Music production technology has undergone significant evolution over the past decade, with MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) controllers at the forefront of this transformation. One of the latest entries into the market, the Exquis by Intuitive Instruments, promises to push the boundaries of how musicians interact with digital instruments. Unveiled at NAMM 2024, the Exquis offers a fresh approach to musical expression through its unique design and advanced MPE functionality. In this review, we’ll explore the practical applications of this innovative controller, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and how it changes the traditional approach to music production.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Exquis stands out for its sleek, modern appearance. The design is compact, making it ideal for musicians who need portability without sacrificing functionality. Its patented note layout is one of its most distinctive features, organizing semitones, thirds, and scales in an intuitive way. Unlike conventional MIDI controllers with a piano-style keyboard, the Exquis offers a fresh approach that simplifies the process of playing and composing non-traditional harmonies and scales.
The Exquis is lightweight and sturdy, designed with performers and producers who are constantly on the move in mind. However, musicians accustomed to traditional keyboard layouts may find the adjustment period slightly challenging, as the unique arrangement requires some adaptation. Despite this, the tactile feel of the controller provides a satisfying level of control, allowing for smooth and expressive play.
Expressiveness and MPE Compatibility
The defining feature of the Exquis is its MPE functionality, which allows for individual control over multiple parameters—such as pitch, velocity, and modulation—for each note. This feature brings a new level of expressiveness to performances, especially for musicians who thrive on dynamic control. For example, musicians can bend notes, apply aftertouch, or modulate sounds in real-time, much like how string or wind instrument players can manipulate their sounds.
This controller is particularly well-suited for genres that demand nuanced expression, such as ambient music, experimental compositions, or even film scoring, where subtlety is key. Producers can also benefit from its versatility in shaping sounds, whether working with synthesizers or software-based instruments. The Exquis makes it easier to inject emotion into tracks through touch, making it a valuable asset for sound designers and producers looking for that extra layer of depth.
In practical terms, MPE compatibility enhances workflow by allowing for intricate sound manipulation without the need for heavy automation afterward. Instead, musicians can create dynamic, evolving sounds in real-time, providing a more hands-on approach to sound design.
Practical Applications in Music Production
The Exquis truly excels in real-world music production, offering tools that streamline the creative process. One of its greatest strengths lies in its ability to reduce the need for post-recording adjustments. With traditional MIDI controllers, producers often need to spend time automating parameters like pitch bends, aftertouch, and modulation after recording. With the Exquis, these gestures can be performed live, providing instant, real-time control over the sound.
This real-time capability is invaluable for sound designers and producers who work with synthesizers, samplers, or any instrument that can benefit from continuous modulation. Instead of relying on automation, the Exquis gives producers direct control, making the production process faster and more creative. Additionally, for live performances, the Exquis is a powerful tool that allows for complex sound manipulation on stage without the need to constantly adjust settings or switch between different controllers.
However, it’s worth noting that the level of expression provided by the Exquis may not be necessary for all genres. Producers working in more structured genres like electronic dance music (EDM) or hip-hop, where rigid rhythms and sounds dominate, may not find full use for the controller’s extensive expressive capabilities.
Modern Approach vs. Conventional Controllers
What sets the Exquis apart from its traditional counterparts is its focus on expression. While standard MIDI controllers offer velocity sensitivity and basic modulation, the Exquis allows musicians to control multiple parameters for each individual note. This multidimensional control gives it a performance quality that standard keyboards simply can’t match, particularly for musicians interested in detailed sound shaping.
The patented note arrangement also facilitates easy exploration of non-traditional scales and harmonies, making it a favorite among musicians who enjoy experimenting with different musical structures. This design is especially appealing to avant-garde musicians and composers who prioritize creativity and experimentation over traditional techniques.
On the flip side, some musicians may find the Exquis’ layout unfamiliar or even unnecessary for their specific style of music. Keyboardists who are deeply ingrained in traditional piano or synthesizer playing might find the Exquis difficult to adapt to, and its unconventional design might not be intuitive for those looking for a more straightforward setup.
Conclusion: A Bold New Approach to Music Creation
The Exquis by Intuitive Instruments is not just another MIDI controller; it’s a bold reimagining of how musicians interact with sound in the digital age. Its MPE functionality opens up new possibilities for expressive play, while its unique layout encourages musicians to think outside the box when composing and performing. Although the learning curve may be steep for those used to traditional controllers, the potential for creativity makes the Exquis an exciting tool for sound designers, experimental musicians, and live performers alike.
For those looking to break away from the conventional and explore a more fluid, expressive approach to music production, the Exquis is a standout option. Its innovative design, combined with practical features like real-time modulation, make it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit. While it may not be for everyone, its forward-thinking approach offers something truly unique in the world of music technology.
Strengths:
- Expressive MPE Functionality – The Exquis excels in offering multidimensional control, allowing musicians to manipulate pitch, modulation, and velocity for each individual note. This level of expressiveness is perfect for sound designers and performers who rely on nuanced control in genres like ambient and experimental music.
- Unique Layout – Its patented note arrangement simplifies complex harmonies and scales, making it easier to explore new musical ideas that traditional keyboards might not support as intuitively. This feature is particularly appealing to avant-garde musicians and producers who value creativity over conventional methods.
- Portability and Build Quality – Lightweight and compact, the Exquis is a solid choice for musicians who need a portable controller without compromising on functionality. Its durable design makes it a great option for live performances and mobile setups.
- Enhanced Workflow – The ability to record real-time modulation reduces the need for extensive post-recording automation, speeding up the production process and allowing for more spontaneous creativity in both studio and live environments.
Weaknesses:
- Steep Learning Curve – For musicians accustomed to traditional MIDI controllers or piano keyboards, the Exquis’ unique layout might take time to get used to. The non-standard note arrangement and touch-based interface could be challenging for those deeply ingrained in conventional playing styles.
- MPE Software Compatibility – While MPE is gaining traction, not all DAWs and plugins fully support it yet. This could limit the Exquis’ functionality depending on the software environment, requiring additional setup or compatible plugins to fully utilize its capabilities.
- Excessive Features for Some Genres – The controller’s expressive capabilities might feel unnecessary for musicians working in more rigid genres, like EDM or hip-hop, where high levels of modulation and dynamic control aren’t always required.
- Limited Physical Feedback – The touch-based interface, while innovative, lacks the tactile feedback of traditional keys or pads. Some musicians may miss the physical response when playing, especially during more percussive or rhythm-focused performances.
Best For: Sound designers, experimental musicians, and live performers seeking expressive control.
