Digit Music Cmpsr

A hardware controller that merges accessibility, music, and gaming practices into something everybody can use.... with a very large joystick!

Cmpsr (pronounced ‘composer’) is an intriguing controller from UK-based Digit Music, made in Derby, no less, influenced by music and game controllers, and the accessibility needs of users who might need something other than ‘traditional’ MIDI controllers. Cmpsr breaks ground by being the first MIDI instrument to receive the Tech4Good Accessibility Award. Seeing as the worlds of education and accessibility have such a lot to offer music control designers, we were interested to see how well the joystick-centric Cmpsr fits the bill.

The package contains Cmpsr, USB cable, four rubber adhesive feet, and a printed card with QR code for quick access to online material: tutorials, a bundle including Bitwig Studio 8-Track, and a collection of loops and samples. Maybe we expected something more like a Nintendo-type game controller, but Cmpsr is surprisingly large. However it sits well in the hand, being pleasantly curvy, and feels tough enough; maybe they should’ve called it Chnky. The top panel features the joystick, and eight backlit RGB buttons, while beneath there’s a small power button and USB-C port. Cmpsr has an enjoyable retro British TV feel; you could imagine it popping up on a 1970s or 1980s episode of Doctor Who.

At first look, we weren’t clear what the rubber feet were for, until Digit Music explained that Cmpsr’s cardboard packaging can be folded into shape as a table-top stand. This is a cost- effective and environmentally-friendly way to provide a stand.