"Over the last few weeks I've been prototyping a redesigned MIDIKalimba - a touch-pad Kalimba-like MIDI controller. I'm now very happy with this and it's a joy to play.
"MIDIKalimba is a MIDI controller played like a kalimba with fingers or thumbs on touch-sensitive pads and can output:
- MIDI over USB
- MIDI over TRS (a TRS-5-pin DIN lead gives MIDI over 5-pin DIN)
You can set any scale/mode, octave and root note, for example C6 Mixolydian or G4 Minor Pentatonic, and then you'll be able to effortlessly play the notes in that scale and key.
It features velocity-sensitivity for expressive playing."
"The Moon Performance System is an innovative music creation tool launched in 2023, combining hardware and software design principles. It integrates a MIDI controller, FM synthesizer, and drum machine sequencer into a unified system. At the core of the system is its dual-circuit board MIDI controller, designed symmetrically, with the left section controlling the sequencer and the right section controlling the synthesizer. This design makes the controls more intuitive and efficient while providing aesthetic harmony throughout the controller. Furthermore, the controller’s dual circuit boards can simultaneously connect to two computers, allowing for independent control of the synthesizer and drum machine sequencer, with the ability to switch instantly and perform concurrently, greatly enhancing flexibility for live performances and music creation.
The software component of the tool is built within Reaktor, with developers utilizing its powerful modular construction tools to create highly customizable and flexible audio and control modules. The Moon Performance System’s drum machine sequencer is powerful, allowing users to adjust drum tones and pitch without needing additional sound packs. Users can select from a variety of effects and perform mixing, making it versatile for different musical styles.
The Moon FM Synthesizer is equipped with an advanced frequency modulation (FM) engine that allows modulation between oscillators for precise control of FM sound colors. The XY-axis visualization interface makes envelope and filter adjustments more intuitive, and when combined with effects like distortion, delay, and chorus, it easily creates captivating sounds. The Moon Performance System not only meets the diverse needs of music creation but is also especially suitable for live performances, as its sleek design allows creators to focus on music creation and performance without worrying about complex operations. The project won an Excellence Award in the Music Technology category at the 2024 IEMC International Electronic Music Competition, showcasing its outstanding performance in sound innovation and technological integration."
[pictured] Moon MIDI Controller Moon Sequencer Moon Fm Synthesizer
Pre-set chord buttons ensure every note fits perfectly in harmony — no more worrying about wrong notes!
Control of chords and rhythm
This electronic instrument's settings allow anyone to play perfectly tuned chords without needing to know music theory.
Ergonomic Tone Keys Layout
Use tone keys in various combinations and rhythmic patterns to enrich chords with layered notes.
The tone keys produce only the notes of your selected chord from low to high. By combining and repeating these chord sounds, you can create rich musical textures.
Neoharp is easier to master and offers the same range of digital samples as keyboard instruments.
Dedicated App Dedicated synthesizer application with visualization and other unique features.
Features Playing 3 or more digital instruments simultaneously 3 Chord buttons modes: Change chord Chord and/or Bass accompaniment Arpeggio 2 Tone keys modes: Chord note Strum simulation in guitar mode 15 chord types available instantly Ergonomic chord buttons arrangement: related chords are close to each other Built-in protection against playing incorrect notes of a chord Settings and visualization via mobile app
"An Infra-Red proximity controller that boasts innovative, single-handed operation and an easy to read LED level meter.
True to the Skapa Sound ethos, AIR offers an intuitive means of control through an easy-to-use UI and is presented in a beautiful hand-crafted, natural wood housing.
The key features of AIR include:
* Infra-red proximity detection, enabling you to control the parameters of your favourite synths with a simple wave of your hand. * A bright, onboard LED meter showing your parameter level. Designed to be easy to see, whether in the studio or in a live setting. * Lockable parameter level with a simple hand gesture. * Output to both MIDI and CV simultaneously - both using 3.5mm mini-jack sockets (MIDI requires mini-jack to 5 pin DIN adaptor). * MIDI channel programmable (channels 1 to 16). * MIDI Control Change (CC) setting programmable between 16 values. * CV output range 0V to +5V. * USB powered (USB-C)
"Bring your sounds to life with the MEMLNaut, the first neural symbiotic controller for synths and effects: discover new sounds instantly, live, with any rig."
