Getting tired of running out of inspiration and ideas using your standard MIDI controller?
Crack Open Your
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With Intuitive Instruments
Exquis!
EXQUIS - The expressive MPE controller and intuitive software to produce, perform and learn music. Exquis (pronounced hex-key) is an expressive MIDI controller with a hexagonal backlit keyboard. Compatible with all MIDI synthesizers, modular synthesizers, music software, and optimized for its dedicated app. Complementary and independent, the Exquis keyboard and app provide easy access to sound control and harmony, and propose an efficient workflow to create both live or in studio. Exquis is a concentration of innovations that are useful for musicians of all levels:
● By default, Exquis's hexagonal matrix of keys puts notes that sound good together (thirds) next to one another: chords are built with ergonomic shapes, easy to play, learn and understand.
● The backlit keys allow the player to display any musical scale (or any custom map), guiding the player on the right path. More than 350 scales are available!
● The keys are independently velocity, pressure, and inclination-sensitive (MIDI Polyphonic Expression protocol) ; the silicone of the keys is both firm enough to play percussion and short notes with precision, and soft enough to modulate long notes with sensitivity.
● The unique creative workflow (buttons on the keyboard + app) allows anyone to create a song in rhythm within minutes and very simple gestures : picking a sound, recording loops, and composing songs live or programming them in advance.
Intuitive Instruments Exquis NEW v2-1 is here! This Update adds a new Ableton Live integration!
Specifications
● Category: MIDI Controller
● Keyboard: 61 hexagonal keys with pressure (Z axis) and inclination sensitivity (X and Y axis) and RGB backlight
● Knobs: 4x 360° encoder with push switch and RGB feedback
● Buttons: 10x push buttons (silicon + conductive ink technology) with RGB backlight
● Slider: 6-zone or 1 continuous capacitive slider with 6 RGB feedback
● USB-C port : Standard USB3.0 port, USB-C connector, 5V and 0.9 A max (Power consumption : 4.5 W max)
● MIDI IN and Midi OUT : Standard MIDI communication (serial communication), minijack stereo 3.5 mm (1/8'') connector, 5V and 5mA max
● CV "PITCH" and CV "MOD" : Continuous analog communication (Control Voltage), minijack stereo 3.5 mm (1/8'') connector, 0 to 5V and 20 mA max. 1kohms equivalent output impedance
● CV "GATE" : on/off analog communication (Control Voltage), minijack stereo 3.5 mm (1/8'') connector, 0 or 5V and 20 mA max. 1kohms equivalent output impedance
What’s in the box
- 1 x Exquis MPE MIDI Controller
- 1 x USB-C/USB-A cable (1 meter)
- 2 x 5-pin MIDI DIN / 3.5mm minijack
Exquis, the best expressive controller for Ableton Live!
Intuitive Instruments, the French company behind the award‐winning Exquis expressive MPE key‐board, unveils a triple update that turns its flagship instrument into the ultimate, lightweight and compact creative hub for Ableton Live users
Unlike pad‐centric grid controllers optimized for finger‐drumming and loop triggering, Exquis responds like a real acoustic
instrument: its 61 soft silicone keys, each with independent five‐dimension MPE control, provide the nuanced touch and
emotional depth needed for flowing melodies and harmonically rich chords.
Exquis Remote‐Control Script for Ableton Live
The brand‐new Python‐based Remote Script integrates Exquis seamlessly into Live’s native controller family, delivering
Launchpad‐style Session control and an instrument‐grade expressive touch—courtesy of its MPE twist—that makes playing
melodies and chords feel effortlessly natural:
• Session view – create, launch and delete clips or scenes without touching the mouse.
• Track mastery – arm, select, mute and solo any track, and get immediate access to volume, pan and aux sends
• Expressive performance – chords, melodies and drum racks flow through all 61 soft silicone keys with independant and
polyphonic 5 dimensions controls.
• Hands‐on transport & harmony – set Live’s tempo, root note and scale directly from Exquis.
• Per‐track note layouts – recall any of the keyboard’s eight onboard layouts (or your own customs) automatically when
you change tracks — instantly reconfiguring Exquis into a specific instrument for every track, be it a bass, a percussive grid,
or a soaring solo lead.
• One‐touch Favourites – call up Live racks or plugin presets in a heartbeat via Exquis’ exclusive favourites system.
• Device & mix control – tweak any parameter on any device and any track with using four
push encoders and ten action buttons.
The script installs like any official Ableton controller template and requires Live 12.
Firmware v2.1 — Poly‐Hold Sustain & Developer Mode
In keeping with Intuitive Instruments’ drive for constant refinement, firmware v2.1 delivers two
headline additions:
• Poly‐Hold Sustain – let chords ring out indefinitely while the onboard arpeggiator conti‐
nues to evolve.
• Developer Mode – an open MIDI API that exposes every hardware element—keys, en‐
coders, action buttons, RGB LEDs and even onboard memory—so developers can remap
behaviours, write custom DAW scripts or integrate Exquis into bespoke performance
setups.
The update also packs an array of stability improvements for an even smoother playing expe‐
rience.