Sometimes the best creative sparks come from something small. Really small. Like, fits-in-the-palm-of-your-hand small.
This.is.NOISE.inc, is a hardware company that’s built a reputation around ultra-portable, ultra-playful MIDI controllers that don’t just look cool — they work. Their first offering, the Noise Machine Straight Vibin’ Edition (NMSVE), proved that wireless MIDI could be tiny, functional, and actually fun. Fast-forward a few years, and they’ve followed it up with a sequel: the Noise Machine 2 (NM2) — a major leap forward without losing the charm of its predecessor. And now with their currently in progress synth, the Gamma Mini, they’re soon to make a threepeat.
Looking at these small devices, your first thought might be “how?”. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on both of their current offerings, and let me tell you – it’s astonishing how small these devices are. We’re talking half the size of a standard credit card. They’re not just a marvel of design, but engineering as well.
If you’ve ever wanted a pocket-sized performance tool or a MIDI controller you can use on a train, couch, or stage — without the clutter — these little gadgets might just be your new best friends.
Let’s dive into what makes them tick.
From Vibes to Versatility: The Story Behind the Machines
Founded in Ontario during the early days of the pandemic, This.is.NOISE.inc came into the game with a device that immediately turned heads.
The NMSVE, their debut product, launched in late 2020 and quickly caught the attention of mobile musicians, DAW warriors, and synth nerds looking for a clean, cable-free way to control their setups. Fast-forward to 2024, and their follow-up, the NM2, dropped with a boatload of improvements: more buttons, dual knobs, USB MIDI support, motion control — all packed into the same compact footprint.
Where NMSVE was a scrappy little sidekick, NM2 is more of a full-fledged utility belt.
NMSVE: The Wireless Wonder That Started It All
The Noise Machine SVE is what happens when you strip a MIDI controller down to the bare essentials — and make it wireless. No faders, no keys, no screens. Just 12 buttons, a single rotary knob, and a little slider for switching “banks” (aka octaves).
Here’s how it works in practice: the 12 buttons act like a mini pad grid. Tap them to send MIDI notes — fixed velocity, super responsive. The slider? That jumps you through seven note banks, effectively giving you access to 84 different MIDI notes. That’s enough range to play a full melody, run a chord progression, or tap out drum kits with ease.
The knob sends MIDI CC data (usually CC#1 by default). You can map it to a filter cutoff, reverb amount, pitch shift — whatever your DAW or synth will take. One knob, but endless potential.
The real kicker? Bluetooth MIDI. The NMSVE connects wirelessly to just about anything: iOS devices, macOS, Windows, Android apps — you name it. Latency clocks in around 10ms or less, more than fast enough for live finger drumming or synth jamming.
Add in a rechargeable battery that runs for 9–12 hours, a USB-C port for power, and a startup routine that lets you pick your MIDI channel on boot, and it’s no wonder this thing has a cult following. It’s compact, clean, and creatively liberating.
Workflow in the Wild
The NMSVE found its way into plenty of real-world setups. Beatmakers on the go used it to trigger samples in Koala or GarageBand. Producers paired it with soft synths to write basslines from the couch.
With its open-source firmware, adventurous users even customized the firmware for unique mapping schemes. It was as much a hacker’s toy as it was a musician’s tool.
For mobile jamming, low-profile control, or a minimalist live rig, NMSVE hit the sweet spot — and hit it hard.
NM2: Leveling Up the Pocket Controller Game
Enter the Noise Machine 2: the next evolution, and a serious upgrade.
First up — 18 buttons instead of 12. More pads, more triggers, more fun. Second: two endless rotary encoders. These aren’t just knobs — they’re high-resolution CC controls that can handle synth parameters, effect tweaks, or anything else you assign.
But the real showstopper is motion control. The NM2 has an onboard tilt sensor. Rock it side to side or front to back, and it sends MIDI CC messages based on its position. That means expressive modulation using the entire device. This is pretty insane for such a small device and it adds a layer of organic control you don’t get from static gear.
On top of that, NM2 supports USB MIDI alongside Bluetooth. Whether you want the freedom of wireless or the stability of a wired connection, it’s got you covered.
Battery life despite all these new features is still the same, and you can use it while charging. Power it on by pressing a pad, and turn it off with a long press — no switches required.
Customize Everything
One of the best things about NM2 is the web configurator. Plug it into Chrome or Edge, and you can remap every pad, knob, and motion axis. Assign different notes, MIDI CCs, program changes, even scales. Tweak the CC numbers for the encoders. Disable or change the motion axis outputs. It’s all there.
Once you click “apply,” the NM2 remembers your setup. No need to reprogram it every time you power up. It’s one of the most flexible and user-friendly config systems out there for a controller this size.
Real-World Use and Creative Chaos
The NM2 can do everything the NMSVE did, and then some.
It shines in live settings, mobile setups, or small studios. Users have mapped their pads to sample triggers, chords, or macros. The encoders can tweak synth filters, FX sends, or DAW parameters. The motion control adds expressive performance possibilities for those willing to get hands-on, literally.
Whether it’s part of a desktop DAW layout, or a travel synth setup, NM2 adapts easily. It’s compact enough to take anywhere but flexible enough to become the centerpiece of a jam session.
NMSVE vs NM2: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | NMSVE | NM2 |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons | 12 (with 7 banks) | 18 (no banks needed) |
| Knobs | 1 (potentiometer) | 2 (endless encoders) |
| Motion Control | No | Yes (X/Y tilt) |
| Bluetooth MIDI | Yes | Yes |
| USB MIDI | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | ~9–12 hours | ~9-12 hours |
| Customization | Open-source firmware | Web app configurator |
| Price | ~$99 USD | ~$119 USD |
The Final Word: Small Size, Big Potential
What This.is.NOISE.inc has done with the NMSVE and NM2 is carve out a truly unique lane in the world of MIDI gear. These aren’t just novelty gadgets — they’re serious creative tools that make music-making feel approachable, flexible, and even a little playful.
The NMSVE opened the door to wireless control in a radically small form. The NM2 walked through that door with arms full of features — more pads, more control, more customization, and more creative possibilities.
Whether you’re producing beats on an iPad, performing live with a synth setup, or just want a super-portable tool that inspires creativity, these tiny titans deserve a place in your rig.
And the fact that they fit in your pocket? That’s just the cherry on top.
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