Percussa to Present Digital Modular Synthesis System at Knobcon with New REMOTE Hardware Controller

FM synthesis using AudioCubes, REMOTE and SYNTHOR

Published on Aug 29, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video we loaded the FM synthesis patch in SYNTHOR consisting of 1 output and 2 LFOs. Using REMOTE we can change the different parameters of each of the modules, such as the wave form or fine parameters of the LFO."

Percussa will be introducing REMOTE, a new hardware controller for their Synthor modular system at Knobcon this year. Many of you will be familiar with Synthor from previous posts here on the site. The following is in via Percussa.

"Los Angeles, CA (USA) August 29, 2016 - Percussa is proud to announce the official debut of its SYNTHOR digital modular synthesis systems, at Knobcon 2016, September 9-11 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

With the launch of Percussa’s digital modular synthesis systems a new generation of digital modular synthesizers has been born. Using the hands-on wireless patching interface (AudioCubes), powerful synthesis software (SYNTHOR) and a tightly integrated controller (REMOTE), patching synth modules and changing modulation depth and synthesis parameters has never been so fast and intuitive.

WIRELESS PATCHING INTERFACE

SYNTHOR digital modular synthesizer systems come with a wireless patching interface which allows musicians and sound artists to patch synth modules in real-time by placing AudioCubes, which represent the modules, next to each other.

Moving cubes closer and further away changes the modulation depth of the signals flowing between the synthesis modules, allowing artists to expressively control more parameters simultaneously than is currently possible with traditional systems.

Multiple patch connections between modules can be created simultaneously by placing cubes next to each other, something which is impossible to do with systems where patch cables are created one-by-one.

POWERFUL DIGITAL SYNTHESIS SOFTWARE

Synth modules are automatically assigned through the SYNTHOR synthesis software to each cube. It is like having a virtual case of modules, offering the advantages of computer based synthesis, but with dedicated hardware interfaces for patching and parameter control. SYNTHOR runs stand-alone on MAC and PC and needs no other software or plugins.

The SYNTHOR digital modular synthesis system has built-in visual feedback: synth modules, patch connections, clock timings, and signal amplitude are all mapped to RGB colours and light intensity on the AudioCubes patching interface, giving musicians an instant overview of the state of the system at all times, without patch cables in the way, which is very convenient in live performance situations.

TIGHTLY INTEGRATED PARAMETER CONTROL SURFACE

Modular synthesis setups are easily created using the tightly integrated REMOTE controller which lets you configure AudioCubes and set parameters in the SYNTHOR synthesis software without having to touch your computer or mouse.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthor Preview: Percussa's digital modular synthesizer for the AudioCubes

via the Percussa news letter:

"Hi everyone, it’s Bert here from Percussa AudioCubes :-)

We’ve been working hard on Synthor, the digital modular synthesizer for the AudioCubes, and I thought I’d send you an update :-)

As you know, the AudioCubes started as an advanced object based MIDI controller for professional artists, such as live performers, sound designers, composers, teachers, …

With Synthor we are taking AudioCubes to the next level. We’re adding audio input and output to our MIDIBridge software, and building a synthesizer into the software, which is called Synthor.

Synthor allows you to assign sound processors and generators to the AudioCubes, and lets you patch them together using the AudioCubes. You do this by placing the AudioCubes next to each other. The power of patching in Synthor comes from its ability to make multiple patch connections as you build a network of cubes. In a normal modular synthesizer, you make one connection at a time. With Synthor, you can make multiple connections by placing cubes together. Synthor takes modular synthesizer patching to the next level!

Synthor also gives you real time high speed parameter control: when you move cubes further or closer to each other, the software will control and scale synthesizer parameters such as modulation depth. Imagine two oscillator cubes, placed together. One oscillator modulates the other one, in amplitude, or frequency, as soon as the cube detect each other. As you move the cubes closer or further away, the distance between the cubes will change the modulation depth!

So in summary, with Synthor, you can patch multiple cables, and change modulation depth for these multiple connections, all at the same time, using only two hands :-) Synthor pushes the concept of a modular synthesizer to the next level.

