Roli Seaboard RISE 2

[locrian]

5 hours ago, abacab said:

Disclaimer - I don't have an MPE controller yet, so I cannot comment on the accuracy or reliability of this info. But since I do have some of the listed compatible instruments I have been watching the market for an affordable controller.  The choice of instruments started out meager, but is steadily growing.  Agree that the choice of controllers is still meager.

List of MPE controllers: https://www.soundonsound.com/sound-advice/mpe-midi-polyphonic-expression

Best MPE synths include Arturia Pigments, ROLI Equator, Audio Modeling SWAM, and several by U-he [Hive, Diva, Repro, Bazille]: https://www.idesignsound.com/best-mpe-vst-synths-samplers-effects/

Many other synths include MPE now, such as various Cherry Audio synths, Surge, Synthmaster, Dawesome Abyss, Serum, NI Reaktor, UVI Falcon, etc.

Not aware of many MPE samplers yet, other than Steinberg Halion, but SWAM has physically modeled real instruments that cover some of that ground.

MPE Compatibility Matrix | Keith McMillen Instruments: https://www.keithmcmillen.com/matrix/#software

List of compatible software from ROLI here: https://support.roli.com/support/solutions/articles/36000037202-compatible-synths-daws-and-instruments

 

When I posted I was referring to synths whose raison d'etre is MPE (like the ROLI Equator).  Many of the ones you mentioned started their life before MPE was introduced.

Nonetheless your list is very useful because -- aside from the few that I own -- I was not aware that this many synths actually support MPE.  So thanks for taking the time to list them.

Also, I wonder if it's even meaningful to distinguish between MPE by-design and MPE added-later synths because it seems that what makes MPE most useful is the ability to modulate so many parameters in just one place (like on just one key), and that requires an MPE controller.

[abacab]

1 hour ago, locrian said:

Also, I wonder if it's even meaningful to distinguish between MPE by-design and MPE added-later synths because it seems that what makes MPE most useful is the ability to modulate so many parameters in just one place (like on just one key), and that requires an MPE controller.

The distinction between them is not all that useful IMO, unless you are seeking an MPE instrument that was designed by the MPE controller manufacturer to assure the most compatible integration possible, e.g. ROLI Equator & ROLI Seaboard. That's probably not a bad idea with such a new "standard".

But since MPE is a new "standard", the virtual instrument developers can add MPE later to existing instruments to make them compatible.

So at a minimum you at least need the controller and instrument to be MPE compatible, plus if you plan to use these in a DAW, that also needs to support MPE (not all do). So it's still apparently the bleeding edge of new technology. First adopters will be the pioneers that smooth the road ahead for everyone else.

Then there is the Osmose keyboard with 3D controls in every key, coming soon from Expressive E for $1800.  https://expressivee.happyfox.com/kb/article/188-osmoses-current-state-of-development/

It has an embedded sound engine, and is also an MPE MIDI controller.

"Osmose embeds Haken Audio’s unique EaganMatrix sound engine: From virtual analog to FM synthesis, physical modeling and everything in between, never has a synth engine provided so much potential for expressive control. Explore an infinite landscape of incredible acoustic and electronic sounds." https://www.expressivee.com/2-osmose

 

 

Edited March 31, 2022 by abacab

[locrian]

1 hour ago, abacab said:

Then there is the Osmose keyboard with 3D controls in every key, coming soon from Expressive E for $1800.  https://expressivee.happyfox.com/kb/article/188-osmoses-current-state-of-development/

What a beast!

[abacab]

2 minutes ago, locrian said:

What a beast!

Yup!