Keith McMillen Instruments has received enough Kickstarter pledges to introduce the QuNeo pad controller for musicians. The device integrates 27 pads, sliders and rotary sensors, with each sensor able to distinguish pressure, velocity and the exact location of touch input. Multiple LEDs in several colors are fitted beneath the opaque input locations, providing feedback and reference.
The controller works like many existing options, however its multi-touch capabilities bring a high level of customizability. Users can assign specific parameters or different samples for various XY positions on the drum pads, with further settings tied to force and velocity.
Designer Keith McMillen decided to build the QuNeo using nearly the same overall dimensions as the iPad 2, enabling users to take advantage of iPad stands, cases and other accessories.
The QuNeo project has already passed far beyond its original pledge goal, though interested parties can still pledge $200 or more to receive one of the controllers before they arrive in stores. A $240 pledge adds a MIDI Expander, which is necessary to connect the device via standard MIDI connections.
