NDVR Note - One could say it is Polyphonic Aftertouch 2.0

Published on Jul 5, 2013 TheNDVR·1 video

"NDVR Note Keyboard-Series:

It is a USB MIDI Master-Keyboard, complete with 25 or 49 analog keys that respond based on how deep they are pressed. This is a concept we call "Key-Swing" -- One could say its "Polyphonic Aftertouch 2.0"!

http://igg.me/at/ndvrnote"

"WHAT IS THE NOTE?

It is a USB MIDI Master-Keyboard, complete with 25 or 49 analog keys that respond based on how deep they are pressed. This is a concept we call "Key-Swing" –

One could say its "Polyphonic Aftertouch 2.0"!

BACKGROUND

In our era, digital music production is synonymous with the use of virtual instruments. For every real instrument, a broad range of manufacturers offer a plethora of virtual software plug-ins.

They all have one thing in common. The various sounds they make are usually the product of a digital keyboard. And while this may be all well and good when it comes to simulating keyboard instruments, going further to configure the tone of each individual sound is a leap too far for them.

Give it a go – try selectively adjusting the individual tone of the notes of a chord played on a keyboard. You’ll struggle to find any solution other than post-processing. The normal aids – “Modwheel”, “Pitchwheel” or other rotary encoders – tend to alter across the board all the notes that are played.

Moreover, in theory, virtual instruments paired with modern computer technology should have even greater sound potential than their real-life peers. But this potential can be exploited only when the right input devices are chosen. If it’s a matter of which input device, in our opinion you should look no further than the keyboard. It has already proven its worth over the centuries, and the universal key arrangement makes it the optimal choice to accompany virtually any other instrument.

To meet these growing requirements, though, the features of a keyboard have to be adapted to the keyboard’s role, which has changed over the years. No longer is it a mere instrument for keys – it has evolved into a universal input device for various virtual instruments.

At NDVR - that is precisely what we do. Started by a revolutionary idea, we started developing our first master keyboard, the evo, back in 2010. The concept was simple: to use the extensive surface of each key as an input by turning the keys into a sort of touch-screen arrangement using a capacitive sensor.

The end-result was a game changer. Via simple surface touch gestures, the tone of individual notes can be influenced, independently of the others – and at any time. No matter whether before, after or while a note or key was played.

Inspired by its success and the abundant feedback, we started work on a successor a few months ago. This time we focused on completely different aspects during the development. That development is now over and we are proud to announce a new generation of digital master keyboards. The Note, as we call it, is more than simply an enhancement. It is an exceptional and unprecedented keyboard.

WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?

The crowning feature of the Note is its keys, and while the dimensions and playing feel are much like on other keyboards, it is the use of optical distance sensors that puts it light-years ahead of the competition. These sensors function continuously, smoothly determining the interval between the upward and downward movements of each key. This establishes a new polyphonic source that integrate seamlessly into your natural keyboard playing. It’s like the Polyphonic Aftertouch concept, but taken far further by extending the range of values over the complete depth of a key. Read here for yourself:

THE SWING

Pressing a key, moving it up or down or releasing it all creates a motion. This motion could be called an angle, a key drop, key travel, depth or - swing. The Key-Swing is this movement parameter, continuously monitored digitally.

WHAT IS IT?

We saw overlooked potential in the movements of keys pressed while playing. Conventional keyboards record this movement using two points consecutively measured during the motion. The time difference this involves allows the speed of the key stroke to be determined – i.e. its velocity. Our Note adopts the same principle, but immeasurably refined, boasting not two but a theoretically limitless number of such points, sampled at 1 kHz with an internal 12-bit resolution.

HOW IS THAT SUPPOSED TO WORK?

Each key rests on optical proximity sensors, each of which assigns a concrete data value for the distance to the bottom of the key. Pressing the key narrows the gap and thus the value. The starting position of the key – ‘at rest’ – has the lowest value. Pressing the key down fully causes the value – depending on the configuration – to peak. A sampling rate of around 1000 times per second means even the fastest movements are recorded, while also eliminating any detectable – in this case, audible – delays in further processing. Briefly, that equates to a sampling rate of 25 kHz for every two octaves!

NATURAL PLAYING STYLE

Yet another critical requirement had to be met. Namely, collecting the polyphonic data in a way that would still allow a natural keyboard playing style. In other words, letting the keyboard player exploit the technology and preserve their playing style intact.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH IT?

Just like Polyphonic Aftertouch, the key task performed by the Key-Swing is to modulate polyphonic sound. Apply it to one or more sound-shaping parameters and you can enhance the expression of a note played, e.g. via up and down rhythmic motion. Incorporating the Key-Swing into the existing presets of a synthesizer takes their dynamics to a whole new level. Thanks to continuous monitoring of the key angle, even the subtlest nuances of keyboard play are reflected in the tone. Opt against complex sound modulation via Key-Swing, and your normal keyboard playing dynamics still get a healthy boost. But making Swing part of the sound concept paves the way for designing completely new sounds.

POLYPHONIC AFTERTOUCH 2.0?

Comparing it to the Polyphonic Aftertouch is only natural, given that both control polyphonic sound using natural key movement while playing. However, the Key-Swing range of values encompasses the entire sequence of motion of a key and also takes account of the most fractional of changes, e.g. variable pressure applied to a fully pressed key. Yes, the Swing is comparable to Polyphonic Aftertouch to some extent – but in a form that Polyphonic Aftertouch should have adopted all along!

FEATURES

CLASS-COMPILANT USB MIDI INTERFACE

Like just about every other MIDI keyboard, the Note has a 100% MIDI-compatible interface and generates "Polyphonic Aftertouch” MIDI messages to transmit the Key-Swing. Simply connect the USB interface to the host system and the unit can be used with any popular music software – no additional software needed for operation.


STANDARD SIZED KEYS 


Unlike our other products, the Note uses standard-size keys, giving you a keyboard with a playing feel and dimensions just like its peers.


ANODIZED ALUMINIUM HOUSING



We are big on aluminum. Which is precisely why all Note components are encased in an anodized full-aluminum housing. 


SHIPS WITH SPECIAL VST/AU SOFTWARE PLUGIN

The 100% Class-Compliant USB MIDI interface is your guarantee of compatibility with common music software. But what about the Swing? Look no further than a special software algorithm based on a VST/AU plug-in, which brings your virtual instruments to a completely new level!"