… I’ve been looking into the firmware V2.0 update on the QuNexus. Seems to be a radical rewrite that changes how the device is configured … to the extent that there’s a conversion kit with a set of labels for your old, unfashionable, black QuNexus.
Upside is you get a 3 track (32 step) sequencer/arpeggiator and a dongle that lets you connect direct to hardware midi devices, versus going through some converter (CCK or KMIs own USB host).
Anyone tried it ?
I’m hesitating at the moment while I read more about it.
Very attractive option now. Being both a poly-aftertouch and MPE device, now with a three lane sequencer, plus one track supports MPE playback with each key transmitting aftertouch and tilt. With the CV and MIDI built in this is like a tiny Keystep Pro.
I need to examine a little more how exactly the MPE with the sequencer can work together.
I like that the arpeggiator has brownian random motion as an option, not a common thing, but it can be pleasing in a generative musical sort of way.
Plus look at the price, this could definitely be a low guilt impulse buy.
Fun to think about this with some smaller MPE capable synths.
This looks way more appealing now. I have a seaboard block but I can’t record the mpe data without a laptop, so it’s left for live playing and audio looping.
got a black one from years format is perfect
i discover the update it’s great turns it in something powerful
Arp/seq are really good lot of option , play mode etc…
didn’t try the mpe part ,but pressure tilt and pitch bend sensor are not the best
(at least on the V1 black version) maybe updated on the red version IDK .
this little hack make it even cooler : http://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=222431
Thanks for that link. I knew they must have done something non-standard with that ‘midi expander’ connection, as I tried a standard mini-usb cable with it and found nothing usable.
That hack is probably the same thing they now deliver with the ‘retrofit kit’.
EDIT: Unfortunately, that official version is going to cost me $54 (includes, shipping, not including VAT and customs)
The plastic went all sticky on mine (black version) and made it unusable. Besides that I’d stopped using it because all the keys seemed to have different sensitivities, so some would send full range of signals very easily while others you really had to push/press hard to get the full range. So not very expressive, which was what I was hoping to get. As a result, I’d only consider using another KM device if I was given it for free.
They blew it with Version 1. if you wanted Midi out you had to buy a veryyyyyy expensive adapter. Mine had humming issues.
If I recall it right the only way to power it was through usb. How would one power it when using the new usb to midi din adapter?
Perhaps that’s improved, the article about the new version says they switched the plastic coating on the new version. The article says it now has an “ABS-polycarbonate finish”.
The article also says, “A new key and pitch bend algorithm based on our K-Board Pro 4 gives superior playing and expression.” So that should improve the playability issues.
So with those two improvements plus the three track sequencer and arpeggiator and the DIN MIDI, all means that if you’re looking for this sort of MPE controller, the new QuNexus needs a fresh review.
I may come back to you in that … though by the time I’ve figured out where to get a single resistor, a mini usb cable to hack and a single DIN connector and futzed around soldering it together … maybe buying it, even at 54$, makes sense.
The QuNexus would still need power from the micro USB on the left, yet the KMI MIDI Expander can also power QuNexus from the mini USB on the right, if memory serves well. The Expander receives power via its USB type B input.
