Roger Linn Intros Smaller, More Affordable LinnStrument 128

linnstrument-128

Roger Linn today introduced the LinnStrument 128 – a smaller and more affordable version of his LinnStrument expressive MIDI controller. 

Like the original LinnStrument, the 128 is designed to go beyond the limited sensing capabilities of standard MIDI keyboards, capturing five different dimensions of expressive control for each of your fingers:

  • Strike velocity
  • Pressure
  • Left-right motion
  • Front-back motion
  • Release velocity

The LinnStrument 128 is essentially 2/3 the size of the original LinnStrument and 2/3 the price.

We asked Linn about the differences, and he says that the 128 is identical to the large LinnStrument, except for:

  • Smaller size: 399mm wide instead of 570.
  • Fewer note pads: 128 (16 x 8) instead of 200 (25 x 8)
  • No power input jack – Linn says that this proved to be unnecessary, since the LinnStrument is USB powered, and you can power it from a USB power adapter.

The software is the same for both models, and includes the new LinnStrument Step Sequencer.

If you’re not familiar with the LinnStrument, Linn has shared a series of videos that demonstrate its capabilities:

Pricing and Availability

The LinnStrument 128 is available now for US $999. The original LinnStrument is available for US $1499.

24 thoughts on “Roger Linn Intros Smaller, More Affordable LinnStrument 128

  1. @mick It does not have an internal battery but it could be powered by a USB battery. Also, when in low-power mode it can also be powered by an iOS device.

    It has no wireless capability but there are third party devices to make it wireless.

  2. I love that he is trying to design something new and now with the firmware it has a bunch more options but at those price tags there is absolutely no chance that I would be getting either size.

  3. Ask Mr. Linn if he’s ever going to release the LinnDrum II. With regards to the Tempest, for some strange reason it seems to have gone up in price by FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS! in the U.K. Two years ago they were £1235 new, and now they are £1635.

      1. Erm, why aren’t you blaming the real culprits, the Tories? If you hadn’t noticed, we’re still in the EU. Don’t give the Tories any more excuses!

    1. £1 in 2014 = $1.70
      £1 in 2016 = $1.21

      The pound is worth 29% less than 2 years ago (against USD)
      That’s why things we import now cost more.
      If there’s a piece of imported music gear you want, buy it now, as most analysts expect the GBP to fall further.

  4. So it means that it can play a little more than 4 octaves? If so, then this seems like a cheaper alternative to the $1,200 USD Roli Seaboard Rise 49…and it even has a sequencer!

    I hope it still has that MIDI Out so you do not need a computer and got could just power it with a cheap USB power adapter.

  5. I think in split mode it can do six or seven octaves. I have the LinnStrument 200 and split mode allows 8 octaves. The reason is that in non-split mode,many notes are replicated several times. Split mode trades off some redundancy for extra range.

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