"MEMLNaut is a musical instrument and research platform for exploration of musically embodied machine learning. It can process and generate sound, it’s extensible with a wide range of IO and interfaces, and it can optimise and run machine learning models on it’s dual core microcontroller chip.
MEMLNAut is open source, you can find all the Kicad files on our github"
"MEML is funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council. It is an investigation into the musically expressive potential of machine learning (ML) when embodied within physical musical instruments. It proposes ‘tuneable ML’, a novel approach to exploring the musicality of ML models, when they can be adjusted, personalised and remade, using the instrument as the interface.
ML has been highly successful in allowing us to build novel creative tools for musicians. For example, generative models that bring new approaches to sound design, or models that allow musicians to build complex, nuanced mappings with musical gestures. These instruments offer new forms of creative expression, because they are configurable in intuitive ways using data that can be created by musicians. They can also offer new modes of control, with techniques such as latent space manipulation. Currently, to train a ML model, standard practice is to collect data (e.g sound or sensor data), create and pre-test the model within a data science environment, before testing it with the instrument. This distributed approach creates a disconnection between the instrument and the machine learning processes. With ML embodied within an instrument, musicians will be able to take a more creative and intuitive approach to making and tuning models, that will also be more inclusive to those without expertise in ML. Musicians can get the most value from ML if the whole process of machine learning is accessible; there are many creative possibilities in the training and tuning of models, so it’s valuable if the musician can have access to the curation of data, curation of models, and to methods for ongoing retuning of models over their lifetime.
We have reached the point where ML technology will run on lightweight embedded hardware at rates sufficient for audio and sensor processing. This opens up innumerable additions to our electronic, digital, and hybrid augmented acoustic instruments. Our instruments will contain lightweight embedded computers with ML models that shape key elements of the instruments behaviour, for example sound modification or gesture processing, responding to sensory input player and/or environment. This project will demonstrate how Tuneable ML creates novel musical possibilities, as it allows to create self-contained instruments, that can evolve independently from the complex data science tools conventionally used for ML.
The project asks how instruments can be designed to make effective and musical use of embedded ML processes, and questions the implications for instrument designers and musicians when tunable processes are a fundamental driver of an instrument’s musical feel and musical behaviour."
"The Morphonium Family is a 3-part MIDI controller used together to continuously shape sound in realtime. Consisting of the Alpha 'wheelboard' with a unique keyboard-like layout of over 100 wheels & switches, the Delta keyboard with a suite of novel gestural controls & the Omega pedalboard, allow the player to continuously shape and add nuance to sound. The beauty & depth of expression achieved is unrivalled in the world of MIDI controllers and provides a system to compose, perform, record, teach & notate music in the electronic domain."
The Morphonium consists of three parts: Wheelboard (timbre control) 74 wheels and 30 buttons for MIDI notes and continuous controllers Touch screen for programming and feedback Keyboard (melody) 4 octave velocity sensitive keyboard "Vibe bar" for vibrato and calibrated pitch bends "Gliss strip" for up to 2 octave glissando "Tron" for theremin-like continuous control of pitch and volume "Pusher" (up/down) and "Spinitt" (rotary) expression controllers "Transer" shifts octaves based on proximity of the hand to the back of the keyboard Breath controller to articulate volume and brightness Pedalboard Continuous expression pedal for filter / brightness Sustain pedal (continuous or digital) 4 digital pedals for loop control
"Dialr is a new kind of VST/AU plugin controller where parameters are automatically mapped to its tactile, analog knobs. No menu diving stealing your time. No manual mapping killing your flow. Dialr is always mapped and always ready. Just tweak the knobs and dial in your mix."
Dialr automatically maps all your plugins, giving you instant access to all parameters. No menu diving —just tweak and adjust with ease to dial in the perfect sound.
Display
7” LCD Touch Screen. Buttons
12 knobs with analogue potentiometers. 2 clickable step encoders. 3 clickable buttons for Undo/Redo and Bypass.
Compatibility Operating system:
Windows 10 or later MacOS 14 or later. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW):
Ableton Live 11 or later Cubase 14 or later Audio Plugin Formats:
VST3 AU Dialr supports 100.000+ of VST3 and AU plugins out of the box. However, some vendors use custom wrapper layers inside these formats that require special handling. In such cases, we ensure compatibility on a case-by-case basis.
