EMULATOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

» Who are SmithsonMartin Inc.?

SmithsonMartin Inc. was founded by Pablo Martin (CTO), Alan Smithson (CEO), and Julie Smithson (COO). Pablo Martin is the inventor and head programmer of Emulator. Pablo has been a DJ in his native Argentina for over 20 years playing mostly electronic music. His weekly residencies allow him to field test each new version of the software and hardware in real-life scenarios before it ever makes it to our product list. Alan Smithson has been a DJ for 17 years and has travelled the world performing for corporations, heads of state and celebrities. His entrepreneurial spirit have lead him to be involved in several ventures within and outside the music industry. Julie's past conference planning experience has kept SmithsonMartin Inc. moving forward while she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office, International Sales and logistics of Alan's performances around the world on the Emulator. Together with our team, we look forward to a bright future.

The rest of the SmithsonMartin Inc. team is made up of a team of DJ's, Programmers, Engineers, Graphic Artists, A Book Keeper, Videographer/Photographer, Warehouse Guys and Logistic Specialists.

Our Head Office is located in Mississauga, Ontario Canada where the majority of our team lives also.
SmithsonMartin Inc.
2283 Argentia Rd. #22
Mississauga, ON L5N 5Z2
+1-416-219-8749

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» What is Emulator?

Emulator is multi-touch midi control software and hardware for Musicians, DJ's, Lighting Designers, Video Editors, VJ's, Radio Broadcast Stations, Recording Studios and much more.

Our patent-pending technology allows you to make a custom multi-touch layout on top of any software you wish to control. Our easy to use control editor gives you unlimited options for how you create your dream midi interface. Emulator really is the best midi controller you will ever own. When new versions of your software come out, you can quickly and easily change your multi-touch controller so your hardware NEVER becomes obsolete (well, unless we invent something that doesn't require a screen).

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» What Operating System(s) does Emulator work with?

Emulator was designed for use with Windows 7 and it's native Multi-Touch configuration. Emulator will now work on Windows 8 and we are working on a special version for Mac OSX.

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» What Software does Emulator work with?

Emulator will work with ANY midi software to make it multi-touch. Our online community forum allows users to share knowledge and also share different editable layouts for all sorts of programs. We will have layouts available on our website for Traktor, Ableton, Virtual DJ, Grand MA, Light Jockey and more. Emulator for Traktor (FT) is available for free when you buy the lifetime license.

Here is a sample of software titles that Emulator will work with. This list is not comprehensive by any means, feel free to email us with other software you find to midi map!

DJ Applications
Traktor Pro 2.0, Virtual DJ, Serato (with external mixer), Torq, Deckadance, Mixvibes, Ableton, ProDJ, MixMeister, PCDJ, PCDJ Karaoke

Music Production
Cakewalk, ProTools, Ableton, Reason, Kore, FL Studio, Sonar Pro, Acid, Bitwig (soon we hope)

Video
Resolume, Arkaos, Grand VJ, PCDJ, Virtual DJ, Serato SL, Mixvibes, VFX

Pro Audio
iLive, Cakewalk, ADK, Soundforge, Yamaha PM5D, Digidesign

Lighting
Light Jockey, ShowXpress, GrandMA 2, Venue Magic, WYSIWYG, Martin Show Designer, Softplot

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» What computer do I need to run Emulator?

Minimum system requirements:

  • Windows 7 Home Premium or better (32/64 bit)
  • 1.7GHz Dual-core Intel i5 CPU, 2 GB RAM
  • ASIO sound card
  • MIDI Software
  • System suggested: Windows 8 (64 bit)
  • Intel i7 CPU, 8 GB RAM or better
  • Native Instruments Audio2 sound card or better
  • Emulator FT runs ONLY at 1280x800
  • Emulator Modular support resolutions form 1024x760 to full HD (1920x1080)

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» What is included with the Emulator Hardware solutions?

