VCO vs VA // Delia vs Nina - there's more to it than that

video upload by Starsky Carr

"What's the difference sonically? I've not heard these 2 demo'd side by side in depth. We know the specs - Melbourne Instruments Nina has 12 voices, each containing 2 VCOS plus a digital oscillator, and the Melbourne Instruments Delia uses virtual analog to do the same thing with 6 voices - with some 'Paraphonic PLUS' 12 voice modes.

There are other additions in the Delia, like FM, an extra LFO and envelope plus oyu can have dual effects in parallel or serial.

BUT.. what's the consequence of replacing the VCOs with the VA oscillators?"

0:00 Delia Panning Demo
0:31 An Intro to both synths
3:31 Quick Audio Comparison
5:48 Similarities and Differences
6:57 Lovely FM demo
10:46 Let's Go! Sound demos start with Oscillators
15:44 Comparing a Musical Patch
20:11 Delia's Vintage Mode
24:38 LP Analogue Filters
28:49 Delia's HP Sauce
30:20 OVERDRIVE!!
32:06 Rounding Up

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/

Melbourne Instruments #Nina with arthurjoly #Recodrum 🙌🏽

video upload by zivkode

"Melbourne Instruments #Nina with arthurjoly #Recodrum 🙌🏽. Sequenced with Oxi Instruments #oxione🦾"

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/

Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control Review: Innovative MIDI Controller with Haptic Feedback

video upload by sonicstate

"We take a look at the Roto-control from ‪@melbourneinstruments‬ a new 8 knob MIDI controller, with unique rotary encoder technology using drone motors.

Introduced at NAMM, the controller's encoders provide a tactile haptic feedback, making them configurable in multiple ways. Traditional end stop knobs, rotary encoders, centre-dent, positive multi-position switches/

Connectivity options include USB-C ports for power management and standard MIDI in, out and through connections. Roto-control supports Ableton Live exclusively for now, but additional DAW support is expected in future updates. Melbourne Instruments hinted at imminent updates to enhance functionalities, including Bitwig support and MIDI merge.

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/

Key Moments:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:28 Features Overview
00:02:08 MIDI Mode Demo
00:06:40 Mix Mode and Plugin Mode
00:13:14 Third-party Plugin Mapping
00:18:34 Final Thoughts"

Melbourne Instruments Delia Synth Demo, No Talking.

video upload by Protovolt

"First jam on the Delia from Melbourne Instruments.

Amazing unique synth built like a tank.

The motorized knobs are you God send for synths and recalling setting and presets on the fly seeing exactly where everything is.

The people at the company are great as well."

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/

How to Set-up and Use Motion Recorder on Roto-Control MIDI Controller with Elektron Syntakt

video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"Roto-Control is a motorized MIDI controller for software and hardware. Roto-Control can extend the creative capabilities of synths, drum machines and any compatible MIDI hardware or software in MIDI Mode. In this video we show you how to set-up and pair Roto-Control (in MIDI Mode) with an Elektron Syntakt, and how to use the Motion Recorder as a performance enhancing tool. We show how easy it is for Roto-Control to MIDI learn and map 8 mutes and 8 different parameters from the Syntakt to Roto-Control's buttons and knobs. This method can be applied when using Roto-Control with other Elektron devices.

🎛️ Here are key steps to setting up both devices:
1. Connect Roto-Control MIDI Out to Syntakt MIDI In, and Roto-Control MIDI In to Syntakt MIDI Out, via 2 different MIDI cables.
2. Choose MIDI Mode on the Roto-Control.
3. Check Syntakt settings page and sub menus:
• Settings - MIDI Config - Port Config - Encoder Dest INT + EXT
• Settings - MIDI Config - Port Config - Receive CC/NRPN
• Settings - MIDI Config - Sync - Clock Send and Transport Send
4. Map Syntakt parameters to Roto-Control buttons and knobs:
• Press LEARN on the Roto-Control and select the knob or button want to assign. The LEARN button will flash and the MENU window will display what knob or button you have selected.
• On the Syntakt move or press the button you want to control. Roto-Control's display will immediately display the MIDI channel and MIDI CC.
• Press LEARN to confirm and exit.
The default labels on Roto-Control will display the MIDI channel and CC value as "CH:xx/CC:xx". Further customization of controls can be done with the Roto-Setup App - change labels and colors that reflect parameters on the Syntakt.

