A demonstration of many of the System Presets new in firmware version 8.00.
"FIRMWARE VERSION 8.00
Firmware 8.00 is the latest and greatest version of the Continuum firmware. There have been many improvements included in this release. Even more improvements are coming in the near future!
Firmware 8.00 includes over 120 new System Presets, designed by Edmund Eagan and other Continuum Fingerboard sound designers.
System Presets are now organized by Category making a particular preset easier to find.
Description bubbles offer patch information and suggestions for playing techniques.
Even More Ways to Play the Continuum
This one in via SYNTHMEETING, who let us know Spcial Waves will be showing the Mine at the next SYNTHMEETING event. Also, Mine seek funding on Kickstarter in January.
"A modular controller highly customizable, expandable and reconfigurable designed for DJs, producers and musicians!
"Specialwaves is a new brand with the goal to give DJ’s, producers and musicians something new, original, customizable and updatable.
We are focused on passion, research and innovation, continuous improvement.
Mine is designed for those DJ, producer and musicians who are looking for a highly customizable, expandable and reconfigurable product. Mine is a modular midi controller composed by a case suitable to accommodate modules made of single electronic interfaces in order to offer the maximum flexibility in the creation of its configuration. Not always the solutions available on the market fulfill the user’s needs.
Mine is the controller that adapt itself to the user, not the contrary!"
This one in via Miclop Ctrl Boy. It's a new specialized midi controller for synthesizers and plug-ings, soon to seek funding on kickstarter. Until then, here's a sneak peak and the main features of the upcoming controller.
- Main features -
* Specialized midi controller for synthesizers and plug-ings
* Unlimited number of mappings
* Quick access to whatever parameter
* High precision 14 bits encoders
* Compatible with relative encoders
* CC and NRPN deliveries
"Watch as we go into the wild and create a hypnotic track using our new L Series Wireless Bluetooth MIDI controllers. Featuring Bluetooth MIDI connectivity (OS and iOS only) and iOS compatibility, the LPK25 Wireless keyboard and LPD8 Wireless pad controller are designed for the mobile musician who wants the freedom to create and perform anywhere."
Recognizing the need for a wireless keyboard that doesn't sacrifice functionality or versatility, the new LPK25 Wireless takes portability and feature-rich performance to the next level with its Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, allowing players to control their plug-in instruments from anywhere in the room, providing the ultimate in studio setup flexibility.
Powered by 3 AA batteries for a truly untethered experience, the LPK25 Wireless is optimized for long battery life (at least 12 hours of performance time). No batteries? No problem. The LPK25 Wireless can also be powered with the included USB cable.
Light as a Feather, Heavy on Features
Lightweight and perfect for the laptop musician on the go, LPK25 Wireless is full of expressive sound. At the center of the controller is a solid, 25-note mini-keybed with responsive action that experienced players will truly appreciate. Octave-up and octave-down buttons ensure that players are playing in exactly the note range they want. The powerful Arpeggiator mode turns chords into exciting and complex music phrases. The LPK25 Wireless also comes equipped with a sustain pedal input for additional control over every chord, riff and run.
Another advantage of going wireless: No more accidentally disconnecting the USB connection or tripping over power cables in the middle of a performance.
Music Apps-enhanced
The LPK25 Wireless can also connect to any iOS device. Players can rip the keys on countless available music apps for truly on-the-go performance, while maintaining a truly mobile setup.
Two of a Kind
Paired with Akai Professional's new LPD8 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI pad controller, these two controllers form an outstanding combo of wireless musical portability. The musical possibilities for mobile producers and performers are virtually unlimited.
'The LPK25 Wireless delivers exactly what mobile producers and performers have been waiting for - a great-sounding, versatile, compact keyboard coupled with complete freedom of motion and no cords to get in the way," said Dan Gill, Product Manager for Akai Professional. "This unit sets the player free, while retaining all the performance and feel they demand. The LPK25 Wireless really redefines what portability is all about.'"
"Introducing LPD8 Wireless
In creating the LPD8 Wireless pad controller, we addressed the needs of mobile musicians everywhere by bringing Bluetooth MIDI functionality and battery-operated capability to a feature-rich pad controller weighing in at only one pound.