Last but not least, you can save and load module assignments to/from preset files. Let’s say you have 8 cubes. You could have a group of oscillator and step sequencer cubes in one setup, but if you load a different settings file, which you might have saved at another time, you can recall a totally different setup, for example consisting of a group of filters and noise generators! This way you can play a live set with a modular synthesizer, and recall a totally different setup for every song. You can even switch presets using program changes (a feature that has been in MIDIBridge for several versions, by the way).

We’ve already got a wavetable oscillator, waveshaper, state-variable filter, noise generators, step sequencer, envelope generator, DC level generator and LFOs built into Synthor."

See the first video on the Percussa site here.  Below are two additional videos from Percussa's YouTube channel.

Topology Mode and Ableton Live by Rishabh Rajan

Published on Aug 11, 2015 Percussa AudioCubes

synthor digital modular synth for AudioCubes testing session #1

Published on Aug 11, 2015 Percussa AudioCubes

"We're working on a digital modular synthesizer for the AudioCubes: synthor. More information: https://www.percussa.com/2015/08/11/p..."

Percussa Synthor Digital Modular Synth Demo #1

Published on Aug 16, 2015 Percussa AudioCubes

"Quick demo of the new Synthor digital modular synth for the Percussa AudioCubes.
https://www.percussa.com/2015/08/16/h...

Synthor runs on Macs and PCs as a standalone audio application and communicates wirelessly with the AudioCubes hardware interface. When cubes are placed next to each other, new patch connections are created, and moving cubes closer and further away change parameters such as modulation depth. Synthor is a free download for all AudioCubes users! Learn more at http://www.percussa.com/"

Some additional info via the Percussa News Letter:

"You can see different synth cubes in action: red/orange cubes are wavetable oscillators, purple one is a step sequencer, green ones are LFOs (frequency and amplitude modulation) and the cyan one is a toggle noise cube (white noise with variable frequency). The wavetable oscillator cubes are set to do frequency modulation, the step sequencer does frequency modulation, as well as the noise cube. There is also a waveshaper and state-variable filter (SVF) which are not demo'ed in this video but will be in upcoming videos.

The Synthor synth runs inside MIDIBridge so there is no additional software needed beyond our MIDIBridge software. There is an audio settings control panel now in MIDIBridge which lets you select the sound card driver to use (CoreAudio, ASIO, etc) as well as the sample rate and buffer size to use. The processing in Synthor is all done at audio sample rate, so you have really fast and smooth modulation possibilities and low-latency.

In Synthor, you first assign a synthesizer module to a cube (oscillator, LFO, noise gererator, etc) and decide what other cubes it can modulate. As soon as you’ve done that, you can start putting cubes together to create a modular synth patch.

As soon as cubes are placed next to each other, a connection is made between the synthesizer modules linked to the cubes. So for example, if you configured two cubes to be oscillators, one oscillator will start to modulate the frequency of the other oscillator (you can also set it to modulate amplitude if you prefer). It works the same way when you place multiple cubes together: even if you are only placing one cube next to a group of cubes, you will be creating multiple connections! All without needing real hardware patch cords. Try doing that in a traditional hardware modular synthesizer with only two hands.

Synthor also automatically scales parameters as you move cubes closer together: If you have two oscillator cubes next to each other, the modulation depth will change depending on the distance between the cubes. This is done completely automatic without you having to configure anything. Parameters can also be set using sliders in the Synthor user interface if you need to set them to specific values.

Last but not least, the signal output of each of the synthesizer modules is automatically connected to the brightness of the colours of the cubes. This way you can see how fast your LFOs are running for example, or you can see the steps of the step sequencer as they play back.

I’ve also built a default patch into Synthor / MIDIBridge, such that when you start the software and connect your cubes, they are all set into Synthor mode and a synthesizer processor has been linked to each cube (oscillator, noise, etc). This way you can immediately start making sound with the cubes without having to configure anything (don’t forget to set up your sound card - you only need to do this once). If you customize the default setup of Synthor you can save your settings and load them using the LOAD/SAVE buttons in MIDIBridge.

