KNOW YOUR… Sensel & Joué

CONTROLLERS

As with MIDI controllers in general, MPE devices come in all shapes and sizes

As is true of the whole MIDI controller market, there’s no one set form of MPE device. While they all, broadly, do the same thing – allow for multiple dimensions of polyphonic control – layouts and functionality can vary wildly. If you’re coming from a keyboard playing background, you’ll likely favour a classic keyboard layout, but there are controllers that mimic guitar fretboards, vintage synths and customisable designs you can shape around your own needs. Let’s see three examples... Roli Seaboard

Probably the most recognisable form of MPE controller, Roli’s Seaboards (and the smaller Rise and Blocks variations) are based on the layout of a traditional keyboard. Their silicon-covered keys have no gaps between them, allowing users to seamlessly slide from one note to the next. For a more ‘traditional’ keyboard feel, try Roli’s LUMI or Keith McMillen’s K Board. Roger Linn Linnstrument

The Linnstrument is a grid-style controller that allows users to arrange notes in a variety of patterns and scales – think of it like a more expressive and responsive take on the way notes are played using Ableton Push or a Launchpad. The advantage to this is that it doesn’t rely on traditional keyboard skills to play – users can lay notes out like a guitar fretboard and other variations.

Sensel’s Morph device and Joué’s Pro controller are examples of customisable controllers. In both cases, the devices use a base panel that can be overlaid with different controls. The Joué Pro comes with a modular selection of keys, pads and controls that can be mixed and matched, while the Sensel offers overlays including traditional keys, drum pads and a Buchla-style touchpad.