Modern MIDI Timepod is an upcoming MIDI controller with 16 endless rotary knobs and an innovative snapshot system.
Yesterday, Oxi Instruments unveiled the E16, a MIDI controller with snapshot morphing. Well, there is another one that can do this, and it’s now finished. Last July, I reported on the Modern MIDI Timepod MIDI controller.
Later, it was successfully backed on Kickstarter ($73314). Since May 2025, pre-orders for Kickstarter backers have been shipped. Now it’s entering the big market. The Timepod is now ready for pre-order.
Modern MIDI Timepod (Final Version)
As a reminder: The MIDI Timepod is a compact MIDI controller with 16 endless encoders that have 8 times the resolution of standard encoders (1024 steps vs 128 steps).
They are also touch-sensitive and feature a custom-tuned design for optimal torque and silky-smooth response. According to the developer, they also support 14-bit MIDI CC communication natively.
Each encoder knob is surrounded by a seamless LED ring powered by high-quality LEDs, giving you instant visual feedback.
Sixteen knob mappings are directly accessible on the controller, but you can save more MIDI CC mappings into eight banks of 16 that can be selected with a button press.
A highlight of the controller is its snapshot system, which allows you to morph between parameter states. Per bank, you can have eight snapshots with three distinct morph modes.
One of these modes is an auto mode that morphs automatically from one snapshot to another.
In the dedicated Modern MIDI companion desktop app, you can configure the Timepod controller, including the color of the LEDs, the mappings, brightness, and more.
On the connection side, it has a USB-C port for power and MIDI transfer, as well as TRS-A input and output ports for controlling external hardware gear.
It’s great to see the Timepod entering the mainstream market, so more people can use it.
The Modern MIDI Timepod is now available for pre-order at 347,95€ + tax + shipping on the official website. Shipping starts in January 2026.
Article from July 19, 2024
Maybe you’ll agree with me that the market for classic knob or fader-only MIDI controllers has somewhat died down. Very few of these are coming onto the market. That gap could close the upcoming Behringer BCR32, but unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a little longer. But another exciting might come sooner.
The unpredictable YouTube algorithm suggested a video of a new MIDI controller from a company called “Modern MIDI.”At first glance, I thought: Oh, the popular Midifighter is getting a refresh. No, Timepod is something different.
Modern MIDI Timepod
Timepod is a new MIDI controller with 16 backlit endless rotary knobs, each with an LED half-ring for visual feedback.
According to Modern MIDI, they are high-resolution and touch-sensitive. Sixteen knobs are touchable on the hardware device. However, the controller offers eight banks of 16 MIDI-mappable knobs, giving you up to 128 parameters at your fingertips.
Modern MIDI Timepod is plug-and-play, and it will ship with an optional app for customizing mapping, colors of the rings, and more.
Up to this point, it’s a classic MIDI controller. However, Timepod offers more, differentiating it from conventional MIDI controllers on the market.
Snapshot System
Modern MIDI has given its upcoming MIDI controller a unique engine. More precisely, it hosts an “innovative playable snapshot system.” This system allows you to save parameter settings in snapshots and make them recallable on the fly.
That’s not all. Modern MIDI Timepod also has a creative morphing functionality. You can choose between an auto and manual morph mode.
The auto mode morphs a parameter set from one state to another at a configurable rate. This is great for designing transition and FX sounds. Conversely, you can manually morph up to 16 parameters simultaneously for massive sound changes.
It is not yet known which connections the controller will have. You can see a USB-C cable connected that provides data as well as power.
First Impression
At first glance, the Timepod looks like an exciting new MIDI controller. The morphing function, in particular, is very intriguing and the function that most eyes are on. More importantly, how reliably it works in everyday use. I’m looking forward to more info and demos.
Modern MIDI Timepod price and availability are TBA. They will launch soon a Kickstarter campaign.
