
An expandable controller that is able to send 16 messages per patch and store over 200 patches.
The Futurist is a unique, compact MIDI controller pedal that pioneers a better way of experiencing MIDI. Built on the core ambitions to make MIDI easier, more accessible, and to provide strong features, The Futurist, strives to bring you the innovations of tomorrow today.
The Futurist is not limited to controlling MIDI; analog equipment can be controlled by virtual analog control outputs integrated into the device. With expandability and versatility in mind, an expression pedal can be used to send MIDI expression, or 3 additional footswitches can be added to expand The Futurist's capabilities from 4 switches to 7. Download the "Matthews Effects Editor" software to update The Futurist's firmware, organize presets and create new ones using the custom "Smart Editor" wizard that makes creating MIDI messages a breeze. Whether programming it from a computer or making some last-minute edits before a show, we want you to have the best MIDI experience possible. We welcome you to a new world of endless possibilities, The Futurist is here.
MIDI Features:
Patches - send 16 messages per patch as well as patch specific Expression, Utility Jack and MIDI Clock settings with a total of 210 patches available.
Unique Patch Names - Each patch can be given a unique 8 digit name for quick reference on the home screen.
Message Types - The Futurist has built in shortcuts for programming PC, CC, Note On and Note Off messages as well as a "Manual" option to program any kind of MIDI message making The Futurist accessible to those who are new to MIDI and also robust enough for veterans. Send any kind of MIDI message.
Custom Message Slots - A big frustration with MIDI is keeping track of all the different messages for your gear. With the custom message slots, you only need to look it up once. With 10 nameable Custom Message Slots it is quick and easy to setup a new preset with your most used MIDI messages.
Connections:
USB - Midi communication over USB, manage presets and update firmware (with Matthews Effects Editor), and power The Futurist.
Midi In/Out - connect directly to devices that use a TRS connection for MIDI and can be used with adapters to connect to 1/4" MIDI connections.
5 pin Midi In/Out - Connect to devices that use the traditional 5 pin midi connector. The jack can be internally set to be an In or Out connection with dip switches. Default set to output.
Utility Jack - Configurable to send analog tap tempo signals or as a latching or momentary switch.
ControlĀ Jack - Plug in an expression pedal to dynamically send Control Change messages over MIDI or configure the jack to accept 3 additional switches to expand the functionality of the futurist.
Software Features:
Launching with The Futurist is our own Matthews Effects Editor software that comes packed full of features to make your life with MIDI as easy and effective as possible!
Organize Patches - Fully edit any patch from any bank on the Futurist and edit each patches 16 messages and patch specific Expression, Utility Jack and MIDI Clock settings from the comfort of your computer.
Smart Editor Wizard - Programming MIDI has never been easier or more accessible! Simply choose the Make, Product, the action you want to take, program and it will automatically generate the needed message! Let us worry about how MIDI works so you can focus on creating music!
Global Settings Control - Adjust all global settings and features on the Futurist from your computer.
Custom Messages - Save messages into custom slots with unique names to quickly program your favorite functions eliminating the need to constantly look them up when programming a new patch. Edit the custom messages on your device and keep an expanded list saved in the Matthews Effects editor software on your computer.
Share Patches and Custom Messages - Export and share your patches and custom messages with the community and help us make MIDI even more accessible to everyone!
Update Firmware - Use the Matthews Effects Editor to update your devices firmware.
Controls:
LEDS - Indicates which patch was selected last or will display the tap BPM.
Switch 1 - Activates the first patch of each bank, Bank Up/Bank Down when held down or (pressed in conjunction with Switch 4) open Main Settings Menu. When inside menus, Switch 1 will scroll/move you left or decrease your menu selection.
Switch 2 - Activates the second patch of each bank. When inside menus, Switch 2 will cancel the selection, move back to previous menu, or exit to home screen if in the main menu.
Switch 3 - Activates the third patch of each bank. When inside menus, Switch 3 will move you right or increase your menu selection.
Switch 4 - Activates the fourth patch of each bank. When inside menus, Switch 4 is used to enter different menus or confirm values/options.
Rick Matthews obsesses over every last detail in creating the highest quality and intuitive pedals available. This commitment to excellence is on full display with The Futurist. Rick personally spent months engineering and tailoring the Futurist to make it the most accessible midi controller on the market.
