Max HeyraudA new Dublin-based hardware company, Phantom Instruments, has unveiled its debut product: the Phantom C45, a performance-focused MIDI controller built from the ground up for live electronic performance.
Developed over 12 months, the C45 is the company’s first commercial release. It was shaped by frustration with screen-heavy workflows and a desire to make electronic music feel physical again. The concept is straightforward: hands-on control. Turn knobs, ride faders, trigger buttons and shape tracks in real time instead of clicking through arrangements.
The controller features 16 banks of 45 fully configurable controls. Each bank includes 24 knobs, four faders, 16 RGB backlit buttons and a push encoder. Every control is fully mappable, with adjustable behaviour and customisable visual feedback. Layouts can be reworked to suit individual setups, giving producers and live performers the flexibility to build a workflow around how they actually play.
Connectivity is built to support both modern DAW environments and hardware-focused rigs. The C45 includes USB MIDI, MIDI In, MIDI Thru and dual MIDI Out. Controls can be routed independently to USB, Out, Thru or all simultaneously. Incoming MIDI can be merged with outgoing signals or kept separate, making it suitable for hybrid or fully standalone configurations. TRS connectors are Type A/B configurable, and the unit is class compliant, meaning it works out of the box with all major DAWs.
Configuration is handled either through a browser-based online editor for larger layout changes or directly on the device via its built-in display for quick adjustments. The dual approach allows for deep customisation in the studio and fast tweaks mid-set.
Currently in soft launch, the Phantom C45 is being introduced to a wider community of producers and DJs. The controller is positioned to appeal to artists looking for greater tactile control in live performance settings.