The LPD8's six UI buttons and eight assignable slim-design pots deliver a truly versatile range of performance and control options. The newly added Full Level button guarantees your pad performances are loud, clear and at an equal velocity, when even volume is a must. The LPD8 Wireless also has a Note Repeat button, perfect for the dance music performer who loves creating build-ups before the drop. Artists can use the NR Config button to control and fine tune Swing and Time Division parameters.
Another advantage of going cord-free: No more accidentally disconnecting the USB connection or tripping over power cables in the middle of a performance.
Music Apps-enhanced
The LPD8 Wireless can also connect to any iOS device. Used in tandem with beat making apps such as iMPC Pro, the LPD8 Wireless provides enhanced compositional control and expressive power over any music creation app, while maintaining a truly mobile setup.
Two of a Kind
Paired with Akai Professional's new LPK25 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI-enabled keyboard, these two controllers form an outstanding combo of wireless musical portability. The musical possibilities for mobile producers and performers are virtually unlimited."
"Touch the shape of sound (Berlin, November 5th 2016) -
Sonic Geometry is proud to introduce its first product, OTO: a geometrically intuitive audiovisual controller, available now on Kickstarter. OTO is a polyhedric, gesture based MIDI controller that lets users 'touch the shape of sound'. Each OTO controller houses an IMU that communicates with a host computer via Bluetooth. The host computer translates the raw physical data into the musicalized output that users experience. MIDI notes, CC data, frequency bands and filter-sweeps: with a system of OTO controllers, anything is possible. With OTO users can play synths, DJ, perform live electronic music, and even control their favorite Digital Audio Workstations such as Ableton and Traktor. Each set of OTO controllers will ship with a suite of both standalone and DAW-control software, so whether you’re an experienced artist or just an enthusiast, a live musician, a producer, or a DJ, you can use OTO exactly how you want.With OTO, or a system of networked OTO controllers, users can send Midi and OSC, trigger and modulate audiovisual data, control virtual reality, CAD environments... The possibilities are endless. The current suite of software patches is only the beginning. We want to build vast, interactive, generative musical topographies, powered by devices that are both invitingly simple, and surprisingly powerful.
OTO was born as a Masters’ Thesis Project at Berklee College of Music in 2015, and has been evolving continuously. At last, after extensive prototyping, we are proud to announce that OTO is ready for launch. OTO has been featured at Maker Faire Rome 2016 and Sonar + D Festival 2016.Cost has been a major factor in OTO’s creation, as throughout the creative process we have sought to make instruments that are widely accessible, while maintaining quality. After months of analysis and research, Sonic Geometry is thrilled to be able to offer OTO at an affordable price point, without compromising the scope of its function. OTO’s Kickstarter campaigned launched yesterday and was almost instantly selected by the crowdfunding website as 'Project we love' and featured on the homepage. In less than 24 hours OTO was able to raise 10% of its goal."
"Arturia announces its new MIDI controller, MiniLab MKII, a keyboard for modern musician.
MiniLab MKII comes with Analog Lab Lite, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano Model D
Music : Stéphane Schott (http://www.lyynkstudio.com/)"
Arturia MiniLab MKII Introductory Tutorial
Published on Nov 18, 2016 ARTURIA
"In this Guided Tour discover the main features of the MiniLab MKII as well as it's integration with Analog Lab Lite & Ableton Live Lite."
"MiniLab MkII is a high quality, feature-packed controller which gives you hands-on access to the sounds in your virtual studio. Breathe new life into your sounds by playing, tweaking, tapping and twisting its rugged controls.
This powerful controller also comes with several critically acclaimed software titles that will have you creating professional recordings in no time. Analog Lab Lite lets you perform using hundreds of legendary synth, piano, organ & string machine sounds. Ableton Live Lite lets you record, arrange, and cultivate your musical ideas into a finished product. UVI Grand is a recreation of the Steinway Model D piano.
Enriched Controllium
Let’s take a closer look at what MiniLab MkII has to offer…
1. Shift button
Select MIDI presets and MIDI channels with this button.
2. Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button
Switch between two banks of eight pads.
3. Octave Transpose buttons
Octave transpose buttons allow you to shift the keyboard up and down.
4. Pitch Bend and Modulation touch strips
Accurate touch sensitive strips.
5. 16 Multi-Function Encoders
Assign these knobs to your favorite plug-in or DAW. Two of those encoders are clickable.
You all should be familiar with Roger Linn's LinnStrument. There is now a new compact version featuring 4 octaves consisting of 128 note pads for $999 vs. 5 octaves of 200 note pads for $1499.
"Many of you have told me you'd love to own a LinnStrument but can't afford the $1499 price. So we've released "LinnStrument 128" for the lower price of $999. It's identical to LinnStrument except 128 note pads instead of 200. It fits nicely in a backpack and includes the new Step Sequencer. (See below.)
We're accepting orders now on our online store for shipping during the week of November 14. I expect they'll sell out pretty quickly, so you might want get your order in soon. If you'd prefer to buy through a dealer, please ask your favorite dealer to place an order with us."
And on the software update:
"We've just released software version 2.0.0 with the following new features:
* New Polyphonic 2-Track Step Sequencer!
* Significantly better velocity response
* Release velocity. Now LinnStrument is "5D" in Roli-speak. :)
* 4 new LED colors: white, orange, lime and pink.
* 14-bit pressure resolution using LSB/MSB Control Change pairs.
* The MIDI OUT jack can now also act as a combined MIDI OUT and MIDI THRU.
* Panel and Foot Switches can now be assigned to Tap Tempo.
Click here to learn more and update your LinnStrument. All of these new features are in LinnStrument 128."
Playlist:
Joué Prototype #1 - Introduction
All about Joué design.
Pascal is playing Joué with GarageBand's Synth
Arnaud is scratching with Joué on Ableton Live
Pascal is playing Joué with GarageBand's Electric Guitar
Arnaud is playing Joué with Ableton Live Drums
Pascal is playing Joué on GarageBand's Guitar
Joué is an innovative and evolving instrument simplifying digital music playing. It offers beginners and professional artists a unique level of expressivity and spontaneity.
Joué is made of wood and is equipped with a pressure sensitive sensor on which magic modules are placed. Modules like piano keys, guitar strings, drums pads or 3D control surfaces offer an infinite playground for musicians.
Joué connects to smartphones, tablets or computers using a USB cable. When touched, magic modules send data to your favorite DAW or virtual instrument using MIDI protocol.
Thanks to the high sensitivity of its sensors and to the unique texture of the modules, Joué offers a completely new playing experience. It allows natural gestures such as vibrato, bending, finger drumming and high velocity sensing normally reserved to traditional instruments to being used with digital and electronic instruments.
Thanks to the high sensitivity of its sensors and to the unique texture of the modules, Joué offers a completely new playing experience. It allows natural gestures such as vibrato, bending, finger drumming and high velocity sensing normally reserved to traditional instruments to being used with digital and electronic instruments.
Each module can be configured using the Joué editor software. Once the module is tuned, the configuration is stored in the module itself allowing exchanges during a live performance."
"Sometimes a workshop is held and an instrument is made.
This is what it is! USB, MIDI, CV, you name it and this little box might have it! (it might not, it doesn't have gps, fuck maybe it should have gps.)"
Everyone is different, pick the workflow that works best for you. Use the existing settings and customize to your heart's content, or you can design a brand new way of working with the machine and share it with the community.
INSTRUMENT / PATCH MANAGEMENT
System ships with an SD Card preloaded with an ever evolving range of instruments
Download an up-to-date set of core instruments
Extensive community instruments
Develop your own
Sync files with github / gdrive / dropbox / icloud and more
Modern private version control for musicians that want to protect their work
EVER EVOLVING FEATURES
Zero Programming: New Adventures in community instruments
Zero internet? Use an SD card. DIY or buy from literally anyone with a good idea and a charming experience
Sync directly over USB
Easy Graphical Modification: You will love how easy it is to find and understand the synth logic, and make the changes you need to improve your workflow. Making a mistake is harmless and experimentation is encouraged.
