OXI Instruments E16: Precision MIDI Control for the Modern Hybrid Rig

OXI Instruments introduces the E16 as a performance-focused MIDI controller, engineered for musicians seeking both precision and expressive control in their setups. The video opens with an emphasis on the E16’s design philosophy: to provide a creative powerhouse that balances intuition and performance. This isn’t just another MIDI box—the E16 aims to be the central nervous system of your electronic rig, whether in the studio or on stage.

The E16’s robust aluminum unibody and 16 metal endless encoders signal a commitment to durability and tactile feedback. OXI’s approach is clear: every function is accessible with a single shift button, keeping the workflow minimal and immediate. The device is positioned as a multi-scene controller, allowing users to command all their MIDI-equipped instruments from one place, without the need for menu-diving or cumbersome setup routines.

The E16’s scene system is a standout feature, letting users organize their setups into 16 scenes, each containing 12 pages of 16 controls—totaling up to 192 mappable parameters per scene. Scenes can be quickly accessed from the main page or via MIDI control changes, and each scene supports 16 presets for instant recall of complex states. This structure is ideal for managing multi-instrument rigs or shifting between performance setups on the fly.

Grouping and snapshots take the E16 beyond conventional MIDI controllers. Grouping allows multiple encoders to be linked, so a single master can control several parameters simultaneously—volumes, effects, or any mapped control. The polarity and intensity of each grouped control can be adjusted, enabling creative fades or inversions. Snapshots let you morph between two states of a page, perfect for transitions or exploring new textures. The record function captures encoder movements independently, creating unsynced, organic modulation loops that add evolving motion to your sound design.

While the E16 operates fully standalone, pairing it with the OXI App unlocks even greater flexibility. The app auto-recognizes the E16, facilitates firmware updates, and offers a graphical environment for building and managing synth definitions and control maps. Users can prepare setups on their computer and import them into the E16, streamlining the process for complex rigs. This synergy between hardware and software encourages exploration, pushing MIDI control beyond its traditional boundaries and opening new avenues for performance and sound design.