Not every interesting synth announces MPE support. Sometimes the useful question is how a new instrument fits into an expressive rig. The newly announced Atomosynth Mochika X7, covered by Synth Anatomy, is a good case study.
What the Mochika X7 is
The Mochika X7 is a semi-modular analog synth from Peru, sold either as a desktop unit or as a 48HP Eurorack module. Atomosynth says it revives the classic Mochika sound with modern additions.
The sound path includes a VCO with square and saw waveforms plus pulse-width modulation, and a DCO with square, saw, triangle and sine. The filter is the classic Atomosynth Vactrol design, with voltage-controlled, continuously variable low-pass and high-pass cutoff and resonance. An ADSR envelope, an LFO with variable pulse and triangle shapes, and a CV-modulatable delay complete the voice.
Sequencer and patch bay
The 32-step sequencer has nine playback modes: forward, reverse, ping-pong, random, drunk, step-trigger, worm, scrub and MIDI control. It stores 100 patterns and has per-step functions. An OLED display and eight rotary encoders with push buttons handle the interface, and the patch bay offers 18 points, nine inputs and nine outputs.
Price
Introductory or waitlist pricing is $399 for the desktop version and $349 for Eurorack, with higher figures in parentheses ($449 and $389) that the article does not explain. Shipping is free worldwide from Peru via DHL Express, and the desktop unit includes a 3D-printed enclosure and an external 19V power supply.
MIDI: what is confirmed
According to the article, the sequencer syncs to external clock, MIDI clock or USB MIDI clock. It can be controlled by an external MIDI device or USB MIDI host for note playback and transposition. MPE is not mentioned, and the CV input set is only partly documented.
That makes the Mochika X7 a monophonic-style, sequencer-centered instrument. It is not something you would expect to respond to per-note pressure from an MPE controller.
A checklist for any semi-modular in an expressive rig
Here is how to evaluate a synth like this when you play an MPE instrument:
- Check the voice count. One voice means one channel of expression at a time. That is fine for a lead or bass line.
- Check what the MIDI input actually does. Note playback and transposition are not the same as pitch bend, pressure and CC74 response.
- Look for CV inputs you can modulate. If the patch bay lets you control filter cutoff, a MIDI-to-CV converter can map pressure or slide onto it. Our MIDI-to-CV guide for MPE players covers the idea.
- Confirm the details with the maker. Specifications on announcement pages often leave out MIDI implementation charts.
Using it with an MPE controller
If you want the Mochika X7 in your setup, the practical route is to use your MPE controller in a single-channel mode and treat the synth as one expressive voice. The filter's voltage control is the obvious target: route a slide or pressure signal through a converter and you get one dimension of expression on an analog filter, which can sound surprisingly alive.
For polyphonic playing, pair it with an MPE-capable synth and let the Mochika handle sequenced bass or textures. Mixed rigs like this are common among MPE players, because few instruments cover every role.
The takeaway
The Mochika X7 is a reminder that the MPE ecosystem is surrounded by instruments that are not MPE-aware but still musical. Knowing where per-note expression stops, and where a clever bit of routing can extend it, is part of building a rig that works. Always confirm MIDI details with Atomosynth before buying.
Source: Synth Anatomy.