I am always excited to see groundbreaking innovation coming from our very own hometown of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with the introduction of the Roto-Control by Melbourne Instruments. Known for pushing the boundaries with their motorized knob technology in the NINA and DELIA synthesizers, Melbourne Instruments is now bringing their expertise to the world of MIDI controllers.
Key Features:
- Motorized Touch-Sensitive Knobs: Eight haptic feedback-enabled knobs with instant recall and ultra-high resolution sensing.
- Multiple Operation Modes: MIX, PLUGIN, and MIDI modes cater to various workflows.
- Motion Recorder: Automate and loop MIDI parameters with one-step recording and playback.
- Standalone MIDI Control: Control DAWs, synths, and other MIDI devices without a computer.
- Extensive Storage: Internal memory capable of holding over 8,000 assignments.
Specs:
- 8 x Touch sensitive motorized knobs with haptic feedback and instant recall.
- 9 x High-res LCD (IPS) displays.
- 16 x Backlit RGB LED buttons.
- 2 x USB-C ports (data & power)
- MIDI in/out/thru, 5-pin MIDI DIN and MIDI over USB.
- Power: USB-C 5V (15W)
Three Powerful Modes for Total Control
MIX Mode: Roto-Control makes working with Ableton Live a seamless experience. Just plug it in, and it instantly syncs with your Live Set—track names and colors automatically appear on the high-res screens, no manual label editing required. It’s a tactile, visual, and super-efficient way to mix and navigate projects.
PLUGIN Mode: Managing plugins has never been easier. Once you assign parameters from Ableton Live, Roto-Control remembers them forever, meaning you won’t have to re-map every time you load a project. With support for up to 64 plugins per track and 128 controls per plugin, it’s a dream for producers juggling complex setups.
MIDI Mode with Motion Recorder: Roto-Control isn’t just for the computer-based crowd; it’s a powerful standalone MIDI controller too. Whether it’s synths, DAWs, or even lighting rigs, Roto-Control handles it with ease. The Motion Recorder feature takes things further, letting you capture and loop MIDI parameter changes, adding an extra layer of expression to your performance.
Customization and Connectivity
The Roto-Setup App provides deep customization options, letting you tweak haptic feedback, MIDI assignments, and even create multi-position switches. It’s an intuitive way to personalize the controller to your workflow. Plus, with automatic firmware updates, you’ll always have the latest features at your fingertips.
On the connectivity side, Roto-Control has you covered with dual USB-C ports, 5-pin MIDI in/out/thru, and MIDI over USB. Whether you’re hooking it up to external hardware or keeping things in the box, it integrates effortlessly.
Built to Last
Like their previous synths, Melbourne Instruments has gone all-in on durability. Roto-Control features brushless drone motors with ultra-high resolution optical sensors, rated for over 50 million cycles. That’s 500 times more than a standard pot, so you can count on it to keep performing night after night, session after session.
Final Thoughts
We love seeing local innovators like Melbourne Instruments continue to push the boundaries of music technology. With the same forward-thinking motorized control technology that made NINA and DELIA stand out, Roto-Control brings that tactile experience to producers and performers in a whole new way. Whether you’re mixing tracks, tweaking synths, or controlling MIDI hardware, this controller looks like a solid addition to any setup.
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