Lead Machine

The Lead Machine is a MIDI controller that augments the expressive capabilities of existing MIDI instruments primarily in lead playing or soloing. The high precision joystick is very flexible in its function and natively supports pitch bend range manipulation. Configurations are stored in user-customizable presets and can be accessed through the buttons on the device. These configurations can change the functions of sensors, including their MIDI mapping, as well as the current pitch bend range settings. Pitch bend ranges can also be temporarily modified by pressing the joystick in or pressing the trigger button. This opens up an avenue for spontaneity in soloing that isn’t traditionally available with lead keyboard. The video game controller form factor allows more fingers to participate in Continuous Control, deepening the expressive possibilities that are allowed through MIDI. It can be handheld or suspended by the industry standard 1/4”-20 mounting options, including tripods and goosenecks.

The Lead Machine brings multiple dimensions of control and high-resolution pitch bending to a more affordable price point. It also introduces variable pitch bend ranges so that keyboards and other digital controllers can bend notes much like a guitar can: to whatever degree is desired at the moment. Here’s an example of what’s possible with the Lead Machine: one preset has a bend range of -2 semitones and +2 semitones, with the dial wheel mapped to the filter of a synthesizer. Pushing the joystick up increases vibrato depth, and pushing it down adds a harmonic to a concurrent tone. When another preset button is pressed, those functions shift to a bend range of -12 semitones and +2 semitones instead, with the dial wheel now mapped to a distortion effect, while not impacting the vibrato and harmonic mappings. This is just the tip of the iceberg of limitless possibilities afforded by this multi-dimensional control.

A keyboardist in a band with a MIDI keyboard that has few to no continuous controllers can, with the help of some free software, for a low cost, transform their instrument into an expressive powerhouse. With the Lead Machine, they can now play lead lines, duel their guitarist, and find other creative ways to augment their role in the group.