Just when you need it most, here’s a fresh idea in hardware. Online news sites are leaking new motorized MIDI controller hardware from Melbourne Instruments, the Delia and Nina synth maker.
Tom at Synth Anatomy claims the scoop on this one:
Melbourne Instruments will showcase a motorized MIDI controller at NAMM 2025
I was sent this story via Marcus Schmahl‘s item:
Melbourne Instruments Surprises at NAMM 2025 With Innovative Motorised MIDI Controller!
This looks like something we software heads have imagined for a long time. The mystery controller appears to have a compact MacBook-width form factor – bigger than the Kenton Killamix Mini, but with hands-on control in a similar form factor/orientation. There are little color display strips under each control, Melbourne’s signature knobs, and computer keyboard-style switches. You’ll see those switches appear to be multifunction, enabling loop and mute functions, for instance, with LED indicators. There’s also a numpad-style layout to the left, meaning this could also be mapped to trackers. It’s also clearly got both USB-C and MIDI DIN.
Motorization, of course, solves the problem MIDI controllers have generally suffered, which is that you often need a single control to be assigned to multiple parameters. Then you have two solutions. One, you could use endless encoders with indicators, as on the Killamix Mini (and controllers all the way back to Native Instruments’ ill-fated KORE). But then there’s no tactile feedback on where controls begin and end (though I’m surprised no one has used haptics for that). Two, you use knobs – but then you have the very ugly solution of various takeup modes.
NINA owners tell me they’re happy with having moving knobs. (This tip comes to us from Paweł Janicki, who’s a happy NINA owner.) And all around, this looks like a fascinating controller.
So Melbourne, don’t hate me for spreading the leaked info. This one was too good to ignore. Can’t wait to hear about the complete product. Their official site (nothing there yet):
https://www.melbourneinstruments.com
And for a sense of motorized goodness on Delia, here’s that polysynth:
And remember, if you want to get your synth news last – after other sites cover it – CDM is your one and only news source to get the news last but with something random like a Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 music cue about motorization!
Mr. President, I’m afraid we have a heck of a controller down here… you better double-check this with NORAD.
