Miclop Ctrl X Synthesizer Combines Hardware Control With The Power Of Software

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtQ_-pw6ESY

Miclop has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the Ctrl X – a new synthesis system that’s designed to combine the immediacy of hardware control with the power and flexibility of software.

The Ctrl X MIDI Controller features hardware controls and a large multi-touch screen, designed to make working with software synths fast and immediate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raCEIiWt_Dc

The controller supports both USB and MIDI connectivity, so you can control both hardware and software synths.

It will also come with a dedicated software synth, for Mac & Windows:

Audio Demos:

In addition to the dedicated synth, though, the Ctrl-X supports Templates to control other synthesizers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfs8ipc2wyM

Open Source

Finally – the Ctrl X is open source and compatible with Arduino, so the hardware can also be used for your own custom purposes.

Pricing and Availability

The production of the CTRL X is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it is available to project backers for €299 (about US $349).

10 thoughts on “Miclop Ctrl X Synthesizer Combines Hardware Control With The Power Of Software

  1. If the expected delivery was 6 months, i’d support it, but hardware projects notoriously never stay on track on Kickstarter. So with Feb 2019 expected delivery, this is likely to get delayed further.

  2. If only NI made their Komplete Kontrol keyboards in a “zero” configuration like this! It’s much more desk friendly than any of the versions with keys and even though the light guide feature of the keyboards is nice and I would miss it in some cases, being able to have the Komplete Kontrol hardware controls right in front of me while producing rather than off to the side would be worth giving up the integrated light guide and keys. If someone asked me if I have any complaints about the Slate Raven Core Station I’d have to say that not having room for a centrally located keyboard of the S61 MK2’s size or even a sliding keyboard tray underneath the front shelf for a smaller version would be pretty much my only one. Heading back to the Miclop Ctrl X… The price is certainly right and if it ships with fully functional mappings for most of the non-NI and non-NKS compatible synths then I can see it filling a niche that only a few companies have tried to break into earnestly. Novation was an early pioneer with their Automap software but it was far from perfect. NI released Kore shortly after although it wasn’t originally meant as an all encompassing plugin controller and was far behind what Komplete Kontrol is today. AKAI has their Advance keyboards for what they say is total plugin control but I haven’t seen them grabbing a significant market share with the line and have heard the software implementation is somewhat lacking. Which, of course, brings us back to NI’s Komplete Kontrol as the unofficially sanctioned gold standard of VST plugin control in 2018. If the Ctrl X can confidently cover the ground that NI doesn’t then it could prove to be an indispensable tool for software based producers. Only time will tell if it can live up to that mark.

    1. What you are describing is pretty similar to Native Instruments Kore, which can be had for very cheaply since it’s support has been discontinued

  3. Hmm, isn’t this the same guy:
    https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2016/02/23/new-hybrid-daw-controller-micli-one-combines-tactile-controls-with-touchscreen-flexibility/
    If so then that KickStarter project didn’t get off the ground. I think the problem is that he sets the funding goals too high for such a niche product. To give the guy credit, he does seem to be enthusiastic about each of his projects. One day he’ll succeed. I’m deciding whether to go for his latest KickStarter or not. The CTRL X appeals to me…

  4. if I’m the same guy, thanks for your comments and synthtopia for the publication, we greatly appreciate the support.

  5. I had Kore when it was supported but have moved on to the Komplete Kontrol series. Before I purchased the Raven Core Station I was able to have my S49 MKI right in front of me and using the screen overlay for in depth browsing wasn’t a big deal. Now that I have to place the keyboard off to the side it’s almost necessary to upgrade to the MKII version for the better screens, which I have done. I’d much rather see all the plugin manufacturers adopt the NKS protocol than have one controller for NI stuff and a separate one for everything else but the industry just isn’t there yet.

  6. This is exactly what I was looking for, now for many years. I already started to modify my good old Kore using a teensy, since I couldn’t find anything else. The concept that I am creating as an update for the Kore is exactly the same: dedicate the buttons to select the proper page (oscillator, filter, etc), a touchscreen for info and using mackie to synchronise the settings.

    The problem with current products, like Komplete Kontrol (which I have), Nektar Panorama (have that also) is that they are more oriented towards production. Controlling a synth with them is often not a joy, since you have to scroll through many pages to get to the right parameter.

    Now with dedicated buttons for each synth section (osc, filter, amp, envelope, etc) you can get right to the proper setting. Also, the use of Mackie is very good, without the need of any wrapper software (like NI and Akai). Using templates for each synth is also good. I am wondering if it will switch automatically to the right template when a synth is selected (as KK does). This is something I try to add to my Kore update as well. And i do hope it will work well with all daws (at least Logic, since that is what I am using…)

    So, if I can convince my wife, I will definitely support this one!…;-)

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