New MIDI Controller from Encore Electronics

(Click for a close-up)

Encore Electronics has just released the Slidemate ($249) programmable MIDI controller, featuring a total of 120 programmable controls arranged as 15 banks of 8 faders. Each one can be assigned to any MIDI channel and programmed to be a SYSEX message, standard controller, NRPN, or RPN message, making it useful for editing rack effects and sound modules, keyboards, software synths, DAWs, etc.

A soft rubber base prevents it from moving around while in use. It also provides a Scene/Panic button for added utility. The Slidemate can be programmed from an included Windows or Mac application. Once programmed, the Slidemate will operate without the application. The application supports tons of popular and not so popular synths, and more definitions are being added regularly, and can be downloaded Encore's website.