About these peripherals as devices for pointer/pen function, aimed at graphic artists...

For musicians - Can they be used in tandem with a traditional mouse, to control the screen pointer of a laptop or PC?

eg. to operate a DAW, VSTs etc.?

Anyone have user experience / advice?

 

Yes, it's good once you get used to it. The pen is very accurate compared to a mouse for editing VST plugin values. I have a small Intuos Pro (2017) and it can also be used as a touch pad as well as a pen tablet.

They just released a new model too ... https://www.wacom.com/en-gb/products/pen-tablets/wacom-intuos-pro

 

Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 12:47 AM

I'm using it all the time, too. It takes a little bit of practising, but after a few days you'll get the hang of it. Using a pen gives less strain on fingers and hand than a mouse. I would advice on a larger size tablet, like the Wacom One Medium.

 

Can you use it as a touch pad?

 

Thanks above.
I haven't used any kind of tablet, other than iPad or Chrome pad.

So my search now is for touch/pen tablets and LCD touch screen monitors.

 

The Wacom Intuos Pro 2017 model should be getting cheaper with the new 2025 release, and they are quite functional for DAW work.

 

Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 12:47 AM

I'm surprised that these 'tactile' devices aren't used more by muso's & experimenters.

I might get a 2nd-hand one to start with, to get a feel of using.

re. the nib tips - they seem to be an ongoing extra expense.
Do they (and the pads) wear out quick?

 

Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 2:32 AM

 

Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 12:45 AM

They do wear out but not so fast. You can also get aluminium tips or just use a screen protector as you don't need a scratchy surface for DAW work.

 

How can 8000+ pressure sensitivity be used for DAW & VST editing?
- seems eccessive to my inexperience!

Can the dials or region be mapped to mouse-wheel scroll?

 

Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 2:30 AM

It's very adaptable and you can adjust the sensitivity. All controls can be mapped to whatever you need. It's a good bit of kit, even if you just use it as a large touchpad.

 

I have one Wacom One Small as part of my setup but I rarely use it because I'm just way faster with the mouse...
I guess it depends on the user really. Get a 2nd hand one and give it a try

 

I have a digitizer but I've never used it for plug ins. I usually use a Logitech touchpad keyboard on all my computers. They are pretty easy to get use to, dont take up much space and battery life is 6 months to a year.

touchpad is on right side of keyboard..



less than 30$ usd

 

A computer mouse is not ergonomic. I always used a mouse until I started to get CTS symptoms, and then I never used a mouse again. I now have a large trackball, a pen tablet, 64 assignable knobs, and a powered Alps fader.

 

i too gave up mice as my wrist was become painful, i tried a trackball and it had the same issue for me. I switched to touch pads 25 years ago, and I play guitar daily now without any wrist or finger pain and I can play faster and (in my opinion) better than ever. I think the touchpad helped my wrist and hands heal completely

 

I love my wacom tablets but was disappointed with the newer smaller one I bought for touchpad use. Maybe I got a bad one or something

 

I have an old Wacom (CTL4XX, don't fully remember and I don't want to dig it) and it works as a touch pad. My newer tablet that is Chinese I think doesn't, but I haven't truly looked for that setting. The Wacom would turn into a touch pad with the press of a button.

 

Spend a little more and you'll get one that won't break your wrist. I have a G502X and it fits my hand perfectly. There are also ergonomic mice that maximize comfort over looks, you just need to look for it.

 

I use a pool ball sized trackball which requires less rotation and also has acceleration, plus a large scrolling wheel for fine adjustments. It works great alongside the Wacom tablet for two handed navigation and editing. Other stuff like EQ and synth control is mapped to a Midi Fighter Twister, so I can do sweeps with different parameters. My desk looks like a helicopter cockpit

 

Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 2:49 AM

"I use a pool ball sized trackball... "
- so we're getting into sports now. Makes me think of tennis, cricket, base ball, basket ball, soccer ball, rugby.... ^_^