I don't think...I not look for a full review but colour coding you have on the MP since first release....and don't forget you have the plug on your touchscreen and you can also control it with your finger ....

 

And for anyone complaining about the wrapper...yes I don't like wrapped Plugs either not..but it this one is really good...look for the video about the favourite plugins Page...it's so nice to load your plugs from this page with a touch of a finger you don't have to scroll through big lists or to tag everything now like in Live 12

I don't think that for the moment no Controller comes near this MP

 

Agreed. You are ignoring that the MP MIDI has a touch screen, which has touch and drag functionality, so can be used for faders (can have a whole bank on the screen not just the one), and can also use it to do things like patch cables in VCV, Rack, and Modular if you play with modular synths plugins, meaning able to play with modular stuff without needing to interact with the mouse as much.

 

I saw that. I think it was released in their April software update.

But doesn't Nektar use their Nektarine wrapper for the more itnergrated stuff too? And they generally don't have particularly deep intergration with some DAWs, including some major ones like ABleton.

 

You can even change Preset Patches from Synths on the touchscreen....as I told yes expensive for A touchscreen with knobs but I don't regret my buy cause I gave me the HW feeling from the past and I learn also how good the plug's sounds with own programming

 

Just to look... what controller can do this? Touch on the screen the plug is loaded

 

My opinion is that the Nektar controllers vs the MP, although they have some overlap, they differ in many ways.

Primarily one needs to think/decide what is the motivation behind buying a controller, what is the value expected to get out of it and ask how will it change my workflow.

The MP was designed to offer an in-depth control level on plugins, as much as physically possible, using physical encoders, mouse and touch screen. It bundles all up on the same area and makes it really comfortable and easy to work with a plugin, to a degree much like having the plugin “as” a dedicated hardware unit in front of you.

A major difference analog hardware vs software (audio FX and synths) is that with hardware, every additional feature has to be well thought/designed before adding it. There are technical challenges (thinking about how a feature affects critical and non-critical functions) that need to be addressed and features cost money in parts etc. With software plugins adding one more oscillator, another set of envelops, a complex mod matrix is just a matter of adding code (not saying that is easy, but you see the difference). If things don’t work out, code can be changed and so forth. This advantage in software plugins enables the makers to create complex plugins with a plethora of options, otherwise not possible (or insanely more expensive) with hardware.

Take for example U-He Zebra or Diva. On Diva with a click you change the oscillators set or the filter set. You get the drill. Both of these synths have hundred of parameters to be controlled. And the fact is that most plugins have many, perhaps hundreds of, parameters, probably for the reasons I described above. Oversampling, input/output, envelops, oscillators, filters and what not.

With this in mind, if the goal is the ability to work in depth with plugins and have the ability to experiment faster then the MP is hands down, the choice. How do we get to the desired sound when using a plugin? By experimenting with values. It’s kind of an alchemy if you think about it.

If the goal is to just be able to change a few parameters and record automation then there are many controllers out there that can do that. The Nektar controllers have other features as well for DAW control, a fader on the CS12.

One other advantage of the MP is that is allows all the linking/mapping to parameters to be done on the spot without the need to use another software. You don’t like where parameters are linked, no problem, just unlink and link it somewhere else.

In terms of hardware comparison, the MP has a high-quality touch screen, it is made of metal and hence the more expensive value. However, the touchscreen is an additional monitor and can be used for anything, which is nice because you can have a DAW window there, mixer etc.

Another cool aspect of the MP is that it is kind of an open hardware system or a platform. This means that the MIDI controller and touchscreen can be used by any software. Perhaps another company would create software that offers other functionality.

The MP does not only work with the MP Host plugin, they have already launched control surfaces for Ableton 11/12 and Cubase 12/13 using their API much like the CS12 controls Logic. See

and

I saw some YT posts that Bitwig and Logic are next.

They also released a new software that makes the MP a configurable MIDI controller to send/receive CC

In regards to wrappers or host plugins. I think Novation’s automap has left a bitter taste for anyone that has worked with that system, but that was different and lot of time ago. It was wrapping/creating new plugins.

