The idea for this venture was born from my own experience with MIDI hardware that never quite met my specific needs while composing and recording music. You can find more details on this in the Background section.

Since then, the project has evolved far beyond a hobbyist pursuit. Today, SynthHead operates as a formal business focused on the professional development of MIDI controller hardware. Step by step, I am navigating the complexities of bringing a product to the German and European markets. Based on my journey so far, I can already say: it’s a challenging path, but an incredibly rewarding and exciting one.

I’m grateful for everyone who joins me on this journey, whether you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, or simply reach out with a question or comment via email.

Best, Eric

To control these VSTs, I use an Alesis MIDI keyboard and a Behringer MIDI controller alongside my mouse and keyboard. However, there are several areas where I’ve always seen room for improvement.

My Motivation for SynthHead

In my view, an "ideal" MIDI controller would solve the following pain points found in current devices:

• The configuration of devices with the available Windows tools has always felt "clunky", confusing and time-consuming to me. Instead of oversized, colorful buttons, I’m looking for a table-based interface that allows me to define the settings for all buttons and encoders quickly and efficiently.

• Once a controller is set up, the mapping of buttons and faders can be changed via alternative programs or profiles, but the switch takes time and isn't available at the touch of a button or on a temporary basis. A device that solves this would allow me to manage all my VSTs simultaneously with a single piece of hardware.

• MIDI controllers often use analog, resistance-based knobs or sliders (potentiometers). These have the major disadvantage of having two fixed end-points and a set range in between. As a result, they have to be "hooked" into the current DAW values by turning them once before they actually start changing anything. If you adjust a value directly in the DAW using a mouse or keyboard, the physical controller loses its link and must be re-synced. My dream controller would actively adopt settings from the DAW, ideally display them and require no manual adjustment thanks to the use of rotary encoders.

• It would also be great to have the ability to update and expand a MIDI controller. This would pave the way for functional upgrades or bug fixes. Ideally, this would be handled by the same configuration tool used to program the controller's buttons.

Would this work?

I am a Graduate Engineer in Computer Engineering (BA) and, through my professional experience as a software developer for over 30 years, I am perfectly equipped to program microcontrollers, web applications and PC software. Through my hobbies, which include building my own audio amplifiers and electronics for RC models in addition to making music, I am well-versed in developing electronic circuits and PCB layouts.

Technically speaking, I feel more than capable of developing a MIDI controller.

However, SynthHead also takes me into completely new territory. This includes, among other things, running a business in Germany as well as all the steps required to reach market readiness and launch a product in Europe and potentially other continents.

I am aware that these factors carry risks for the project's success, but:

For me, SynthHead is a project where there is an incredible amount to learn. It is interesting, intense and a little bit thrilling all at once. So, let’s see how it evolves.

My passion for this is certain!