MOD Devices has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of their new MOD Dwarf programmable effects pedal.
The MOD Dwarf is an open platform for effects, amp simulations, cabinets, virtual instruments, synthesizers and MIDI utilities. It’s the company’s third product, following the MOD Duo, the MOD Duo X.
Features:
- Quad-core 64 bit ARM CPU running at 1.3GHz , with 8 gb storage, and 1 gb RAM.
- The MOD Dwarf completely changes the game:
- Open-source technology
- Bringing plugins to gigs in a stage-ready, compact box
- Audio-over-USB function allows you to route your signal with or without processing it by your patches, as well as to manage physical and virtual I/O.
- The MOD Dwarf also allows bidirectional MIDI via USB, which you can address to a specific or to the MIDI aggregator.
Audio Demos:
Pricing and Availability
The MOD Dwarf is available to project backers starting at $270 USD.
Mod Devices has been on my radar. Compared to the Empress Zoia, the Mod Devices plugins seem more nicer sounding and more useable. Distortions and amp sims are nicer sounding than the examples I heard from Zoia.
The previous models from Mod Devices (Mod Duo, Mod Duo X) had much more connectivity and more built-in controls. This MOD Dwarf seems to be stripped down in terms of connectivity & controls. I don’t know how all the models compare in terms of processing power, memory, storage, etc.
The ability to develop and/or purchase 3rd party modules (FX, synths, utillities) along with the ability to route modules freely makes this a pretty future-proof option. (Ok, nothing is future proof).
Except for the single screen, the Dwarf does not seem to be especially stripped down compared to the original Duo. From memory, I believe the cpu is faster (details can be found on the site). The new Duo X definitely has more knobs, but the price is double.
The MOD plug-ins include some sound generators (ep, fm, drum machine) and MIDI manipulators and you can directly connect a USB MIDI controller as well, so this could also be viewed as a synth in a box too.
Synthesists really should take a moment to visit the site and read the full explanation of the product. There is a lot to it.
FWIW, I am a backer and I have met Gianfranco and some other MOD staff. They are great people, but honestly, I had not taken a very close look at their products until the Dwarf was announced and was amazed by the amount of stuff it can do.
Only downside is that shipping is not planned until December…
I’m a little disappointed that BOTH built-in controls AND MIDI DIN i/o were removed. It would have been nice to have the ability to control MOD fx via received MIDI, and have the MOD control other devices via transmitted MIDI. It may be possible to add another USB host device to allow that functionality.
That’s what I had in mind when I said it’s stripped down. I’m glad it has good CPU specs. At that price it seems like a good option!
Looks like it still has 1/8″ MIDI I/O according to https://www.moddevices.com/moddwarf.
Also, yes, looks like you can use a USB hub to expand the HOST port connections. It’s not clear to me if the host port allows for bi-directional MIDI signals but I’m hoping so. 🙂