If the host plugin works well and it is transparent then there is no problem. BC Patchwork is an all time favorite that has served me well for more than 10 years and still use it to load up chains of effects I created over the years. DDMF is also a solid host plugin that has been around for ages that many sound designers use. With the MP you can work without having the controller connected and hide the wrapper window so you can work on a laptop on the go and then when back in the studio just connect it.

 

So, I just did a thing and then 24 hours later had a knock on the door...

 

I got model 2a for sale if anyone's interested. Based in UK, Manchester.

 

Hi lumcia, I sent you a private message about your MP Midi 2A.

 

It's not a new idea: attempts to sell controllers like this have already been made for years. I believe the biggest issue is the speed with which plugins progress: it often happens that limitations of the hardware do not allow it to support new software updates, in the end you’ll have a hardware that is only useful as a doorstop (been there, done that) .
The idea of the physical controller on the plugins is inviting, but I wouldn't invest my money on it: too risky. Of course, there are dedicated controllers built by the same company who develops the plugin (Softube, SSL), but I don't trust those either: I'm sure that within a few years they will become obsolete and customers will be forced to buy the new model.
If you really need tactile control then, in my opinion, a Raven is better:



https://raven.stevenslateaudio.com/

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jun 21, 2024

@LinoBanfi, what I like about the MP is physical knobs. The combination of a touch screen and physical knobs is what makes it a unique controller, almost a perfect one for my needs.

 

I don’t have the Model 2A myself, but I’ve been eyeing it too. From what I’ve read, the 32 dials and 512 parameters are a huge upgrade, especially for electronic music production. I’ve heard great things from people who use it for techno and tech house. If you’re looking for something to give you more hands-on control, it seems like a solid choice!

 

I have a 2A and really like it. I made a YT review here (I had covid when I recorded, this, so it's not my most charismatic).

They've recently had another software upgrade, which is described in some of their YT posts. The company is great. I wish they had a user forum, which is actually how I ended up here, creating an account just to post this. Very unique little piece of gear. Expensive yes. But the ol' monkey brain likes the turny-knobs.

@Bunford - nice packaging right?

 

I'll add my 2 cents for fans of upgrading upto perfect HW in the MP version 1A:
You can independently implement several improvements, the interface connectors of which are accessible from inside the MP board and monitor:

• by adding a USB-C PD cable, the controller can be easily powered from an external USB source +5V, as for version 2A is available.
• in case of installing a full-fledged USB-C data cable, you will have access to this monitor with touch-screen from the second terminal for other purposes.
  Spoiler: The only nuance is that you will need...

  The only nuance is that perhaps you will need a KVM switch for the second HDMI commutation for the display image-supply... although there are no restrictions on these capabilities and a miniature KVM can be installed inside the MP chassis for such purposes...
• inside the controller there is a parallel 14-pin port for connecting a character LCD display, which displays all the MIDI information which transmitted from the rotary encoders (I used an LCD1602 and it perfectly demonstrated its functionality of MIDI events) This is very convenient to have as a debug monitor in standalone mode, without displaying information on the main touch screen. So you can try using the MP controller with this mini LCD monitor in standalone mode, without being tied to a PC
  Spoiler: the only question is that you will then desire...

  the only question is that you will then desire to patch it. and get a fully functional graphical interface for MIDI peripherals and synthesizers?! As an example, you can add a separate computer and code based on the raspberry Pi. The question remains open about how to conveniently and ergonomically place this text display on the controller body, similar to the initial MP prototypes that were in the video reviews of the project. And, probably for reasons of economy, the manufacturer refused to further expand the functionality of the MP controller.
• By the way, inside the controller the main multiplex function is performed by the 8+1 IC: JCM LS165A
  Spoiler: I still don't understand the role of the last 9th IC

  I still don't finally understand the role of the last 9th IC U2, which is located in the center of the board (near the LCD contrast regulator)
• Since IC U2 contacts are brought out to 8x2-pin connectors (which can be monitored at serial/MIDI monitor as:
• Page select UP/Down
• MIDI channel select up/Down
• Last 4 buttons role I can’t found the reaction by logic/serial/midi monitoring

• The teensy LC 3.3/5V is an Arduino-type controller as the main HW-interface controller via USB. Thus, the possibilities for developing an MP interface are much wider than those of 32 encoders and rest of 8 manipulating buttons/functions! (which actually take up only 9 plus (8 in/outputs are used on the parallel LCD) of 16-19 capabilities for Teensy LC (total 27 pins)...
  Spoiler: maybe the guys from the MP team already have...