Known examples include:
Waves (already supported) Native Instruments Spectrasonics Reason Studios We’re actively working to expand compatibility, with Native Instruments and Spectrasonics up next.
"Testing the Ensoniq Mirage Extended Programmer made by Doctor Synth Devices, a controller designed to simplify parameter editing on the classic Ensoniq Mirage.
This programmer allows for quick and easy adjustment of any setting, significantly improving workflow and sound exploration.
💡 Important: it works exclusively with the MASOS operating system.
🔧 A perfect tool for users who want fast, precise access to deep editing on the Mirage.
📩 For more information or inquiries about the programmer: sanchez.demian@gmail.com"
"Introducing AstroLab 88 - designed for the live musician, it puts impeccable performance sounds at your fingertips with a premium hammer-action keybed and powerful software ecosystem, letting you take your signature sounds to the stage without anything standing between you and your creative expression."
"AstroLab Update 1.4 brings your rig up-to-spec with some of Arturia’s newest engines, adding full support for Pigments 6 and MiniFreak V3, tighter Analog Lab mirroring, and a round of stability fixes to keep every session running smooth."
🎹 Arturia ASTROLAB 88 – Exclusive MUSIC DEMO at Superbooth 2025 (w Pierre Pfister)
"Join us in this exclusive hands-on music demo straight from Superbooth 2025, where we explore the full expressive power of the ASTROLAB 88 with Arturia’s Product Manager, Pierre Pfister.
"Súmate a esta exclusiva 'music demo' directamente desde Superbooth 2025, donde exploramos todo el poder expresivo de ASTROLAB 88 con el Gerente de Productos en Arturia, Pierre Pfister."
Press release follow:
The new AstroLab has landed - with elevated performance and 88 weighted keys.
Engineered for liftoff, AstroLab redefines what a stage keyboard is all about. Combining an unrivaled sound palette with intuitive controls and seamless studio-to-stage experience, it empowers musicians to perform with confidence and limitless sonic freedom.
On May 27th we’re introducing AstroLab 88, which unites a responsive hammer-action keybed (Fatar TP-40L) with 40 onboard instruments, 1,600+ presets, updated CPU and the same forward-thinking ecosystem that lets artists perform with all their signature sounds - laptop-free.
Future-proof by design, AstroLab receives regular firmware upgrades that deepen its power and enhance the user experience. This continues with our next major update due by July 17th, which will bring new & updated V Collection 11 instruments, playlist transfer between Arturia’s Analog Lab Pro and AstroLab and the ability to send program changes to external devices and more.
_Premium hammer-action keybed
Perform with piano-size keys and piano-like response. AstroLab 88’s weighted keybed is built for demanding musicians who need that exceptional feel and control.
Studio → Stage continuum
Prepare sounds in Analog Lab Pro, organise setlists in the AstroLab Connect app, then play live without a laptop.
Navigation wheel & screen
Browse presets and playlists effortlessly and monitor parameters at a glance - no menu diving mid-gig.
40 reference instruments
From Piano V realism to Pigments’ modern engine; 1,600 presets on board, 10 000+ more via V Collection & sound banks.
Navigation wheel & screen
Modern connectivity
MIDI I/O, USB-C, USB-A host, audio input, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, plus four pedal inputs.
Creative toolset
Arpeggiator, Chord & Scale modes, hands-on Macros, built-in Looper, up to 12 insert FX per preset."
"Introducing MicroLab mk3, the perfect MIDI controller for producers working in small studios, on the go, or just starting their music production journey. With an ultra-compact form factor, high-quality slim keys and intuitive controls - create anywhere, anytime."
Check with dealers on the right for availaiblity.
_What’s New in MicroLab mk3?
Plug it in and start playing instantly. Launch your favorite sound in Analog Lab, use Chord Mode to create harmonies with a single key, shape your performance with touch strips and connect a sustain pedal for added expressivity - all with seamless USB-C integration.
New design & slim keybed
A sleek look plus the same high quality velocity-sensitive keys used in our acclaimed MiniLab 3.
Sustain pedal input
Bring expressive piano-style sustain to any performance or recording.
