PIRATE MIDI releases version 2 Polar hardware
January 1, 2026 · 1 sources
PIRATE MIDI released version 2 hardware for its Polar line of USB, MIDI and wireless controllers in January 2026, the maker states on the product page. The company says the revision makes the devices more space efficient and adds optical switching technology to the models with footswitches.
The Polar controllers connect to a pedal over USB-C and send MIDI messages to switch presets and adjust settings. Each unit has an ESP32 wireless module, a custom 9V center-negative power circuit, a 3.5mm TRS (Type A) MIDI input and a 3.5mm TRS (Type A) MIDI Thru, and can be controlled over Bluetooth or WiFi from a compatible MIDI controller or app1. The maker lists the ToneX, ToneX One and Valeton GP-5 among the supported pedals. It notes that the ToneX One does not officially support MIDI control, and that the controller works by translating USB messages in the same way the ToneX app does. PIRATE MIDI warns that a future firmware update from IK Multimedia could break this, and that it cannot offer returns or refunds if that happens1.
The line comes in four sizes, Pico, Mini, Plus and Max, which share the same core features and connections and differ in user interface1.
| Model | Dimensions | Screen | Footswitches | Power | US price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico v2 | 59mm x 36.6mm x 15mm | None | None | 300mA | $59 |
| Mini v2 | 57mm x 39mm x 17mm | 1.69" LCD, non-touch | None | 300mA | $79 |
| Plus v2 | 100mm x 41mm x 46mm | 1.69" LCD, non-touch | 2 optical, for preset changes | 300mA | $99 |
| Max v2 | 112mm x 90mm x 46mm | 3.5" LCD touchscreen | 2 optical, for preset changes | 600mA, 1A recommended | $159 |
The Pico and Mini ship with a 1.1mm to 2.1mm DC adapter; the Plus and Max have a 2.1mm DC jack1. The open source firmware was created by Greg Smith, and PIRATE MIDI says 10% of all sales revenue goes to him1.
"Our version 2 hardware - released in January 2026 - makes these devices even more space efficient and adds our brand new optical switching technology to models with footswitches."