The unique Erae Contact was one of the fascinating MPE controllers to return out up to now few years. Nevertheless it has been in the marketplace for lower than three years. So we had been a bit stunned when Embodme confirmed up at NAMM 2024 with the Erae II, the following technology of its customizable controller with main upgrades and an surprising new characteristic.
Now, it is value noting that the model of Erae II I used to be capable of take a look at was a really early prototype. There are some bugs and the construction positively has some tough edges. However the firm has loads of time to repair these points. The Kickstarter marketing campaign will start on February fifteenth, with an estimated delivery date of June.
However the imaginative and prescient is obvious. The primary floor is mainly the identical, a clean space with RGB lights beneath. These are used for example the assorted layouts that may be custom-made. It may be a QWERTY keyboard, grid, fader, step sequencer, and so on. Even at this early stage, the design is certainly extra refined. It additionally admitted that whereas the controller’s customizability is an enormous draw, it may be too reliant on desktop apps and gaming interfaces to deal with settings.
The up to date model has buttons throughout the highest for shortly swapping layouts, controlling the brand new MIDI looper, and accessing different settings. There’s additionally a small however high-resolution display subsequent to the jog wheel within the higher proper nook. Viewing angles on the display are steady and really clear, however its dimension can current some challenges. I would not choose it by this very early model of the firmware, however I needed to squint actually arduous to make out the small textual content itemizing all of the MIDI assignments.
The controller itself could be very responsive, although. The brand new sensors (16,000 of them, to be particular) tracked my swipes and delicate modifications in strain with unimaginable accuracy. The corporate claims the gaming floor is sub-millimeter correct. Clearly, I could not actually take a look at it on the present, however suffice it to say, it is correct.
I can already inform that Erae requires fairly a little bit of nuance to get actually expressive outcomes from aftertouch. The floor does not have a lot elasticity, so small modifications in strain could cause large modifications in sound.
One of many shocking issues is that Erae II may have swappable skins, type of like Sensel Morph (RIP) or Joué Play, but additionally not. The unit I performed had a silicone sleeve like the unique, which the corporate says is designed for many who wish to play the Erae II with drum sticks. Nonetheless, it is going to include white cloth, which is particularly designed to enhance really feel and responsiveness for many who play with their fingers.
Nonetheless, altering the pores and skin is a bit sophisticated. As a result of Embodme sees the Erae not solely as a studio software but additionally as a reside efficiency machine, it wished to verify the case was secure and will stand as much as abuse. So that you truly should unscrew the body to place the brand new pores and skin on. For the reason that show on Erae is already customizable, you do not have to fret about skins having a particular format, simply completely different supplies.
Embodme additionally provides a ton of recent connectivity choices. The unique model solely had a USB-C port and a TRS MIDI output. However the Erae II may have two MIDI output ports, a MIDI enter jack, two USB ports, the power to function as a bunch or machine, and 24 configurable analog outputs that may ship gates, triggers and CVs to exterior gadgets.
Clearly, it is too early to find out whether or not the Erae II will stand as much as real-world use. Nevertheless it has a promising characteristic set and an fascinating design. If you wish to be one of many first to get your arms on this product, you’ll be able to again it on Kickstarter beginning February fifteenth, with an early hen worth of $549 or $649, relying on how lengthy you become involved. Nonetheless, when it goes on sale later this yr, it is going to price $799.