If you’re someone who’s ever grumbled about your MIDI controller not doing “that one thing,” SHIK’s new N32B Slim might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. It’s small, it’s sleek, and it’s packed with upgrades that make it a dream tool for music producers, gear lovers, and synth collectors alike.
What’s the Deal with the Slim?
Picture this: a MIDI controller that’s not just faster but smarter. The N32B Slim has a faster CPU and more RAM, which might not sound flashy, but it means that whether you’re juggling complex MIDI mappings or tweaking multiple parameters in real-time, this little guy handles it all effortlessly.
But the real kicker? The Slim comes with four macros per knob. That’s twice the number in the N32B V3, meaning you can control up to four different parameters simultaneously. And thanks to high-resolution support, each macro can send ultra-precise data, making it perfect for detailed sound design or fine-tuning mix levels. Imagine adjusting filter cutoff, resonance, and effects sends all at once, with buttery-smooth control.
Love Old Synths? So Does the Slim
Here’s where it gets fun: the Slim now supports SysEx MIDI messages, which is a big deal for vintage synth enthusiasts. If you’ve got a classic piece of gear that only speaks SysEx (looking at you, Yamaha DX7), you can finally bring it into your modern workflow without a hitch. Map a macro to tweak its parameters and feel like you’ve just unlocked a new synth.
And because the Slim lets you assign each macro to a different type of MIDI message, you can control SysEx on one macro, an LFO on another, and maybe even a DAW track volume on a third—all from the same knob. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for MIDI.
Configure It Your Way
Flexibility is the Slim’s middle name. You can:
- Invert controls: Want a knob to work in reverse? Easy.
- Set custom min/max ranges: Perfect for limiting a parameter’s range, like keeping a reverb mix between 10% and 50%.
- Assign unique MIDI channels per macro: Control multiple devices with a single controller, each responding to its own set of instructions.
This level of customization means the Slim adapts to your workflow, not the other way around.
Connectivity Done Right
The N32B Slim doesn’t just look good on your desk; it’s also designed to fit seamlessly into any rig. With MIDI TRS In, Out, and Thru ports, it ensures robust integration with modern and vintage setups alike. The Thru port is a genuine hardware thru, meaning it passes MIDI signals without any latency or processing, keeping your performance tight and responsive. Whether you’re layering hardware synths or daisy-chaining controllers, the Slim has you covered.
Ready to explore the N32B Slim? Check it out in our shop.
Practical Applications
Here’s how you might use the Slim in real life:
• Studio Setup: Use one knob to control a DAW parameter (like track volume), another for a synth’s filter cutoff, and a third for an effect pedal’s delay time – all on different MIDI channels.
• Live Performance: Map macros to send NRPN messages for your digital synths while simultaneously controlling analog gear via CC messages.
• Vintage Synth Revival: Dial in that elusive perfect patch on your retro gear with SysEx support.
And with the Slim’s compact form factor, it’s equally at home in your backpack or on a cluttered studio desk.
Why the Slim Is a Big Deal
In a nutshell, the N32B Slim takes everything great about the N32B V3 and cranks it up. More macros, more power, more customization, and real support for advanced MIDI protocols. Whether you’re reviving vintage gear, streamlining your DAW setup, or juggling a mix of modern and classic synths, the Slim delivers unmatched flexibility and precision for all your MIDI needs.
So, go ahead. Map those macros, explore SysEx magic, and make your setup sing in ways you didn’t think were possible. The N32B Slim isn’t just another MIDI controller – it’s a bridge between the old, the new, and whatever wild ideas you’re cooking up next.
Think the N32B Slim could be the missing piece in your setup? Check it out here and see what it can do for your music.
