Despite everything that it makes possible, MIDI isn't without its shortcomings. MPE was developed to allow finer control of sounds on a per-note basis—but what does that mean? Gate output, 3 CV output, and 2 CV inputs (using 1/8″ stereo trs connectors) for extensive interfacing options

The QuNeo has been on the market the longer of the two units. It’s iPad-sized and features a 4×4 grid of pads plus a range of more unusual pads and sensors: horizontal and vertical ribbon controls, two circular touchpads which act a little like rotary controls, and a scattering of additional buttons and touch sensors. With the MIDI controller market so saturated, it takes a lot to stand out. That’s not to suggest that there’s anything wrong more traditional offerings – most of us still need standard keyboards, faders and pad controllers from time to time – but with so many great options already on the market, it takes a lot to offer something truly unique. Keith McMillen Instruments specialises in exactly that. Multiple connectivity options including USB MIDI with three ports (keyboard, expander, and CV), MIDI DIN out with the included KMI MIDI Out Adapter Cable, and MIDI DIN in and out with the optional KMI MIDI Expander (sold separately) A separate control layer that allows each key to map to its own notes and/or CCs for intricate control Use a cable that is compatible with your CV device ports and make sure one end can plug into one of the stereo 1/8″ IN on CV outs on QuNexus.

As I always say, it’s up to you what to choose. But I can honestly tell you that it’s worth every penny in my opinion. Of course, you might also be able to imagine how much of a challenge this could be. If we have an eight-voice synth that only has a single pitch bend wheel and a single knob for each variable aspect of the sound, how could we possible achieve this level of control? Well, that's where MPE comes in. How Does MPE Work? Turns out we were right under the emergency approach to SFO int airport in San Francisco. That day they had an emergency landing... These are all you need to get started! Since QuNexus is a class-compliant USB device, you don’t have to search for drives or any additional software to get started. Sensel's Morph is another crowd favorite MPE controller that offers its own unique take on touch interaction. The Morph itself is a thin, tablet-sized continuous touch surface with astounding resolution and remarkable force sensitivity—but its brilliance lies in its use of exchangeable silicone overlays.

I am really looking forward to seeing the new Kboard Pro when KMI get it out the door. It could be a game changer for affordable multi-dimensional keyboard control. Equipped with 25 keys, the QuNexus's keybed can detect pitch, velocity, slide (y position), and pressure. This MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) capability enhances your playing experience and allows for a more expressive performance. You can send these dimensions of expression to your instruments as a variety of different MIDI messages and control voltages. Pitch and velocity can be sent as MIDI Note-On/Off messages, as well as gate and control voltages compatible with analog and modular synthesizers. Furthermore, key pressure and tilt can be configured to be sent using MIDI messages such as pitch bend, aftertouch, poly-aftertouch, and control changes. This enables you to have precise control over the nuances of your sound.

Affordable MPE + Abundant Connectivity

QuNexus features 4 pre-made presets that you can fine-tune, edit and change within the QuNexus editor.

Capability of up to 32 quantized steps per pattern with 8 pattern slots for saving and recalling patterns Unsurprisingly, the QuNeo (and the QuNexus, as we’ll see) take a lot more mapping than your average controller. That’s not a criticism so much as an unavoidable side-effect of being such flexible devices. If you want to get the most out of these controllers you need to get acquainted with their software editors and dig deep into the available options, which range from standard note mapping through to LED behaviour, velocity and pressure response. The QuNeo is supplied with templates for software including Ableton, Logic, Traktor, Serato and Reason; additional templates can be installed using the Templates Installer application (you can, of course, also save presets and share them with other QuNeo users). The blue Mode button in the top left corner of the unit also allows you to swap between pre-loaded templates on the fly, using the QuNeo for multiple tasks without having to switch presets in the editor application. As you can see, you have 3 tabs Keyboard, Controller and CV (Layers). On the top right, you can adjust global sensitivity to control Gain, On and Off Threshold, and Tilt sensitivity for the keys. Another thing I need to mention is that the “ Bend” button is not that expressive for me. Not really sure if it’s me who has messed up the settings, but even after I had expanded the range of it via QuNexus editor, it still felt a bit narrow in terms of range.There are 3 ways to connect your QuNexus to Synths or CV devices. I will be mentioning just the first basic one as this topic is pretty broad. On the other hand, here is an honest remark for you; it’s a bit more pricey than its competitor brands. So for people like me who would just use basic functions and features, this might turn off some of the potential buyers when you can get a simpler controller for much cheaper prices. Keith McMillen QuNexus has been designed to control not only your software synths but also send a CV (Control Voltage) which is an analogue way of controlling synths, drum machines or sequencers. An improved key and pitch bend algorithm inspired by our K-Board Pro 4, offering superior playability and expression The Morph's magnetic silicone overlays allow you to change its behavior at a moment's notice: just place an overlay on the Morph and it will suddenly adapt to suit the layout of the overlay you've selected. With available overlays including a piano-like layout, MPD-style pads/knobs/sliders layout, drum pads, and even an overlay based on the rare experimental Buchla Thunder MIDI controller, Morph offers a huge range of options for how you interact with sound.