SoundForce SFC-8, a boutique class-compliant USB-MIDI controller for Jupiter-8 Synthesizer emulations, is shipping now
Synthesizer plugins can often do much more than hardware synths, but they have one big disadvantage. They lack the haptic feel of hardware synths. Working with the mouse is not the same as working with knobs that react directly to the sound. SoundForce has been trying to give some vintage-inspired VSTs this feeling with their unique Boutique USB-MIDI controllers for some time.
The latest controller is called SFC-8 and is specially designed for Jupiter-8 emulations. Nicolas from SF already presented this at the virtual Superbooth 2020. After two years in development, it’s finally available.
SoundForce SFC-8 Shipping
White or black, with many knobs or sliders, pads, etc. This is how we know USB MIDI controllers with a focus on controller as much as possible simultaneously. The SFC-8 is different and is not your ordinary USB-MIDI controller.
Rather than being an all-in-one thing, the SFC-8 focuses on controlling Jupiter-8 emulations. To make this work perfectly, Nicolas from SoundForce worked closely with the developers of the Arturia Jup-8 V and TAL J-8 synthesizers. The controller comes with two newly programmed modes to suit the control panel layouts of the two plugins perfectly.
Hardware And Software Full Control
Everything you know from a hardware Jupiter-8 can be set on the interface, from oscillators, filters, to envelopes and more. But don’t worry: it’s not an exclusive MIDI controller for these synths. The SFC-8 can also be used as a classic, class-compliant USB-MIDI controller for all other plugins, etc.
The SFC-8 has a USB connector for power and USB-MIDI on the back. Good, it also has 5-pin DIN-MIDI input and output sockets.
The developer paid particular attention to the MIDI implementation. All the messages received at the DIN-MIDI input are merged with the controller messages and sent out to both the USB-MIDI and DIN-MIDI output. This, you can your MIDI keyboard or sequencer to the SFC-8 and use it as a USB-MIDI interface, or use the DIN-MIDI output to go to the next MIDI device.
Further, the DIN-MIDI connectivity allows a direct connection with modern and vintage hardware synths. There is a control panel app allowing you to set up your own MIDI maps and MIDI CC numbers for each control. So you can also use it to control hardware synths like the Roland Boutique Jupiter-8. The developer promises to add support for different hardware synths in the future.
It comes with 5 banks of 4 presets and 3 modes (jump, pick-up, and scale) to define the behaviour of the controller after presets have been loaded. Plus, there are 4 configuration presets available for the user to switch between CC or hardware configurations. The configurations can be saved to the device using the control panel app.
Boutique Quality
The controller is assembled in The Netherlands with parts from Europe and Asia. The enclosure is made of 100% sheet metal and is manufactured by the Polish manufacturer Grawart. The case is made of bent steel and powder coated in black.
Furthermore, the front panel is in aluminum, powder coated, and screen printed with scratch-proof white and orange inks. Walnut wood side panels of 8mm thickness are fitted to both sides of the controller. So anything but a plastic device.
The development took a long time. I am pleased to see that the SoundForce SFC-8 controller is now complete and ready for shipping.
SoundForce SFC-8 is available now for 499€ incl. VAT or 412€ for customers outside the US.
More information here: SoundForce
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