26 thoughts on “Soundforce Intros SFC-Mini V4 Minimoog Software MIDI Controller”

1. With all of the hollering for something new, I’m amused to see that so many people are committed to the format that these controllers keep appearing. Wavetables and granular modules are impressive, but people still want that ‘old’ sound and knobs they can grab.

   1. These are for old people. Kids moved on to the fun stuff.

   2. Becasue controlling things that way simply works!
      Thats why other hardware looks the way it does, like fork and knive, like a bycicle …

2. Costs more than a real Roland SE-02 or a Behringer Model D. Interesting.

   1. The Model D doesn’t have patch memory, requires audio, power and MIDI connections to a mixer or audio interface and wanders out of tune. There are advantages to working in-the-box, and having a 1-to-1 controller is really convenient. Not everyone wants to do it the old and difficult way just because “it’s cheaper.”

3. Making controllers for Minimoog software seems like a old Scratched vinyl..

   I would on the other hands love to see dedicated controllers for plugins based on high-end effect devices example Lexicon 480l…

4. Honestly I don’t really understand this kind of MIDI controller. The Model D costs $250…
   To be truly appealing, it shouldn’t cost more than $100.

   1. I’ll give you 3 reasons:
      – You can’t build this for 100,- and also buy bread to feed yourself.
      – Behringer Model D probably doesn’t feel as nice in use as this controller.
      – If you’re ITB only this is probably the best you can get vs a real Minimoog.

   2. The Model D is very different inside, it doesn’t send parameters and so you can’t save presets. This does look very nice. But I see your point, I’m not sure how a studio workflow with this would look. I think this would need to be kept plugged in all the time, otherwise there’d be too much friction.

      1. @MrMidi If you curious about workflow, in the video above Alex is demonstrating how the workflow especially concerning multi-tracks.

         1. Thank you, I agree it looks to fit in very smoothly especially if you’re doing a lot of minimoog stuff.

   3. It’s not about acquiring a Minimoog at the lowest cost, it’s about getting a unique tool for a workflow that didn’t exist before. The 2-way communication is completely new and unique innovation for this plugin+controller workflow . My user target group is not people that want cheap mono synths without presets/total recall. It’s obviously plugin users/fans.

      There are no other ways to control Minimoog-style plugins with a dedicated interface. This is literally the only product on the market that does this exact thing and is supporting all of the minimoog plugins out there.

      The pricing is normal for boutique and small-scale manufacturing. My margins are even on the low side comparing to some of my colleagues.

      1. I think the price is quite reasonable. Also, if you assume this product is out to compete with a cheap Minimoog clone, you’re clearly missing the point of why these kinds of controllers are around in the first place.
         Though, to be fair, this is far less likely to happen if the plugin isn’t based on a real world device.

         That said, I can’t say I’ve never cared for the Mini itself, but if someone was to make e.g. a controller for Sumu I’d happily slap down 500-600 for that.

      2. Interesting piece, nice implementation of controls. Was surprised and pleased that Plugiator support was included. Would this translate to a Minimax Klangbox?

5. That’s an insane price.

   1. The pricing is normal for boutique and small-scale manufacturing. My margins are even on the low side comparing to some of my colleagues.

      My mission is to make the best hardware I possibly can for my customers, not to align my prices with a company that has a history of questionable practices and a full in-house factory in the manufacturing beating heart of the world.

6. Very nice but agreed. Price 100-max 200 but the asked price is over the top

7. I don’t think it can sell well with this price.

8. People who feel a need for it will buy.

   I have the SFC-OB, I use it with the Arturia OP-Xa, and it’s amazing. You simply create differently with it. Easier to get new ideas, how to modulate some parameters, etc. It’s literally hands-on, more body action, less intellectual. I love it.

   Only for advanced things I still need to use the mouse (effects, custom modulations, advanced stereo options).

   Yes, it can feel expensive for what it is, but it’s such a niche product, made by an one person, I’m grateful it simply exists.

   1. Sounds great, I am tempted. But where do you keep it? I don’t have desk space for loads of these, and if I have to dig them out and switch around usb cables, that’s enough friction that I might not bother. Perhaps it is mainly for people who gravitate to one particular softsynth.

      1. Yes, you’re right. I love the OP-Xa VST and wanted an easier/faster/more inspiring way to dial presets than clicking and dragging. It’s my go-to synth at the moment, so I keep it on my desk, on a stand to keep at 45 degrees. I don’t have anything else, apart from a mixing controller and a MIDI keyboard.

         For someone using many different synths on a project most of the time, it probably doesn’t make as much sense.

9. In the future every plugin will have its dedicated controller

10. I have the SoundForce Juno controller and it’s awesome. I very rarely need to open the plugin window, because I can do nearly everything with the controller. The TAL Juno plugin also updates the controller LEDs when changing patches.

    Yeah it’s not cheap, but it’s a one-man company (AFAIK) doing small runs of niche hardware, and the build quality is solid.

11. I wouldn’t mind a dedicated Roland JD800 controller with a layout that replaces the original JD faders with ribbon-style touch strips and LED feedback.

12. I do wish to see larger units as the compromise to deal with mini faders and buttons is not something I look forward to personally.
    EG: If the SFC-60 V3 had fader caps I probably would’ve bought it already.

13. I’ve read above that “These (controllers) are for old people”. Furthermore, this person added that “Kids moved on to the fun stuff”. I’ve also read above “(this controller) shouldn’t cost more than $100”. Well here, lets put this house in order : 1) “Fun stuff” qualifies playing synths as a “hobby” that is very expensive for most people (especially for “kids”). A synth (or a VST plugin) is more like a “tool” for making music. 2) No matter what age you are, you’ll want to use these “tools” so you can achieve good results. In the case of VST plugins, using a mouse to drag “virtual knobs” on screen is not very inspiring and can distract you from your original song idea. The point about owning an SFC-Mini V4 is to bring your song idea to life quickly, so you don’t end up losing your inspiration. 3) You could not make a MIDI controller for $100, even if you tried to make it cheap. The SFC-Mini V4 is a quality musical instrument made to control specific VST plugins, and today’s VST plugins faithfully replicate original instruments. You can feel the quality knobs and switches when using the SFC-Mini V4. It is the closest thing to using the original instrument, when controlling a VST plugin. Now, why use a VST plugin instead a real synth? a) Analog instruments generate background noise, making recorded tracks “dirty”, and this adds up when recording multiple tracks, b) with a VST plugin, you’ll be able to memorize various sounds on your computer and try them out instantly (using a MIDI sequence on your DAW), something you can’t do with the original instrument or the “copy instrument” that have no sound memory, and c) it is possible to have as many instances as you’d like of your VST plugin on your DAW, all playing at the same time. …If your goal is making a hit song, the SFC-Mini V4 will certainly help you put a good bass line on it.