VSN1: The Modular Controller for Digital Creators
VSN1 is redefining workflow efficiency for digital creatives. From music production to video editing, photography, and smart home automation, this compact, customizable controller brings back the tactile control lost in modern digital workspaces.
Behind VSN1 is Intech Studio, a company with deep roots in the music industry that has evolved into a leading force in modular control solutions. Today, we speak with Kristóf and the Intech Studio team to learn how VSN1 and the Grid ecosystem are empowering creatives to work faster, smarter, and more intuitively.
The Vision Behind VSN1 & Modular Control
Michael (GizmoCrowd): VSN1 is designed to bring seamless, tactile control to digital creatives across music, video editing, photography, and smart home automation. What inspired you to create this versatile, pocket-sized controller, and how does it revolutionize workflow efficiency?
Intech Studio: Back in 2017, we created Grid with the vision of offering a versatile control solution for all digital creatives. We first started building our reputation in an industry that we felt close to, music. Indeed, this has been a personal passion of ours ever since we were young. Over the past five years, we’ve built a strong brand within the music industry. We formed a strong community that continues to inspire to this day.
This past year we experienced a profoundly increased community growth compared to the years before. We had the idea to create a new way to provide better visual feedback while using our products and started receiving requests for a screen. We felt that our development plans are nicely aligned with market needs. At the same time more and more inquiries started appearing regarding our compatibility with other creative softwares. Inspired by this interest we saw an opportunity to launch VSN1 while also starting our expansions to creative fields beyond music production.
VSN1, and Grid as a whole, redefines workflow efficiency by bringing back the hands-on control that so many creatives lose by tapping keyboards and dragging their mouses around all day. Our goal isn’t just to make the creation process faster but also more intuitive and enjoyable. With deep customizability and modularity we offer a setup that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. This not only enhances the user experience but also saves time while promoting a more ergonomic and immersive creative process.
Customization & Open-Source Flexibility
Michael (GizmoCrowd): Unlike traditional controllers, VSN1 is fully customizable with open-source software, hot-swappable keycaps, programmable buttons, and modular expansion. How does this level of personalization empower creatives to build their ideal setup?
Intech Studio: It’s all about providing full control for digital creatives instead of making them adapt to predefined setups. Our controllers are modular, which means they can be easily connected to each other by any direction using the magnets. This feature allows you to select from our modules that have different combinations of control elements, and choose those which would best help your workflow. You can also give it a personal touch by swapping the key caps on the switches.
For software customization we have developed the Grid Editor. It allows you to assign each element on your controller a function that is useful to you. You can either browse from pre-made configurations by our team and the community or create your own.
By combining hardware and software customization, instead of working around limitations, creatives can build a setup that works seamlessly with their personal workflow.
Seamless Integration Across Creative Fields
Michael (GizmoCrowd): VSN1 supports USB MID I, Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom, music production DAWs, and smart home control. How does its cross-industry compatibility make it an essential tool for photographers, musicians, and digital artists alike?
Intech Studio: A great example of this is one of our team members. He has been our photographer ever since we formed Intech Studio. He’s the one who has been testing and using our Photoshop and Lightroom integration. Recently he has picked up a new hobby in which he started to try himself out in the field of music production. And Grid is perfect for. He’s been using the controllers for both photo editing and for controlling the M8 tracker by Dirtywave, which he uses for music production.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be across different industries. We’ve noticed that often our musicians use multiple softwares and hardwares at the same time. Again, I can bring up another member of our team who uses Ableton for music production, but also different synths. And recently he has been experimenting with creating visuals with Touchdesigners. He uses Grid for all these different workflows, he just needs to change the configuration or sometimes add/remove a module.
Grid’s wide compatibility is great for those who use multiple softwares at once. This can be within or across creative industries. For example, a music producer who also edits videos can seamlessly switch between their DAW and Premiere Pro without needing separate controllers. Similarly, a photographer who uses both Photoshop and Lightroom, and recently started to experiment with music production. Or simply if you’re someone who listens to music on Spotify while editing. This flexibility makes Grid an essential tool for modern creatives. Especially for those who juggle multiple workflows at once as they don’t need to invest in a completely new setup. They can just adjust Grid to the one they are using currently.
VSN1 Ergonomic & Tactile Design for Productivity
Michael (GizmoCrowd): Many creatives struggle with keyboard shortcuts and on-screen tools, which can slow down their workflow. How does VSN1’s tactile rotary knob, pressure-sensitive switches, and dynamic LCD screen improve speed and efficiency?
Intech Studio: VSN1’s screen offers real-time visual feedback, displaying essential information so you can stay focused without constantly switching between tabs or menus. The rotary knob offers precise control, making tasks like adjusting brush size in Photoshop or scrubbing through video timelines smoother and more accurate. Meanwhile, the pressure-sensitive buttons allow for quick access to frequently used commands, adapting to your workflow seamlessly.
The core idea behind Grid is to map your most-used shortcuts to its control elements, allowing muscle memory to take over and streamline your workflow over time. Rather than navigating complex keyboard shortcuts or on-screen menus, users can interact with their tools more efficiently.
The Future of Grid & Modular Controllers
Michael (GizmoCrowd): VSN1 is part of the Grid ecosystem, which has already sold over 5,000 modules. What’s next for your team? Do you have plans to expand the Grid system further with new modules or features tailored to specific industries?
Intech Studio: Right now, our primary focus is staying on track to deliver our promised timelines while continuously improving the Grid ecosystem. We’re actively working on native integrations for various creative software. At the same time, we’re making quality upgrades to our existing modules including new front panels, switching to metal encoders/potentiometers, and changing to the new pressure-sensitive buttons across all modules. Beyond product development, we want Grid to be more accessible. Expanding our retail presence worldwide is a key goal. We’d like to make it possible for our users to try Grid out in person before making a purchase.
We place a strong emphasis on community-driven innovation, we read every comment, review every suggestion, and take user feedback seriously. That’s how the Grid system has evolved over the years, and it’s what influences our future plans. After launching TEK2 in late 2023, we immediately began developing VSN1. Similarly, we’re actively researching new modules and features based on user demand. One of the most requested additions is motorized faders and XY pads. We’re exploring how to integrate them with the current compact modular design. As we expand beyond music production and gain more users from other creative fields, we’re excited to see how their feedback will shape our current roadmap. As always, the future of Grid will be driven by both innovation and the needs of the growing creative community.
Michael (GizmoCrowd): Thank you, Kristóf and the Intech Studio team, for sharing your journey with us! VSN1 is an exciting innovation, offering a new level of control for creatives across industries. We can’t wait to see how the Grid ecosystem continues to grow and evolve. Wishing you all the best as you push the boundaries of modular creativity!
VSN1 – the visionary controlling tool, Live on Kickstarter
About Intech Studio
Intech Studio is dedicated to enhancing digital workflows with modular, customizable hardware solutions. What started as a garage project in Budapest has grown into a global brand, helping musicians, video editors, and digital artists streamline their creative process. With the Grid ecosystem, Intech Studio is shaping the future of tactile control, combining versatility, efficiency, and seamless integration into one powerful system.
