HakenAudio’s ContinuuMini: Micro-Sensitive, Macro-Expressive

The Haken ContinuuMini is introduced as a compact yet formidable instrument, purpose-built for those who demand expressive control and sonic depth from their tools. Despite its modest footprint, the ContinuuMini is positioned as a polyphonic MIDI controller and synthesizer that stands apart from mere gadgets or entry-level devices. The video’s presenter, Josh Madoff, is quick to dispel any notion that this is a toy, emphasizing its role as a serious instrument for both performance and sound design.

From the outset, the ContinuuMini’s design philosophy is clear: it’s about maximizing sensitivity and playability. The instrument leverages a highly responsive ribbon controller surface, capable of translating the subtlest finger movements into nuanced musical gestures. This approach allows performers to infuse even basic sounds with a level of emotion and detail that rivals acoustic instruments. The video underscores how this micro-sensitive interface forms the backbone of the ContinuuMini’s appeal, making it a compelling choice for musicians seeking a tactile, expressive workflow.

At the heart of the ContinuuMini’s expressive capabilities are its four finely-tuned Hall effect sensors, each sampled at 14-bit resolution. This technical detail isn’t just spec-sheet fodder—it translates directly into a playing surface that’s 64 times more accurate than standard 8-bit controllers. The result is a ribbon that responds instantly and precisely to finger position, pressure, and subtle gestures, giving performers granular control over pitch, dynamics, and timbre.

A standout feature highlighted in the video is the pitch-assistance function known as rounding. Rounding can be dialed in via the onboard menu or the free Haken Editor, allowing users to define how strictly the instrument quantizes pitch. With rounding set to zero, the ContinuuMini behaves like an acoustic instrument, rewarding precise ear-hand coordination. At 100%, it snaps to perfect tuning, making it accessible for those who want more traditional synth accuracy. This flexible approach to pitch control, combined with the tactile feedback from internal springs, enables both virtuosic expression and practical playability.

The ContinuuMini’s internal EaganMatrix sound engine is the centerpiece of its digital architecture, offering over 500 presets that span a vast range of sonic territory. This isn’t just a preset player—the EaganMatrix is described as an ecosystem where performer, instrument, and sound interact in a feedback loop. Each preset can be deeply programmed, with patch points mapped to varying degrees of human input, from fully automated to entirely finger-controlled. This flexibility is what gives the ContinuuMini its reputation for bridging the gap between performer and sound designer.

Workflow is further enhanced by the ability to store up to 128 user presets directly on the device, with unlimited storage available via computer. The video also demonstrates how overlays, such as the Loris resynthesis engine, expand the EaganMatrix’s capabilities, allowing users to analyze and replay audio recordings as playable presets. Macro controls, accessible via external MIDI controllers, provide rapid access to sound-shaping parameters, while the internal effects section rounds out the engine with reverbs, delays, and analog-style echoes. The EaganMatrix is thus positioned as not just powerful, but also adaptable to a wide range of creative contexts.

Performance on the ContinuuMini is shaped by features like Duotactic control, which allows two-note polyphony with a shared dynamic envelope. While this might seem like a limitation, the video demonstrates how it can be leveraged for expressive techniques—such as slap bass articulations or guitar-like slides—by varying pressure and finger placement. The surface’s extreme sensitivity ensures that each performance is unique, capturing the nuances of touch in a way that feels organic and band-like.

Integration with external hardware and software is a major theme. The ContinuuMini supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) and can be mapped to control both MPE-capable and standard MIDI synths. The video walks through examples with Cherry Audio’s Miniverse and DC-0106, as well as classic analog gear like the Moog Minitaur and Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08. Users can assign pressure and Y-axis gestures to any MIDI CC, set custom pitch bend ranges, and even split polyphony across multiple controllers. This flexibility makes the ContinuuMini a versatile hub for both studio and DAWless rigs, supporting a wide spectrum of creative workflows.