AudioCubes from Belgium become international success

"Bert Schiettecatte nominated for Qwartz award in Paris

From the 2nd to the 4th of April the 5th edition of the Qwartz awards take place in Paris, a prestigious festival in which the International Electronic Music Awards are handed out. Nothing special you would say, except that this year someone from Belgium is about to get one of the most important awards in the festival.

In 2002 Bert Schiettecatte graduates at Stanford University in the US, and returns to Belgium with his Master's degree in arts, music and technology, from the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA).

Driven by the possibilities of music technology, Bert starts a company in 2004, called Percussa, and starts developing AudioCubes, supported by the Flemish IWT and Innovatiecentrum.

'The AudioCubes are a modular live performance instrument. The cubes let you make music and shape sound through novel hands-on interaction with wireless objects. AudioCubes offer new ways to interact with your existing audio software, beyond what is possible with classic knob boxes and trigger pads. There is no limit to the number of cubes you can use. Each cube can be assigned a behaviour and colour. The AudioCubes are a very visual and immediate interface to work with music software on your computer. High-speed, high-resolution, better-than-MIDI sensor technology makes sure even the most subtle performance gestures are captured.' , says Bert Schiettecatte (30), designer and inventor of AudioCubes.

The AudioCubes are a success. Well known artists such as Pragha Khan, Richard Devine, Test Shot Starfish, ... are using the cubes. To bring a new concept or product to the market requires a lot of energy and dedication. To be nominated for the Qwartz Award is a great honour and confirmation that the cubes are truly regarded as a revolutionary innovation by the electronic music community.

The Qwartz Awards are awarded on a yearly basis in Paris to artists and producers who have rendered a significant contribution in the development of contemporary electronic music or work. There are different categories, the AudioCubes were nominated in the category Max Mathews, the category that rewards technology innovations. In total there are 995 artists who are participating, from 40 different countries. Through the website, over 1 million visitors have voted for the awards. In the professional jury and the committee for protection of the awards, some famous people are present, such as Bjork, Pierre Henri and Prinses Lea. The awards take place on the 3rd of April.

AudioCubes are available in a set of 1, 2, 4 or 8 cubes and come with 2 years of warranty, manuals, and technical support. They work on Mac and Windows platforms."