At Superbooth 2019, Special Waves introduced the Mine S, a new modular MIDI controller system. They describe it as “The World’s Most Versatile Modular Midi Controller”.
We talked with CTO Massimiliano Moioli, who gave us a quick intro to the system.
Using a swap-in/swap-out design, you can create a controller customized to your workflow for music, lighting, video editing and more. Mine S can communicate via different protocols:MIDI, HID, OSC, DMX, and the Art-net protocol. You can even control more than one software and/or protocol at a time.
Features:
- Pick and choose which modules you need, how many, and how you want them to be configured.
- Self-recognition of modules (Type, orientation and position)
- Protocols available: MIDI, HID, OSC, DMX, Art-Net
- 6 types of modules
Production of the Mine S system is being funded via an IndieGoGo campaign, which has already met its funding target. Systems are available to backers starting at US $285.
Insta-backer!
I recall seeing some other products with modular control elements. This does look like a pretty rugged design. The pads with velocity and aftertouch were a nice surprise.
My main concern would be response time; i.e., how much lag there is between working the controls and the response side of things.
For people who have a specific needs for several different controller layouts, but don’t need tons of controls, this does look like a good option.
This has reached its funding goal!
This is great, I remember that the designer launched a Kickstarter over two years ago that did not meet its funding goal: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/345524876/mine-modular-controller
Fortunately times have changed and with a lower funding goal they will go into production.
It’s one of the most interesting and best-looking modular MIDI controller designs, I hope that they are very successful because I would personally like to have a unit with a much larger number of slots.
would love to use this to recreate the controls for different korg gadgets haha