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WARNING: this article is technical! This week the assembled PCB’s for the prototype finally came in! Most chips, LEDs, resistors and capacitors are already soldered on by the factory so that saves me a lot of work. The only things that I need to solder myself are the microcontroller (atmega32u4), the crystal (that dictates the speed of the microcontroller), the USB-connector, push buttons and the potentiometers (for the faders and knobs). After soldering the microcontroller and USB-connector, I wanted to give it a test ride. As per usual, it of course didn’t work immediately. When I connected the programmer to...

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Even though I’m still working full time on the KNTRL9 and Midique, I also start to feel the consequences of the global Corona crisis. Most suppliers currently have taken measures to limit the spreading of the virus. This means that some work half the hours and/or from home which has impact on the planning. Since I’m depending on these suppliers for quotations and prototyping, it will unfortunately take a bit longer until I have all the information together to calculate the final price of the KNTRL9. Just to give you an idea of where I am right now: The following...

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The KNTRL9 has three push buttons: one that works as a “shift”-function (to offer extra functionality) and two that work as left/right arrows (for changing MIDI-bank or to go through the channels in Ableton, depending on whether you are using the Ableton script and are pressing shift). In order to get the best push button experience, I have to choose what type of button I want for the KNTRL9. The choice is between a silicone push button or a tactile push button. What is a silicone push button? A silicone push button is a button made from the “rubber-like” material...

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The first case for the prototype that I designed was produced by Rieger design in Berlin (https://www.rieger.design/) who also consulted me. The prototype does not contain the knobs or buttons but gave a good idea of the end product. The rotary knobs were designed in a team effort with Giorgi Rogava and have a knurled pattern for extra grip (and good looks). They are inspired by guitar knobs from the 1960’s, adapted to the size of the KNTRL9. I’m currently looking into the costs of having them produced. The 3D print is a perfect fit (although my printer seems to...

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Can I use hardware with the KNTRL9? This is a question I get often so I’ve decided to write an article about it. Yes, indeed you can! Even though the KNTRL9 only has a USB connection, using a MIDI host you can actually perform with your favorite hardware as well! In the video you can see Georg Paul from Atlantik using the KNTRL9 to control his Analog Rytm MK2. He uses a Miditech USB MIDI host (which you can find at Thomann for €79. You can also find cheaper ones, for instance the Doremi for €30 at Wish or, if...

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