If you’re a musician or producer looking to push boundaries and explore unconventional ways to control your music, this list of seven weird MIDI controllers is for you. These devices break away from traditional keyboard and pad setups, offering unique interfaces that can inspire creativity and add a distinctive flair to your setup. Whether you’re into experimental sound design, live performance, or just want something eye-catching and fun, these controllers are worth checking out.
1. ROLI Seaboard Block
The ROLI Seaboard Block is a soft, silicone-covered MIDI controller that replaces traditional keys with a continuous, pressure-sensitive surface. Unlike standard keyboards, it allows for nuanced control over pitch, vibrato, and volume through subtle finger movements, making it ideal for expressive performances. Its modular design means you can connect multiple blocks for expanded control, and it’s compatible with most DAWs, making it a versatile choice for experimental musicians.
2. Eigenharp Pico
The Eigenharp Pico looks like a futuristic instrument with a combination of a keyboard, a wind instrument, and a percussion controller. It features a series of pressure-sensitive keys and a touch-sensitive strip that can be assigned to various parameters. Its unique design encourages a tactile, expressive playing style, and it’s particularly popular among artists who want to incorporate wind and breath control into their MIDI setup. Despite its steep learning curve, it offers unparalleled expressiveness.
3. Mi.Mu Gloves
Designed by musician Imogen Heap, the Mi.Mu Gloves are wearable MIDI controllers embedded with sensors that track hand movements, gestures, and finger positions. These gloves send real-time control signals to software or hardware, enabling performers to manipulate sound by simply moving their hands in mid-air. They’re especially useful for live electronic performances and installation art, offering a highly intuitive way to shape sound through physical gestures.
4. Reactable
The Reactable is a tabletop electronic music instrument that uses tangible blocks to control sound parameters. Users manipulate physical objects on a circular surface, which are detected by a camera system and translated into MIDI or CV signals. Its visual and tactile interface makes it accessible for beginners and engaging for performances, fostering a collaborative and improvisational approach to music creation.
5. Haken Continuum Fingerboard
The Haken Continuum Fingerboard is a large, touch-sensitive surface that responds to pressure, position, and slide gestures across its entire surface. Its expansive, high-resolution interface allows for incredibly detailed control over pitch, timbre, and modulation. It’s favored by experimental composers and performers who need precise, expressive control that surpasses traditional MIDI controllers, making it a true innovation in electronic performance.
6. The Mi.Mu Gloves
Designed by musician Imogen Heap, the Mi.Mu Gloves are wearable MIDI controllers embedded with sensors that track hand movements, gestures, and finger positions. These gloves send real-time control signals to software or hardware, enabling performers to manipulate sound by simply moving their hands in mid-air. They’re especially useful for live electronic performances and installation art, offering a highly intuitive way to shape sound through physical gestures.
7. Artiphon Instrument 1
The Artiphon Instrument 1 is a versatile MIDI controller that can be played as a guitar, violin, drum machine, or piano. Its multi-instrument design features a touch-sensitive surface, strings, and a fretboard that respond to different playing styles, making it highly adaptable. It’s perfect for musicians who want a single device that can emulate multiple traditional instruments while offering the tactile feel of playing an actual instrument.
How to Choose
When selecting a weird MIDI controller, consider your specific needs and playing style. Think about the type of control you want—whether it’s gesture-based, pressure-sensitive, or tactile—and how it integrates into your existing setup. Durability, compatibility with your DAW, and the learning curve are also important factors. Ultimately, choose a device that sparks your creativity and fits comfortably into your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these controllers suitable for live performance? Yes, many are designed for live use, especially gesture-based controllers like Mi.Mu Gloves and Reactable, adding visual flair and expressiveness.
- Do I need special software to use these controllers? Most require compatible DAWs or software, but many come with dedicated apps or interfaces for seamless integration.
- Are they difficult to learn? Some, like the Eigenharp or Continuum, have steep learning curves, but others like the Artiphon are more user-friendly for beginners.
- Can these controllers be used in studio recordings? Absolutely, they add unique expressive capabilities that can inspire new sounds in the studio.
- What is the price range for these controllers? They vary widely—from affordable options like Artiphon (~$400) to high-end devices like the Continuum (~$5,000). Choose based on your budget and needs.
Final Thoughts
Exploring unconventional MIDI controllers opens up a world of creative possibilities beyond traditional keyboards and pads. These devices offer tactile, gestural, or visual interfaces that can inspire new ways of composing, performing, and experimenting with sound. While they may require a learning curve, their unique control schemes can elevate your music production and live shows, making your performances truly stand out. Embrace the weird, and let your creativity run wild with these boundary-breaking tools.
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