Tubbutec Synth Controllers are new compact MIDI controllers that make the features added via the Tubbutec vintage synth mods hands-on.
Tobi from Tubbutec is known among vintage Synthesizer enthusiasts for his extensive vintage synth mods. For example, he gave the Roland SH-101 MIDI support and an overhauled sequencer. The Roland MC-202 synth gave Tubbutec a completely new digital groovebox engine in its MC-20h2 mod.
Each of these vintage synth mods brings plenty of new features. One drawback is that many of these parameters are only controlled via MIDI messages and not on the hardware. Tubbutec has now released dedicated synth controllers for the synth mods that reveal the functions.
Tubbutec Synth Controllers
The new synth controllers are small (14 x 11.5 x 1.8cm) and lightweight (sheet metal case – 450g). They allow the direct control of additional parameters introduced by the mods via MIDI and can be controlled with various pre-mapped sliders and buttons.
Each controller has TRS MIDI input and output sockets and a 5V USB port for power. At launch, there are three Tubbutec Synth Controllers for three vintage synth mods: MC-20h2, SH10h1, and Juno-66. Two additional controllers, ModyPoly (Korg MonoPoly mod) and CeeS, are in the making.
On the MC20h2 synth controller, you can access the additional multi-wave LFO, envelope, clock with individual divisions, noise, VCF/PW mixer, and more.
Then, the SH10h1 device reveals the following parameters: second LFO and envelope for the VCF, VCA and VCF accent, clock dividers and clock source for the random LFO and arp/sequencer, and more. If you use the SH-1oh1 µTune version, you can even use it as a tuning editor.
The third controller works with the Roland Juno 6/60 synth mode Juno-66 and puts these controls on sliders and buttons: the second LFO and envelope of the VCF, clock dividers and clock source for the S/H LFO and Arp/SEQ, portamento speed control, and the detune and fatness control.
Each synth controller has a built-in configuration menu to adjust the MIDI channel and LED colors.
Handy, the Tubbutech Synth Controls also work as traditional MIDI controllers with any other hardware and software. Plus, it works as a MIDI router for USB, DIN, and controller data.
To ensure that the controllers also match visually, Tubbutec has opted for designs strongly inspired by the corresponding vintage synths.
First Impression
It’s a lovely idea to reveal the individual features of the synth mods and make them playable in dedicated controllers. The size is perfect as the parameters are good to tweak, and the device takes up little space next to the synth.
Tubbutec Synth Controllers are available now for 241€ – 249€ + VAT. They are designed and made in Berlin, Germany.
More information here: Tubbutec