Analog Lab Intro and Ableton Live Lite included
An updated software bundle so you can start making music right away.
_Create anywhere, anytime
Designed with mobile and small-space music-making in mind, MicroLab mk3 ensures minimal setup fuss and instant creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro looking to expand your flexibility, MicroLab mk3 delivers a true keybed feel in a compact form factor - all at an unbeatable price.
Real key feel
Compact keyboards often come with compromise - we wanted to change that. With a high-quality slim keybed, MicroLab mk3 delivers a responsive and true playing experience that your music deserves - no compromises, just music.
"Quray is a touchless AIR controller for those who seek freedom and expressiveness. With a single hand movement, you control sound, light, and visual projections. Quray connects via MIDI and CV, integrating with synthesizers, modular systems, and multimedia setups. The magic of movement draws all attention to the artist and creates unforgettable impressions."
"The TSC-12 module, based on Solar-42 Ambient Machine keyboard is a performance oriented touch controller featuring 12 capacitively sensitive plates, equipped with highly accurate Volt/octave outputs, ready to connect to your modular setup also."
"Which live performer doesn't know this situation: You build the tension to immeasurable heights, add another filter here, three more effects there, hands go up in the air, everyone's waiting for the big drop... and then you realize: You can't find your way out of the chaos you've created!
The sweat on your forehead drips onto your equipment, and in a firework of spraying sparks, your devices and your fans say goodbye forever...
A Sneak Peak into Pipo modules video upload by Pipo Interfaces
"Video produced by Tom Bouchet
Music: "Transition" by Alex-Productions (CC BY 3.0)"
Press release follows:
Pipo Interfaces brings a new versatile toolkit for creative sensing and audiovisual interactions in real-time.
Developed by creative technologist Rupert Renevier, Pipo is a range of electronics modules that connect sensors to computers, and are meant to simplify creative interactivity between people, real-world objects, and digital creation.
Whether you're performing, designing experimental MIDI instruments, or interested in making installations, Pipo builds the foundations of an accessible and adaptable open source toolkit.
When digital experiences become sensible and tangible, they allow for greater engagement and connection. The idea of using sensors for audiovisual applications and arts is far from being new, but still requires building custom solutions on Arduino or Raspberry Pi, which tends to be complex, time-consuming, and therefore not easily accessible to most.
Pipo wants to unlock the creative potential of real-time sensing, and lower the technical barrier to it, by proposing tools that connect the physical world to the digital in a straightforward fashion.
The Pipo recipe is simple: small affordable modules, wireless capabilities, and an intuitive yet powerful user interface. All Pipo modules can be used alone or in combination, fixed, worn on the body, embedded in objects, etc... All Pipo modules have mounting holes to augment all kind of projects and casing will be made available.
The first 3 modules of the family are Pipo Motion, Pipo Range and Pipo Analog.
Pipo Motion is dedicated to sensing movement: orientation, acceleration and magnetic field, thanks to an advanced 9 axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It allows for relative and absolute orientation.
Pipo Range is an accurate distance sensing unit which can be used to detect hands, obstacles, objects, or people (up to 3m). It can be used the same way as a theremin, or as a people proximity sensor for eg.
Finally, Pipo Analog, a versatile Input/Output device. On one side it has 8 capacitive touch inputs to create original touch buttons (for eg: with wires, metallic tape, vegetables, conductive paint, etc...)
On the other side it has multiple analog voltage inputs/outputs (up to 8). With these you can acquire and use any external buttons, specialized analog sensors modules, knobs or control servo motors, drivers, etc...
Beyond these three first sensing modules, Pipo Interfaces carries a vision for a whole creative ecosystem for many more input and also output modules. It has a strong anchor towards open source development and wants to create a strong user community connection.
Pipo modules can all send standard MIDI and/or OSC data wirelessly for maximum compatibility.
The connectivity is made through WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy, or USB and every module has an onboard battery charger, so that whatever idea you have, you can test it quickly and have it communicate to your audiovisual software in a matter of seconds (no matter your operating system).
All the settings can be tuned in the field through a web interface hosted on every module. No need for an app or software, just open any web browser on your mobile. This interface allows you to set various settings like sensing parameters, ranges, and to adapt the incoming and outgoing data streams to your needs, quickly and easily.
