Modular audio control surface

A media control surface module comprising:

• a CPU;
• a random access memory connected to the CPU;
• a network interface for connecting the module to a network;
• an output display for displaying properties of one or more media processing applications hosted on one or more platforms external to the audio control surface, wherein each of the one or more platforms is in communication with the audio control surface via the network;
• and
• an automation system, wherein the automation system is capable of automating the one or more media processing applications, and wherein automating a given one of the media processing applications includes:
• at the automation system, receiving control parameter adjustments via one or more input controls of the media control surface, wherein the control parameter adjustments are applied to the processing of media data by the given one of the media processing applications;
• recording the control parameter adjustments;
• and
• applying the recorded control parameter adjustments while the media data is being played back.

A method of automating one or more media processing applications, the method comprising:

• receiving via one or more input controls of a media control surface adjustments of a set of control parameters for controlling media data, wherein the control parameter adjustments apply to parameters of one or more media processing applications hosted on platforms external to the media control surface;
• and
• using an automation system hosted by the media control surface:
• recording the control parameter adjustments;
• and
• applying the recorded control parameter adjustments to adjust values of the set of control parameters of the externally hosted one or more media processing applications while the media data is being played back.