Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control DAW Controller

Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control

Motorized MIDI controller for DAW, plug-ins and hardware

The Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control is a compact motorized MIDI controller that makes software and hardware controllable in an unusually direct way. Instead of static knobs, you get motorized knobs that automatically move into position when loading sessions, plug-ins and mappings. This creates a workflow that is not only faster, but also much more tangible. You don't just see the sound on the screen, you can feel it directly under your fingers.

The combination of haptic control, instant recall and deep DAW integration is particularly exciting. Roto-Control retrieves track names, colors and plug-in parameters directly from supported sessions, creating a way of working that feels much more immediate than classic mouse clicking.

Three operating modes for different workflows

Roto-Control works in three modes that adapt to different production situations.

In Mix mode, the controller controls DAW tracks directly and automatically synchronizes track names, colors and order from Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio and Logic Pro. Even large sessions with many tracks remain clear and quickly accessible.

In plug-in mode, plug-in names and parameters are adopted directly. Once assignments have been learned, the device saves them locally so that they are immediately available again later. This makes the workflow on different computers or in changing setups particularly convenient.

In MIDI mode, Roto-Control also controls external Hardware and software stand-alone without a computer. Up to 64 MIDI setups, each with 64 assignments, can be saved, imported and exported.

New functions: native Max support

With the latest update, the Roto-Control now supports Cycling '74 Max directly in plug-in mode. This is particularly exciting for anyone who builds their own instruments, audio effects, MIDI tools or performance setups in Max. The motorized controllers, the Learn function and the haptic Feedback transfer the visual Max world into direct physical operation.

This makes Roto-Control not only a controller for ready-made software, but also a creative interface for completely individual Max projects.

New functions: deep Logic Pro integration

Logic Pro is now also supported in much greater depth. In Mix Mode, Roto-Control takes track names, colors and track order directly from the session and offers quick access to volume, pan, sends, mute, solo, record arm and track focus.

In plug-in mode, Logic instruments and effects can be browsed directly on the device and assigned via touch-and-learn. In addition, Smart Controls are automatically mapped and are available both in Plugin Mode and in their own Smart Mode. This makes Roto Control particularly attractive for Logic users, as many work steps can be carried out directly from the session at Hardware.

Compact, versatile and ready for studio or stage

Despite its extensive possibilities, Roto-Control remains pleasantly compact and portable. With two USB-C ports, MIDI In/Out/Thru and MIDI over USB, the controller is versatile and can be integrated into both modern and classic setups. It also works seamlessly with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio and Logic Pro.

As an added bonus, new devices now also come with a Bitwig Studio 8-track license. This makes it particularly easy to get started and provides a suitable production environment straight away.