Reliq is now on Indiegogo, a hybrid control surface for audio matrix routing, sequencing, and more

Reliq is a new hybrid control surface that combines matrix analog mixing/routing, complex sequencing, and controlling in a device.

The Reliq was presented at Superbooth 23. A mighty control surface offering MIDI & cv/gate sequencing, matrix routing, and audio mixer in one device. An impressive project. 

This week, the developers launched it on Indigogo, and it’s already more than 100% funded.

Official Feature List

Matrix

• 16 analog inputs 
• 16 analog outputs 
• line level, Eurorack level, and CV compatible
• clickless switching between connections
• 128 routings (presets) per project
• matrix-mixer sequencer 
• high-res amplitube
• ….

Sequencer

• 16 sequencer tracks with MIDI/CV/USB outputs per track
• 512 steps max per pattern 
• 128 clips per track 
• 8 voices of polyphony 
• 8 CC controls per track 
• MPE support
• high-resolution recording at 768 PPQN
• step mode, euclidean mode, stochastic mode 
• isomorphic keyboard 
• parameter locking 
• probability and micro timing per step
• ….

MIDI FX

• arpeggiator 
• fixed velocity 
• groove accent 
• randomise velocity 
• reverse pattern 
• time shuffle
• randomise duration
• reverse pitch
• MIDI delay
• MIDI ratcheting
• …

Modulation

• 32 modulations (16 LFOs and 16 envelopes)
• LFO and envelope per track 
• CV modulation from 0,0001Hz to 60Hz 
• internal parameter modulation
• CC and MPE modulation
• custom LFO shapes
• …

Plus, it comes with support for DAWs like Ableton Live, Bitwig, Logic Pro, and more.

Reliq is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo for 1299€ instead of 1560€ in a very early bird offer. Shipping starts in May 2024. 

You can support it here: Indiegogo

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Article From March 7th, 2023

Superbooth 23 is very close. The large Synthesizer party will return to the FEZ in Berlin in over two months. There will be many developers on site again. Well-known but also newcomers. And, of course, there will have many new products that will give the communities for the next few months and years of discussion.

One of the new exhibitors will be Reliq instruments which will present a fascinating hybrid surface hosting a deep multi-track sequencer, modular mixer, and more.

Reliq Instruments

Reliq is strongly reminiscent of the Squarp Instruments Hapax and the Ableton Push 2. But in an inflated form with more pads, a big display, etc. It’s more than just another sequencer or MIDI pad controller. The developers describe it as the world’s first hybrid control surface to route, sequence, and control all your gear.

That makes his extensive I/O section possible, including USB-C, USB host port, MIDI connectivity (3x out and 1x In), and reset plus clock out. There is also an analog I/O section. This is not built into the hardware surface.

The I/O has decoupled from the control surface hardware and is available in a dedicated modular breakout box. This can be used as a USB-powered external standalone box or as a Eurorack module. It hosts 16 analog inputs and 16 outputs, 32 x CV outs (+/-5V ~ +/-10V), and 16x gates ( 5~10V).

With this decision, the developers want to make Reliq very flexible. So you can work from the desk without a sea of cables hanging down the desk. But now to the core.

Analog Matrix Mixer

First, the Reliq is an analog matrix mixer with 16 inputs and 16 outputs. You can connect any input to any output with just a press of a button, promises the developers. On top, you can store and recall signal routings in real time without any sound interruptions.

This is done directly via the interface, and you can also see the representation in the photo above. You have virtual patch cables that show the signal path of the individual inputs and outputs. Since it is a matrix mixer, you can probably route it flexibly. That looks very promising.

Polyphonic Multi-Track Sequencer

Reliq is also a powerful MIDI, USB, and CV/gate sequencer. It hosts 16 polyphonic sequencers (up to 128 patterns per track) with 8-voice polyphony per track, MPE support, and all goodies you know from the modern sequencer world.

Including euclidean mode, polyrhythms/polymeters, stochastic modes, real-time MIDI effects, real-time parameter recording, and more.

Modulation Power

In addition to audio mixing and sequencing, the Reliq features a deep modulation engine. It allows you to draw your own automation using the user interface. This includes advanced CC modulations, MPE mods, LFOs, and envelopes per track, and custom modulation waveforms.

DAW Controller

Lastly, the Reliq can also act as a classic, full-integrated DAW controller. Trigger loops and clips from your DAW like on an Ableton Push 2, or control your mixes and software virtual instruments using the 16 encoders. You can also arrange clips and record from your hardware.

Additionally, the developers ship its hybrid surface control with a dedicated plugin allowing you to control and synchronize Reliq from your DAW.

First Impression

A fascinating new product. I like that the developers go beyond the classic MIDI/CV/Gate sequencers and offer a hybrid box that combines it with audio mixing and routing. Now a sound engine with synths, drums, and sampling, the absolute pad-based groovebox would be born.

The required I/O is available. Let’s see how the product will develop in the future. We know that a lot is possible with software. Most of the time it is up to the developers what they can do with the product. Either way, an exciting new product release for Superbooth 23.

There is no official price or release date. But if you try and reserve an invite, they say that they are aiming for $1699 retail with an early adopter price of $1099. Reliq Instruments will have a booth at Superbooth 23, so we will see it in action.

More information here: RI

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