"The DJ-808 is a state-of-the-art DJ controller with a 4-channel mixer, built-in drum sequencing, vocal processing, and the deepest Serato DJ integration available. Going way beyond a typical DJ controller, the DJ-808 is an instrument, with a Roland 'TR-S' drum machine that contains the world’s most iconic drum sounds and can even control the Serato Sampler within Serato DJ. The VT Voice Transformer can pitch your voice to match the key of your Serato DJ tracks, while two AIRA Link ports let you connect compatible synths and electronic gadgets, and produce a live remix, with just a simple USB cable. Sound quality is high-end and the hardware is built tough yet easy to carry—ready for inspired sets that push the boundaries of what it means to DJ."
Drawing and description above from Roland. Images below that via sequencer.de.
"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.
"We created a new wearable midi instrument called the Remidi T8, which is composed of a sensor-loaded glove and a MIDI wrist controller that allows you to use your hand as a musical device by combining sounds with your fingertips,palm and hand motions. The T8 has eight sensors embedded into the glove, three in the palm and one in each fingertip, which give you the ultimate range of motion and customized settings. You can individually program each sensor to create new sounds or remix existing ones.
"The Remidi T8 turns the whole human hand into music by playing infinite combinations of notes and sounds
A NEW WAY TO CREATE MUSIC
The T8 gives complete motion freedom, works on every surface and allows to combine motion with music, in order to perform and approach with music in a whole new way and free the art of sound.
THE BRACELET AND THE GLOVE
The wristband hosts the control center, while the glove hosts 8 pressure sensitive spots to trigger notes.
They plug to each other through
the magnetic connector on the back of the hand.
AIR MODULATION
The motion sensors opens to a wider expression of music: players can still alter the sound while a notes already started, simply by moving their hand or twisting their wrist.
ONE HAND, ENDLESS KEYBOARDS
The encoder on the bracelet has the main function to browse through users' note sets. Players just turn it to switch from a note set to another, from a C scale to a F scale, from a famous song riff to a set of samples in just one touch!"
Future Retro 512 Touch Keyboard Playing the Arp 2600
Published on Jun 2, 2016 FutureRetroSynths
"Simple test to show the Future Retro 512 keyboard controlling the Arp 2600 modular synthesizer."
Update: New video with the Buchla Music Easel added:
Future Retro 512 touch keyboard playing Buchla Music Easel:
Published on Jun 2, 2016
"Simple demo of the Future Retro 512 keyboard controlling the Buchla Easel. The 512 has an adjustable CV output so you can achieve .469V to 1.34V per octave control voltages to control a wide variety of synths including the common 1V/Oct synthesizers, and this 1.2V/Oct Buchla. Works with EML and EMS synthesizers too!"
"The 512 is a capacitive touch keyboard, packed with a unique blend of truly musical features to enhance your creative experience. The 512 is available with or without the optional rack ears that allow it to fit in a standard 19" rack enclosure, taking up only 4u spaces.
Why is capacitive touch better? Quite simply, eliminating mechanical moving parts found in traditional keyboards makes a product that will never wear out, as mechanical keyboards do. No more intermittent key contacts, or failed aftertouch circuits to worry about! In addition, capacitive touch provides a much faster response time for playing notes, and allows multiple forms of expression to be executed by the performer.
There are five main functions of the 512. It can act as a keyboard, arpeggiator, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and MIDI to MIDI converter. The 512 can control both MIDI and CV/Gate synthesizers simultaneously. Pitch, Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Gate, Velocity, Aftertouch, and Clock are all available in both their MIDI and CV form. CV's follow the 1V/Oct standard with positive polarity Gate signals, allowing the 512 to control the majority of analog synthesizers both past and present.
KEYBOARD
The 512 provides 9 octave ranges for the 29 full-sized keys (although shorter in length than typical keys) with response to Velocity and Aftertouch. Users can define one of five different Velocity and Aftertouch curves to apply to the keyboard, and dial in the range for each curve to customize the response. The Pitch Bend provides positive and negative pitch bends, and the bend range can be adjusted for full or half range. Mod Wheel is also provided as a modulation source.
