Melbourne Instruments ROTO-CONTROL: Motorized MIDI Controller for Software and Hardware

video upload by Melbourne Instruments



Press release follows:

Introducing ROTO-CONTROL, motorized MIDI controller for software and hardware

Following the debut success of their revolutionary analog synth NINA in 2023 and the hybrid polysynth DELIA in 2024, Melbourne Instruments announce ROTO-CONTROL, a motorized MIDI controller for software and hardware. Roto-Control brings Melbourne Instruments’ motorized knob technology to a MIDI controller in a powerful, portable, affordable tool for studio and live applications.

Roto-Control is now shipping. [check with dealers on the right for avialability]

Introducing a truly unique motorized MIDI controller, unlike anything seen before. Rethink software and hardware interactions via fully assignable motorized touch-sensitive knobs, user definable haptics for detailed control, high-res screens providing easy-to-read labels for every control, and internal memory with storage for over 8000 assignments. Powerful, compact, and portable, Roto-Control features three main modes of operation: MIX, PLUGIN and MIDI with Motion Recorder.

MIX Mode
Plug & play dedicated Ableton Live audio mix environment. Automatically sync Ableton Live Sets with all track names and colors instantly appearing on Roto-Control displays. Roto-Control will automatically update track names and colors when connected to an active Ableton Live Set. No need to save or edit labels on – all data is taken from the active Ableton Live Set.

PLUGIN Mode
Plugin parameters and labels are taken directly from Ableton Live with one touch, one-time, intuitive setup. Learn plugin parameters once and Roto-Control will remember learnt parameters anytime you use Ableton Live. All learnt plugin parameters are stored locally on Roto-Control.

Up to 64 plugins per single track, with up to 128 controls (64 knobs + 64 buttons) per plugin.

MIX and PLUGIN Modes complement each other with fast intuitive switching between modes. Both modes include full suite of Ableton Live transport controls.

MIDI Mode with Motion Recorder
Control MIDI hardware and software including synths, DAWs, lighting, media applications and any MIDI compatible technology. MIDI Mode can operate stand-alone without a computer.
Up to 64 MIDI Setups stored on Roto-Control.
Each Setup can consist of up to 128 controls (64 knobs and 64 buttons).
Setups can be imported and exported via the Roto-Setup app, for sharing with others.

Motion Recorder
Motion Recording brings Melbourne Instruments motorized knob technology to external gear. Motion Recorder is a creative and fun way to automate and loop MIDI parameters on external hardware and software. - -Simple one-step record and playback functions.
Record up to 8 parameters per Setup.
Save up to 8 MIDI Set-Ups with Motion Recording.
Clock source: Internal or external MIDI clock.
Step recording lengths: 16, 32, 48 or 64 steps.
Playback modes: forward, backward, random, ping-pong.

Roto-Setup App
Provides additional configuration and customization of knobs and buttons including multi-position switches, haptic control, toggles, minimum and maximum values, in addition to MIDI channel, CC, NPRN, resolution and naming of steps.
Edit label colors and names for knobs and buttons in MIDI and PLUGIN Modes.
Import and export MIDI and PLUGIN Setups.
Roto-Setup will automatically detect and update firmware when connected to Roto-Control.

Features and specs:
8 x Touch sensitive motorized knobs with haptic feedback and instant recall.
9 x High-res LCD (IPS) displays.
16 x Backlit RGB LED buttons.
2 x USB-C ports (data & power)
MIDI in/out/thru, 5-pin MIDI DIN and MIDI over USB.
Power: USB-C 5V (15W)
Motorized knobs: Brushless drone motors with Melbourne Instruments designed ultra-hires contactless optical sensors. Lifetime rating in excess of 50 million cycles, 500 times more than conventional pots.