17. May 2025

RILEY

Synth Anatomy Unveils the Velours Devices Karl: Ready for Production!

At Superbooth 2025, synthanatomy dives into the world of Velours Devices Karl, a standalone MIDI controller that’s like nothing you’ve seen before. With Bruno at the helm, this device looks sleek and sounds promising. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.

Bruno's Big Reveal at Superbooth

Here’s the scene: Superbooth 2025, and everyone’s buzzing about the latest gear showcased. Synthanatomy bumps into Bruno from Velours Devices inside a fancier-than-usual booth. They hit us with the big news: Karl, a MIDI controller, is ready. This ain’t your ordinary controller, folks. Bruno and his team have been perfecting this bad boy since the last SinFest. The previous iteration got people drooling, and now it’s finally hitting production lines. Bruno’s excitement is palpable as he explains, Karl is no longer a dream—it’s happening. The anticipation is tangible, and we’re all just here for the ride.


Meet Karl: The Customizable Contender

Alright, let’s break this down. Karl isn’t just some run-of-the-mill controller. Imagine a setup where you’ve got endless encoders, all set on an embedded screen, giving you total control to customize. This thing is as flexible as a cat on a hot tin roof. Synthanatomy and Bruno dive into the sweet tech behind it: a display with encoders soldered onto it. It’s the lovechild of Swiss engineering precision and Parisian charm. The controller’s got a web-based app that lets you configure your musical world just the way you want it. You can practically draw your control layouts and map out your MIDI CCs however you need. Plus, it doesn’t matter if you’re off the grid or on the net, the app works both online and offline. That means even in a cabin upstate with zero bars, Karl’s got your back. And get this, once you’ve done your magic with the app, you load up your scene, take it off your computer, and let Karl fly solo. No strings attached, baby. This thing is genius for live performers who need reliable gear that doesn’t flinch under pressure.

Tech Talk: Inside the Controller Magic

Bruno isn’t shy about spilling the beans on what makes Karl tick. The technology here is patent-worthy, showcasing encoders that have electricity coursing through them via barely-visible wires. We’re talking next-level DIY spirit with high-end execution. Since synthanatomy loves a good peek under the hood, we get the details on the type of encoders and switches used. Everything’s geared for customization—Bruno even flexes a bit about how the display has been upgraded to shine brighter than last year’s model. But remember, with great display power comes the need for an external power source. What’s also tres cool? They’ve added an Ableton mode. It mirrors features akin to a Push 2 unit. Imagine seeing everything from tracks and clips mapped intuitively on Karl. Sound like your next must-have in the studio? Yeah, thought so. Whether you’re kicking it in Ableton or thinking about mapping out scenes on other DAWs in the future, Karl’s the gadget to watch. Bruno keeps it straight, revealing future plans for integrating with more DAWs, though it’s currently best buds with Ableton.


All the Bells and Whistles: Features Galore

When it comes to features, Karl’s got more flair than a jazz quartet. First, let’s talk hardware. Synthanatomy learns Karl’s packing MX switches now, upping the tactile game. We’re talking about a screen that won’t blind you with glare, rocking anti-reflective tech so you can see your setup clearly on a moonlit stage. And the tech team didn’t stop there; Karl’s gone ahead and integrated a Max for Live device. That’s right, your Ableton Live workflow just got real sleek, with mapping features direct from Ableton to Karl that simplify your jams. No convoluted setups, just pure groove. Plus, all buttons are as pushable as a doorbell on Halloween. Taking intuitive usability up a notch, this baby allows configuring each aspect from the color of the display to how each button functions. Whether you’re in standalone MIDI mode or wired up to a computer, you’re set to flex your creativity wide and large. It’s like Karl attended a business seminar to discover what musicians really need and came back with every bit of knowledge.

Price Tag Real Talk

Now, let’s shall we break the price ice here for a sec. Karl’s sitting at a hefty 2,000 euros mark, which might make feeding your synth obsession akin to dining at a Michelin star restaurant. You gotta keep in perspective, though. According to Bruno, Karl’s boasting some high-end hardware; those components pile up cost-wise, and they ain’t skimping on quality. There’s the major selling point: once set up, Karl pretty much runs the show. You might part with some cash initially, but think about the future savings on buying multiple different controllers. This one’s trying to be your one-device-to-rule-them-all. Pre-orders? Open now, and shipping kicks off in August. Synthanatomy wraps it up by noting Karl’s truly aiming for top-tier utility paired with versatile application. It’s a hefty chunk of change, sure, but for those riding the fast track in the music producing scene, this might just be the secret sauce you’ve been craving.