https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGFA81X6aiY
Exquis
The MPE expressive and intuitive controller
To play with all your synthesizers and software:
now optimized for Ableton Live and Bitwig Studio!
Order Exquis from €299 incl. VAT
They talk about it
David Hilowitz – Composer and creator of the Decent Sampler plug-in
“I’ve been thrilled to collaborate with Intuitive Instruments on expanding our MPE capabilities. Their Exquis controller has been my primary testbed—it’s flexible, affordable, and frankly fantastic.”
David Hilowitz – Decent Sampler
Overview of version 2.1
Knarf – Les Sondiers (🇫🇷)
Overview through the Tonnetz concept
Peter Vorländer – Dawesome
“By far the best MPE controller! Amazingly sensitive and works perfectly with all my synths.”
Barnaby Dixon
Isomorphism and 3D-printed keycaps
Stephen McLeod
Overview of version 2.0.0
Jon Sine
Brief feature overview
B&H
Overview at NAMM 2024, at the 2023 MIDI Innovation Awards booth
An expressive keyboard for all software and synthesizers
General overview
A universal MPE/MIDI and CV controller
Unlike classic MIDI controllers with a pitch wheel and a mod wheel, the Exquis (pronounced “ex-key”) keyboard enables per-key control via the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) protocol; each note is assigned its own MIDI channel and has three axes of expressivity: Pitch Bend (X), CC74 (Y) and Aftertouch (Z). The keys are also velocity-sensitive (note on and note off).
For compatibility with standard MIDI software and synthesizers, you can also use Exquis in Polyphonic Aftertouch mode (Z only) on a single MIDI channel. Two Type-A TRS MIDI adapters are included.
In CV (0–5 V), Exquis allows monophonic playing on the X (PITCH) and Z (MOD) axes.
Finally, the keyboard features a built-in arpeggiator and a Freeze function (note hold), both MPE-compatible.
Optimized for Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio and Reaper
Use Exquis as an optimized control surface in Ableton Live, or in Bitwig Studio and Reaper thanks to dedicated scripts, or develop your own scripts using the MIDI API.
Templates, mappings, presets… Exquis is also integrated with other DAWs and plug-ins.
Sensitivity curves, scales and note layouts in memory, MIDI CCs—customize the Exquis keyboard’s behavior via the Exquis app.
If you’re just starting out or want to create differently and more simply, compose with the Exquis app and its unique workflow.
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View the full playlist
Dualo Legacy – A sound bank for composing in all styles!
Offer your Exquis 158 acoustic and electronic sounds (drums, basses, keyboards, guitars, leads, pads…), taken from the sound bank of the dualo du-touch S (our historical instrument), and now more expressive thanks to the latest MPE version of the free Decent Sampler plug‑in.
Bank sold separately and integrable in the Exquis application!
Learn more
Visualize harmony: your new comfort zone
Play with theoretical concepts before even mastering them
Embodying the mathematical logic of harmony, Exquis’s default note layout lets you play in tune spontaneously and without theoretical prerequisites; chords fall under the fingers, and the scale lights guide you as you improvise.
Note layouts
By default, the Exquis keyboard arranges semitones (consecutive notes) horizontally and thirds (harmonious intervals) vertically; you can also use other isomorphic note layouts (harmonic table, Jankó, accordion, etc.).
Chords
Unlike the piano, on an isomorphic keyboard chord shapes are invariant; by default on Exquis, they’re simple shapes that fall under the fingers.
Scales
To play chord progressions and improvisations that sound in tune, let the scale lights guide you, without forbidding yourself to step outside. Explore many scales to discover new musical colors!
Editors and onboard memory
Create and store note layouts and scales in onboard memory from the Exquis app, for use with your favorite software and synthesizers.
MIDI score
Send MIDI notes to the Exquis keyboard to light them up; ideal for learning or following chords to improvise.
Microtonality
Seasoned expert or simply curious? Play in alternative tunings with dedicated tools.
Exquis app: the ideal companion
Available on macOS and Windows
Compose differently, live or in the studio
If you want to tap the keyboard’s full potential, the Exquis app offers an efficient, novel composing experience, whether or not you’re familiar with computer‑music concepts (plug‑ins, presets, tracks, etc.).
An efficient workflow, without touching your mouse
Host sound plug-ins
Scan your VST/VST3/AUv3 instruments (see our recommendations below).
Settings
Set the tempo, enable the metronome, select a scale or a note layout directly from the Exquis keyboard.
Layer tracks
Create up to 11 tracks from plug-ins, presets, or from the favorites preset grid on the keyboard.
Record loops
Stack up to 4 loops per track: recording starts on the first note you play and can be 2n bars long (1, 2, 4, 8, 16…). Timing correction (quantization) can be applied before or after recording.
Be the conductor
Control your tracks, loops and snapshots with the mouse, or prepare and trigger commands from the keyboard (especially engaging live!).
Structure your song
Create snapshots of the states of your tracks and loops, so you can trigger them quickly or chain them chronologically.
Audio and MIDI export
Export your loops as MIDI (.mid) to continue in another software, or record your performance as audio (.wav) directly in the app.
Create your presets
When needed, open a track’s plug‑in UI to fine‑tune the sound, assign the 4 encoders to exposed parameters, then save a new preset, optionally linked to a note layout.
Need help?
Browse the available resources (user guides, video tutorials, help pages…), contact the Intuitive Instruments team, or ask the community!
Find up to 2,000+ presets, optimized for Exquis and ready to play
Free
570 presets
Paid (partners)
1,155 presets
Paid
432 presets
Configure your Exquis keyboard
If you use the keyboard with other software or synths, use the app to customize its behavior and the items stored in memory.
Note layouts
Create and store up to 8 in memory.
Scales
Create and store up to 32 in memory.
MIDI CC
Edit the messages sent by the buttons and rotary encoders.
Sensitivity curves
Edit the behavior of the keys.
Tailored to your habits and your identity
Mobility in the service of enjoyment
There’s no secret: the more you practice, the more you progress! That’s why we designed the Exquis keyboard to be as easy to get to grips as it is to carry, so you can play anywhere.
Lightweight and compact
Pure
Size: 317*146*36 mm (12.5*5.8*1.4 in)
Weight: 0.52 kg (1.15 lb)
Deluxe
Size: 317*165*36 mm (12.5*6.5*1.4 in)
Weight: 0.75 kg (1.65 lb)
Powerful LEDs
Exquis is also designed for playing outdoors, or on brightly lit stages.
Power supply
To use it without a computer or to avoid quickly draining a tablet or smartphone battery, Exquis can be powered by an external battery (5 V and 0.9 A max, max consumption: 4.5 W)
Tablet or smartphone
Use an adapter that combines power for your tablet or smartphone, USB for the Exquis keyboard, and a mini‑jack audio output.
Limitless customization
Exquis is available in two versions: Pure (without side trims) or Deluxe (with side trims in wood/cork/aluminum).
Made of few components, Exquis is designed to be easily repairable and customizable (even by yourself): make it an instrument that reflects you!
Spare parts
All parts are available on request and at low cost.
+15 years of refinement and awards
In 2007, mathematician Jules Hotrique invented the dualo principle based on the mathematical logic of harmony. Just a few months later, he managed to build the very first prototype of a controller with such a layout.
Over the years, the idea evolved into an all‑in‑one instrument with backlit keys, combining an internal sound bank and a looper, to play and compose today’s music anywhere, spontaneously: the dualo du-touch S.
The double keyboard then merged into a single one, and the instrument split into a keyboard and an app to become Exquis. To read the whole story, you can read our blog.
