Encore Electronics SlideMate

Back in 2001, this desktop MIDI controller arrived as a game-changer for hands-on tweaking of vintage synths, especially those finicky Roland classics like the Juno-106 or JX-8P that begged for real faders over lost PG programmers.

It's a digital powerhouse with 8 rugged 60mm steel faders across 15 banks, giving you 120 programmable controllers total—each assignable to MIDI CC, NRPN, RPN, or even custom 55-byte SysEx messages for deep parameter control. Full MIDI In/Out/Thru via 5-pin DIN keeps it compatible with any gear, while built-in merger, scene/panic buttons, programmable delay, and double-resolution faders ensure smooth, precise automation that records right into your sequences. Non-volatile memory and scribble strip displays make bank switching intuitive, all in a tough, compact steel chassis perfect for studio desks.

Vintage synth enthusiasts still swear by it for breathing life into old Roland racks or software like ReBirth, praising the build quality and SysEx flexibility, though some note the editor software feels dated today. If faders are your vibe over knobs, it's a reliable workhorse for universal MIDI mastery.