We craft unique custom hardware for creative technologists
Yaeltex is a group of audiovisual engineering enthusiasts dedicated to crafting durable, beautiful, and custom MIDI controllers.
We empower artists by bringing their creative ideas to life.
An interdisciplinary team of hardware and software developers, mechanical and electrical engineers and assembly specialists ensures each controller meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
We specialize in providing artists with the ability to build and customize their tools. Our bespoke hardware is conceived to expand creative freedom and productivity in digital environments, connecting creators seamlessly with their work.
Our story
With our roots in Patagonia and now based in Buenos Aires, at Yaeltex we offer unique plug-and-play hardware designed by our users, addressing a longstanding need for instruments that are both tailor-made and robust.
- 2009
- We built our first custom controller, "La Sensible," back in 2009. It still works.
Ale and Mat lived together in their grandmother’s house when Ale came back from Berlin and brought a kind of pre-Arduino processor with him. They made La Sensible. Ale had studied film, Mat was studying sound engineering. They launched the Metropolis series, which they used to play with their ambient band. They also played in one of the first editions of Fuego Austral, the official local Burning Man chapter.
- 2011
- Yaeltex was already called Yaeltex
Not sure when exactly.
- 2015
- First Kilomux design and prototypes
With Jorge Crowe’s help, we were able to make the first design of the first Kilomux in an opensource software and on an arduino. Later came Sano with his knowledge of electronics and took it to the next level, but he was still using Arduino.
- 2016
- New website and first system layouts
Teo joined the team. We launched a new version of our website, featuring a shop section with loose components and DIY MIDI sets. We made the PCBs ourselves (!).
- 2019
- First 100 units
We sold our first 100 custom controllers, all via email, designing either by a brief or through a shared screen on a video call. This became the best R&D experience we could have asked for, tapping directly into our users’ pains and needs.
- 2020
- Yaeltex V2- The Factory and Kilowhat developments
We developed a whole new hardware, software, and production system: the v2 framework, which then came together in the Factory. Later on, we launched our new website with the Factory, a shop with pre-designed models and a space for community conversation.
- 2022
- Welcome Mini Elements!
We launched Mini Elements, dual-density alternatives to choose from that allow a greater number of components on the same surface, and Live15, a 15 channel+master mixer controller for Ableton Live with basic mixing controls, a massive clip launcher and a flexible encoder section for device control, which quickly became the best seller of the Yaeltex models.
- 2023
- Reached +800 units
We have now sold and shipped over 800 custom controllers worldwide and became part of the setups of artists we never even dreamed of, like Richie Hawtin, Jacques, Satori, The Blaze, Thylacine, The Chemical Brothers, Rosalia, and Duki, to name a few.
- 2025
- A new era: V3
You can now incorporate the double of elements in your controller thanks to the new version of Kilomux, with updated connectors (USB-C). We also welcome very-much-awaited elements, such as displays, crossfaders and a new arrangement of a classic element: x4 long faders. To wrap things up, we completely redesigned Kilowhat, our configuration tool, matching the new system’s power.
Inspired by nature
We first started Yaeltex with an endearing mix of innocence and recklessness.
Our journey traces its roots back to the breathtaking landscapes of Bariloche, with four friends sharing a passion for experimentation around music and electronics.
Originating as a hobby in 2009, we have now sold and shipped over 800 custom controllers worldwide and became part of the setups of artists we never even dreamed of, like Richie Hawtin, Fred Again, Jacques, Satori, The Blaze, Thylacine, The Chemical Brothers, Luciano, Gui Borato, Kid Simius, Urk, Juan Hansen, Jonas Saalbach, Holt, Mathieu Moës, Floating Points, Kikuo, and Rosalia to name a few.
We are all childhood friends from Bariloche, Patagonia
The Team
Two of us are brothers. We have been doing this for 15 years. Friends and family, and friends that become family.
Ale
Co-founder & Head of Strategy
His primary role at Yaeltex is to envision the future, strategize our path, and coordinate the team to bring it all to life. Ale moves seamlessly between the natural world and the digital frontier, viewing Yaeltex as a living tree from which innovative instruments grow.
Mat
Co-founder & Head of Production
Mateo is the driving force behind our Production Management, Marketing, and Public Relations. He ensures the instruments we create find their way into the hands of musicians who need them. For Mateo, Yaeltex is fundamentally about a spirit of playfulness and creative exploration.
Sano
Co-founder & Head of Engineering
When he’s not on the ski slopes, Sano is the mastermind overseeing our entire technical ecosystem. He expertly manages everything from software and firmware to hardware design, logistics, and production, ensuring every component works in perfect harmon
Teo
Advisor
While his role encompasses administration and finance, Teo’s most vital contribution is keeping the entire team grounded and focused. He steers the ship with a steady hand, ensuring our creative vision is supported by a solid and sustainable foundation.
Franquito
Electronics & Process Engineer
As a key member of our engineering team, Franco is essential to our technical evolution. His work involves supporting our development efforts and meticulously refining our processes to make our products better, faster, and stronger.
Joaco
Production & Assembly Specialist
With a sharp eye for form and function, Joaco is our specialist in digital manufacturing. He translates ideas into tangible objects, focusing on innovative design and precision 3D printing to bring our instruments to life.
Juan
Production & Assembly Specialist
Quietly and effectively, Juan is a cornerstone of our production floor. He meticulously lays the groundwork for the entire Production Team, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow from start to finish.
Ro
Communications & Media Lead
Ro is the voice of Yaeltex, connecting us with the world. She skillfully manages our social media presence and all press-related activities, from crafting media kits to securing features in leading electronic music publications across the globe.
Kiki
Workshop Morale Coordinator
Always ready with cuddles and calm, Kiki is our furry, four-legged therapist and pro tail-wagger.Manifesto
Learn. Build. Share. Repeat.
Tools & possibilities
1- We acknowledge
The tools that we use shape what we create and what we understand to be possible.
The more the merrier
2- We work
For more people to become prosumers of their technological tools, rather than passive consumers of generic devices.
Many ways but one direction
3- We champion
The idea that technology should adapt to us, not the other way around.
Diversify & conquer
4- We advocate
For personalized products that celebrate human individuality, diverse workflows, and cultural nuances, driven by the belief in inclusive design.
Community first
5- We respect
Our community and our tools are enhanced collectively and powered by shared knowledge.
On-demand manufacturing
6- We promote
Sustainable production and consumption processes, such as on-demand manufacturing and reparability.
Built forever
7- We choose
Durable materials, so that our hardware instills pride and stays strong when the stakes are high, forever.
Powered by humans
8- We defend
The creation of disobedient, low-scale technology and the wonderful possibilities that this allows.
Responsible design
9- We invest
In the power of open systems, human-centered design and sustainable innovation.
The tools
10- We commit
To making hardware feel easy.