🖥️ Download the Roto-Control Syntakt MIDI Setup used in this video here, import it and try it with your Roto-Control: https://tinyurl.com/483cbnbx

Motion Recorder:
Check the Motion Recorder settings on the Roto-Control. We want to synchronize the Motion Recorder and playback from the Syntakt as the the master clock. In MIDI Mode, press FUNC and select MIDI EXT CLK for external clock. Also select Motion Recorder length on the same page, in this video we are using 64 steps. Press FUNC to confirm and exit.

⚡️HOT TIP: On the Roto-Control or the Roto-Setup App change the minimum and maximum values via the MIN VALUE and MAX VALUE for the button mutes. MIN Value = 0 and MAX Value = 1, this will ensure fast bidirectional muting between the Roto-Control and the Syntakt.

Roto-Control is a motorized MIDI controller for software and hardware. Roto-Control brings Melbourne Instruments' motorized technology to a MIDI controller in a powerful, portable, affordable tool for studio and live applications.

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 thousands of assignments. Powerful, compact, and portable, Roto-Control features three main modes of operation: MIX, PLUGIN and MIDI with Motion Recorder."

Melbourne Instruments Delia Demo (no talking): Presets for Ambient and Techno - Lotus Sound Pack

video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Pads
11:12 Arpeggiator
17:25 Dub Chords
19:46 Bass and Lead

Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control – First Look with Honeysmack a.k.a Dr David Haberfeld

video upload by mutech.media.australia

"On the first day at NAMM 2025, we saw the newly released Roto-Control from Melbourne Instruments, a totally unique MIDI controller perfect for live performance. With motorised touch-sensitive knobs, customisable haptics, and hi-res labelling screens, the Roto-Control is capable of saving 8,000 assignments for total control of your rig.

We love the physical feedback in the knobs and the haptics in the buttons – it makes using the Roto-Control to control something like Ableton Live much more like playing a real hardware synth. Honeysmack (Dr David Haberfeld) is a veteran of live performance with synths, and his enthusiasm for Roto-Control is obvious and contagious!"

Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller Video Manual Melbourne Instruments

video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control video manual and guide for firmware version 1.1.0. This video will guide you through the basic operation of Roto-Control's main modes and the Roto-Setup App."

"Check out the Roto-Control FAQs here: https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/..."

00:00 Getting Started
01:47 MIX Mode
04:56 Track Focus
05:35 Transport Controls
05:55 PLUGIN Mode
06:24 Devices (native Ableton plugins)
09:37 Third-party plugin workflow
12:03 Navigating plugins on Roto-Control
12:55 LOCK a plugin on Roto-Control
13:55 Working with automation - take over and re-arming
15:51 Working with macros and instrument/effect racks
19:27 MIDI Mode
22:45 Motion Recorder
25:39 Roto-Setup App"

#NAMM 2025: Roto-Control from Melbourne Instruments

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We get a tour of the new Roto-Control from Melbourne Instruments. Like their synths that we presented last year, the Roto Control features motorized knobs that can be used to control any MIDI device, DAW parameters, or plug-in parameters. It has an intuitive interface that includes customizable colored labels along with the buttons and knobs, and can save up to 64 configurations. It also includes a "motion recorder" that allows you to record loops of motion using the knobs that can then control any instrument, DAW, or plug-in."

