Could Someone Give Me Advice on Integrating Expressive MIDI Controllers with Modular Setup

Hello everyone :innocent:

I am seeking for some advice on how to incorporate an expressive MIDI controller into my modular setup; & I would love to hear from anyone who has gone down this route before I am currently utilizing a , ROLI Seaboard; Sensel Morph; & LinnStrument and want to make full use of its multidimensional possibilities. My goal is to design a very expressive; hands on performing environment that is still intuitive and spontaneous. I have some expertise with modular synthesis; but I am still learning about working with expressive controllers and interpreting that input into the modular environment.

I have tried connecting my ROLI Seaboard to Ableton Live and then interacting with the modular system via CV signals from my expert sleepers ES-8. It is functioning to some extent; and I can obtain some expressive control; but certain parameters such as pitch bends or pressure modulation do not map as smoothly or accurately as I would want.

pitch bends appear to be inconsistent when routed through the modular system; and pressure sensitivity does not always transfer into the precise control I require. I hve tried changing the sensitivity and range settings in the DAW; but I an still not getting the dynamic response I require.

anyone has any recommendations for Eurorack modules that excel at receiving and processing MIDI or MPE data from expressive controllers; I would love to hear them I’he been considering modules like Mutable Instruments Yarns; Expert Sleepers FH-2, and Endorphin.es Shuttle Control; but I am open to recommendations; if there are any hidden gems out there. I am particularly interested in modules that can help me map MPE data more effectively; giving me greater expressive control over my patches.

I would also appreciate any ideas on workflow tips;; whether from a performance 7 patching basis. Do you have any tips for establishing a setup that is suitable for both live performance and studio work? Are there any hazards to avoid?

Also I explored some topics related to this https://community.polyexpression.com/t/equator-softsynth-with-expressive-e-osmose-as-midi-controlle but I did not get the sufficient solution of my query so I would really want to get some help from a more experienced person

Thank you in advance for any advice you could provide :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: :hugs: :hugs:
I m looking forward to exploring new ideas and possibilities with all of you.


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Hi, there are other people who can answer your actual question much better than me, have moved the thread to General though, there the chance is higher to be seen by relevant people than in Eigenharp :slight_smile:

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Modular setup is not that conducive to polyphonic expression (and so MPE) due to the requirement of polyphony / multiple voices - which becomes extremely expensive fast.

also converting 3 axis means you need 3 cv per note… so even just 4 notes = 12 cv outputs. and its not common to have that many cv outputs on midi - cv modules.

so ES is your best bet,
also there was a couple of other the Polyend PM-1 being a standout , however, I know some had issues with it.

using expression in a monophonic patch can be done with most midi → cv modules.

another approach is to use a digital virtual modular in eurorack, Eagan Matrix Module, or something like Percussa SSP or 4ms Meta Module, as its obviously cheaper to have multi voices in dsp.

so there are lots of choices, but you’ll need to first think about your voices…
how many voices do you have in your rack?

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Take a look at my well-maintained lists of MPE hardware synthesizers in the Module section and MPE hardware controllers (and more) in the Interface section:

The Haken Audio EaganMatrix Micro will be added to the Module list in the near future once I have time.

Plenty, but you should choose and define MPE hardware (other than controllers) that you want to use first so that we have enough information to start providing better advice. My MPE experience is strongly based on the LinnStrument, and my setup is for live performance first with studio work as a fallback, so that may or may not be compatible with your workflow. That being said, I do have a few essential product suggestions that are shared between both applications:

  1. Power conditioner, used to reduce AC line noise in addition to providing surge and overvoltage protection:
  1. Portable PA system for indoor usage (I have a paired Sub2):
  1. Keyboard stand with multiple tiers and accessory mounts:

I also have prior experience with portable battery-powered operation with my LinnStrument setup as well as battery-powered PA systems for venue-challenged situations.