New Treats for Control Freaks

This week has been exciting for enthusiasts of specialized MIDI controllers, with several new updates to products that bridge the gap between the hands-on experience of hardware and the flexibility of software synthesizers. Here's a rundown of the latest news and previews of MIDI controllers from SoundForce and GLT Audio, compatible with Cherry Audio synthesizers such as Mercury-8, Miniverse, and GX-80!

Cherry Audio’s Director of Marketing, Robert Saint John, provides a brief video demonstration here of the Mercury-8 virtual synthesizer with SoundForce SFC-8 MIDI controller. SFC-8 is specifically designed for Jupiter-8-style plugins, combining the tactile feel of hardware with the capabilities of software instruments. With the latest updates to both Mercury-8 and SFC-8, they create a powerful and satisfying combination. SFC-8 takes advantage of many of Mercury-8's key features like the layered split and dual modes, drift, the arp, and up to five User settings.

The latest SFC-8 firmware has been updated for Mercury-8, which you can get from the SoundForce website. The site also includes step-by-step documentation and a Web-MIDI Control Panel that configures the controllers MIDI CCs and allows you to save several configurations to match multiple software emulations of the JP-8. Soundforce SFC-8 is available now for approximately $559 from Perfect Circuit in the USA, and €499 or €412 for non-EU customers directly from the SoundForce webshop. Other global dealers are available.

Also from SoundForce and new this week is the SFC-Mini V4, a high-end, dedicated MIDI controller designed for the world’s leading Minimoog software emulations, including Cherry Audio's Miniverse. Featuring more than 65 hands-on controls arranged in an authentic Minimoog-style layout, SFC-Mini delivers a true analog-inspired workflow for modern producers.

Backed by over ten years of MIDI-hardware expertise, the SFC-Mini V4 is part of SoundForce’s newest generation of controllers. Its pots, sliders, and switches were chosen after extensive research and experimentation to deliver outstanding tactile response, long-lasting performance, and rock-solid reliability during assembly. Soundforce SFC-Mini V4 is available now from their webshop for $429/€429/£375. Other global dealers are available.

Also announced this week from GLT Audio is the PM-80, a dedicated MIDI controller for playing VSTs based on the legendary CS-80 synthesizer. GLT Audio has created the “Poor Man’s CS-80” — the PM-80 — featuring 75 dedicated faders and a ribbon controller, offering an inspiring hands-on experience for CS-80-style plugins like Cherry Audio's GX-80.

PM-80 will also feature power and MIDI output over USB-C, MIDI output through a 3.5mm jack, an expression pedal input that converts to MIDI, CV and Gate outputs assigned to the ribbon controller, and magnetic overlays to play additional virtual instruments.

The anticipated price for the PM-80 is €499, with shipping, taxes, and duties not included. GMT Audio expects to start shipping the first batch in July 2026. To stay in the loop and secure a PM-80, they invite interested readers to join the waitlist at www.gltaudio.com. Note that production and shipping will be prioritized based on waitlist positions, with top members able to place orders around March 2026. For complete specifications and details, visit the GLT Audio website.