Intech Studio Grid Series 3 PBF4 Linear Mechanical is a third-generation modular USB MIDI controller from the Grid line, packing four types of control elements into a single 107 x 107 mm enclosure: rotary potentiometers, linear faders, mechanical buttons, and RGB LED indicators. The GRID3-PBF4-LM variant uses linear-taper potentiometers (not center-detent) and Gateron Hall effect buttons – a combination suited to parameters with a defined start and end value rather than a resting center position.
Three Control Types, One Module – Each Doing Something Different
Four 300° rotary potentiometers with metal shafts provide smooth, analog-style adjustment at up to 12-bit MIDI resolution, with no dead zone at either end of travel – a natural fit for filters, volume, or expression parameters. Four 30 mm linear faders with metal shafts and medium resistance handle fast level changes and live crossfading – the shorter throw compared to the EF44 means more dynamic movement and quicker response rather than fine micro-adjustment. Four Gateron Hall effect buttons register both velocity and continuous pressure travel, covering trigger, toggle, or bank-switching functions as assigned in Grid Editor.
RGB Feedback and Modular Expansion in Any Direction
Each potentiometer and fader has an individual RGB LED configurable in Grid Editor – colour-code parameter groups, enable pulsing animations, or adjust brightness per element, which is particularly useful in dark stage environments. Magnetic side connectors with gold-plated pins allow expansion to up to eight Grid modules in any geometric arrangement, all powered over a single USB-C cable. A side utility button cycles through four assignment pages without touching the software during performance.
KEY FEATURES
- 4x 300° rotary potentiometers with metal shafts – linear taper, up to 12-bit MIDI resolution
- 4x 30 mm linear faders with metal shafts and medium resistance
- 4x Gateron Hall effect buttons – velocity and pressure sensitive
- Individual RGB LED indicator per potentiometer and fader
- 4 assignment pages switched via side utility button
- Magnetic side connectors with gold-plated pins – expandable to 8 Grid modules
- Programmable via Grid Editor (Lua API); supports MIDI and HID (keyboard, mouse, gamepad)
- Compatible with macOS, Windows, Linux, and mobile platforms
- Direct host connection recommended – some USB hubs may cause compatibility issues
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- SKU: GRID3-PBF4-LM
- Potentiometers: 4x rotary 300°, metal shafts, linear taper
- Faders: 4x linear, 30 mm travel, metal shafts, medium resistance
- Buttons: 4x Gateron Hall effect, velocity and pressure sensitive
- MIDI resolution: 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 bit
- Indicators: individual RGB LED per potentiometer and fader
- Connector: high-speed USB-C
- Power consumption: 250 mA
- Weight: approx. 220 g
- Programming: Grid Editor (Lua API)