- High-grade components selected for their superior quality
- 3.5mm, traditional 5 pin and USB midi connections
- Utility Jack lets you send analog tap or switch signals
- Control Jack lets you use expression or add 3 additional switches
- Foot-switch's designed to last against the abuse of the road
- Includes Matthews Effects limited 5-year warranty
- High-grade components selected for their superior quality
- 3.5mm, traditional 5 pin and USB midi connections
- Utility Jack lets you send analog tap or switch signals
- Control Jack lets you use expression or add 3 additional switches
- Foot-switch's designed to last against the abuse of the road
- Includes Matthews Effects limited 5-year warranty
- 9V power jack power draw: 50mA
Matthews Effects
Brent Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ā90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, youāve likely heard Masonās playing.
Professional transcriber Levi Clay has done the deepest of dives into Brent Masonās hotshot licks. At one point, he undertook the massive project of transcribing and sharing one of Masonās solos every day for 85 or so days. Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ā90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, youāve likely heard Masonās playing. Levi shares the insight he gleaned from digging deep, and he tells us what it was like when they shared a stage last year. Plus, Levi plays us some great examples of Masonās playing.
PRS Guitars today launched five new three-pickup, 22-fret models across the S2 and SE series. The S2 Series release includes the S2 Special Semi-Hollow and S2 Studio, while the SE Series welcomes the SE Special Semi-Hollow, SE Studio, and SE Studio Standard.
āThe distinctive pickup configurations of these five guitars deliver a versatile tonal platform, whether youāre exploring subtle textures or pushing the envelope. The deep dive into our Narrowfield technology is obvious with this launch. With both the S2 models made in our Maryland factory and the SE models made in Indonesia, our goal has been to create guitars that will inspire you and spark creativity, all at an exceptional value,ā said PRS Guitars COO, Jack Higginbotham.
S2 Special Semi-Hollow
The PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow features a pair of 58/15 LT humbuckers in the bass and treble positions and a PRS Narrowfield in the middle. A 5-way blade switch and two mini-toggles allow players to tap the humbuckers, creating twelve distinct pickup combinations for sonic exploration. The carved maple top and mahogany back encompass a semi-hollow body that adds a natural airiness and depth to the guitarās tone while enhancing sustain.
S2 Studio
The PRS S2 Studio delivers a wide range of sonic possibilities through its distinctive single-single-hum configuration. Featuring two proprietary PRS Narrowfield pickups in the bass and middle positions and a 58/15 LT humbucker in the treble position, the S2 Studio offers a palette of sounds from single-coil clarity to vocal humbucker tones. This model also has a 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control.
SE Special Semi-Hollow
The PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow is designed with the versatility of a hum/āsingleā/hum setup, bringing PRSās Narrowfield DD pickup design to the SE Series in a classic maple-top guitar. The semi-hollow construction also enhances sustain and resonance, while the f-hole adds a classic aesthetic. The coil-tap switching system unlocks a wide range of tones through a pair of 58/15 LT āSā pickups in the bass and treble positions and a PRS Narrowfield DD āSā in the middle.
SE Studio
The PRS SE Studioās āsingleā/āsingleā/hum pickup configuration provides a wide range of tonal options. This combination of PRS Narrowfield DD āSā bass and middle pickups with a PRS 58/15 LT āSā treble humbucker offers humbucking warmth, single-coil sparkle, and everything in between. The 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control further enhance its versatility.
SE Studio Standard
The only bolt-on neck in this release group, the PRS SE Studio Standard brings the tone, playability, and versatility of the Studio model to the SE Series and into an all-mahogany design with a vintage-style pickguard aesthetic. At the heart of the SE Studio Standard is its versatile trio of pickups: an 58/15 LT āSā humbucker in the treble position with two Narrowfield DD āSā pickups in the middle and bass positions. The 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control allow for an array of pickup configurations.
PRS Guitars continues its schedule of launching new products each month in 2025. Stay tuned to see new gear and 40th Anniversary limited-edition guitars throughout the year.
For the first time ever, two guitar greats, John 5 and Richie Kotzen will be heading out on the road this year. The tour will launch October 16 and run through November, hitting markets across the U.S.
