Asparion D700 Rack — a versatile rackmount DAW controller

Asparion has introduced a modular controller for live and studio work. It controls DAWs, lighting software, music players and smart home systems.

Photo: official website asparion

The console has a sturdy anodised aluminium enclosure and mounting brackets for a standard 19-inch rack. The basic rack configuration includes sixteen touch-sensitive 100 mm motorised faders with precise 12-bit resolution, or 4,000 adjustment steps, and low operating noise. The navigation panel has 17 encoders with RGB LED rings, each containing 15 LEDs, and 76 programmable illuminated buttons.

Photo: official website asparion

The main feature is expansion: additional D700F units increase the system to 64 physical motorised faders. USB-C connects computers, tablets and smartphones. Alongside MIDI CC, Mackie Control Universal (MCU) and HUI for DAW control, the controller supports OSC (Open Sound Control) and MQTT network protocols. It works natively with Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Reaper and many other DAWs, as well as lighting and smart home automation software. Two rear-panel 6.35 mm sockets accept expression and sustain pedals.

Photo: official website asparion

Two optional D700S OLED displays, sold separately, show track names, parameter values and clipping levels at 1,024 × 64 pixels. Standard Edition has simple orange buttons, while Special Edition uses colour-coded buttons for quicker navigation.

Photo: official website asparion

A fully equipped Asparion D700 Rack will be available for around $2,000.