  Maybe the guys from the MP team already have their own developments and ideas on expanding the capabilities of the code in future releases of the new MP mkIII? but in my opinion the cheapest solution would be to upgrade the 32 infinite encoders from 3-pin to 5-pin encoders with a push-button version (which will allow for an additional 32 push-button elements (latch, toggle or momentary depending on user settings and VST capabilities) to the already finished stock surface of the controller).

Moreover:
There are at least 2 more unused 4-pin connectors inside (possibly via UART, SPI or I2C protocols) at modern time…

• one of which has silkscreen J1 "expression pedal" - the ability to connect an external kit.
• the second 4-pin connector J44 is unsigned and its implementation still needs to be studied, or questions about its use should be asked to the manufacturer's support...

I hope that due to the UART protocol, it will upgrade the device and install the MIDI DIN-5 interface directly on the MP chassis.

And finally:

• despite its bulky appearance, there is enough space inside the MP controller to accommodate additional IC, LCD, connectors and sockets, and there is also the possibility of reconnecting the entire control circuit to low-voltage 3V equipment, which also gives impetus to the imagination with the installation of a couple of sets of DC-power batteries or accumulators - there is enough space for these upgrade purposes!

 

Last edited: Mar 3, 2025

My desktop staff:

Today I studied the controller board and I want to please you with the fact that the reserves for upgrading the controller are quite large (see the added diagram):

• in blue - IC U2 receives signals from the 8x2-pin port, which is intended for 8 buttons (the description of the implementation of which I told above) - this was already prepared by the guys from the MP MIDI team, but not implemented in HW. And this is good news!
• in yellow - these are two sockets that already have silkscreen on the board "external pedal" (although the function of receiving and sending signals is not entirely clear there: analog or digital?) I wrote to the manufacturer's support and am waiting for an answer, hoping they will not disappoint)
• in green - 14-pin port for a parallel LCD display (works. tested)
• the list in red - 6 unconnected pins of teensy LC board (the most expected of them is the ability to implement D0 RX and D1 TX as the UART protocol for MIDI. with which it is possible to install optical isolation for MIDI DIN-5, for autonomous (stand alone) synth.control)

Well, this is quite enough for future development and modernization of the controller! so with a small investment and skills in working with electronics, you can get:
- 8 assig.buttons for MIDI;
- an additional mini-LCD monitor;
- 2 external pedal controller;
- two-way MIDI protocol.
The main thing is that these basic functions are coded in the microcontroller, or contact the support service and wait for a new release of the controller firmware update. Let's cross our fingers and wait for the final result...

 

Last edited: Mar 9, 2025 at 5:27 AM

What is the best way to place 8 additional pushbutton switches, in your opinion?

• On the one side-line. By replacing all 8 3-pin rotary encoders with 5-pin ones, which combine 2 functions (encoder + button)
• Replacing 8 encoders around the entire perimeter with 4 sides of the interface that are identical symmetrically, or
• Replacing 4 encoders with 5-pin ones and drilling holes to install 4 additional switches on the free control surface?

Does anyone have any opinions and suggestions for such an upgrade?
The main problem is that the most convenient option for placing new 5-pin encoders is on the horizontal bottom plane of the interface. But due to the close location of the monitor case between the 3-pin encoders, I'm afraid that the new encoders will not fit in depth between the screen and the controller basket. Or we need to consider rotating the screen orientation 180 degrees to make room underneath it. This would involve replacing the two short HDMI and USB-C adapter cables with longer ones, plus the need to set up an extended MP display on the host PC, and the possibility of the MP display itself being upside down when running in the DAW.

 

Last edited: Mar 4, 2025 at 12:12 AM

Good news from MP midi manufacture:

 

Does anyone know when the model 2A came out?