Nonlinear Labs C15 - Denis Goekdag Sounds

video uploads by Nonlinear Labs

"All sounds of these tracks originate from the Nonlinear Labs C15´s Sound Designer Bank DENIS GOEKDAG 01 except for some percussion loops. No external effects or post-processing were used.

Video production by Matthias Fuchs /Visophon (2025) using license free video footage found on pixabay (thanks to Mark707, Gam-Ol, olenchic)."

1. Nonlinear Labs C15: Motivate (by Matthias Fuchs)
2. Nonlinear Labs C15: Moving Chairs (by Matthias Fuchs)
3. Nonlinear Labs C15: Neon Cat (by Matthias Fuchs)
4. Nonlinear Labs C15: Neon Cat (by Matthias Fuchs)
5. Nonlinear Labs C15: Space Mission (by Matthias Fuchs)
6. Nonlinear Labs C15: Electro World (by Matthias Fuchs)
7. Nonlinear Labs C15: Drifting Sands (by Matthias Fuchs)

Nicholas Semrad plays the Nonlinear Labs C15 - PART TWO

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"While in Los Angeles for NAMM, the Nonlinear Labs team took the opportunity to visit Nicholas Semrad at home and show him the C15."

Nicholas Semrad plays the Nonlinear Labs C15 - PART TWO

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

Nonlinear Labs Emphase & Native Instruments Kontour

via NONLINEAR LABS:

"You might have noticed the release of Kontour as one of the new instruments included in Native Instruments' Komplete 10 bundle. Kontour is the result of the first collaboration between Native Instruments and Nonlinear Labs. (Full disclosure: I am still a shareholder at NI.) Kontour's synthesis engine was developed by Nonlinear Labs. It is based on Phase 22, a synthesizer I have been working on for several years. Kontour is its adaptation as a highly refined software instrument.

The user interface was co-developed with NI (great work, André, Fabian, and Clément!). Experts at NI also managed the user documentation as well as the creation of the preset content, which involved excellent sound designers.

Kontour's concept consists of the following characteristics:
- an expressive, musical, and playable instrument
- a responsive sound engine with wide-ranging dynamics
- simple, puristic components combined with flexible signal routing to form complex and organic sounds
- a strong and unique character, not emulating existing instruments
- easy sound modification via macro controls
- user-recordable motions for the macro controls

Similarities and Differences
Kontour can be considered a sort of 'preview' to the first synthesis engine of our hardware synthesizer (working name "Emphase"). The audio processing structure of Emphase will be similar, but not identical (and therefore not preset-compatible) to that of Kontour.

So the question arises: just what are these differences? First of all, we are creating a hardware synthesizer. As we have the performing musician in mind, Emphase will be totally dedicated to human real-time control. Automatic control sources like Kontour’s motion recorders are replaced by the live input from the musician.

We have very high aims in terms of expressiveness and therefore we use our high-resolution TCD protocol. TCD gives us complete control over how the voices are assigned, how they are influenced by the pitch bender, ribbons, and pedals, as well as what is going on inside of each voice. In addition, morphing will play an important role for finding and modifying sounds.

You see the different intentions: Kontour integrates perfectly with the environment of software-based music production, while Emphase is optimized as a stand-alone hardware instrument." See the full post at Nonlinear Labs.

Nonlinear Labs C15: Tapedance (by Matthias Fuchs)

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"Music and sound programming by Matthias Fuchs / Visophon (2024)

All sounds of this track originate from the Nonlinear Labs C15´s Sound Designer Bank FUXI A except for some drumloops - no external effects or post-processing used.
Video production by Matthias Fuchs /Visophon (2025) using license free video footage found on pixabay.

www.nonlinear-labs.de"

Nonlinear Labs C15 - CINEMATIC - the new Sound Designer Bank by Kevin Schroeder (Hans Zimmer)

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"In this video, Tim Sund introduces all 51 presets of the new CINEMATIC Bank by German sound designer Kevin Schroeder. In this sound set Kevin draws from the full and proves why film composer Hans Zimmer has entrusted him with the sound design for his film scores since Wonder Woman 1984.

In all examples the ribbons display the movement of the two expression pedals.
The sound was recorded directly with the C15's internal recorder and was not processed in any way.

Kevin´s bank as well as the banks of the other sound designers, who have created sounds for the C15, can be downloaded here: https://www.nonlinear-labs.de/support...