Bonus tip: if you go play live with Synthor, you can load different settings files for different songs, and each of those settings files can assign the cubes to different synthesizer modules! This is like having 10 different modular synth setups with you which you can instantly switch to within a few seconds. Impossible to do with a traditional hardware modular synth.

I need your feedback on the above video

I’ll be adding more synthesizer modules to Synthor over the next month. I have plans for granular processors, mixers, delays, etc. It’s going to be super exciting working on this. Please reply to this email and send me your feedback about the above video!"

You can contact Percussa at https://percussa.com/contact

Percussa announces beta version of SYNTHOR: digital modular synthesizer for AudioCubes

"Los Angeles, CA (USA) December 10, 2015 - Percussa announces the launch of the beta version of SYNTHOR, the digital modular synthesizer application for AudioCubes, its successful modular hardware interface for electronic musicians.

Using SYNTHOR, existing AudioCube users are no longer required to use additional software to make sounds with the AudioCubes, and musicians who haven’t discovered AudioCubes yet now no longer have to MIDI-map synthesizers to the AudioCubes to take advantage of their possibilities.

SYNTHOR is the first software digital modular synthesizer in the world with a dedicated hardware interface, allowing users to patch wirelessly by placing AudioCubes next to each other, and to change synthesis parameters simultaneously, while changing distance between AudioCubes.

SYNTHOR lets you create different configurations of synth modules, which can be saved, recalled and shared with other musicians. Imagine being able to switch modular synth configurations for every song you play live, something that is impossible to do with traditional modular synths.

In SYNTHOR, each AudioCube can be assigned to a synthesizer module (such as oscillator, sampler, LFO, step sequencer, etc). When AudioCubes are placed next to each other, connections between modules are automatically made. For example, by placing 4 AudioCubes around a 5th AudioCube, 4 connections can be instantly made. The more cubes are placed next to each other the more connections are made, all without needing real hardware patch cords.

Distance between the cubes is automatically linked to amplitude of modulation signals. By moving cubes closer to each other or further away from each other or by slightly rotating them relative to each other, the amplitude of the modulation signals can be changed. Additionally, it’s possible to sense distance from the cubes to your hands and use that distance information to change sound synthesis parameters in the modules.

Last but not least, the user automatically receives colour feedback from the cubes when assigning modules to the cubes. For example, an oscillator cube can be yellow while a noise generator can be cyan. The signal outputs of all the modules can also be linked to the brightness of the light of each cube for additional feedback, and it’s possible to mix your own colours and override the default colours.

The SYNTHOR beta is available for download in the download section of the Percussa website, and works with the recently released Percussa Wireless AudioCubes PRO as well with the older Percussa Wireless AudioCubes. SYNTHOR runs inside the MIDIBridge application for AudioCubes and requires no drivers to access the AudioCubes hardware interface. SYNTHOR and MIDIBridge are available free of charge for Mac OSX and Windows.

Percussa is working closely together with artists who provide feedback on this beta version of SYNTHOR, continuously adding more modules and rapidly releasing new versions, all in preparation of the release candidate version which is planned to be announced in the first quarter of 2016. Visit https://www.percussa.com/ to download the software and participate in beta testing.

About Percussa

Percussa makes the AudioCubes, a professional electronic musical instrument and modular MIDI sensor system. AudioCubes are smart wireless cubes, capable of sensing each other’s location, orientation and distance, between each other and to your hands and fingers. In addition to its sensing capabilities AudioCubes feature fully mixable 12 bit colours through their built in RGB LEDs. AudioCubes come with freely available and powerful MIDI control, generative sequencing and digital modular synthesis software inside the MIDIBridge host application.

AudioCubes are being used by professional artists and educators all around the world for sound design, composition, live performance, music (STEM) education, interactive installations and other creative projects. More information about Percussa and AudioCubes at https://www.percussa.com"

AudioCubes by PERCUSSA Knobcon Demos & SYNTHOR Tutorials

Published on Oct 7, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

Playlist:
1. Wavetable Oscillator Patch (Knobcon demo) - "In this video we loaded the "Wavetable Oscillator" Patch, one of the patches which we've shown at Knobcon. The LFO (green cubes) are modulating the number of indexes of the wavetable oscillator as well as its frequency. In the depth editor of the software we also specified that the LFOs can modulate each other, as we show in this video."

