Map a gesture to an action.
Explore supported MIDI or HID input and connect physical controls to software functions, with compatibility tested per device.
A BackupCTO venture concept
Less clicking.
More creating.
What if working with AI felt as intuitive as turning a dial? We’re exploring the connection between physical controls, intelligent software and audio.
EARLY EXPLORATION · AI × AUDIO × PHYSICAL INTERACTION
DIALTONE / INTERFACE 001● CONCEPT MODE
WORKFLOW PREVIEW / AUDIO ANALYSIS
50INTENSITY
Move the sliders. Explore the interaction.
Visual simulation — no live AI, audio processing or hardware connection.
01 / PHYSICAL INPUT02 / INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE03 / REPEATABLE WORKFLOWS
The idea
Put intelligence
within reach.
AI tools open up possibilities. Controlling them still often means typing, switching windows and adjusting settings. Dialtone Lab asks a simple question: can hands-on controls make creative and technical workflows easier?
The starting point is a DJ controller as a test interface. Its pads, knobs and faders could become controls for audio analysis, AI prompts and software parameters. The longer-term ambition is an online SaaS product that makes useful mappings and workflows reusable.
Shape the process in real time.
Investigate beat detection, audio features, prompt triggers and parameter changes with immediate, understandable feedback.
Keep what works.
Turn successful experiments into saved configurations and workflow templates that could be offered through an online subscription.
Potential applications
One interface.
Several directions to explore.
These are candidate use cases to validate, rather than released product features.
Audio creators
Explore hands-on control of audio analysis and processing parameters. Test whether tactile interaction helps creators stay focused on the sound.
AI workflow builders
Trigger prompts, adjust inputs and switch between workflow configurations without repeatedly navigating separate interfaces.
Technical teams & educators
Use tangible controls to prototype integrations and demonstrate how AI parameters change software behaviour.
The business hypothesis
From lab experiment
to online product.
The value would come from making useful workflows simple to set up and repeat. Hardware is the research tool; reusable software is the proposed product.
Proposed SaaS direction- Subscription access
A workspace for mappings, presets and reusable workflows. - A focused first audience
Find one recurring task where hands-on control adds measurable value. - Prove demand before scaling
Validate willingness to pay, support costs and device compatibility.
Pricing, final features and launch date are not set.
Inside the lab
Small tests. Clear evidence.
Make the connection.
Read controller input, connect at least two controls to software functions and measure response time and limitations.
Find the useful workflow.
Test candidate applications with potential users. Compare setup effort, usability and repeat use with their current approach.
Build a focused pilot.
If the evidence supports it, turn one validated workflow into an online product and test whether customers will pay for it.
Current status: concept and research planning. Results will determine the product direction.
The ambition
Make powerful tools
feel natural to use.
An exploratory venture by BackupCTO. Built around practical experiments, with a potential SaaS business as the destination.