The Tangent Devices Element Mf Panel is the "Multifunction" panel of a set of four Element panels that replace a keyboard and mouse in operating select functions of supporting software, such as of supporting color-grading software. The panels can be used to achieve precise results quicker and with more technical gratification than possible with a keyboard and mouse. The list of supporting software is a growing one and includes such applications as DaVinci Resolve, SCRATCH, On-Set Dailies, Mistika, and YoYo.
The controls of the panels can be programmed and reprogrammed to operate different functions. The manufacturers of supporting software designate the functions that each panel and its controls can operate, and the manufacturers make available the details of their designations in either the respective software manuals or by phone or email upon contact, depending on the manufacturer.
Upon a control's being programmed, its functionality gets labeled on the display screen of its panel. When reprogrammed, its functionality gets re-labeled. The display screens have white OLED bulbs and show crisp, high-contrast, high-resolution easy-to-read characters.
The Mf panel has two display screens and twelve programmable buttons. It has one programmable trackerball and one programmable ring atop the ball. It has separate reset buttons for the ball and the ring, two buttons to program functions like ALT and Shift into, and standard transport buttons such as "play" and "stop". The trackerball and ring work by optical laser pickup for high-precision and extended life. The trackerballs can be removed for cleaning, and they can be reinstalled quite easily.
The different panels can be used individually or all together in a set. More than one of each type can be incorporated into a set, and a widely-functional control system can thus be put together. The panels are made from precision laser-cut solid aluminum. They neatly attach to each other's sides by magnet, and they take up a desk footprint of only 7.9 inches deep. They are USB-powered and connect to a computer each by a single USB cable via plug-and-play functionality, without need for drivers to be installed. The panels can also optionally be used with Tangent's HUB service, which allows the layouts of the panels' controls to be customized. (Supporting software would have to also support HUB API.)
- Features 1 trackerball, 1 ring, and 12 buttons, all programmable
- Additionally features standard transport buttons and 2 reset buttons
- 2 buttons are available to program Shift, ALT and similar functions into
- The ball and ring work by laser pickup that ensures precision and long life
- The ring also has smooth bearing, and the buttons work by tactile response
- Compatible with Tangent's HUB service for a customized layout of the controls
- The panel takes up a very small desk footprint of only 7.9 inches deep
- Made of laser-cut aluminum and attaches onto other panels magnetically
- Two OLED displays show what each individual control is programmed to do
- Connects to a computer by a single USB cable via plug-and-play functionality
- The list is growing and includes DaVinci Resolve, SCRATCH, On-Set Dailies, Mistika, and YoYo