Could Melbourne Instruments' ROTO Control revolutionise software and hardware control?

video upload by MusicRadar Tech

"Melbourne Instruments has announced ROTO Control, a new controller that utilises the company's groundbreaking motorised fader technology – as found on its Delia and Nina synths – to create a device that aims to revolutionise hardware or software control. We caught up with Melbourne Instruments at NAMM 2025 to see it in action."

NAMM 2025: Melbourne Instruments' RotoControl

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with David from *Melbourne Instruments*, who introduced us to the *RotoControl*, a motorized MIDI controller with eight touch-sensitive knobs.

Designed with 64 customizable setups, three main modes were highlighted: MIDI, Mix, and Plug-in modes. The unit offers 5-pin MIDI I/O and USB-C power, along with motion recording and standalone functionality, allowing integration with various hardware, DAWs, and Ableton Live. The RotoControl app lets you customize display labels and colors, enhance knob haptics, and streamline MIDI mapping through its simple Learn function. Users can switch between Mix and Plug-in modes for efficient control over Ableton's audio setup without scripts.

Additionally, Melbourne Instruments gave a sneak preview of Nina, an upcoming polyphonic sequencer with a multi-track feature, focusing on enhancing the studio and live performance workflow. The RotoControl retails at $419 USD plus taxes."

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.

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Customizable Controller from Melbourne Instruments in the Works?

Short clip with no audio. This one is in via SovietSportsTechno who noted it appears to be an upcoming controller from Melbourne Instruments. It appears to be customizable with motorized knobs, and buttons. As you can see in the video it's mapped to Ableton's mixer controls, but it would be fair to assume you will be able to map it to other paramaters.

Update: pictured with an Elektron Syntakt. Note the parameters. Click the image to zoom in. Curious if it will have a built in sequencer.

BUCHLA & FRIENDS: THE SYNTH MAKER SHOWCASE Event Set for LA Next Weekend Jan 25 & 26

Tickets available at Eventbrite

"We’re gathering over 70 boutique synth makers in one awesome Silverlake spot so you can learn, listen, and live the latest in electronic music sound production. This hands-on, headphones-only gathering gives you a chance to hear the best sounds science has ever created. From additive to subtractive, analog to digital, keyboards to breath, audio to visual (yes- some video synths will be here too!), modular to full-size polyphonic, eurorack to Serge to Buchla, you’ll meet synth makers and synth enthusiasts alike. This will be January’s biggest two-day collection of hands-on synths on the West Coast! If you love creative sound, you need to be here."

Delicious food (including vegan) from Moby Rick’s fish tacos, incredible carbonated beverages from United Wild Brew. Exhibitors: 1010music • 4ms • After Later Audio • AIAIAI • AJH • ALM Busy Circuits • Animal Factory • Ashton Research • ASM • Bastl Instruments • Bitwig • Black Corporation • Bored Brain • Buchla • Catalyst • Circuit Happy • Crosspatch • Days of Yore • Rain City Modular • Doepfer • Dogbotic Labs • Dreadbox • Drift DJ • Elektron • Endorphines • eowave • Eternal Research • Five12 • Flame • Frap Tools • Future Retro • Genki Instruments • Groove Synthesis • Jomox • LA Synth Club • Mega Modular Corp • Melbourne instruments • MEMS project • Meris • Modbap • Moog Foundation • Mystic Circuits • Netherblade • New Systems Instruments • Noise Engineering • Noisebug • Novation • Null Modular • OXI Instruments • Polyend • Prism Circuits • Roger Linn • Schlappi Engineering • Sleepy Circuits • SoCal Synth Society • SOMA • Soundwork Shop • Studio Electronics • Supercritical • SynthRISE • TipTop • Tobinski • Touellskouarn • U.D.O. • Vermona • Wavea • Waveform Magazine • Wavesequencer • Weston Precision Audio • WMD ... & more!

Buchla organizes this event to make a stronger synthesizer community. We make it free to attend and affordable for exhibitors. This makes the vibes great - after all, we are all making our own waves!"

