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MELBOURNE INSTRUMENTS Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller

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MELBOURNE INSTRUMENTS Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller
Key Features
  • Tactile Control for Hardware & Software
  • Live, Bitwig, Logic & Cycling '74 Max
  • 8 Touch-Sensitive Motorized Knobs
  • 9 High-Resolution LCD Displays
Redefine hands-on control with the Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control, a uniquely powerful motorized MIDI controller that seamlessly bridges software and hardware workflows. Featuring 8 touch-sensitive motorized knobs, 9 high-resolution LCD screens, and 16 RGB backlit buttons, Roto-Control delivers an intuitive, dynamic workflow with real-time visual feedback. Its fully assignable controls, user-definable haptics, and internal storage for thousands of assignments make it one of the most versatile controllers available.
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MELBOURNE INSTRUMENTS Roto-Control Overview

Redefine hands-on control with the Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control, a uniquely powerful motorized MIDI controller that seamlessly bridges software and hardware workflows. Featuring 8 touch-sensitive motorized knobs, 9 high-resolution LCD screens, and 16 RGB backlit buttons, Roto-Control delivers an intuitive, dynamic workflow with real-time visual feedback. Its fully assignable controls, user-definable haptics, and internal storage for thousands of assignments make it one of the most versatile controllers available.

Roto-Control now offers native integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro and Bitwig Studio—as well as native integration with Cycling '74 Max, providing tactile workflows across these popular DAWs and programming environments.

Modes of Operation
Mix Mode: Hands-On Mixing for Live, Logic, and Bitwig
In Mix Mode, Roto-Control becomes a plug-and-play mixer for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Bitwig Studio. Track names, colors, and levels automatically sync to the controller's displays, updating as you navigate your session—no manual labeling required.

Touch-sensitive motorized knobs precisely mirror track parameters including volume, pan, sends, and automation, offering a tactile mixing experience that feels like a full-featured surface controller. Mix Mode also features a 0 dB center indent on volume controls, providing precise tactile reference when balancing levels. Dedicated transport controls keep workflow smooth across all three DAWs.

Plug-In Mode: Intelligent Parameter Mapping
Get immediate control over plug-in parameters in Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Bitwig Studio with Roto-Control's intuitive one-touch learn system. Simply touch a parameter once, and Roto-Control stores the assignment internally—ready for use on any computer without reconfiguration.

The high-resolution LCDs update in real time, reflecting parameter names and values for fast, confident tweaking.

Smart Mode: Native Logic Pro Smart Controls
Exclusive to Logic Pro, Smart Mode builds on basic plug-in control by mirroring Logic's Smart Controls, allowing unified access to instrument and effect macros. This provides up to 16 mapped parameters per device, instantly shown on Roto-Control's displays.
MIDI Mode with Motion Recorder: Ultimate Standalone Control
Go beyond DAWs and control hardware synths, drum machines, lighting rigs, media applications, and any MIDI-compatible gear. With standalone MIDI In, Out, and Thru functionality, Roto-Control doesn't need a computer to function. Store up to 64 MIDI Setups, each with up to 64 control assignments (32 knobs, 32 buttons), and customize them via the Roto-Setup app.
Motion Recorder: Automate External Gear
Roto-Control brings motorized automation to hardware with its unique Motion Recorder feature. Record and loop up to 8 MIDI parameters per setup, applying automation to synth filters, effect parameters, or even lighting controls. With step-based sequencing (16, 32, 48, or 64 steps) and multiple playback modes (forward, backward, random, ping-pong), Motion Recorder unlocks new creative possibilities for performance and production.
Advanced Features and Connectivity
  • Motorized touch-sensitive knobs: instantly recall settings with precise, automated movement
  • 9 high-resolution LCD displays: clear visual feedback for track names, plug-in parameters, and MIDI assignments
  • 16 RGB LED backlit buttons: fully customizable for color-coded setups and assignments
  • Dual USB-C ports: one for data (computer connection), one for power
  • 5-pin DIN MIDI In, Out, and Thru: full hardware integration without a computer
  • User-definable haptics: feel every adjustment with customizable tactile feedback
  • Easy one-touch learning: instantly assign and recall MIDI or plug-in parameters
  • Roto-setup app: manage, customize, import, and export MIDI setups
  • Firmware and Roto-Setup app manage DAW connections and control mapping 
  • Includes BITWIG 8-track special activation code
UPC: 731788847067

MELBOURNE INSTRUMENTS Roto-Control Specs

Inputs/Outputs
USB I/O
2 x USB-C Female Input
Internal Storage
Yes
MIDI
3 x 5-Pin DIN Connectors (In/Out/Thru)
Power
Power Source
USB (Included)
DC Input Power
5 VDC
Power Consumption
15 W
Physical
Color
Black
Material of Construction
ABS, Metal Casing
Dimensions
13.4 x 4.4 x 1.7" / 341 x 112 x 44 mm
Weight
1.6 lb / 715 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.605 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
17.3 x 5.7 x 3"

MELBOURNE INSTRUMENTS Roto-Control Reviews

Excellent Design!

By Flavio
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-04-14

I've been waiting for a controller like this for a long time. It blew my mind. I was torn between this and the Oxi E16, but what made me gravitate to this controller were the following: - LED Display PER knob (as opposed to having a separate screen with a legend that I have to interpret: it's one more step to direct interaction) - Haptic Feedback: it's great to choose between various options (endless, min-max, stepped), the steps can only go up to 16 subdivisions (I wish it'd be say up to 32, but there are workarounds that are OK to compromise with) - Knob Feedback: the motorized knobs are surprisingly quiet and snappy and great to follow. I don't mind the "LED rings" around a knob (and would appreciate the colors to distinguish between parameter types, but coloring the knob display does the job) - Last but not least, great intuitive navigation, so it's VERY easy to switch between controlling the mixer, for example, vs. focusing on a single plugin; I'd hope some firmware upgrade introduces the idea of "performance/meta sets" of knobs (so for example, half the knobs work on parameters, the other half on mixer elements), but there are work arounds for this, especially if you work in the Ableton/Max environment (and could also be achieved with their MIDI mode). Highly, highly recommend it!

an almost perfect midi controller…

By Chad
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-04

after you get past the wow factor of the motorized knobs and you start digging into setting up your personalized instrument panels…you realize how much you've missed the tactile feel of hardware synths!! the motorized controllers put a smile on your face, the haptic feedback is amazing, the "learn" mode is intuitive, and once a plugin / effect is setup, it's a joy to use. sure, you could do this with a mouse…but it's just NOT the same feel (not even close) are there a few negatives, yes…a few instruments don't fully sync in "learn mode". it's a known bug and will require apple logic to fix (so, not their fault). and there are no built-in presets for your plugins or effects…which means you have to program everything (not hard, just takes a bit of time) it's easily a 5 star product…but until some of these annoyances are fixed, i feel i need to knock a star off…but i really want to give it 5 stars anyway (because it's that cool!)

See any errors on this page?

Will it work well with ProTools?

Will it work well with ProTools?
Asked by: Alexander
Currently, the MELBOURNE INSTRUMENTS Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller is only directly compatible with Ableton Live 10 or higher for MIX and PLUGIN modes and Bitwig Studio version 5.3.8. However, it could be used with Pro Tools as a generic MIDI controller. The user will need to create and save a template.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2025-11-18
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