2. Step Sequencer Patch - Knobcon Demo - "In this video we loaded the "step sequencer" patch (knobcon demo) which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance to change the notes of the step sequencer. The signal of the step sequencer is modulating the amplitude and frequency of the LFO."

3. FM Synthesis Patch (Knobcon demo) - "FM synthesis patch using 1 output, 2 oscillators, and 1 envelope generator"

4. Wind Blowing Patch (Knobcon demo) - "In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. We have 4 modules: output, filter, noise generator and DC generator. In the video we explain how we're patching the different modules as well as how we can use REMOTE to change the cutoff of the filter."

5. Visualization features in SYNTHOR - "In this video, we give an overview of the most important visualization features in SYNTHOR."

6. How to name a patch in SYNTHOR - "In this video, we explain how you can rename and save your patch in SYNTHOR using REMOTE."

7. How to connect REMOTE and AudioCubes - "While SYNTHOR is running on the computer we connect REMOTE through USB. The REMOTE acts as a base station for the wireless AudioCubes. Each time a cube is switched on it automatically joins the wireless network and a synth module is assigned to it."

8. Easily switch presets in SYNTHOR using REMOTE - "Easily switch presets in SYNTHOR with a tap of a button on REMOTE. Synth modules are automatically assigned to each AudioCube when switching or loading presets."

9. Wind Blowing patch using AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE - "In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance between LFO and envelope (ADSR) to change the modulation depth. We use REMOTE to change parameters of the ADSR envelope."

10. Wireless Patching using SYNTHOR and AudioCubes - "Basic video that explains how synth modules can be patched using AudioCubes."

11. Patch and change modulation depth simulaneously - "In this video we show how you can patch synth modules and at the same time change the modulation depth by changing distance."

Percussa presents: A conversation between 2 AudioCubes

Published on Jan 24, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video we show the new SOLO mode in synthor, our digital modular synthesizer which integrates seamlessly with the wireless audiocubes interface. Using this mode it's possible to interact with multiple cubes which are each linked to a different synthesizer module inside synthor. The cubes sense distance to your hands, allowing you to control 4 synth parameters independently, all wireless. In the video we use 2 oscillators, the green cube is linked to a sine osc while the red cube is linked to a square osc. For each cube, two of the 4 faces are linked to pitch and amplitude."

https://percussa.com


PERCUSSA SYNTHOR MODULATIONS #1 CAP

Published on Jan 24, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"Gestural sound modulation and patching using distance and rotation
https://www.percussa.com/2016/01/12/g..."


wireless audiocubes visualization in synthor #2

Published on Mar 12, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"in this video we show the new network visualisation feature of the wireless audiocubes, together with synthor, our new digital modular synth which is included for free with every audiocubes system."

"For those of you who don’t know SYNTHOR yet, it’s a modular synthesizer application we're working on for the AudioCubes. It lets you patch simply by placing wireless AudioCubes next to each other. By changing the distance between the cubes, the amplitude of the modulation signals between the modules can be changed. This allows the user to patch wirelessly and change synthesis parameters simultaneously, simply by moving cubes relative to each other. SYNTHOR is currently in BETA and available for free download on our website.

The cube network visualization feature which we integrated into SYNTHOR lets users visualize the location and orientation of the AudioCubes in the network. As you can see in the video below, each time a cube is added or removed from the network the changes are automatically reflected in the visualization window.

We're planning a patch recall feature, such that if you load a preset file in MIDIBridge containing all SYNTHOR settings, the connections between the cubes and distance will also be recalled, which lets you continue with your modular synth patch and cube setup where you stopped the day before, a feature that’s not or rarely available on traditional hardware modular synthesizers."

