Sound on Sound Reviews CMPSR

Sound On Sound magazine recently put Digit Music's CMPSR controller under the microscope, and it's safe to say that this device is not your typical MIDI controller. Bridging the worlds of gaming and music, the CMPSR is a fascinating fusion that challenges the conventions of music production.

At first glance, the CMPSR might remind you of a gaming device, with its industrial-looking joystick and vibrant RGB LEDs. Yet, this class-compliant MIDI device is all about music, generating notes and chords with a creative twist. Its design, reminiscent of a 1980s mobile phone, is geared for handheld use, offering a new level of physical interaction in music creation.

How does the CMPSR work?

Central to the CMPSR's functionality is its centre-weighted joystick, an innovative interface for playing notes. Moving the joystick in any of its eight compass directions plays a major scale octave, from C to C. The velocity-sensitive joystick brings dynamics into play, with the speed of movement affecting the loudness or brightness of the notes.

The device's buttons are more than just selectors; they transform the CMPSR's capabilities. From sustaining notes to enabling chord mode, where the joystick plays triads, the buttons offer an array of musical options. Adding extensions or generating inversions with the press of a button, the CMPSR simplifies complex musical tasks.

CMPSR in action

The Sound On Sound review highlights the CMPSR's performative strengths. Its simple voicing algorithms, coupled with clever use in a digital audio workstation (DAW), allow for surprisingly intricate performance. Whether it's generating Philip Glass-like arpeggios in Bitwig Studio or acting as a gestural controller, the CMPSR shows off its versatility.

The CMPSR stands out as a unique MIDI controller, combining the playfulness of a game controller with the precision of a musical instrument. Its chord voicing may be basic, but with thoughtful programming in a DAW, it reveals its true potential. Whether used wirelessly for an untethered performance or as an additional MIDI controller, the CMPSR combines music and gaming into an instrument game-changer.



Sound On Sound's review of the CMPSR paints a picture of a MIDI controller that's not just innovative but also inspiring. It's a testament to Digit Music's commitment to pushing the boundaries of music technology, creating tools that invite musicians to rethink how they interact with their craft.

To dive deeper into this intriguing device, be sure to check out the full review in Sound On Sound magazine. The CMPSR might just be the creative spark you've been looking for in your musical journey.

• You can learn more about CMPSR by heading to the CMPSR product page.
• MusicRadar interviewed Digit Music to find out about CMPSR: check out the story.
• To see and hear CMPSR in action, head to the Digit Music YouTube channel.