Mach Devices, a Hong Kong-based startup, has announced the MD-7, a pocket-sized open-source synthesizer that uses motorised haptic discs for tactile patch control. Priced at £303, the unit is scheduled to ship in September 2026.
The portable instrument features two haptic discs with touch-based feedback, enabling users to, in the company’s words, “feel the patch” rather than looking at a screen. Its rotary controls employ Field-Oriented Control Motors (FOC), which provide variable resistance that changes according to the parameter being adjusted. A backlit keyboard with 13 chunky keys rounds out the physical interface.
The MD-7’s firmware platform, including its DSP engine and sequencer, is designed to be open-source and modifiable via GitHub. Connectivity is handled by two USB-C ports: one dedicated to charging, the other supporting MIDI, audio output and USB microphone input. A 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot for storage are also included.