Audiovisual Modular Synth: Synthor Demo 3

Audiovisual Modular Synth: Synthor (Demo 3, Part 1)

Published on Nov 4, 2012 by Percussa

"Synthor is a hardware and software modular synth consisting of 8 audiocubes and software for mac and PC. Watch all four videos!

Green cubes are oscillators, red cube is the stereo out, purple cube is an envelope generator and amplifier, and the blue cubes are step sequencers.

The blue cubes have the capability of triggering and controlling cubes 2 steps away, the other cubes can only send their signal to nearby cubes. The black lines indicate outputs (opposite sides are inputs).

Learn more about audiocubes and synthor at http://www.percussa.com/

Get pricing and shipping info and ask questions at http://land.percussa.com/how-to-buy-audiocubes"

Audiovisual Modular Synth: Synthor (Demo 3, Part 2)


Audiovisual Modular Synth: Synthor (Demo 3, Part 3)


Audiovisual Modular Synth: Synthor (Demo 3, Part 4)

Published on Nov 4, 2012 by Percussa

Percussa to introduce Percussa Synthor System 8 at winter NAMM 2017

Details on Percussa's new synth system are in.

Update: new pic with text added left.

"Los Angeles, CA (USA) January 16, 2017 - Percussa is proud to announce the launch of its Synthor System 8, a new powerful hardware digital modular synthesis system, at winter NAMM 2017, January 19-22 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Synthor System 8 is a turn key modern modular synthesis system, allowing musicians to create exciting new sounds by patching synthesis modules, changing synthesis parameters and modulation signals wirelessly, and defines a new category of synthesizers combining the old proven synthesis techniques with the latest innovations in musical interfaces.

Synthor System 8 consists of a new digital hardware synthesis module (Percussa ENGINE), a new control surface and wireless base station (Percussa REMOTE), and 8 Wireless modular controllers (latest generation Percussa AUDIOCUBES). Aluminium rack ears are included to mount ENGINE above the remote control surface for optimal usability.

Percussa ENGINE integrates seamlessly without any configuration or setup necessary with Percussa REMOTE, the main control surface for the ENGINE and wireless base station for the Percussa AUDIOCUBES, through its onboard SYNTHOR sound synthesis software, easily upgradable via SD memory cards for additional sound synthesis modules and new features.

ENGINE comes with a quad core cortex A17 @ 1.8GHz Processor running Linux Kernel v4, features 64-bit parallel DSP processing and a 1600x480 pixel wide format full colour LVDS Display with high visibility. ENGINE also features MIDI In, Thru and Out Ports, SD Card Slot, USB Host Ports (HID Support) and a USB Device Port (Stereo Digital Out, USB Audio Class).

ENGINE outputs sound via a 6 Channel AKM AK4456 DAC supporting up to 192 kHz / 32 bit (S/N: 115 dB) and offers sampling capabilities via its 2 Channel AKM AK5552 ADC supporting up to 192 kHz / 32 bit (S/N: 115 dB).

ENGINE, REMOTE and AUDIOCUBES are made from high end CNC milled wear resistant industrial plastics and aluminium, and feature high quality industrial temp switches, metal encoders and aluminium knobs.

Synthor System 8 can be upgraded with additional Percussa AUDIOCUBES later on, supporting up to 16 wireless devices in total in one wireless network. The wireless technology used in Percussa’s products was developed specifically for musicians and has proven its reliability and excellent performance in many professional musician’s setups around the world.

Come see Percussa’s Synthor System 8, ENGINE, REMOTE and wireless AUDIOCUBES at the Percussa Booth #4823, Hall C."

CLICK FOR MORE »

wireless audiocubes visualization in synthor #2

Published on Mar 12, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

https://percussa.com

"in this video we show the new network visualisation feature of the wireless audiocubes, together with synthor, our new digital modular synth which is included for free with every audiocubes system."

"For those of you who don’t know SYNTHOR yet, it’s a modular synthesizer application we're working on for the AudioCubes. It lets you patch simply by placing wireless AudioCubes next to each other. By changing the distance between the cubes, the amplitude of the modulation signals between the modules can be changed. This allows the user to patch wirelessly and change synthesis parameters simultaneously, simply by moving cubes relative to each other. SYNTHOR is currently in BETA and available for free download on our website.

