Compact and/or augmented MIDI controllers

samuel_wade · 2024-04-13T18:16:52.865Z

Is there a simple 4x4 drum pad controller out there without a bunch of other stuff tacked on? Like a velocity sensitive MIDI Fighter, or a monome 16? I feel like something this obvious must exist, but it somehow manages to elude me.

Maybe I should just try a MIDI Fighter and rely on sample selection for dynamics.

eblomquist · 2024-04-13T19:17:34.813Z

Do you want MIDI?

There are several little 8-pad MIDI controllers, such as:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LPD8mk2--akai-professional-lpd8-mk2-mini-8-pad-usb-controller

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/nanoPAD2bk--korg-nanopad2-black

robbie · 2024-04-13T20:09:12.127Z

As @eblomquist mentions, there’s the various Akai pad controllers (and similar). But if you’re looking for something even more compact and minimal, maybe the Roli Lightpad Block?

Stuff · 2024-04-13T20:23:24.054Z

I have the 4x100 Sparrow and it had a problem at the microusb connection, that when you move the cord it looses connection.
Now i only sometimes use it in my studio with an L hooked cable.
They should upgrade to usbc or something.

I kind of like this shop. I have one of his controllers with the 8 pushencoders. Its quite versatile to use with other gear plus does hid or midi. https://www.etsy.com/nl/shop/ParksTool
Hes very open for suggestions also.

Edit.
Lets put Shik here too.
Never got one, but still am tempted.
He was prototyping a sliderversion but apparently now has his potversion up to V3. With usbC, that nice.

https://shik.tech/product/n32b-v3-kit/

Mattb · 2024-04-15T00:38:30.974Z

Both Parks Tool and Shik looks cool , although Im really after some fader action Too bad about these Sparrow. I think the Michigan Synth Works XVI-M is gonna still be my best bet

robbie · 2024-04-15T19:37:15.428Z

This also just popped up in ’Hype…

Pre-release & Ordering Hype Megathread Equipment

This Unknown Devices Topo T16 was in my feed: [Introducing Topo T16 | Expressive Midi Controller] It seems pretty well thought out. (Maybe not as a keyboard though. 20 keys would have allowed for a one octave 4ths-tuned row arrangement like a Linnstrument or Push.) Also, I see nothing about MPE. (Maybe there’s no function for MPE with 1-dimensional keys.) They say preorders are for June delivery. 159 Euro excl vat.

scttcmpbll · 2024-04-15T19:56:55.251Z

This looks pretty fun:

darylc · 2024-04-15T21:08:33.196Z

I’m surprised this controller hasn’t been mentioned at all. Just got one myself last week.

Nuances:
3 x 60mm faders with screen readout for CC# and value. Press the button & move a fader to change CC# for it.
Faders feel good with the right amount of resistance. Spacing is perfect for 2 or even 3 finger movements and I found 60mm to be an ideal throw for me.
So simple and effective.

Built primarily for orchestral sampling work, but sure it’ll work for anything with midi.

Mattb · 2024-04-15T21:14:10.576Z

This looks really nice!

darylc:

Built primarily for orchestral sampling work

What do you mean by that?

darylc · 2024-04-15T21:50:58.862Z

It was designed and built by an orchestral composer for use specifically with orchestral sample libraries to control the sample’s Volume, Expression and Vibrato (in it’s pre-programmed state)

From his website he says

Nuances is the ideal product to precisely control your dynamic, expression, vibrato, volume or any parameter for all moderns sampled sound banks, and the way to finally get a really expressive music score.

shellfritsch · 2024-04-21T17:29:59.558Z

anyone know of a compact controller that meets these requirements?

faders or pots (at least 8)
buttons
midi out port
customizable CC assignments, assign CC values to buttons
battery powered

faderfox UC4 comes closest, but is not battery powered
my old faderfox LV2 is nearly perfect, but all midi assignments are hard coded

scttcmpbll · 2024-04-21T18:23:42.516Z

Michigan Synth Works XVI-M with a usb power bank. Don’t know of any options with the features you listed and battery power

Jiffybox · 2024-04-22T03:28:40.192Z

This might be close, I use it with DAW/CC templates and it’s rechargeable, but MIDI over USB or Bluetooth. Probably doesn’t tick all the boxes but it’s an overlooked controller. I think I’ve touted it here before.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLMixface–studiologic-sl-mixface-control-surface

ses · 2024-04-22T07:46:09.883Z

Faderfox UC4 is easily powered with a powerbank. There is enough space under it to fit a small one.

8mu also comes very close, and can be powered the same way. Both draw very little power.

samuel_wade · 2024-05-03T18:53:58.816Z

Thanks for the drum grid suggestions. Nothing feels exactly right, but I think the Midifighter might be the best place to start. Coming from acoustic drums, I tend to lean too heavily on velocity when that’s often not the best way to go in the electronic arena, so although the lack of velocity sensitivity seemed like a dealbreaker at first, it might actually help me break out of that habit.

Glamaig · 2024-05-03T19:25:05.600Z

Just picked one up, great! The buttons are so handy and it’s a little smaller than my 16N….

Mattb · 2024-05-03T20:29:21.410Z

Thats good to hear, Im pretty settled on scooping one of these soon

TomWhitwell · 2024-05-03T21:18:46.158Z

This was the brief for 8mu, although it’s best as a usb c device (1 cable vs 2 if you need usb power + hardware midi)

t3h · 2024-05-04T19:36:19.273Z

amazing work with 8mu, Tom

mgsg · 2024-05-20T01:31:38.685Z

Maybe the m-vave smc-mixer? Pretty cheap in AliExpress…

http://www.m-vave.com/productinfo/1106102.html