Emulator Dual View System (DVS) comes with the following:

  • Emulator Multi-Touch Screen (6 simultaneous touch points) 32", 42", 46"
  • Etched, Tempered Chemically strengthened glass
  • Custom folding Emulator stand with projector mount
  • Optoma GT7450e ultra short throw gaming projector (3000 Lumen, 3D, HD 720p)
  • 6" VGA cable
  • USB & all power cables
  • Emulator Software (lifetime upgrades and support)
  • 1 Hour Personal Technical support
Kontrol Surface 1974 (KS-1974) comes with the following:
  • KS-1974 touch screen (4 simultaneous touch points) 22" wide
  • Custom UDG carry-on bag
  • HDMI, USB, Power Cables (attached)
  • Cleaning wipes
  • Emulator Software (lifetime upgrades and support)
THE MONSTER comes with the following:
  • Emulator Multi-Touch Screen overlay (6 simultaneous touch points) 46"
  • 2 x Samsung Commercial Grade 46" LED TV's
  • Emulator "Black Box" image processor
  • Custom Road Case with 2 Hydraulic Remote Control Operated Lifts
  • Custom LED Lighting on bottom (available upon request)
  • Custom LOGO graphic

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» Where can I buy Emulator Software and Emulator Hardware?

Emulator software can be purchased directly from our website CLICK HERE to buy now.
Emulator Hardware can be purchased through any one of our official resellers World-Wide. CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list.
*NOTE: If you do not see your country, please contact us (send email) directly and we will find a solution for you.

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» How much will shipping cost?

Shipping from local resellers is dependent on many factors. If there is no distributor in your country, we can ship directly to you, but shipping prices are calculated on a person to person basis.

*NOTE: We do not sell our hardware to the individuals in countries where we have resellers.

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» Can I buy the Emulator software to use on my own touch screen?

The answer is YES!, Emulator not only works with our hardware, but hundreds of other touch screen devices. Below is a list of some different hardware options.
We obviously recommend our own hardware due to the fact we know it works perfectly and reliably. Below is a list our recommended hardware in descending order.
*NOTE: Our hardware & software works with 4ms latency. If you are experiencing lag and latency, it is most likely due to a limitation of your hardware.

SmithsonMartin Hardware

Notebook & All-in-one Computers Touch Screen Monitors
*NOTE: The following Touch screen monitors will work, but they are NOT highly recommended by us as they have known problems such as ghost touches, etc.

*** THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER HARDWARE OPTIONS. WE CANNOT LIST ALL OF THEM HERE. ANY TOUCH SCREEN HARDWARE WILL WORK.

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» How does the Emulator Dual View System (DVS) screen work?

The Emulator touch screen you see on all the videos works by using rear projection on the backside of frosted glass. A short throw projector is mounted below the screen and projected up onto the glass thus making the image visible to both the DJ and the crowd. The actual screen is where the magic happens. The screen has hundreds of infrared sensors that form a grid over the glass and when your finger breaks this grid, the screen knows where you are touching and voila!! With low lighting, the screen appears to float in mid-air and just watch for the open mouth, dumbfounded looks from EVERYONE as they see Emulator for the first time. I love that part! *NOTE: This also means that things like confetti can touch points on the screen. Be careful when using confetti around the DVS.

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» When will it be ready for Mac?

STOP asking us that question!! We know and fully understand that DJ's want it to work with OSX. We are working around the clock to get this ready for you. For now, you can use Bootcamp with Windows 7 or 8 on your Macbook Pro. It works perfectly.

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» Is Emulator Stable?

YES 100% Stable. We have tested this software in a variety of situations from 45 Degrees Celsius (113 F) to -10 Degrees Celsius (14 F) and it has NEVER failed during a performance. As long as you use a computer with the minimum requirements, you will be absolutely blown away by how stable Emulator is. We have prioritized the computer to put 90% of the CPU processing towards audio and only 10% towards graphics so you might encounter a slight lag in the visual (ie. waveform stops moving for a minute). This is normal and happens with every DJ software, but the music never stops.

*NOTE: The Emulator Dual View System (DVS) uses Infrared technology and as such does NOT work in direct sunlight. Also, the projector is not bright enough to keep up with the sun. Try and play where there is at least shade. This warning does not apply to THE MONSTER or the Kontrol Surface 1974.