You can for example eg fine tune the midi output, choose a note scale, channel, etc...
On a technical level, the project is developed with PlatformIO and the Arduino framework to make it easy for people to hack, modify, upgrade their pipos, or build their own custom Pipos. The software is open source, and the project runs on the Esp32-s3, one of the most versatile and powerful IoT chips around.
Pipo will launch as a pre-order campaign to fund the first production run. If you like Pipo, you can support it by entering your email address on the campaign page, it means a lot ! By doing so, you will also be notified of the launch date, so that you can be among the first people to get yours.
The launch date is pending on gathering a critical mass of people who want to see the project going live, so subscribing helps the project move forward.
All this happens on CrowdSupply, a platform dedicated to launching open source projects:
Click CC on the bottom of the player for subtitles.
"Serge de Laubier, Composition, chercheur et musicien et nous présente Puce Muse, le centre de création de musique visuelle, et partage pour la première fois au SynthFest, un performance à partir d'un instrument très singulier de sa conception.
Ne manquez pas les nombreux concerts de Puce Muse!
"Serge de Laubier, composer, researcher, and musician, presents Puce Muse, the visual music creation center, and shares, for the first time at SynthFest, a performance using a very unique instrument of his own design.
"Developed by PUCE MUSE in collaboration with Catherine Hospitel, Dominique Brégeard and Jérémie Gaston-Raoul, the Meta-Instrument 4 is entirely made by 3D printer.
The result of 5 years of development, the Meta-Instrument 4 embeds 92 high precision sensors and 13 dedicated processors. In particular, ten on-board Meta-Touches measure finger pressure and playing speed with great sensitivity: 3000 times per second on 80 pressure zones. The MI4 is a new generation of digital instrument, fully modular and customizable to allow a new form of virtuosity.
//////////////////////////
Fruit de 5 ans de développements, le Méta-Instrument N°4 embarque 92 capteurs de grandes précisions et 13 processeurs dédiés. En particulier, dix Méta-Touch embarqués mesurent la pression des doigts et la vitesse de jeux avec une grande sensibilité : 3000 fois par seconde sur 80 zones de pression. Le MI4 est une nouvelle génération d’instrument numérique entièrement modulaire et personalisable pour permettre une forme de virtuosité inédite."
"Mango is a hybrid MIDI & CV controller for desktop use, following the controller product line of 'Coco', 'Kiwi' & 'Lemon'.
Digital & analog control at one spot Full focus on live performing with for example 4 synthesizers, 8 drum channels and 2 sub channels or FX controls.
141 adressable controls across LED faders, potentiometers, encoders and buttons Modular synthesizer integration with 32 adjustable CV outputs for all faders and most of the potentiometers, covering a range from 0-5V or 0-10V
Slim size OLED display for precise value adjustments Highly USB friendly with low current draw
Web & Desktop Editor to modify all MIDI based parameters and to create own presets Covering almost every analog control for CV out
Technical specs: Dimensions: 335 mm x 262 mm x 40
USB Power: 5V 350mA
CV outs:
Configurable with solder bridges on the backside of the mainboard Pre configuration: Fader: 0-5V Potentiometer: 0-10V
MCU :
Raspberry RP2040 Firmware: OpenDeck mini by ShanteaControls licensed under Apache 2.0 noisyfruitslab.com"
Belle Chen | KeyLab 88 mk3 Performance | ARTURIA video upload by Arturia
"Composer and pianist Belle Chen delivers a mesmerising performance at Hôtel d'Heidelbach in Paris, unleashing the creative power of KeyLab 88 mk3's all-new Fatar TP/110 hammer-action keybed.
KeyLab 88 mk3 completes the mk3 family offering an uncompromising playing experience, advanced software integration and innovative creative features encased in a robust, high-quality design."
Check with dealers on the right for availability.
"Arturia just released KeyLab 88 mk3, a premium 88-key MIDI controller with a fully-weighted hammer-action keybed, combining authentic piano feel, advanced DAW integration and an expansive software bundle in one elegant and robust design.
_Premium keys for modern creatives
From the expressive hammer-action keybed to the integrated visual interface, KeyLab 88 mk3 is crafted to capture every nuance of your performance and keep you in command of your workflow."
