So yes, I enjoy the Mess.
I’m impressed by its sound and the simple UX. My background is in live performance and tweaking synths, and I’m currently using the Mess as an end-of-chain FX unit.
Here are a few observations:
Hardware
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Overall build: I like the build quality; it feels stable. The “Made in Poland” sticker is a nice touch.
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Inputs & screen: The stereo input is no problem for me. The screen looks good, and overall the device feels modern and solid.
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Missing feature: I’m missing a dedicated headphones output.
Encoders
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Layout: The layout of the encoders feels unintuitive, especially in track view. I understand there are two pages—one with basic settings and one for tweaking FX. However, I don’t understand why effect selection is placed on the tweaking page. During performance, it’s far too easy to accidentally change the effect, which can be destructive in a live setting. I see the logic of having FX mix and FX gain on one page, but I think more consideration could have led to a safer, more performance-friendly solution. A software update might help here.
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Main controllers: The placement of the Mix and Input controls in the middle feels odd. I’d be interested to hear the design decision behind that choice.
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Detents: The detents on the encoders are a real pity. They break the smooth, direct feel of tweaking. On Elektron devices, encoders have no detents and a soft rubber feel, which allows fine control with just a light touch of a finger. With the Mess, the detents make subtle adjustments harder. The encoders themselves feel solid, but the plastic could have more grip, and the corners are a bit sharp. Not a total dealbreaker, but a pitty. I’m glad the detents click mostly with one step per click. Except of the Effect Gain where it is two clicks per step. this feels odd.
Software
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General feel: The software already feels well done—clear and snappy. Syncing with the Elektron Digitone 2 works fine, though startup can sometimes feel a bit unstable.
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Mix knob in presets: I would like the Mix knob to be excluded from presets, or at least have an option for that. In performance, I sometimes set the signal to dry, load a new preset, and then dial in the effect. If the Mix knob is included in the preset, I lose that control and sudden, unintended changes occur. I realise: Turning the Mess off with the center button lets me choose a preset. Turn down the Mix and Turn Mess on again. Then mix in the preset wich works just fine.
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Sequencer behavior: When the sequencer plays and no step is selected, the FX are silent. I’d prefer a setting where the FX remain active until at least one step is assigned—after that, it could behave as it does now.
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Sequencer Parameter Smoothing: Yes there are pops from the Steps (P-Locks). A Step smothing setting across the entire sequence would be incredible. You could create long smooth transformative pattern.
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Step editing: I’d like to be able to shorten a step by directly selecting a step in the row, instead of first shortening the previous step. This would speed up editing.
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Additional wish: It would be great to have an FX mix available on the filters as well. And also a DJ Style Filter.
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Gain Staging: Congratulations on that. The FX mix and FX gain give great control.
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FX Parameter: Well it feels like there should be just a few more and consistent paremeter possiblilitys.
Final Thoughts
Thank you again for this really well-produced pedal. Despite the few points above, I’m already enjoying it a lot.