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Talking to hardware synth friends about plugins often comes up with the same answers: just virtual, mouse-or controller-based operation facing a screen, no life in the instruments, etc. To improve this workflow, companies like Native Instruments have developed controllers with the NKS technology, or even dedicated MIDI controllers for soft synths. Soundforce is one of those who builds very specific controllers. USB MIDI controller dedicated to u-he’s Repro-1.

The newest product of this company is the SFC-1, a new USB MIDI controller dedicated to the excellent U-he Repro-1 Synthesizer plugin. It features 51 pots, 41 slide switches, 6 tactile switches, and offers full control over all parameters including the effect section. If you want to program Repro-1 like a real Pro-1 then this is probably the ideal controller for you.

Overview

The SoundForce SFC-1 is a class-compliant USB MIDI controller dedicated to u-he’s Repro-1. With a whopping total of 51 pots, 41 slide switches, and 6 tactile switches, you can control every single MIDI-mappable parameter of the plugin in analog fashion. The awesome effect chain is also fully-covered on the bottom section of the controller.

Every control is assigned to a default CC number, but that can be changed using our control panel app in Google Chrome. A shift button unlocks an alternative channel for each pot, allowing you to control potentially 51 extra parameters. Even more, user-specific controls are possible with the extra set of user-assignable switches and pots.

The enclosure is made of 100% sheet metal. The case is made of bent steel and powder coated in black. The front panel is aluminum, also powder coated and screen printed with scratch-proof white ink. Please note that the final product will have a plain black powder coat, not structured like the pictures are showing. Discrete and minimalistic wooden pieces of 6 mm thickness are added to the sides. Dimensions are: 380 mm x 173 mm x 55 mm (Length x Width x Height).

The SFC-1 is a boutique controller manufactured in small batches in the Netherlands. A lot of operations are still performed by hand and automation is used when possible to improve quality and processes.

U-he Repro-5 Review

Soundforce SFC-1 is available now for pre-order for 329€ including VAT for EU customers and 271€ outside the EU in the official webshop. The controller will start to ship in June and 100 pieces will be made in the first batch.

You can come to check it out at Prolight+Sound/Musikmesse in Frankfurt (on Thursday and Friday only, in Hall 8 Booth B10 – Audio Maker Square) and Superbooth in Berlin (Booth O501).

More information here: Soundforce

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