Grid Modular MIDI controllers are easy to expand depending on your personal utility, compatible with any MIDI enabled software and are now on Indiegogo!
Back at SuperBooth 2018, the young music tech company Intech Studio from Budapest presented the GRID, a new range of modular MIDI controllers. The idea is to break the limits of classic MIDI controllers. Thus, MIDI controllers often have only a certain number of knobs or sliders. If you want more at a later time you have to buy a new controller. With Grid, you can simply plug in a new module in your existing system and expand it very easily.
Each module is independent and works on it’s own but it’s possible to interconnect up to 16 Grid modules at the same time. You can choose between three different types of Grid modules: PO16 with 16 knobs, BO16 with 16 buttons and PBF4 with 4 knobs, 4 sliders and 4 buttons. The interesting part is that you can design your own MIDI controller that fits perfectly in your setup. A single USB-C connection provides the power and data for the Grid.
In a later moment, Intech Studio will also release also ANA4, a Grid module that connects to external gear and with a 5-pin DIN MIDI gear.
Overview
Grid is a modular MIDI controller. Each module is fully functional on it’s own, but the fun begins as you interconnect various modules. Up to 16 Grid modules can be used simultaneously without limiting LED brightness. A single USB type-C connection provides power and data for the Grid.
The Grid
After three years of continuous development, the Grid is finally ready for action. Throughout the years we developed a number of different prototypes, iterating on the design until we found the perfect solution. We believe that Grid brings a new perspective to creative controllers.
Unique X-Y mapping.
Grid features a unique X-Y mapping, with absolute and relative modes. Your control surface can be easily reconfigured at any time, even while playing live. Each position and even rotation of the modules can indicate a new mapping.
The Perfect Harmony.
The control surface creates a seamless tactile user interface. The buttons and potentiometers are evenly spaced in a 1.05″ * 1.05″ (2.7 cm * 2.7 cm) array. This makes the Grid easy to play while also keeping it very portable. We believe that Grid represents the perfect balance between modularity, usability and component density. As your needs can change, Grid was designed to pick up your pace. You can easily down and upscale your control surface. Playing together with friends makes the Grid even more exciting.
Premium build quality.
All of the user interface components are carefully selected for superior electrical performance and mechanical reliability. We use the USB Type-C connector because it offers better power capability, convenient reversibility and guaranteed 10,000 mating cycles. Grid modules interconnect through a custom designed magnetic interface. The spring loaded connectors are designed for maximum reliability. The gold plating on the connectors allows them to be resistant to corrosion.
The new conductive plastic technology pontentiometers and linear faders in the PO16 and PBF4 modules are rated for 100,000 cycles, while the Omron buttons in the BO16 and PBF4modules are rated for 3,000,000 cycles.
Configure, edit and personalize.
Grid modules offer unmatched control possibilities. We already implemented midi channel and control number settings, control change and note messages, 7-bit and 14-bit resolution, toggle, momentary and step modes.
Grid will also support user defined sysex packets allowing the Grid to control hardware synthesizers and other MIDI gear. The editor is currently in development and we would like to involve you in the final touches. Both the editor & Grid are cross-platform.
Control. Everything.
Grid by default sends MIDI over USB, it’s compatible with all MIDI capable application. Our mission is to create an extremely versatile and easy-to-use control surface at the same time. We already tested Grid with popular music software like Ableton, Bitwig, FL Studio and Traktor Pro. The array of available custom scripts for creative applications will only expand.
Grid can even be used with mobile devices and tablets using the correct USB OTG adapter.
Grid Modular MIDI controllers are now on Indiegogo and starts at $105 USD + shipping. Shipping is estimated to start in April 2019.
More information here: Grid Modular
Be the first to comment