Exquis - new hex-layout keyboard

I try to always post new MPE-capable hardware on this forum as soon as I discover it. This time, Sarah Belle Reid (an MPE enthusiast, experimental synthesist and trumpet player etc.) was why I discovered this one, so I’ll share her video on it.

It’s called Exquis.
Made by Intuitive Instruments.
Demonstration by Sarah Belle Reid.
(I’m just here to share the link and start the conversation about the Exquis, assuming there’s not already one.)

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[merged with existing topic]

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I was so confused, with the mixed context. That explains it!

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How does the Exquis feel to play? I have owned a Sensel Morph and Roli Seaboard in the past and enjoyed both immensely.

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Hello! I have just recived mine and made an account to share with you!

I don’t have exprience playing with Sensel Morph but I have played with Ableton Push, Seaboard and Osmose.

I would say the pads feel very close to Seaboard, they’re gummy feeling and the deeper you press, the more resistance you will meet. At the same time I find it easier to play than both Seaboard and Push; Push because the pads on it are quite big and my hands are small which leads to some very weird fingerings, Seaboard because coming from piano it was too similar to keyboard while making significant changes that threw off my muscle memory. Exquis pads while similar in feel to Seaboard’s surface feel much better to play I think in part because they are separated so you get better physical feedback as to where you are on the surface.

I would say overall it is extremely good value for money for a controller - for 250 you get bit over 3 octaves of a very good feeling controller from a long standing company focused on sustainability, so you know you’ll be able to get it fixed when it breaks (my Roli broke and I can’t get it fixed, my Eaganharp pico I can’t get drivers for anymore so it’s important to me :sweat_smile:)

Bit rambly, but please follow up with questions I will gladly answer

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Hi ki_janka - just to say there are forum members who could provide drivers for the Pico if you need them. :+1:

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Oh thank you! I will ask about this later, I can’t seem to figure out how to DM people. Maybe my account is just a bit too fresh

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(See here…you can start a new thread in the Eigenharp category if you need help.)

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Awesome! I appreciate the detailed reply! I know it is asking a lot from an affordable interface, but do you think it may be usable for finger drumming as well? The pads look to be a good size, but if they are too soft it may be awkward. Thanks again!

I’m no finger drummer but I think they would be bit small and squishy/wiggly for that. My GF fingerdrums and says that push 2 pads are too small for her. The device is bigger than you’d think but not that big, the pads are not that much bigger than the tip of my finger really

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Hey Exquis lovers!
We are very proud David Hilovitz made a short video introducing the Exquis ! :slight_smile:

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New firmware update 2.2

Content of the update 2.2
Freeze mode :

– Hold notes, then click briefly on the 4th encoder to lock them with their XYZ position.
– Function usable in combination with the arpeggiator.
– Function soon available on the Exquis app.

– New default layouts stored in memory, including 4×4 and rainbow

– Optimization of MIDI score display, on the scale in Exquis layout, and lighting of octave buttons if notes are outside the keyboard
– Display of the tempo value
– Improvement of sensitivity curves, and better handling of off-center presses
– Display of the Firmware number
MIDI THRU (CC received on MIDI IN forwarded to MIDI OUT and USB): CC#64 (Sustain pedal (standard)), CC#11 (Expression pedal (standard)), CC#65 (Portamento on/off), CC#67 (Soft pedal)

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I agree that Exquis is not ideal for finger drumming. I’m learning finger drumming on a Yamaha FGDP and given a choice, I’d rather finger drum on that.

However, there are a couple of drum layouts among the presets and after a couple experiments, I think the Exquis has some potential for drumming.

Cons:

  • The sideways-rocking technique that uses the side of the thumb to play the “kick” is tricky on the Exquis because of the small pad size.
  • Even though the squishy pads have some bounce, I think a denser material would be preferable for drumming.

That said, the velocity curves are editable, and I am certain that a determined finger drummer can use Exquis effectively in a pinch.

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