I didn't have time to try it extensively, but the day has finally come: it works! Every control registers a unique function in the MIDI Tester patch in Max/MSP (except one problem; see below). I used a PowerBook Aluminum G4 running OS X 10.4.9 and Max/MSP 4.6.2. Here are some notes that may be of interest (Mr. Mattiello, feel free to include or adapt these in your documentation):
- The joystick x- and y-axes and the fader each send continuous controller values.
- The "Bank" buttons (labeled 1-4) don't send MIDI data, but change the note numbers sent by the 16 lit buttons (around the inside of each ring). The buttons in the center of each ring are not affected.
- Everything else is a note on/off message...
- ...This includes the scratch rings, which send note-on messages for one note number when moved clockwise, and another when moving counterclockwise. PROBLEM: On mine, the left ring uses the same note number (75) when moving in either direction.
- ...And that thing in the middle *is* a button afterall! (I never used it with the original software.)
- It did need to be un-/re-plugged when I restarted Max/MSP as the documentation said, but having done that, it worked fine.
- The dude does rock indeed, as stated in the About tab of the preference pane.

I am very excited. I bought this for $5 on clearance at Target a few years ago and have been awaiting the this day. (Or at least the day that the announcement of that day showed up in my blog reader and I actually had the time to dig down to find it.) I'm impressed by the somewhat rugged (or, not-as-cheap-as-it-could've-been) construction and the varied and compact set of controllers.

Thanks very much for doing this! Now I can have my school buy one/some. I'm already working on plans to incorporate it into my Max/MSP course this fall.