Eurorack and MPE have been circling each other for a while, and the latest Make Noise release adds another data point. The company unveiled the New Universal Skiff System (NUSS) at Buchla & Friends 2026 and published firmware updates for three modules. The system includes a USB-C input that can control the MultiWAVE oscillator via MIDI or MPE, which makes it worth a look for modular players who want expressive control.
What is the NUSS?
According to GearNews, the NUSS is a complete, pre-assembled setup in a 104 HP, two-zone Skiff case. It contains:
- one MultiWAVE oscillator,
- one PoliMATHS function and modulation module,
- one MultiMOD modulation module,
- two QXG modules,
- one QPAS filter, and
- an XOH output module.
The listed price is $2,659 / £2,390 / €2,699 for the system, with the case sold separately at $344 / £309 / €349. Shipping is expected in roughly three months. Details are on the NUSS product page.
The MPE angle
The coverage notes that the system has a USB-C input for controlling MultiWAVE via MIDI or MPE. The article does not go into how MPE is handled, and it describes the system as typically driven by a 0-Ctrl or another single-channel sequencer. So this is a detail to verify in the manual rather than a fully documented feature.
Even so, it points at something useful. A modular voice that can read MPE directly means a controller such as the Expressive E Osmose, a LinnStrument, or a Haken Continuum could drive pitch and timbre without an external MIDI-to-CV converter. We covered the trade-offs of that route in MPE reaches Eurorack.
An important caveat: a single oscillator voice is monophonic. MPE's strength is polyphonic expression, so a single MultiWAVE will respond to one note at a time. It is a great fit for expressive lead lines and monophonic gestures, less so for chords with independent per-note control. Players who want that will need several voices or a polyphonic MIDI-to-CV approach.
The firmware updates
Make Noise also published updates on 9 July, available from the firmware page:
- MultiWAVE gains a new Mod shape called Cross Mod, which lets one oscillator apply wave-position modulation to the other, and a new quantizer mode with preset scales including major and minor.
- PoliMATHS now lets the Strength control generate offsets. Turned up without any channels active, it lets connected QXG modules act as a mixer for drones. Oscillations can also run slower than before.
- MultiMOD receives several improvements, including changes to the channel index output.
The coverage does not link these updates to MPE, so there is nothing to change in an MPE setup. The Cross Mod shape and the quantizer are interesting for expressive playing, though. Scale quantization applied to a continuous pitch source can tame a wobbly slide, while turning it off restores glide and vibrato.
Practical tips for modular MPE
- Check the manual for how the USB-C input maps pitch bend range and pressure.
- Match the pitch-bend range on controller and module. Mismatches are the most common source of out-of-tune slides. Our pitch bend range fix explains how.
- Use pressure for modulation rather than only volume. Routing it to wave position or Cross Mod depth gives a more organic response.
Final thoughts
The NUSS is a compact, ready-to-play system, and the USB-C MIDI and MPE input shows that modular makers are paying attention to expressive controllers. Until the manual spells out how MPE messages are mapped, treat the feature as promising and verify before you buy.
Key takeaways: NUSS ships in about three months; MultiWAVE can be controlled via MIDI or MPE over USB-C; one voice means monophonic expression; July firmware adds Cross Mod and a scale quantizer.
Sources: GearNews, Make Noise.