Soma Metaconformer

SOMA Metaconformer — a smart MIDI router and thru box with 2 inputs and 4 TRS outputs, offering three modes of MIDI message processing plus an alternative SimplexFM firmware.

Built for musicians working with multiple MIDI instruments at once who want to step outside the standard protocol's limits and build unconventional relationships between a controller and hardware instruments. Rather than simple pass-through, Metaconformer actively transforms MIDI data, opening up ways of playing that a standard point-to-point connection can't offer.

One Controller, Several Instruments Playing at Once

The problem with trying to play several monophonic instruments simultaneously is the lack of any built-in voice-assignment mechanism — you'd otherwise have to manually switch MIDI channels or play each instrument separately. Metaconformer's Splitter mode divides one MIDI channel's keyboard into several zones, each routing notes to a different instrument, letting you play multiple synths at once and hear their timbres interact live without channel switching. Combiner mode reverses that logic, merging several monophonic instruments into a single multitimbral polyphonic instrument, using the same voice-assignment approach found in classic polysynths.

Turning Notes Into Control Messages Without a Computer

Controlling parameters across multiple MIDI devices simultaneously usually calls for a separate CC controller or DAW software configuration, complicating a computer-free live setup. Metaconformer's Translator mode converts incoming MIDI notes into CC values, assigning each cell to its own channel and controller number, letting instrument parameters be controlled directly from a keyboard. The entire configuration happens on the device itself, with no computer required, and one of the four TRS outputs can also serve as a sync signal source or clock divider.

KEY FEATURES

• 2 independent MIDI inputs and 4 MIDI outputs on 3.5mm TRS connectors
• Each port switchable between MIDI TRS Type A and Type B standards
• Fourth output optionally functions as a sync signal source or clock divider
• Splitter mode: splits one channel's keyboard into zones controlling different instruments
• Combiner mode: merges several monophonic instruments into one multitimbral polysynth
• Translator mode: converts MIDI notes into CC values assigned to separate channels
• On-device configuration, no computer required
• Alternative SimplexFM firmware turning the unit into a 4-track FM synth
• Compact enclosure, powered via micro-USB

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: MIDI router and thru box
• MIDI inputs: 2, 3.5mm TRS connectors
• MIDI outputs: 4, 3.5mm TRS connectors (one optionally sync/clock divider)
• TRS standard: switchable Type A / Type B per port
• Operating modes: Splitter, Combiner, Translator
• Alternative firmware: SimplexFM (4-voice FM synth)
• Power: micro-USB
• Dimensions: under 15cm (width) x 5cm (height) x 2.5cm (depth)