Umbilical: A Hybrid System for Creating Custom Modular MIDI Controllers - A Eurorack/VCV Rack Case Study

Celeste Betancur Gutiérrez

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

This paper introduces Umbilical, a hybrid system for creating custom modular MIDI controllers that prioritizes tactile embodiment through strict one-to-one mapping. Focusing on a VCV Rack case study, Umbilical utilizes a dual architecture: a digital symbiont module that exposes the software API, and a physical interface that mirrors digital modules, including the physical patching of cables essential to Eurorack performance. By requiring performers to craft specialized interfaces, Umbilical bypasses the abstractions of universal controllers. The system leverages the high-density I/O of the Umbilical Monster Board to restore the bespoke "small gestures" vital to performance practice. I argue that this approach establishes an intuitive connection between the artist and their digital instrument without the prohibitive cost of a traditional hardware setup.

Citation

Celeste Betancur Gutiérrez. 2026. Umbilical: A Hybrid System for Creating Custom Modular MIDI Controllers - A Eurorack/VCV Rack Case Study. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20784372 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry

@inproceedings{nime2026_119,
 abstract = {This paper introduces Umbilical, a hybrid system for creating custom modular MIDI controllers that prioritizes tactile embodiment through strict one-to-one mapping. Focusing on a VCV Rack case study, Umbilical utilizes a dual architecture: a digital symbiont module that exposes the software API, and a physical interface that mirrors digital modules, including the physical patching of cables essential to Eurorack performance. By requiring performers to craft specialized interfaces, Umbilical bypasses the abstractions of universal controllers. The system leverages the high-density I/O of the Umbilical Monster Board to restore the bespoke "small gestures" vital to performance practice. I argue that this approach establishes an intuitive connection between the artist and their digital instrument without the prohibitive cost of a traditional hardware setup.},
 address = {London, United Kingdom},
 articleno = {119},
 author = {Celeste Betancur Gutiérrez},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.20784372},
 editor = {Benedict Gaster and João Tragtenberg and Anna Xambó and Tom Mitchell},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 note = {},
 numpages = {4},
 pages = {979--982},
 title = {Umbilical: A Hybrid System for Creating Custom Modular MIDI Controllers - A Eurorack/VCV Rack Case Study},
 track = {paper},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2026/nime2026_119.pdf},
 year = {2026}
}