Asparion has announced a new modular DAW controller, named the D700, that features three combinable elements. The company describes the D700 DAW controller as an “all-purpose user interface for state-of-the-art music production.” Asparion designed the D700 for maximum productivity as it enables users to adapt it to their needs. 

The basis of the controller is the D700FT, which features all the basic functions such as “stop,” “play,” and “record,” along with an RGB encoder for controlling the master volume. A huge number of parameters can also be controlled by using the Pan, EQ, Send, and FX buttons to assign these functions to the rotary encoders. According to Asparion, users can connect up to seven extensions to the D700FT, which would enable them to use up to 64 faders at the same time.

• 8 endless rotary encoders with snap and RGB led
• 8 LED rings with 15 LEDs each and 128-step mode
• 8 touch-sensitive highly precise 100mm motor faders with a resolution of up to 12bit (4000 steps)
• 44 programmable LED push buttons
• 2x 6.35mm sockets for expression and sustain pedal
• USB C connector
• connector for extension
• 9V power supply
• 265 x 265 x 36mm (chassis)

Next up is the D700F which offers a combination of eight highly precise motorized faders with four LED push buttons each and an RGB rotary encoder with a LED ring. It has a touch-sensitive metalized surface for all faders and boasts an accuracy of up to 4000 levels per fader. Asparion has also reduced the fader noise to a minimum to ensure that they cause no distractions. In addition, the RGB encoders feature colorization to make it easy to identify the audio channels.

• 8 endless rotary encoders with snap and RGB led
• 8 LED rings with 15 LEDs each and 128 step mode
• 8 touch-sensitive highly precise 100mm motor faders with a resolution of up to 12bit (4000 steps)
• 32 programmable LED push buttons
• connector for extension
• 9V power supply
• 265 x 240 x 36mm (chassis)
• extension for the D700FT, no stand-alone use

Finally, there is the D700S, which is an OLED display that allows users to keep an eye on their tracks in all lighting conditions. Asparion guarantees readability from every angle in darkness as well as in sunlight thanks to the use of organic light diodes. The D700s features a resolution of 1024x64 pixels with a high refresh rate. It can display three lines of text along with the track number and a metering view with clipping. The D700s features a 6.5mm frame that follows the same modern design as the D700 and increases the height of the D700F by just 2.7cm. 

• OLED display
• 1024x64 pixel
• 2 lines of text with 12 characters each⁶
• 1 line of text with 6 characters each⁶
• Track number display
• Stereo / Mono metering incl. clipping⁶
• 232 x 36 x 6.5mm, 265 x 240 x 63mm (D700F + D700S)
• extension for the D400FT, no stand-alone use

The D700 features a double-click function which allows every button to have a second action assigned. This increases the number of functions it can offer without having to be larger. It also extends to the “push and rotate” function that allows the rotary encoder to be turned in its pushed state to control a second function. 

Overall, the D700 is an extremely robust controller that looks really sophisticated thanks to its aluminum chassis and anodized laser-printed surface. The D700 is also compatible with accessories such as a one-meter extension link cable that offers more versatility when it comes to positioning the individual elements of the controller. Asparion has stated that this allows for options such as placing the D700FT on one side of a keyboard while the D700F is on the other side. The D700 has a multitude of connection options and can send MIDI messages to almost any device via USB-C. It is also compatible with the Mackie and HUI protocol and can be configured via the extensive “Asparion Configurator” software. 

The D700 bundle featuring the D700FT, D700F, and two D700s will be available in the third quarter of 2023 at a cost of $2799. Individual elements can also be purchased at $1399 for the D700FT, $1249 for the D700F and $179 for the D700S. For more information visit the official Asparion website (https://www.asparion.de/en/products.html#d700).