At last there's a MIDI controller for the virtual drummer.

Trigger Finger is one cool USB MIDI controller for any desktop drummer, but the fun goes far beyond virtual skins.

It's next-to-impossible to play software-based drums from a Mac (or musical) keyboard, but Trigger Finger delivers an intuitive array of controls: 16 velocity-sensitive rubber pads, four sliders, and eight knobs that can be used to send out any flavor of MIDI-control messages. You'll need a powered USB port to run Trigger Finger-USB hubs without added power won't do the trick, and the Trigger Finger doesn't include a DC power supply (even though there's a port for one), nor can it run off batteries.

How does it feel? Awesome. The rubber pads feel just right and are a delight to play, with fully controllable response characteristics. We tested the Trigger Finger with Steinberg's Groove Agent 2 and Linplug's amazing RM IV drum synth ($149, www.linplug.com), and the results were rocking. It got even better when we mapped the sliders and buttons to various software synthesizers and effects built into Ableton Live ($499, www.ableton.com). We love the programmability and control provided by Trigger Finger's bundled Enigma configuration/librarian software, which includes a variety of preprogrammed templates for a wide selection of top audio apps.

We also used Trigger Finger with TroikaTronix's Isadora to trigger video clips and control effects, scrub through video with sliders, and perform other video mayhem. Astounding fun ensued.

The bottom line. The Trigger Finger is a one-of-a-kind peripheral that's priced just right.

COMPANY: M-Audio
CONTACT: 626-633-9050, www.m-audio.com
PRICE: $249.95
REQUIREMENTS: USB-equipped Mac, Mac OS 10.2.8 or later
Sensitive, smooth trigger pads. Compact design. Easy to program.
No included DC power supply. No option for running off battery.