The cube network visualization feature which we integrated into SYNTHOR lets users visualize the location and orientation of the AudioCubes in the network. As you can see in the video below, each time a cube is added or removed from the network the changes are automatically reflected in the visualization window.

We're planning a patch recall feature, such that if you load a preset file in MIDIBridge containing all SYNTHOR settings, the connections between the cubes and distance will also be recalled, which lets you continue with your modular synth patch and cube setup where you stopped the day before, a feature that’s not or rarely available on traditional hardware modular synthesizers."

All parts here.

PERCUSSA SYNTHOR BERLIN SESSIONS VID #1

Published on Oct 26, 2015 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"Video featuring new SYNTHOR digital modular synthesizer for wireless audiocubes by Percussa. Synthesizer modules used in this video are oscillators (green cubes), noise generator (cyan cube), DC level generator (red cube), output and FX section (yellow cube). Learn more about SYNTHOR and audiocubes at http://www.percussa.com/"

CLICK FOR MORE »

percussa wireless audiocubes digital modular synth demo 2

Published on Sep 8, 2015 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video a wireless AudioCube is linked to a Noise processor in Synthor, inside MIDIBridge. The frequency and amplitude of the Noise processor can be controlled using two of the four AudioCube sensors.
https://www.percussa.com/2015/09/08/G..."

Some additional info via the Percussa newsletter:

"In the video above, you’ll see a Macbook laptop running my latest Synthor build (email me if you’d like to try the latest version). The laptop is connected to an AudioCube PRO via USB, which is the base station for the AudioCubes PRO network (you can use up to 16 cubes wirelessly). The AudioCube we hold in our hands is fully wireless and communicates with the base station cube. It’s all plug-and-play, no drivers necessary, and you can also hot plug the cube network, and swap cubes around if you like (any cube can become the base station cube, all without restarting software or stopping or starting audio).

In the video the wireless cube is linked to a Noise processor in Synthor, inside MIDIBridge. The Noise processor generates white noise, but with variable frequency and amplitude. The sound is passed through a reverb section which is now also built into Synthor. The frequency and amplitude of the Noise processor can be controlled using two of the four AudioCube sensors. The other two are unused in this demo, but I have some exciting plans to map those to two other parameters of the processor :-)

What’s cool about this demo is that you can see how gestural you can get with this simple setup and the variety of results you can get. You can also see the green bar graphs on the laptop in the back which show the distance sensing in real time for the 4 sensors of the AudioCube. All you need to replicate this setup is a Mac or PC laptop, two Wireless AudioCubes PRO and our free MIDIBridge software (includes Synthor). You don’t need any other software or hardware."

SYNTHOR, audiovisual modular synthesizer: Demo II

SYNTHOR, audiovisual modular synthesizer: Demo II (part 1)

Published on Oct 27, 2012 by Percussa

"Watch all three videos: Part 1 showcases oscillators, Parts 2 and 3 noise and filters

Synthor is a hardware and software synth consisting of 8 audiocubes and software for mac and PC

4 Green cubes: sine, triangle and saw oscillators with frequency and duty cycle/sync inputs
2 Purple cubes: state variable filters with HP/LP and BP/NT outputs and cutoff frequency inputs
1 Blue cube: pink/white noise with sample and hold and state variable filters (LP) outputs, SAH control signal and filter cutoff inputs
1 Red cube: stereo output

If you have any questions or would like to buy synthor visit http://www.percussa.com/"

SYNTHOR, audiovisual modular synthesizer: Demo II (part 2)

AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE Patch Demos

Wind Blowing patch using AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE

Published on Oct 8, 2016 PERCUSSA

"In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance between LFO and envelope (ADSR) to change the modulation depth. We use REMOTE to change parameters of the ADSR envelope."

Wireless Patching using SYNTHOR and AudioCubes

Published on Oct 8, 2016

"Basic video that explains how synth modules can be patched using AudioCubes."

