They say the Faderfox UC3 is the swiss knife of controllers. UC3 is a universal controller for all kinds of midi controllable software on Mac, PC and iPad. The little box has 8 push-encoders and 9 faders, all switchable to 8 groups that allow to control a total amount of 136 control parameters. All controls are independently programmable very fast and easy by a small display.

The factory settings are perfect to control music and video software products out of the box if they are freely assignable. So any additional device programming isn’t necessary for many applications. Last but not least the UC3 is also a great extension for your Ableton Live setup. A special control surface script for Ableton Live 8 is enclosed in the package. With that script you can also use two UC3 devices to control up to 16 tracks simultaneously.

You can have yours for 169 EUR.

Here is something new from Livid.

Base is a new foundation for all your creative productions. Combining the technology of drum machines and touch screens, Base merges pressure sensitive pads with touch faders, all brilliantly lit with full-color LEDs. The Base inspires beats, new melodies, instant sound tweaks, and invites control of just about anything that supports MIDI, whether creating beats or mixing visuals. Designed in an ultra sleek, high-quality aluminum body with no moving parts, it’s the ultimate mix of ruggedness and portability.

Launchkey – Next generation instrument for computer and iPad

Launchkey is a range of 25, 49 and 61 note keyboard controllers with up to 50 physical controls including 16 velocity-sensitive multi-colour launch pads that trigger and stop clips – and launch scenes – in Ableton Live. As well as enabling hands-on control of your DAW’s mixer, instruments and more, Launchkey is an integrated software/hardware instrument. The control surface has been designed to work tightly alongside two intuitive apps for iPad: the Launckey app and the Launchpad app* – plus the powerful V-Station & Bass Station synth plug-ins for Mac and Windows.

Machina’s MIDI Jacket MJ v01 is designed to control digital music instruments, computers, and other devices. It allows users to control and make music kinetically (through body movements), through body sensors, and by detecting your acceleration and flexion.

The MIDI Jacket has multiple built-in controllers:

- Four flexible sensors which can detect your finger’s position
- One accelerometer which can detect your arm’s acceleration
- A joystick
- 4 push buttons
All of these sensors and buttons can be configured by the user, but they come with presets and initial configurations. While the sensors are there, the jacket looks like a regular jacket, and can be worn under normal conditions. Machine is also developing a VST that the jacket can be connected to Ableton Live wirelessly.

Check out the project site for details.

[via Synthtopia]

One standard started it all. One technology allowed different musical devices and computers to all speak the same language and make beautiful music together. Thirty years ago, MIDI was born…and the rest is history.

Kontrol Surface 1974 | KS-1974 is an innovative multi-touch MIDI control surface by SmithsonMartin, the guys behing the amazing Emulator. Connect the KS-1974 to your laptop, desktop or any computer to transform them into a powerful and comfortable 22 inch surface with 4 simultaneous touch points. This is perfect for your studio or live performances. KS-1974 is a state-of-the-art DJ, VJ, and Studio Production tool. KS-1974 is the perfect size for any DJ booth or studio desk. It works with Traktor, Ableton, Virtual DJ, Mixvibes, Torq, Deckadance, Arkaos, Resolume, and any other MIDI based software.

QuNeo is a different species of pad controller
for electronic musicians, DJs, VJs and DIY hackers
while it covers all of the functionality of other pad controllers
QuNeo adds the power of touch recognition in other dimensions

QuNeo is the size of an iPad
and can fit in iPad accessories such as mic clips, stands and more

today’s Android app is a MIDI controller
yupp, it means you can control Ableton Live with an Android phone
check dis:

FingerPlay MIDI is a MIDI controller for Android. Any changes made to the controllers on your phone are transmitted over the WIFI network to a receiving computer using either OSC messages or its own FingerPlay format. The MIDI messages can then be sent to any music software capable of receiving MIDI input.

it’s free and open source, give it a try

Livid Instruments has quietly introduced a new MIDI Controller, Code.

Livid hasn’t made an official announcement about Code yet, but with 32 continuous controllers, it should complement matrix-style controllers very nicely. And with MIDI In/Out, Code could be the ultimate expansion box for hardware synths.

[via Synthtopia]