Intech Studio ZONA is a new customizable XY expressive touch controller with a 9×9 RGB LED matrix for the GRID controller ecosystem.
GRID is a series of ultra-compact, clever modular MIDI controllers from the Hungarian company Intech Studio. Options include models featuring 16 potentiometers or endless encoders, buttons, a display, or a mix of different controller types.
A completely new approach is being taken for the latest member of the family. Intech Studio has introduced ZONA, a controller where your fingers are the central element.
Intech Studio ZONA
ZONA is a new fully customizable XY expressive touch controller. The Intech Studio ZONA comes in the same form factor as the Grid controllers but lacks any tactile controls—no knobs, buttons, or faders.
Instead, it features a high-resolution, capacitive, multitouch surface, backlit by an 81 (9×9) RGB LED matrix for instant visual feedback. Swipe across the interface, and the control surface detects the finger position and converts it into MIDI data.
ZONA is fully customizable. The “HANGAR” app is available to every user, allowing them to build various interfaces—similar to what we know from the Embodme ERAE 2, but in a significantly smaller footprint.
There are three primary functions included by default. In XY control mode, you get a classic XY pad where ZONA translates finger position into MIDI control across two axes. Map parameters on both axes and use it in live performances or for DAW automation.
The second is a touch faderbank mode where ZONA translates finger position into MIDI controls. Perfect for MIDI control of your levels, sends, and other parameters. Thanks to LED visualization, you always have everything right in view.
And communication goes both ways. Fader positions follow your session, simulating a motorized fader workflow on a touch surface.
Then the third and final official mode turns ZONA into a precise, gesture-powered trackpad. Move the cursor, navigate within and between applications, and change values with a fingertip.
Here, the surface reads several contact points at once, so you define and map multi-finger gestures to the actions you reach for most.
Custom Modes With HANGAR
Those were three example modes. However, Intech Studio ZONA is more of a playground for your own creations than a fixed controller. The gateway is HANGAR, a free companion app for hardware users.
According to developers, it’s built for non-coders to make configuring ZONA effortless. There are two areas. Playground is where you can find ready-made config presets. Perfect l if you want to start working with it quickly without investing time in creating your own designs.
The exact opposite is Sandbox. It’s the playground mode where you can build your own configurations from scratch. Map your hardware to the way you play.
Here, you can create your own control surface with touch faders, knobs, buttons, or XY pads in the size you want. You can also build MIDI touch sequencers, modulation tools, and more.
For connectivity, it features a high-speed USB-C port, like the Grid controllers. Unfortunately, it lacks a traditional MIDI output port—a feature that would suit this controller well, especially for controlling external hardware.
And yes, it also has a magnetic interface on each of the four sides for modular connection in any direction with other Grid controllers. So it is also a member of the Grid family.
First Impression
At first glance, it’s an intriguing MIDI touch controller with a lot of potential. Currently, it features fairly standard elements like knobs, buttons, faders, and so on.
It would get really interesting if Intech Studio added more creative tools, such as building blocks for advanced sequencers, recordable modulation, or physics-based control. Very exciting, and I’m curious to see where the journey takes Zona.
Intech Studio ZONA is available now for pre-order at the early-bird price of $199 instead of $239. There is also a bundle where you can add four modules (controllers), and you get ZONA for free. It ships on November 1st, 2026.
More information here: Intech Studio
lol ,tenori-on plagia