Patch and change modulation depth simulaneously

Published on Oct 8, 2016

"In this video we show how you can patch synth modules and at the same time change the modulation depth by changing distance."

Also added to AudioCubes by PERCUSSA Knobcon Demos & SYNTHOR Tutorials

Percussa Intros Synthor Modular Synthesis System (Knobcon 2016)

Published on Oct 3, 2016 Synthtopia

https://www.percussa.com

"At Knobcon 2016, Synthtopia talked with Percussa's Bert Schiettecatte, who gave us an overview of their new Synthor Modular Synthesis System.

The Synthor system is built around the idea of tangible computing - where physical objects are used to represent and control virtual objects within software applications.

With Synthor, the Percussa AudioCubes act as wireless controllers that let you create synth patches, while the Remote lets you control things like patch selection and settings for virtual modules.

This video is part of Synthtopia's Knobcon 2016 coverage:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag..."

Sample Manipulation Synthesizer: Synthor for AudioCubes

Published on Nov 12, 2012 by Percussa

"Series of videos showing the new free modular synthesizer software
"SYNTHOR", for Percussa AudioCubes.
Request more info about how to order AudioCubes and SYNTHOR at
http://land.percussa.com/how-to-buy-audiocubes/

In this series, 8 AudioCubes are linked to 8 different processing
modules in the software, as follows:

Green cubes: low frequency oscillators with frequency input and signal outputs
Blue cubes: sample players with position input and signal outputs
Purple cube: sample delay line with signal input and signal outputs
Red cube: stereo out, with left and right input and no outputs

Using this setup, it's easy to experiment with frequency modulation
synthesis (FM), sample manipulation, low frequency oscillators and
delay lines.
Green cubes (LFOs) are used in various combinations to generate
signals which drive the playback of the blue cubes (sample players).

You can load any sample into the sample players in SYNTHOR. Common
formats like WAV and AIFF are supported.
In these vide demos, samples from our free EMISSIONS sound pack,
designed by Pure Magnetik, have been used.
You can get the sound pack at http://land.percussa.com/software-downloads/"

PERCUSSA Announces New Mode in MIDIBridge: IMPROVISOR

An update via Percussa: "After releasing the MIDIBridge 3 update a while ago, along with the firmware update that introduced topology mode (see blog posts … ) I’ve been working on a new version of IMPROVISOR, the generative composition software for the AudioCubes. If you don’t know what this software does, check out the video below:



What is IMPROVISOR?

In short, using IMPROVISOR you can play live generative music by programming patterns into the software and then linking those to AudioCubes, and by then placing AudioCubes next to each other.

Depending on the orientation and location of AudioCubes, the resulting sequences will be different since each cube plays back a different pattern, and when cubes are placed next to each other patterns add up and subtract :-)

It’s great fun to play with and much easier to use than all the other generative / algorithmic composition software out there which has a lot of focus on academic concepts and is not very interactive, IMHO.

From Max/MSP patch to C++ application

IMPROVISOR started as a Max/MSP patch, and after the feedback from AudioCube users I’ve decided to turn it into a C++ application, and make it part of MIDIBridge, the main software application you are already familiar with when using AudioCubes.

This way the speed and performance of IMPROVISOR will be drastically improved, and it will instantly work with up to 16 cubes, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the features already built into MIDIBridge, such as MIDI clock syncing.

IMPROVISOR MODE

IMPROVISOR will show up in MIDIBridge as a new mode (see the lower left corner in the screenshot below). When two cubes are in this mode, they will work together. The cube that is following will add the pattern played back by the leading cube to its own pattern and a root note, and will send the resulting notes out through its MIDI port (selected on the right hand side in MIDIBridge).
This way, you can have up to 16 patterns playing simultaneously and in sync, each pattern potentially influencing the other patterns. By setting different pattern lengths for different cubes you’ll be able to create really interesting results, as you can see in the video below:

Of course you’ll be able to reuse patterns between cubes and you’ll be able to load and save them along with the other settings in MIDIBridge. IMPROVISOR will also have some global controls allowing you to set the tempo, as well as tap it, and start/stop/reset the sequencer as you wish.

