It features both an infinitely scrolling wheel that is best used for scrubbing through your projects with precision. Moving to the middle, the centre wheels have a similar level of quality to them. The bi-directional infinitely turning jogwheel and spring-loaded wheel are also programmable, adding even more possibilities to your workflow. ![]() Perhaps this isn’t something that is too important for a product intended for the travel or light user, but it doesn’t hurt being there. The center-most three have contours (No prizes for guessing that Contour pride themselves on their ergonomic designs!) in them for your fingers to rest into. The five feet that cover the bottom of the ShuttleXpress in a pentagon shape hold it in place so well that it almost seems as if it is screwed down or attached with an adhesive.Īll five programmable buttons have a nice amount of tactile feedback to them, enough to make it clear that you have clicked it but not enough to be annoying and loud. The exceptions to this are the ultra-grippy feet and spring loaded rubberised rotary encoder. ‘Look like’ are the key two words, as it is in fact mainly constructed from a reasonably solid-feeling plastic – more like a netbook than a MacBook Air. My silver ShuttleXpress has a satin finish to it, making it look like brushed aluminium. It is a travel product for video editors on the move, so if you’re familiar with more high-end hardware interfaces then you may come away a little disappointed from the initial hands-on experience. It is a well-made product – minimalist with just the right number of buttons for most uses. Inside the carton is a sturdier box that is useful for putting it in before throwing it into a backpack, and is also where the ShuttleXpress comes packed. It’s good for a retail environment and first impressions, but you’ll probably get rid later on. The box itself is of a similar high quality and styling to that of Avid/M-Audio black with a minimalist approach. The ShuttleXpress is available in two colours – black and silver – the ShuttleXpress will probably fit into the colour scheme that you may have going on with your workspace involving Apple products, that is of course unless you travel with Alienware products, in that case it has a severe lack of blue and orange lights. The Hardware of the Contour Design ShuttleXpress Already being at a disadvantage without multiple displays, and then further without dedicated buttons, sliders and important looking things, editing on the road can be tricky. The Contour Design ShuttleXpress is a USB hardware interface that takes some of the hassle out of editing video and audio whilst on the move. ![]()
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