Drop MIDI Controller: Snapshot-Based Live Performance Hub

Introducing Drop: A MIDI Control Center for Live Electronic Music

Neuzeit Instruments presents Drop, a versatile MIDI controller designed to streamline live electronic music performances. It addresses a common challenge faced by performers: managing complex effects and controller settings during high-energy moments without losing control. Drop enables users to map MIDI equipment across multiple devices and save different controller positions as snapshots. These snapshots can be triggered instantly or scheduled to activate precisely at the end of a musical cycle, ensuring seamless transitions and tension building.

Snapshot and Timing Features for Live Sets

Drop offers two main modes for snapshot triggering: JUMP mode allows immediate switching between stored controller states, while DROP mode schedules snapshots to fire at the end of a cycle ranging from 1 to 32 bars. This feature is particularly useful for timing effects and controller changes to musical phrases, enhancing live dynamics without manual intervention. The device includes a master clock with adjustable bar cycles and quantization, allowing precise synchronization across connected gear.

Flexible Mapping and MIDI Integration

Mapping controllers and snapshots is performed directly on Drop without the need for external software, ensuring compatibility and ease of use. The device supports a wide range of MIDI commands, including 14-bit CCs (NRPN), program changes, bank selects, aftertouch, pitch bend, and notes. Each control can send up to eight different MIDI messages simultaneously with customizable response curves, enabling complex macro controls over multiple devices.

Connectivity and Synchronization

Drop features multiple MIDI ports: two USB-C ports with automatic host/device detection, and four MIDI In/Out ports via TRS jacks supporting types A and B. This allows connection to synthesizers, grooveboxes, keyboards, laptops, and other controllers. Each output port has independent MIDI channels and clock signals with adjustable latency down to milliseconds, ensuring perfect synchronization. Additionally, two CV outputs provide 0-5V control voltages or clock signals for modular setups.

MIDI Merging and Routing Capabilities

The device can merge incoming MIDI signals from external sequencers or keyboards with its own controller outputs, acting as a central MIDI hub. This feature eliminates the need for a laptop on stage by managing complex routing and allowing live play alongside sequenced parts. Drop also includes a resync button to realign all connected devices at the start of the next bar if synchronization is lost.

Ableton Live Integration and Mini Keyboard Mode

Drop’s 4×4 button matrix doubles as a clip launcher for Ableton Live when used with the provided script. It offers RGB LED feedback, clip and track play/stop, scene triggering, and synchronized scene start with snapshot drops. Without Ableton, the buttons function as a mini keyboard with customizable scales and transpose options, enabling note triggering without additional gear.

Build Quality and Power Options

The controller is housed in a robust metal chassis with metal faders, encoders, and soft-touch buttons designed for durability and professional touring. It can be powered via USB-C or an included external power supply with worldwide adapters, preventing ground loop issues common in USB setups. The package includes necessary cables and adapters for immediate use.

Features

20 banks with 20 snapshots each for storing controller states
32 push-encoders, 8 mutes, 8 faders on two layers (A/B)
2 USB-C MIDI ports with automatic host/device detection
4 MIDI In and 4 MIDI Out ports via TRS jacks (types A and B)
2 CV inputs and 2 CV outputs for clocks and control voltages
Macro mapping with up to 8 MIDI targets per control and individual curves
MIDI merge function for combining external and internal MIDI signals
Individual millisecond-adjustable MIDI clock delays per output
Support for CCs, notes, 14-bit CCs, program/bank changes, aftertouch, pitch bend
Ableton Live clip launcher script and mini keyboard mode
On-device mapping without external software
USB-C and external power supply with global adapters included
Solid metal construction with durable controls