SoundForce has introduced SFC-1, a dedicated MIDI controller for U-He Repro-1.
It joins three previously introduced SoundForce MIDI controllers: SFC-Mini (for Minimoog plugins), SFC-60 (for the TAL Juno 60 emulation plugin) and SFC-5 (for the P5 plugins).
With a total of 51 pots, 41 slide switches and 6 tactile switches, you can control every single MIDI-mappable parameter of the plugin. The effect chain is also fully-covered.
Every control is assigned to a default CC number, but that can be changed the control panel app, using in Google Chrome. A shift button unlocks an alternative channel for each pot, allowing you to control potentially 51 extra parameters. Even more user-specific controls are possible with the extra set of user-assignable switches and pots.
The enclosure is made of 100% sheet metal. The case is made of bent steel and powder coated in black. The front panel is aluminum, also powder coated and screen printed with scratch-proof white ink.
Pricing and Availability
The SFC-1 controller is expected to start shipping in June, 2019. The price will be 329 euros, including VAT for EU-customers and 271 euros outside the EU. It’s available to pre-order now.
So is a controller for a soft synth of which there is likely to be a hardware clone at a lower price?
So Bro-1 is a modern hardware synth with no capability to record knob movements, no DAW integration and can’t even save patches?
Any tool is not worth buying, if it’s not what you need.
I love my Prophet 6, but I love my Repro too. And this looks like a great controller for an amazing soft synth. I want it. It would bring the Repro to life!
The sequencer is not covered but I’m not sure how it could be covered TBH. A whole new controller would needed I suppose.
Cheaper to buy the Behringer Pro-1 copy
It fascinates me that you’d share that comment, thinking it makes you sound clever, when just the opposite is true.
That’s not very nice.
Not sure why it would offend.
The only reason Mr. Tea would make his comments are:
He doesn’t know enough to understand that different musicians use different workflows; or
He doesn’t respect the fact that some people have valid reasons for using an in-the-box workflow.
Either way, the comment reflects ignorance of one kind or another – while it’s also clear he’s trying to be clever.
Back to the point – this controller looks like it would be an amazing tool for RePro-1 users. Seems like it should work well for RePro-5, too.
Well, he just states that the Behringer is cheaper to buy. I e.g. didn’t realize Behringers synth is cheaper than the controller.
He doesn’t suggest to buy the Behringer because it’s cheaper. He isn’t ignorant, tries to be clever or shows how much he knows about musicians.
That’s all something you interpret in a simple sentence by somebody. I don’t even know how you can interpret so much in a neutral message by somebody.
In fact it all makes YOU look not very clever…
id take the Pro-1 copy over this any day
I like this sort of thing – it turns a software synth into tactile, knobby hardware!!
As others have mentioned, the use case is easy DAW workflow and automation integration.
One nice thing about DAW workflows and soft synths is that you can package up a DAW project and send it across the world to collaborators (assuming they have the right DAW software and soft synths) who can open it up and start adjusting the patches, with no more “hardware” than the laptop in front of them.
That being said, I also like cheap analog hardware synths, and the limitations of classic-style designs are often part of their charm. I also like modern analog designs with nice features like patch storage, full MIDI/sysex implementation, and DAW integration/USB audio.
I see a large potential for this type of hardware/software hybrid. The convenience of plug-ins with bespoke tactile control turn a computer or iOS device in to a real instrument. Reaching for a mouse to manipulate a control completely destroys spontaneous creativity. The control panels can be thin, light weight easy to travel and more reliable by using simple encoders rather than potentiometers and switches. A huge issue with the actual ProOne was the low grade components. In this instance I would have chosen up-down toggle encoders with led indicators instead of those sliders.