Touch Digital Controllers have launched their new company with the first product, the impOSCar2 Controller. This hardware controller was undoubtedly inspired by the GForce ImpOSCar 2 controller by Mario Jurisch (synth-project.de). Touch Digital Controllers Ltd was formed in 2010 by Richard Lawson and Kent Spong, both of whom have been working directly within the music industry for over a decade serving the vintage instrument community through their respective businesses: RL Music and KSR.
101 control inputs comprising; 83 knobs, 7 led lit buttons, 2 punch in/out switches and 9 momentary buttons with 9 linked led, midi in/out led, MIDI-in and 128 channel simultaneous USB and MIDI out processor. The 101 panel controls are all voltage controlled components so give the player the highest possible resolution into the digital domain. Beautiful custom made aluminium knobs – old school vibe!
The custom made USB/MIDI processor is the first commercially available 128 channel device in the world. To reduce costs (and size) we wanted this processor to be able to handle the maximum number of MIDI cc channels possible on a singe board. The processor is configured from Touch Digital to operate the impOSCar2 software instrument across only a single MIDI channel. This was the design brief from GForce but the processor is capable of transmitting simultaneously across 3 separate Midi channels. The impOSCar2 Controller conforms to industry standard MIDI protocols so can be used as a controller for any software instrument when utilising ‘midi learn.’
What’s under the bonnet: for some it’s what you can’t see thats important also so we can tell you that the deign philosophy encompassed the need to make the impOSCar2 Controllers circuitry elegant, robust and tour-worthy as well. All the pots have bean boarded to reduce cabling and assembly times, thus increasing reliability and longevity.
We know how they built synths in the old days so we took the best of the design ideas that worked in the 1970’s and 80’s and made sure these were employed in the impOSCar2 Controller when it came to how the instrument is manufactured/assembled and can survive the rigours of everyday use by demanding musicians.
Lots of knobs, big and small buttons and different coloured lights – something to feel and play with – quick visual and tactile feedback…fall in love with programming synths again!
The case has been fabricated from 2mm thick sheet steel which has then had 223 precision laser cut holes applied and then formed to make the design. The panels have then been powder-coated and oven baked for a hard wearing satin black finish. This whole process was handled by a precision engineering company based on our design brief and the finished chassis is the culmination of hundreds of hours work.
Precision engineered steel and powder-coated case. The Controllers panels functions, outlay, colours and artwork design have been produced with the full cooperation and approval of GForce. The final working instrument is an extremely close representation of the software graphical user interface (GUI). There are certain differences and some deeper software functions that cannot be replicated in the physical realm but on the ‘large’ GUI option within the impOSCar2 software instrument you can see the closest match to the Controller.
The vintage look – real and thick Oak and Mahogany wood end-cheeks and inserts – all beautifully finished by hand at the dedicated Touch Digital wood-working room – choice of ebony (satin black on English Oak) or natural (furniture grade) Mahogany….same wood as used on the early Minimoogs.
System requirements: As the impOSCar2 Controller is a MIDI device so is not dependent on any particular operating system or hardware platform as long as you have a Audio/MIDI device to process external MIDI into your computer or just a USB socket. You will need a USB cable (supplied) or MIDI cable and a power supply for the Controller (Also supplied).
The sales price for the impOSCar2 Controller is £749 UK Pounds – Plus VAT @ 20% (for EU customers only) and Shipping.