More information here: ModernMIDI
About the unique engine: The snapshot function is not unique. The Electra One controller has it as a standard feature as well.
Handy to create instant parameter changes for multiple devices at once (for in a gig) or to add ‘presets’ to non pressettable synths like the Korg NTS-1.
deine seite ist vor lauter werbung bald nicht mehr lesbar 🙁
ich teste es konstant am Telefon und auf dem Web. Sehe da kein Problen, kann es ohne Probleme lesen.
Ohne Werbung bin ich in weniger 1 Monat weg vom Fenster.
Du schaust das Ganze umsonst, da ist Werbung normal. Das ist so sorry. Ich muss muss überleben können.
Es gibt Medien die einem großen Musik Shop gehören mit T, die brauchen weniger Werbung zu schalten. Das kann ich nicht.
Andere Option Werbung weg und die Artikel werden alle nur noch Werbung die bezahlt wird von Entwickler oder ich ziehe
Paywalls hoch, was man auch nicht will. Das ist der Preis den man zahlen muss wenn man alles umsonst will.
LG
What are you even on about?
There is hardly any advertising on this site.
Maybe try using an adblocker or a different browser?
Most arrogant company?
“Sign up to get access to the full video demonstrating Timepod in action.”
Really? We have to give up our email addresses to watch the freakin marketing videos!?
the full demo is also on YouTube
Hi I’m the creator of Timepod.
Sorry about that. I wasn’t able to embed the video into the landing page of our website due to the limitations of the toolkit I used to build the page. But the video is available on YouTube for everyone to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbW8sjZy_w4
Thanks
Thanks for the response and the fix. It was a bit awkward to see.
Subscribed and will fallow the process. I hope it becomes a premium controller. (too many cheap feeling controllers out there already.)
ugh, colored LED’s. no thanks.
Only with creditcard ……. don’t have one don’t want one……..
Sorry dude just ordered a faderfox EC4
But nice design…..
I am interested, I hope the intensity of the LEDs can be changed as desired.
Ok, Lets see if Im keeping up:
bcr2000, faderfox EC4, midi fighter twister, Oxi E16, Electra One (full and mini), Novation lauch Control XL3, BCR32… its getting crowded.
So far imho maybe the Oxi might be a bit better due to automation, is not plastic, usable screen and comes with a case. It is probably the most expensive as well iirc.
Hi, creator of Timepod here.
Timepod is the only controller on that list capable of 1024 steps per revolution CC control. The rest all use outdated 128-step encoders from 20+ years ago, with the exception of Electra, which I believe they stated theirs to be 256 steps per revolution.
With 14-bit CCs now supported natively on most DAWs, and plenty of gear supporting MSB/LSB (the same thing as 14-bit CCs), there is no excuse for any modern MIDI controller still using outdated 128-step encoders.
Yes it’s getting crowded as we’ve had some copycats (e.g. E16) come out to copy our snapshots and morphing features, but the fact remains that Timepod still has the best, next-gen encoders by far.
Hi, Electra One creator here 🙂
E1 does not use encoders. Analog pots with 12-bit (4096 values per revolution) Analog-to-Digital convertor are used instead. Acceleration is used to send smooth and fine changes with slower knob movement, while rapid changes require optimization as MIDI transfer itself becomes the bottleneck. We state 256 values per revolution because it is what a user can expect when making rapid changes and working with multiple knobs.
M
Hi there!
Thanks for clarifying. I believe we actually use the same pots in our products 😉 the pots are technically capable of “infinite” resolution, but depending on the ADC, the noise introduced when converting to digital essentially downgrades it to 9-10 bit absolute resolution.
We specifically chose an ADC that allows for perfectly stable 10-bit (1024 steps per revolution), where no software acceleration is needed to send smooth values, and so the 1024 values per revolution in Timepod remains usable with USB-MIDI.
By the way, from one developer to another, you’ve done a great job with your products.
Cheers,
Alex