Superbooth 2026: Tubbutec now lets you design your own custom hardware MIDI controller with the new Control Designer.
Last year, the German developer Tubbutec released a series of MIDI controllers designed for hardware synthesizers (MC-202, MonoPoly…). Along with the MIDI CC option, they give users full access to the synth mods that Tubbutec has been successfully offering for a long time.
Ahead of Superbooth 2026, the developer is handing the reins to the customer. Tubbutec now offers customers the option to design their own MIDI controller with the specifications they need.
Tubbutec Custom Controller
Was the right hardware controller not available before? No worries, now you can get it.
Tubbutec has launched the Controller Designer web application, which lets you design your own custom hardware MIDI controller.
They are based on the very compact design of the Synth Mods controllers, so the format is not customizable. But the number of potentiometers, faders, etc., is fully adjustable, even the layout.
A controller can include a mixture of up to 25 faders with LEDs, 12 pots with various knob options, 8 buttons with various color choices, and up to 20 LEDs. In addition, you can give the controller its own identity with a custom full-color printed FR4 front panel.
Tubbutec has some examples online, such as a controller for the Dreadbox Nymphes. I would really like that
Customizability
With the Controller Designer software, you can assign specific behaviors to the control elements right out of the box, change LED colors, and so on. These settings can also be changed again at any time via the software.
Like the Synth Mods controllers, your custom MIDI controller can have up to four layers. This gives you access to a lot of parameters that may be hidden in menus on the hardware synth or drum machine. So 25 faders can control up to 100 different parameters.
Neat, it not only supports MIDI CC messages, but basically all kinds of MIDI messages, including Sysex. The value range of each fader or pot, as well as the values of button states, can be defined freely
Connectivity
The connections are on the right side. It has MIDI input and output via TRS-A MIDI. Due to the compact side, it’s understandable. DIN adapters are included in the box.
Further, you have a USB-C port that provides USB-MIDI connectivity and powers the unit (5V) if you are using it only with traditional MIDI.
According to Tubbutec, the custom MIDI controller also features a MIDI router for USB, DIN, and controller data, enabling connections in multiple ways. It also works as a USB-to-TRS MIDI interface.
The case is made of powder-coated sheet metal and measures 4 x 11.5 x 1.8cm.
Tubbutec Custom MIDI Controller First Impression
It’s great that you can now design your own MIDI controllers. This is especially perfect for synthesizers that previously had no dedicated Tubbutec controller.
Tubbutec Custom MIDI Controller option is available now on the website. The price varies but is around 278,50€ + VAT.
More information here: Tubbutec
Dear Tubbutec,
how about an ‘encoder with LED ring’ option?
That way, the four layers actually make sense, since you can see instantly what value the parameters are set at.