A new wireless controller with included software featuring control apps and an FM synthesizer. The video description and official press release follow below. No word on whether this can be paired with an iOS or Android device or whether it supports OSC as well as MIDI. I reached out to them and will post a follow-up if I hear back.
Update: I heard back.
1. Sysex support is being tested but may end up as a stretch goal in their kickstarter campaign along with OSC support.
2. The Mune will pair wirelessly with iOS and Android.
3. And... specs on the FM synth are forthcoming, however, regarding the drum synth: "the drum machine is a pairing of a 16 step sequencer plus a fairly straightforward sample-based playback system"
4. This is a the evolution of the arc instruments controller posted earlier here.
The Mune is a new instrument that combines the power of digital with the soul of an acoustic instrument. It's wireless, incredibly expressive and flexible.
'Mune' comes from the word 'commune' - because a new instrument should live up to today's open and collaborative standards. If you're interested - please join us in designing and pushing this device out into the world!"
And the official press release:
"THE FLEXIBILTY OF A DIGITAL CONTROLLER + THE SOUL OF A TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENT
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING IN JULY 2016
The Mune story began four years ago when Scott Stevenson met Andrew Staniland, a Canadian composer and music professor. Andrew had been composing “electroacoustic” music, combining the instrumentation of classical music with digital sounds and effects. Andrew had found that performing using current digital interfaces left him and his audiences unsatisfied.
'I FOUND THAT I WAS AT A DISADVANTAGE MAKING MUSIC ELECTRONICALLY, BECAUSE WHILE I WAS DOING A LOT OF THINGS
ON STAGE LIKE THE OTHER MUSICIANS, THERE WAS NO VISIBLE CAUSE-AND-EFFECT BETWEEN MY ACTIONS AND THE SOUND' - ANDREW STANILAND
With that, Andrew began a research project with the objective of creating a more satisfying electronic music performance instrument. Andrew and Scott initially focused on the problem of creating an interface that could face towards the audience and make interactions fully visible - but along the way they learned that there were other core elements that desktop interfaces were lacking. Attempting to match the expressiveness and sensitivity of an acoustic instrument became an integral part of our mission while developing a solution.
The rst prototype of the Mune, (called the “Arc”) was so successful that it was decided to produce the instrument commercially. Four prototypes and many performances later, the Mune team is proud to emerge with a device which is truly a hybrid between a classical instrument and a digital controller.
WHAT IS THE MUNE?
The Mune is a new electronic music instrument. It combines the functionality of a MIDI controller (used by DJs and producers) with the expressiveness and simplicity of an acoustic instrument.
Unlike a traditional DJ controller, the Mune can be held by the performer to face the audience, allowing the audience to view the musician’s interactions with sound. The built-in wireless technology allows the musician to step far away from the glow of their laptop.
The Mune offers an expanding variety of “apps” that run on a laptop and connect to the Mune. The Mune also includes an expansion port to allow the connection of future onboard sound processing modules. Like any MIDI controller, it can be used to control virtually any audio software, like Ableton Live, Reason, Logic and Max.
BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE
Take your performance off the table and show the world that electronic musicians do more than 'push play'. The Mune makes your interactions with sound expressive and visible to your audience.
BEYOND MELODY AND RHYTHM
The Mune is designed to be equally proficient at traditional performance and digital production: play melodies, shape sound, program loops, control effects and mix tracks.
MUNE COMMUNE
The Mune instrument is just the beginning. Further development and design decisions of the Mune will be driven by our community, the Commune. The Commune will also offer a simple platform for software developers to share new apps they’ve created with Mune musicians.
Future: New Touch Panels
The Mune hardware is built to be as exible as its software. It’s hardware interface allows completely new control panels to be designed and connected.
"My experimental 280 keys hexagonal keyboard.
I try to create a cheap interface with what would be possible to experiment with a variety of key placements.
Construction:
Light-proof box with a webcam inside.
The surface of organic glass plate, coated with a black, perforated paper.
The special program determines which of the holes covered and send midi key signal to software synth.
Random improvisation in 42EDO tuning system."
