The Erae Touch turned heads when it dropped, injecting fresh excitement into the MPE controller scene. Barely three years later, Embodme blindsided NAMM 2024 with the Erae II – a dramatically upgraded sequel boasting unexpected tricks up its sleeve.
Keep in mind this was a prototype, a glimpse of the Erae II in its raw form. Sure, there were a few digital gremlins lurking in the code, and the build had the charming imperfections of a work in progress. But rest assured, these are just early brushstrokes on a masterpiece. The canvas is still being painted, and the final product promises to be stunning. Mark your calendars: February 15th is when the Erae II’s Kickstarter campaign launches, with delivery slated for June.
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget
Imagine a surface, sleek and unbroken, pulsating with hidden light. This isn’t just another gadget; it’s a chameleon. Buried beneath that smooth expanse, RGB lights dance, painting layouts on demand. Keyboard, grid, a cascade of faders, or a rhythmic step sequencer – it morphs to your creative whim. Even in its nascent form, a clear refinement shines. It’s a design that understands its past: the allure of boundless customization, but acknowledges an over-reliance on clunky apps to tame its power. This is more than a controller; it’s a canvas waiting for your touch.
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Forget fumbling through menus. This update slaps a command deck right on top: layout switches, a MIDI looper control panel, and a settings shortcut buffet. Nestled up top, stage right, a pin-sharp screen hides beside a responsive jog wheel. The display? Crystal clear, viewed from any angle. But be warned, squintingmightbecome your new hobby. The text, showcasing MIDI assignments, is undeniably microscopic. Chalking it up to early firmware for now, but my hawk-eye skills were definitely put to the test.
The controller, however, felt alive. Sixteen thousand embedded sensors translated my every glide and nuanced pressure shift into immediate action. The company boasts sub-millimeter accuracy on the playing surface. While a true scientific test wasn’t feasible amidst the trade show chaos, the responsiveness was undeniable – it was like the controller anticipated my intentions.
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget
Unlocking the Erae’s true voice demands a delicate touch. Its unyielding surface means the subtlest shift in pressure can unleash a torrent of sonic expression – a steep learning curve for truly nuanced aftertouch.
The Erae II takes customization to a new level with swappable skins, echoing the spirit of the Sensel Morph and Joué Play – but with a twist. The review unit sported a familiar silicone cover, designed for drummers who want to unleash percussive power. However, the Erae II will ship with a sleek white fabric skin, engineered for enhanced tactile response and a more intimate connection for finger-style players.
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Swapping skins on the Erae isn’t a simple peel-and-stick affair, and that’s by design. Embodme envisions the Erae not just as a studio staple, but as a battle-ready instrument for the stage. To ensure your chosen skin survives even the most intense performances, it’s secured with screws, requiring a bit of hands-on customization. Think of it as a deliberate act of personalization. And forget pre-printed layouts; the Erae’s infinitely customizable display renders static markings obsolete. These skins are purely about feel, texture, and visual flair, letting you tailor not just how the Eraeworks, but how itfeelsunder your fingers.
Terrence O'Brien / Engadget
Forget limitations. The Erae II doesn’t just connect; itintegrates. Where the original offered a basic USB-C and TRS MIDI out, the Erae II explodes with possibilities. Picture this: dual MIDI outs driving complex hardware setups, a dedicated MIDI in for seamless synchronization, andtwoUSB ports, switchable between host and device modes for unparalleled flexibility. But the real magic? A staggering 24 configurable analog outputs, ready to unleash a torrent of gate, trigger, and CV signals to breathe life into your modular synths and vintage gear. The Erae II is not just an instrument; it’s the central nervous system of your entire sonic ecosystem.
The Erae II is still shrouded in mystery, but its innovative design and impressive specs have us hooked. Eager to be one of the first to experience it? Mark February 15th on your calendar. That’s when the Kickstarter campaign launches, offering early birds a chance to snag one for $549 or $649. Miss the Kickstarter? The Erae II hits retail later this year at $799.
Thanks for reading Embodme Erae II hands-on: A customizable MPE MIDI controller for your soft synths and analog gear
