QuNeo Multi-touch Software/Hardware Controller

As an avid user of DAWs and software synthesizers, I can personally attest to the power and flexibility they offer to users. This is the stuff I learned on and I swear by it. There is, of course a very substantial segment of musicians and recording engineers who still stand firmly by the hardware units of yesteryear. Many companies such as Akai and Novation have been quite successful at bringing products to market that bridge the gap between analog and digital and make the transition from the former to the latter a lot less painful. There is now a plethora of portable USB powered controllers that boast any number of pads, sliders and buttons that can be tweaked and MIDI-mapped just about any way we see fit.

Keith McMillen Instruments, known for producing a string a very innovative musical devices and controllers, is set to introduce a new controller in March of 2012 called the QuNeo. This device(pronounced kew-nee-o) comes loaded with 16 trigger pads, 9 sliders, two rotary controllers and 17 switches; all of which are velocity and location sensitive. Each sensor on the device also provides light feedback via LEDs which react according to velocity. The tactile functionality also allows users to use pinch and draw gestures on the surfaces, very similarly to the way you would operate a touch screen smartphone. This opens up a myriad of possibilities for expression and precision.

iPad users will appreciate the QuNeo, as it possesses approximately the same dimensions as the Apple tablet, so any iPad accessories like cases and mic stand holders can be used with the QuNeo. The controller also works with USB, MIDI and OSC to facilitate communication with most other devices. The brave coding types out there will appreciate the fact that the unit is open source, as they will be able to use the dev kit and API to bend the code to their will and make the unit behave exactly as they wish. I personally can't wait to see the custom patches and setups that will surely make their way to the forums and user groups once released.

All in all, the QuNeo is shaping up to be the must have controller of the new year. While it is not yet available, the developers are accepting 'pledges' of $10 or more at their Kickstarter web site . Pledging at least $200 nets you a QuNeo plus some other swag before the unit hits stores in March. Several musicians and other industry notables are already endorsing this product and pitching in with pledges of their own. Those attending NAMM in January should be in for a treat when they get to try this thing out for the first time.

For more information on Keith McMillen Instruments, please visit their website at http://www.keithmcmillen.com/