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I see where you're coming from, and appreciate your detailed response. The only place where I'd differ with you is on analyzing the cost issue of a master keyboard or capable midi-routing device: that's either a sunk cost or a small additional marginal cost for people buying a performance keyboard. Being a synth guy, I like to do that sort of routing in my Nord Modular, but I see even the most bare-bones master keyboards having zone/split functionality built in, and its still easily accessible on workstation platforms like Fantom or Kronos. I guess the reason I am stressing the issue so strongly is that in my experience [1] it can be a mistake to focus too heavily on the Pro demographic: there are not as many of them (obviously) but more importantly, because they are pro users they already have some kind of solution to this problem; either they have implemented a technical solution by purchasing the all-powerful master keyboard workstation, or they have a stage tech to solve these problems for them, or they just bring a second or third keyboard on stage with them, because they're paying for the roadies anyway, so there is little marginal cost increase in having them set up more gear. When pros tell you your product is great what they're saying is that they would use it if they needed something like that, but not that they will switch to it if they already have something that does that job. Your market, by contrast, is the synth keyboardist who wants to trigger multiple rack modules with their own distinct sound (rather than relying on a monolithic keyboard with 128-note polyphony but a conservative sound palette), but who can't or won't lug around or set up multiple keyboards - and, crucially, who doesn't have a permanent solution in place for the split/zone problem. What I've noticed about pro musicians, especially ones who are not technologists, is that while they may vocally approve of what you're offering, if they already have a configuration that works it's almost impossible to get them to switch because they don't want any disruptions in their workflow. So you're limited to a smallish number of established experimenters plus a somewhat larger number of new entrants who haven't solved the problem yet. Your app will be just right for that latter group, but it's a small subset of the potential buyers; to profit from this market segment you need very high margins, eg like Muse Receptor. I totally respect your desire to cater to pro users, but just be aware of the different size markets for handcrafted samurai swords vs. swiss army knives. 1. as part of the product team for this: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct03/articles/soundartchame... |