AtoVproject Faderpunk, the evolution of the 16n, is a hackable 16-channel MIDI & CV controller that can control and serve as your modulation hub.
Many modular synth users are familiar with the 16n, an open-source MIDI controller project by Tom Armitage, which features 16 faders, MIDI support, IC2, and CV outputs. For several years, the Berlin-based company AtoVproject had the 16n Rework project on the market. Now it has to make way for its successor.
AtoVproject has unveiled the Faderpunk at Machina Bristronica 2025, the evolution of the 16n fader controller, taking it into the future.
Atov Faderpunk
Faderpunk is the next generation of the 16n fader bank controller. From the outside, the AtovProject Faderpunk still resembles the original, but inside it’s a whole new level of customizability.
It’s still a 16-channel controller, each featuring a 60mm high-end ALPS fader, a mechanical RGB backlit button, and a CV jack. The latter can be an input or output (0/5V, 0-10V, or +/-5V range).
Underneath this controller is a newly developed open-source firmware/software architecture based on so-called apps that can perform various functions. You can run apps that use one or more of the channels.
A large number of apps will be available at the launch of Faderpunk, including an AD envelope, a MIDI/CV controller, a CV to MIDI CC converter, a CV and gate to MIDI note converter, a multi-shape LFO, an Euclidean sequencer, a step sequencer, Turing machines, and more.
In addition to the factory apps, you can also hack them and build your own using the developer-friendly API.
Highly Customizable
This tremendous customization freedom allows the AtoVproject Faderpunk to be used in a wide variety of ways, from a traditional MIDI controller, MIDI-to-CV or CV-to-MIDI converter to a modulation power hub, a sequencer, and much more.
And if a function is missing and you have programming skills, you can build the necessary components yourself.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a product exclusively for Eurorack users. The Faderpunk can also be exciting for non-modular musicians. It can be a powerful MIDI controller or supercharge your synths with more modulation via MIDI or CV.
In an interview with Sonicstate, the developer stated that, as a modular synth user, you really only need the sound generator modules; the Faderpunk can handle the rest.
Additionally, AtoVproject Faderpunk offers three auxiliary CV jacks that can be freely configured as either input or output.
Connectivity
On the backside, you can find a USB-C port for power and MIDI, a MIDI input and two MIDI outputs on 3.5mm TRS sockets, and an I2C socket.
The unit is Eurorack compatible (56HP) and ships with a standalone unit, so you can also use it out of your modular rack.
First Impression
Faderpunk appears to be a powerful and useful controller that serves as a central hub for MIDI and CV duties in your setup.
It appears to be capable of handling many tasks that would otherwise require more complex setups. I am thinking of modules like Expert Sleepers to generate audio/MIDI in CV. This one would make the integration easier, and you can save rack space.
I will keep an eye on the Faderpunk because it looks like a great project.
Atov Faderpunk will be available on October 9, 2025, for 650€.
More information here: Atov
the issue here is no motorise faders for recall, mean scenes and presets are not fun to use as you have no idea where your faders should be.
as far as i can see the leds are only on the top and bottom of the faders and not in-between.
this with motor faders would be great but it would be twice the price or even more :S
I take pics of my settings when no recall is available. Less convenient, but not burdensome.
Hi!
Does anyone have any resources to share to help build my own DIY MIDI controller as easily as possible in 2025, please?
Most of the tutorials I’ve found are outdated for 2025 and/or generally rely on kits that don’t really interest me in terms of form and function. My goal isn’t to “have fun building my own thing,” but to “make a MIDI controller in a format where none exist to meet a real personal functional need”!
I’m trying to learn how to build a super simple MIDI keyboard, with the most basic functions: on/off notes without velocity, octave shift buttons, maybe a pitch bend with joystick or springed potentiometer. If I succeed, I’d then like to perhaps add a minimalist SH101-style sequencer, with no memory, TRS MIDI output only, no MIDI-USB required.
But the internet is incredibly vast, and the specific information I’m looking for is very difficult to find. I don’t know where to find these resources!
If anyone could help me, that would be incredibly kind!
Thank you all so much!
You’ll find what you’re looking for here: https://learn.adafruit.com/search?q=midi
Thanks a lot !
Looks promissing !
Looks very interesting. I have Ver. 1 that I built from a kit. It was very affordable that way. The product website doesn’t include a kit version. Hopefully, they’ll offer a kit version. The price tag is high, and buying it from the US with added tariffs will prevent me from upgrading. They discontinued Ver 1. That’s too bad.
this would be great but for the icky glyphs.
The glyphs are just clear appliques they you can choose to put on or not. The buttons themselves have nothing on them, as is appropriate for a device you will reconfigure to suit your needs.