Melbourne Instruments Delia w/Adam B - 3 #synthesizer #synthwave #synth #scifi #sounddesign

video upload by Kraft Music

http://www.kraftmusic.com/

Melbourne Instruments Delia w/Adam B - 2 #synthesizer #synthwave #synth #scifi #sounddesign

video upload by Kraft Music

http://www.kraftmusic.com/

Motorized Knobs // Gimmick or Gamechanger?

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Melbourne Instruments Nina and Delia use their proprietary motorised potentiometers, which have created a lot of interest... and also a fair amount of intrigue... whats the downside? are they really that good?"

0:00 Motorized Faders?
3:11 Haptic Feedback
5:32 THE FORCE - reacting to MIDI CC
6:34 Reliability & Maintenance
8:16 Price & Power - What are the costs?
10:52 Gimmick or Gamechanger?

FREE! Melbourne Instruments NINA Preset Pack!

video upload by The Unperson

"I’m excited to share a new project I’ve been working on—a collection of presets for Melbourne Instruments' Nina synthesizer. I love making sound packs, and this was a great opportunity to dive into Nina and see how far I could push it. I’m not a big keyboard player, so my focus was on letting the synthesizer take centre stage, pulling out some weird and wonderful sounds along the way.

The preset pack is available as a free download here:

https://www.melbourneinstruments.com/..."

Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2024 (Part 1)

video upload by Perfect Circuit

Check out the accompanying article on our blog, Signal

"2024 is soon drawing to a close—so, we're taking a look back at the year, and taking account of all of the weird and wonderful instruments that gave us some inspiration this year. Synthesizers, drum machines, and Eurorack modules to samplers and effects, this year had no shortage of inspiring instruments.

So, we reached out to some of our friends and content creators to fill us in on their year, asking one simple question: what was the coolest piece of gear YOU got this year? For some, that meant brand-new releases, but for others, it meant sitting down and digging into classic instruments.

In this video, we hear from:
0:05 Andrew Huang on the Elektron Digitakt II
1:36 Starsky Carr on the Pittsburgh Voltage Lab 2
6:30 Molten Music Tech on the Gamechanger Plasma Voice
11:36 Cyberattack on the Vongon Replay
13:48 The Unperson on the Melbourne Delia
Mark Johnston on the UA Apollo x8p Gen 2

Check out the accompanying article on our blog, Signal"

You can find additional Artist Picks: Best Music Gear of 2024 posts here.

DELIA Delights Custom Keycaps Replacement User Guide Melbourne Instruments

video upload by Melbourne Instruments

"DELIA Delights are MX-style compatible keycaps designed for use with Melbourne Instruments' DELIA Synthesizer. Delights are available in replacement kits of 45 keycaps + keypuller. Choose from 5 colors: FRESH MINT (Green), VANILLA (off white), EARL GREY (Cool grey), LICORICE (Black) and SPARKLING (clear/frosted). DELIA Delights are now available from selected Melbourne Instruments Dealers.

❗️ PLEASE NOTE: DELIA Delights are NOT compatible with NINA❗️

⚠️ Take care and only use the keypuller provided when replacing your keycaps. DO NOT USE metal objects as you could damage your Delia.

Removing your existing keycaps:
1. Switch the power off.
2. Position the keypuller towards the lower half of the keycap.
3. Click the keypuller into one side of the keycap you want to remove, then the following side. Don't try to grab both sides at the same time!
4. Carefully lift one side followed by the opposite side.

Fitting your new keycaps:
1. Check the orientation of the keycap, the little window needs to be at the top.
2. Position and centre the keycap over the pin.
3. Gently push the keycap into place.
4. Power on your Delia and have fun — we've been told different coloured keycaps sound awesome too 😁

⚠️ WARNING ⚠️
DO NOT EAT the keycaps, they might taste funny and will be hard to digest 🤢🤮🤮🤣"