Intuitive Instruments introduces Exquis – Dualo, now-fully-MPE-compatible Decent Sampler plug-in
Dualo - EXQUIS - Featured

Intuitive Instruments - LogoSAINT-CYPRIEN, FRANCE: Intuitive Instruments is proud to introduce its Exquis – Dualo Legacy soundbank for decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler plug-in — porting the iconic soundbank from its du-touch and du-touch S all-in-one instruments (originally released under the now-defunct Dualo brand name) to the now-fully-MPE-compatible sampler plug-in from well-known composer, music tech YouTuber, and software developer David Hilowitz — as of December 17…

Thanks to Intuitive Instruments closely collaborating with David Hilowitz, decent|SAMPLES’ widely-used Decent Sampler plug-in available for free is now fully compatible with the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) specification — specifically designed for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controllers to allow the performer to vary the pitch and timbre of individual notes while playing polyphonically — and, as such, one of very few samplers empowering creators to design their own richly expressive, MPE-ready sound libraries.

Intuitive Instruments’ Exquis – Dualo Legacy ports the iconic soundbank from its (discontinued) du-touch and (available) du-touch S all-in-one instruments to decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler plug-in, packing 158 carefully crafted sounds — some only playable or best to play with MPE or polyphonic aftertouch controllers — across every category — from basses and winds to keys, pads, and drums — as a complete and versatile palette for any genre.

It is available to download directly from decent|SAMPLES, offered as a full pack of 158 sounds (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/exquis-dualo-legacy-by-intuitive-instruments/) for $149.00 USD or as 10 individual category packs — namely, the 17-sound Exquis –

Saying that, the Exquis – Dualo Legacy soundbank is fully compatible with all MIDI controllers, whether they are standard MIDI or MPE enabled. Every preset has been designed to respond musically on any keyboard or pad controller, though the library shines even brighter on MPE instruments, where it is possible to play with the X, Y (CC74), and Z (Channel pressure) axes to modulate each note individually. It is fair to say, though, that non-MPE controllers — such as polyphonic aftertouch keyboards — can still benefit from Z-axis-controlled modulation and traditional MIDI controls.

Duly designated by name as such, Exquis – Dualo Legacy is also specifically optimized for all variants of Intuitive Instruments’ award-winning Exquis universal MPE/MIDI and CV controller (as well as other MPE instruments), offering smooth response curves, natural expressivity, and presets that make the most of multidimensional performance. Put it this way: with Exquis, users can use its four knobs to shape effects in real time, enjoying enhanced dynamic realism — especially on acoustic sounds, many of which respond to velocity and timbral gestures.

Get this, though: Intuitive Instruments has also taken this trailblazing software development as an opportunity to simultaneously announce a significant update to the accompanying Exquis app to Version 3.0.0. Fanciful features include: audio output recording — capture performances instantly and export them as high-quality WAV audio files, ready for production or sharing; export of each clip as a fully-detailed MIDI file — preserving all MPE data for seamless transfer into any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for further editing and post-production; visual score display of clips on the Exquis keyboard itself — instantly recall any recorded clip and see the notes light up on the keyboard via integrated LEDs; MIDI CC support — specifically, CC#11 (expression pedal), CC#64 (sustain pedal), CC#65 (portamento on/off), and CC#67 (soft pedal), all seamlessly routed to the current instrument for deeper, more natural control; exploration and selection of scales and note layouts directly from the Exquis keyboard — no mouse, no menus, just pure musical flow; and MPE and arpeggio freeze — freeze notes and arpeggios while retaining all their expressive dimensions, opening new creative possibilities for evolving textures and performances.

Owners of any Exquis variant — including David Hilowitz himself, no less — will, no doubt, be delighted with that additional announcement. “As the creator of Decent Sampler, I’ve been thrilled to collaborate with Intuitive Instruments on expanding our MPE capabilities,” he says, before continuing and concluding with evident enthusiasm shining through: “Their Exquis controller has been my primary testbed — flexible, affordable, and, frankly, fantastic; their Exquis – Dualo Legacy collection, a vast collection of MPE-ready sample libraries, has also been in constant rotation for me — not just as a developer, but also as a composer.”

Intuitive Instruments’ Exquis – Dualo Legacy soundbank for decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler is available to purchase and download as a full pack or 10 individual category packs directly from decent|SAMPLES here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product-category/publishers/intuitive-instruments/ (Note that the 158-sound full pack is initially available at an introductory promo price of $104.30 USD until December 31, 2025, rising thereafter to its regular price of $149.00 USD.)

Decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler itself is available for free for Mac (Intel & ARM/Native Silicon: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone) and Windows (10 and above, 32-bit/64-bit: VST, VST3, AAX, Standalone) from here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/decent-sampler-plugin/

Anyone interested in exploring the ‘Dualo Legacy’ sound before committing to making a purchase can download the Exquis – Dualo Legacy (Taster Pack) for free from here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/exquis-dualo-legacy-taster-pack/

Owners of Exquis can download the latest version (3.0.0) of the accompanying Exquis app — available for Mac (macOS 10.11 and above) and Windows (10 and above) — for free from here: https://dualo.com/en/welcome/

Become better acquainted with Exquis Version 3.0.0 while watching Intuitive Instruments’ introductory video here:

 

About Intuitive Instruments (www.dualo.com/en/)
Formed 15 years ago, Intuitive Instruments (formerly Dualo) creates inspirational solutions for music lovers — from beginners to professionals. Product-wise, its first commercial release was the five-octave du-touch Pro in 2014, effectively evolving mathematician Jules Hortrique’s dualo principle based on the logic of harmony into an all-in-one instrument with backlit keys, combining an internal sound bank and a looper to spontaneously play and compose music anywhere. The three-octave du-touch S followed in 2017 as a more compact affair — after a Kickstarter campaign successfully raised €220K mainly through French backers — adopted by over 3,000 musicians; some serious research with teachers and pedagogy specialists led to it being complemented in 2019 by du-game — subscription-based interactive tutorials to be loaded into the instrument itself via the (supplied) du-station software — as an educational game giving the keys to unlocking dozens of music genres to those wishing to learn the vocabulary of composing and improvising in a variety of styles, subsequently used in many music school classes throughout France. Following three years of research led by a new R&D (Research and Development) team encompassing engineers with previous experience of working on the Expressiv E Osmose expressive MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) synthesizer, Intuitive Instruments introduced its latest generation of intuitive, expressive, and educational instruments in Exquis at the 2024 NAMM Show, albeit by then the masterful MPE controller in question had already won the hotly-contested ‘Commercial Hardware Product’ category at the 2023 MIDI Innovation Awards.

About David Hilowitz (www.davidhilowitz.com)
David Hilowitz is a composer, software developer, and creator of decent|SAMPLES’ widely-used Decent Sampler plug-in, known for making powerful sampling tools available to musicians and producers alike. Additionally, he runs a popular music tech YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHilowitzMusic) where he shares creative explorations, instrument insights, and tutorials, reaching a large audience of creators and enthusiasts. Operating out of Philadelphia, PA, USA, he combines his skills in composition, community education, and tech to support and grow the Decent Sampler ecosystem.

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