Finally, you will notice there is an AUDIO button at the top in MIDIBridge now. I’ve added audio out, and this button calls up a dialog box letting you set the audio driver type (ASIO, DirectSound, CoreAudio, etc), buffer size, sample rate, resolution, etc. I’m planning to build SYNTHOR, the upcoming modular synth, into MIDIBridge as well, and this is where you will configure your sound interface to use the sound generation capabilities of new modes such as SYNTHOR. Check out a SYNTHOR video below:



When will it be available for download?

This new update of MIDIBridge 3 with IMPROVISOR mode is not available for download yet, but I’m working on it as we speak and will make it available for download over the next weeks. Look for a seperate announcement on one of the next newsletters :-)

That’s it for now :-) I hope you are excited about all this like me, and I can’t wait to finish IMPROVISOR mode and push out the next MIDIBridge update!"

Percuss New Wireless AudioCubes firmware and MIDIBridge in the Works

via the Percussa newsletter:

"First of all, thanks being on this list and for supporting Percussa and my work with AudioCubes and for reading the newsletter!

I've been silent for quite a while, posting a bit less than usually, both on the newsletter and the blog. This is because I've been working hard on a new update to the AudioCubes firmware, as well as a new version of MIDIBridge :-)

Why a new version of the firmware and MIDIBridge?
If you've used MIDIBridge, the main application to generate MIDI information using AudioCubes, or if you've read the manuals, you already know that there are three modes you can put the cubes in: SENDER, RECEIVER (used for sending MIDI note on/off triggers when cubes detect each other), and SENSOR (used for sending MIDI continuous controllers based on distance between cubes or hands and cubes).

With the current version of MIDIBridge and the firmware, you don't have this cube detection + distance information at the same time. I'm working on a new update to change all that, and to make distance information and cube detection available simultaneously, in the form of a new cube mode in MIDIBridge, called TOPOLOGY.

This will bring what you can do with the AudioCubes to a whole new level! Imagine the AudioCubes as a synthesizer where signals can be patched and modulation depth changed simply by creating a network of cubes and changing their relative distances, or imagine sending MIDI triggers and controllers at the same time, the possibilities are enndless. These new capabilities will give rise to new, improved and updated AudioCubes software :-)"

Modular Synthesizer for AudioCubes: Synthor

Published on Oct 20, 2012 Percussa·89 videos

"Synthor is a new app made in Max/Max for 8 AudioCubes. Buy the Modular Synth package for AudioCubes including the free Synthor app directly at the Percussa website. More info at www.percussa.com"

Feedback Sound Synthesizer: Synthor for AudioCubes

Published on Nov 24, 2012 by Percussa

"It's time for another update on the development of SYNTHOR, a modular
synthesizer application for percussa audiocubes, designed by Bert
Schiettecatte of Percussa :-)

Read the explanation and more at: http://www.percussa.com/2012/11/24/feedback-sound-synthesizer-synthor-for-audiocubes/"

Modular Synthesizer for AudioCubes: Synthor

Published on Oct 20, 2012 by Percussa

"Synthor is a new app made in Max/Max for 8 AudioCubes. Buy the Modular Synth package for AudioCubes including the free Synthor app directly at the Percussa website. More info at www.percussa.com"

Percussa Coming to Rocky Mountain Synthesizer Meetup Denver, Colorado on March 8th

"The Rocky Mountain Synthesizer Meetup is a monthly social gathering with more than 440 synthesists and synth enthusiasts from Denver, and was founded in 2012 by Synthesist and Sound Artist Mark Mosher. During the meetup on March 8th we'll give a presentation about SYNTHOR, the digital modular synthesizer I've been working on for the AudioCubes, as well as talk about the visualization features I've recently added into SYNTHOR. After our presentation, there will be a cool after-meetup performance by Brendan Haskins.

Date: March 8th, 2016
Time: 7PM to 10:30PM
Place: Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut Street, Denver (Colorado)"