Superbooth 2025: Bela Trails is the evolution of the popular Gliss touch controller, which has four channels and 2D paths.
The first steps in the Eurorack world are assembling voices from oscillators, filters, etc. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to interact with them to create music. Many innovative modules have emerged in recent years, introducing new ways to interact with sounds via CV or triggers.
The Bela Gliss module is very popular and is seen in many setups. It’s an eye-catching touch controller with various functions, including a CV recorder, an LFO, and more. At Superbooth 2025, Bela unveiled Trails, the evolution of the Gliss touch controller.
Bela Trails
Trails is the evolution of the popular Bela touch controller. Don’t worry—it won’t replace the module; it’s just a continuation of the concept.
Unlike Gliss, Trails features four freely configurable channels. The module’s unique feature is not only its multiple channels but also its extension of the concept into two dimensions.
Whereas Gliss allowed you to swipe from left to right and vice versa, you can use an X/Y pad to capture parameter movements here by drawing in paths. They can be up to 20 seconds long (possibly 30 seconds in the future) and are free running.
Each channel works independently but can be synced to the other channels anytime. They can also be triggered in a one-shot mode like envelopes.
Bela Trails also allows you to apply sample and hold to the paths and divide them into steps. In this case, you get a gate signal for each step on the dedicated gate output. It also features a built-in quantizer for the X/Y pad with various selectable scales.
Another unique feature of the Bela Trails is the playhead view mode, where you can shift each playhead’s phase, giving you unique modulation signals for polyrhythmic material.
Neat, you can save the paths/loops in 16 recallable slots in the module’s internal memory. According to the developer, you can configure the voltage range of each channel output with minimum and maximum values.
On the connection side, each channel has CV outputs for the X and Y axes and a gate output. Each channel also has CV inputs, and you get a global clock input.
First Impression
Superbooth 2025 brought many new products. The Trials 2D touch controller is one of my absolute highlights this year. I’ve been a fan of Gliss for a long time, and this module takes it to a new level. It’s also very eye-catching and inspiring.
Bela Trails will be available in October 2025 for around 400€ (official price TBA).
More information here: Bela
Bela products are available here:
That is sweet. Right now, I’ve been using the Erica Black Joystick 2 for XY loops but I have been looking for something with a little more depth. Thankfully, there are a lot more options for XY touchpads now. Trails seems like a good option. Patience pays off!