Ignoring the idea of a new pedal and concentrating on what could be done to the existing AX8 owners base. How about a touch based tablet is used in conjunction with the AX8.
Say an app like FracPad would offer an alternate front end called "Live Mode" which serves as a dashboard which can be configured.
Instead of simply reading what AX8 Edit essentially offers, a touch based status display to change presets, check what's active (scene, X/Y, levels), what expression pedals are assigned/active in a particular preset.
Trying to see tiny LCDs with 20 point font at my feet would be better served at chest level. A layout where the strips match the 8 buttons below plus 3 function. The buttons could be invoked either at the AX8 foot switch or by touching the screen. The only weakness would be having to touch a screen in mid song but even then, it is only displaying what can be accessed at your feet anyhow and status. Perhaps the scribble script onscreen changes color to indicate enabled, X or Y block.
I agree with what was mentioned that when on stage, the presets are set up by song and all scenes, effect blocks are ready.
No need for scribble strips as they mention. I do exactly the same and in the past few gigs am comfortable performing that way.
Song list? Hit the next preset, the tunes are in order and corresponding amps, effects, assignments all fall into place. That works 90% of the time and the foot dancing starts when requests are made and no preset is ready or... sometimes when playing, I hear something that makes me think "What was that? Is that my wah partially on or something?" The crouching over to read the tiny display and checking scene, patch, etc suddenly can't be resolved fast enough. (for an old guy....)
Would I be correct in saying that all the status info, setting, parameters, labels, etc can be read in theory by an app?
While scribble strips are a great idea, to make it profitable wouldn't it cost as much as an Android or IOS tablet or more?
Why not use the existing platform (AX8) with a low cost touch display (tablet) and implement a software solution? (IT business babble)
Keep in mind this is being written by an AX8 owner well into his 50's and not a young guy with quick feet and sharp eyes able to see the belly button lint on a dead ant lying next to the EXIT key during an outdoor gig.
