Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Accessible MIDI controllers and DAWs (self.Blind)
submitted by BeforeSides
Looking Tlingit dip my toe into producing music. Spent some time at a friends house where we all sat around and just made tracks until about 3 AM, and really enjoyed it. Wanted to give it a go.
Anyone doing this with recommendations for software and hardware for a blind user? Would also love to hear from people doing it and their workflows so if you’re down with a more one on one chat from an amateur, would love to get a message from you.
Cost isn’t a big deal but obvuously I don’t want to drop several thousand on a beginner setup to learn the basics.
Anyone doing this with recommendations for software and hardware for a blind user? Would also love to hear from people doing it and their workflows so if you’re down with a more one on one chat from an amateur, would love to get a message from you.
Cost isn’t a big deal but obvuously I don’t want to drop several thousand on a beginner setup to learn the basics.
SLJ7 3 points 1y ago
Reaper is your best bet for the software. Google "reaper accessibility wiki", there is a ton of information there about how to get started with it.
As for the controller, since you seem like you're not just looking for the cheapest option, I would recommend one of the controllers from Native Instruments. They come with a piece of software that interfaces with compatible instruments and plugins, and the software has accessibility support through your computer's built-in voices, so you'll get spoken feedback as you scroll through instruments and presets or set parameters. Since the controllers all have buttons to play, record and perform other basic functions, it's almost like using a talking keyboard, and you can get away with not touching your computer for long stretches of time. I believe their A61 is less than $300.
I'm happy to chat about this and share what I know, if you're looking ask a bunch of questions in a single conversation. I don't know all the latest tricks and software, but I do have stuff that works.
As for the controller, since you seem like you're not just looking for the cheapest option, I would recommend one of the controllers from Native Instruments. They come with a piece of software that interfaces with compatible instruments and plugins, and the software has accessibility support through your computer's built-in voices, so you'll get spoken feedback as you scroll through instruments and presets or set parameters. Since the controllers all have buttons to play, record and perform other basic functions, it's almost like using a talking keyboard, and you can get away with not touching your computer for long stretches of time. I believe their A61 is less than $300.
I'm happy to chat about this and share what I know, if you're looking ask a bunch of questions in a single conversation. I don't know all the latest tricks and software, but I do have stuff that works.
BeforeSides [OP] 1 points 1y ago
This is perfect and I’m actually wonderfully impressed with the way the controller and screen reader stuff works. I’ll almost certainly check this out and pick one up. Thanks!
synthpopolis 3 points 1y ago
On windows, reaper is your best bet for a fully accessible DAW. There is a great group called Reaper Without Peepers which I will linked to below where you can get more information:
https://groups.io/g/rwp
I also started a Subreddit with similar content called r/reaperaccessibility but it isn’t super active yet
https://groups.io/g/rwp
I also started a Subreddit with similar content called r/reaperaccessibility but it isn’t super active yet
PungentMushrooms 3 points 1y ago
Yup. Reaper is the way to go nowadays on Windows. Just note that you need to install the OSARA extension to make it accessible but don't worry, it's super easy to install and totally free.
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
Which os are you on windows or mac?
BeforeSides [OP] 2 points 1y ago
For the time being, Windows.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Try gold wave I also think wave pad editor works on windows too.
SLJ7 1 points 1y ago
Neither of these produce music. They're basic editors that have no individual track control.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I see…
liamjh27 1 points 1y ago
If you’re on Windows then Reaper is deffo your best bet.
If you’re a Mac user, Logic for the win :D
If you’re a Mac user, Logic for the win :D
payown 1 points 1y ago
i'll agree with what's been said all ready, Reaper is your best bet. https://reaperaccessibility.com/
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