The Intuitive Instruments (formally Dualo) Kickstarter campaign to fund production of the Exquis expressive MPE controller has blown past its funding goal, doubling its original target, with 12 days to go.
The Exquis is a hexagonal isomorphic keyboard controller, with MIDI In/Out, CV/Gate out for controlling analog gear, and a variety of configurable controls.
The Exquis features 54 expressive pads, 4 clickable endless knob controllers, a touch slider & 6 configurable buttons. The pads give you continuous per-note control over pressure and pitch.
The Exquis application – available for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Linux an Raspberry Pi OS – is designed to be the perfect companion for the keyboard, as well as a MIDI-compatible DAW.
Pricing and Availability
The Exquis is available to project backers starting at about $155 USD.
Note that crowdfunded projects involve risk, which is documented at the project site.
Getting fairly confident about this one. Never tried the dualo du-touch. Sounds like they did well with that one.
The fact that the hardware is separate from the software is exactly what this kind of campaign needs. Several crowdfunded projects for musicking hardware end up producing something which is hampered by software.
I’m glad it’s funded. It looks like an excellent implementation of an isomorphic keyboard with a really useful form factor.
Are they going to choose to make it in a democratic country with free speech or an oppressive dictatorship?
Are you willing to pay the price it costs to manufacture it in your country? Or to work at the low wages necessary to make it affordable? If the answer to both questions is no, they will likely not produce it in your country.
Wages are relative, mostly.
Working conditions are based on human needs, so not relative.
Living conditions, especially the regime that controls your life, are also absolute.
So, to answer your question: it’s mostly ok to use a low wage country if your workers have good living conditions, the wages are locally good and the regime isn’t anti-democratic.
Better to produce locally, as you say. And yeah of course I’d be willing to pay, if the device works well, is innovative, is made ecologically, has a long warranty and support, and spare parts are available. All of which are really the minimum we should be aiming for.
Right to repair is a big deal. Check out Louis Rossmann if you haven’t already.
I’m very happy to say we consider this question with a lot of interest, and that’s why Exquis will be proudly produce in France. It’s the intelligence we put in the design of the product that allows us to produce in France: we have chosen to make something simple : the simplest circuit board, and so simplest in design that you will be able to open it and change parts, and even create and produce some mechanical parts by yourself, to be sure repairing won’t be a problem.
That’s great to hear.
Really looking forward to the release.
Good luck!
They will be made inside of a Sega Mega Drive
Whenever you are ready I will buy one-Joe gallivan ——[email protected] !!!
Look, a Linnstrument had a baby! I think this is the “ultimate” evolution of the idea and a smart improvement over their previous approaches. No one has quite hit my MPE gland until now, but the form factor works for me. The Intuitive team has covered the bases well.