Find the full tour itinerary right plus a link for tickets & VIP, including additional dates featuring John 5 only. Reserved seating tickets will go on sale Friday May 16 though a fan presale will begin today at noon local time and fans are strongly encouraged to buy early to get the best seats.
Meet and Greets for both artists will be available. For John 5 please go to: https://john5store.com/collections/vip.
Today, John 5 also announces more details of his anticipated new album. Called The Ghost, it will be released October 10 and is led by the new track āFiend,ā featuring Kenny Aronoff.
John 5 continues running public tours this month for his Knights In Satanās Service Museum of KISS Memorabilia in Los Angeles, California. Guided tours are open to the public for one month only (with a possible expansion). Current dates available are May 12-16, May 19-23 and May 27-30. Each will be led by John 5 himself who will provide tons of rich detail and answer any questions. Secure your place HERE.
JOHN 5 continues to tour with Mötley Crüe including an upcoming residency in Las Vegas in 2025.RICHIE KOTZEN &
JOHN 5 FALL 2025 TOUR
October 16 El Cajon, CA @ Magnolia
October 17 Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts
October 18 Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
October 19 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
October 21 Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
October 22 Albuquerque, NM @ KiMo Theatre
October 24 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
October 25 Leander, TX @ The Haute Spot
October 27 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
October 28 Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
October 29 Nashville, TN @ Fogg Street Lawn Club
October 30 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
October 31 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
November 1 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
November 2 Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
November 4 Richmond, VA @ The National
November 5 Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater
November 6 Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre
November 11 Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
November 12 Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall
November 13 Foxborough, MA @ Six String Grill & Stage
November 14 Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater
November 15 Lorain, OH @ Lorain Palace Theatre
November 16 Columbus, OH @ The King Of Clubs
November 17 Warrendale, PA @ Jergels
November 19 Wyandotte, MI @ District 142
November 20 Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
November 21 Fort Wayne, IN @ Piereās
November 22 St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
November 23 Belvidere, IL @ Apollo Theatre
November 25 Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
November 29 Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet's*
*John 5 only
AEROSMITH guitarist and songwriter JOE PERRY is set to return to the road for a series of August performances with THE JOE PERRY PROJECT. The 8-date run kicks off August 13 in Tampa, FL and wraps August 23 in Port Chester, New York, with an August 19 performance in PERRYās Boston hometown (see the itinerary below). For the North American trekāwhich marks the first solo shows for PERRY this yearāthe legendary guitarist will be joined by his Aerosmith bandmates Brad Whitford (guitar) and Buck Johnson (keys), along with The Black Crowesā Chris Robinson (vocals), and Stone Temple Pilotsā Robert DeLeo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums).
āWellā¦itās time to let the music do the talkin again,ā PERRY says. āIām really excited about the JPP line up this year!!!! Most of these guys played with me at The Roxy in L.A. at the debut event for my latest solo album [Sweetzerland Manifesto] in January 2018. Theyāre all busy as hell but thankfully theyāre able to carve out some time for this run. And Iām not only lucky enough to have Brad Whitford onstage with me but Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes! [who sang āFortunate Oneā on Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII], Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz from STP!!! and Buck Johnson who plays keys and sings with Aerosmith, the Hollywood Vampires, and is also a solo artist in his own right.ā
For the shows, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee says āthe set list is gonna include my fav JPP cuts, STP, Black Crowes, and with Brad weāll be hitting the Aero hits and some deep cuts and then ya never know!!!! Gonna be a BLAST, and if youāve ever been to one of my shows you know the words GARAGE BAND on STEROIDS come to mind! See you there!!!!ā
DATE | LOCATION | VENUE |
Wednesday, August 13 | Tampa, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Tampa |
Thursday, August 14 | Hollywood, FL | Seminole Hard Rock - Hollywood |
Saturday, August 16 | Toronto, ON | HISTORY |
Sunday, August 17 | Muskoka, ON | Kee to Bala |
Tuesday, August 19 | Boston, MA | Wang Theatre |
Wednesday, August 20 | Hampton Beach, NH | Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom |
Friday, August 22 | Mashantucket, CT | The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino |
Saturday, August 23 | Port Chester, NY | Capitol Theatre |