Snapshot-Based Standalone MIDI Control Center

Neuzeit Instruments has announced DROP, soon to be seen at Superbooth. They describe it as a new snapshot-based standalone MIDI control center for live performers.

A spokesperson told us, "You can connect complex hardware setups to one controller interface and have direct access to all your gear, be it hardware or software. Thanks to snapshots, parameters can be saved and recalled on-the-fly. In combination with a beat clock, snapshots can also be timed just right to create buildups and drops in your music. This is only one aspect of this feature-packed device."

Here's the details direct from the company...

This year we are introducing DROP - a snapshot-based standalone MIDI control center for live performers.

With DROP you can map your live equipment across devices, easily capture controller positions as a snapshot and recall them during the performance.
The internal master clock allows you to pre-schedule snapshots and fire them off at exactly the right time at the end of a cycle of 1-32 bars. This makes build-ups and drops a simple matter, even in complex live setups.

The MIDI master clock can be sent to each of the 2x USB-C and 4x TRS outputs with an individual millisecond delay so that all devices run in perfect sync. The MIDI merge function can be used to integrate sequencers or keyboards and distribute their signals to the other devices. Each controller also offers macro mapping so that it can operate several destinations simultaneously, even with individual curves.

The two USB-C ports feature automatic device/host detection, so you can connect your synthesizers as well as other MIDI controllers or laptops. A script for Ableton Live's Clip Launcher with RGB LED feedback is also available.

We will be showcasing DROP as the centerpiece of a complete live setup at this year's Superbooth.

Specifications:
- Connect all your live performance gear to one master controller
- 20 banks with 20 snapshots to store and recall the state of all controls
- 32 push-encoders without detents, 8 mutes, 8 faders, duplicated on 2 layers A/B
- 2 x MIDI USB-C port, automatic device or host detection
- 4 x MIDI In and 4 x MIDI Out via TRS type A or B
- 2 x CV-In and 2 x CV-Out for clocks and 0-5V control signals
- Macro mappings, up to 8 MIDI targets and individual curves per control
- Merge incoming MIDI (e.g. from a sequencer) with Drop's MIDI out
- MIDI clock in/out with individual millisec delays to perfectly sync all gear
- CCs, Notes, 14-bit CCs, program+bank change, Aftertouch, Pitchbend
- Ableton clip launcher (script available) and note keyboard mode
- Fast and intuitive mapping on the device itself - no external software required
- Powered through USB-C or external power supply (included)
- Solid metal chassis, metal shaft encoders, built to last

Pricing and Availability:
Pricing TBA. Release date: Late summer 2025.

More information:

• DROP

• Superbooth 22: Neuzeit Instruments - Quasar 16-May-22