Video recording, editing and presentation: Tim Sund

www.nonlinear-labs.de"

Nonlinear Labs C15 - the new Sound Designer Bank by Mark Wilcox - PART ONE

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

PART TWO here

"In this video, Tim Sund introduces a selection of new presets by Californian sound designer Mark Wilcox. In these presets, Mark frequently utilizes the bi-timbrality of the C15 to create sounds from two completely different components, between whose characteristics one can then morph back and forth using modulations (expression pedals and ribbons).

In all examples the ribbons display the movement of the two expression pedals.
The sound was recorded directly with the C15's internal recorder and was not processed in any way.

Mark´s bank as well as the banks of the other sound designers, who have created sounds for the C15, can be downloaded here: https://www.nonlinear-labs.de/support...

Video recording, editing and presentation: Tim Sund

www.nonlinear-labs.de"

Nonlinear Labs C15 - the new Sound Designer Bank by Dr. Manny Fernandez

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"In this video Tim Sund presents a representative selection of sounds created for the C15 by Californian sound design legend Manny Fernandez.

Manny's bank as well as the banks of the other sound designers, who have created sounds for the C15, can be downloaded here: https://www.nonlinear-labs.de/support...

Presentation: Tim Sund
Video filming and editing: Thomas Jaufmann

www.nonlinear-labs.de"

The Spring 2023 Update for the Nonlinear Labs C15

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"In this video Tim Sund shows the new features coming along with the Spring 2023 Update for the Nonlinear Labs C15. More information on: https://www.nonlinear-labs.de



About the Spring 2023 Update:

As another step in the evolution of the C15 we have just released our third major firmware update. It greatly expands the sound design capabilities of the instrument and improves its user interface.

You can now modulate almost all parameters using the Macro Controls (185 instead of 95 possible modulation targets), and we have extended the ranges of 17 parameters.

There is now the possibility to bypass the Feedback Mix Gate and to control the decay times of Envelope C by velocity.

With the new Loop function of Envelope C it can behave like a polyphonic LFO, that is synced to the key and can be influenced by velocity and key trackings.

Single sounds can now also use a second effect group (in total 10 effects) and both effect groups can now be operated in parallel as well as in serial mode.

It is possible to pan Parts and effects groups and route them separately to the left and right audio output.

For Split sounds, the feedback routing has been extended, so that the output signal from one Part can be an input signal for the other Part.

The Preset Search function in the graphical user interface has been completely redesigned to display all search results in a single list. Search and sorting criterias have been extended. Thus, the new search window combines many preset functions in a convenient way.

And as a usability improvement of the hardware, the two physical ribbons can now be switched between two pairs of virtual ribbons, giving fast access to up to four Macro Controls."

Nonlinear Labs C15 - the new Sound Designer Bank by Mark Wilcox

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"In this video Californian Sound Designer Mark Wilcox presents a representative selection of new sounds he created for the C15.

Mark´s bank as well as the banks of the other sound designers, who have created sounds for the C15, can be downloaded here: https://www.nonlinear-labs.de/support...

Presentation, video filming and editing: Mark Wilcox

www.nonlinear-labs.de"

A visit at Nonlinear Labs - A Look at the Upcoming Emphase Digital Hardware Keyboard Synthesizer

A visit at Nonlinear Labs from Stephan Schmitt on Vimeo.

"Brian Smith (www.bigbrainaudio.com) gives his impressions of a visit at Nonlinear Labs in this video, where Stephan Schmitt shows the state of development of the company's first product, a digital synthesizer."

Details on the Emphase previously captured here.

Stephan Schmitt improvising on his C15 Keyboard by Nonlinear Labs @SUPERBOOTH18

Stephan Schmitt improvising on his C15 Keyboard by Nonlinear Labs @SUPERBOOTH18 from HerrSchneider on Vimeo.

"The C15 from Nonlinear Labs is a digital synthesizer to be brought to the world's stages. An instrument that stands out for its performance and expressiveness."

New Nonlinear Labs C15 Videos

Nonlinear Labs C15 - Haarlem Sessions - Trancy World from Stephan Schmitt on Vimeo.

via Nonlinear Labs:

"In the Summer of 2016, Federico Solazzo visited us because he was curious about the C15. He is a very experienced and versatile musician, a proficient synthesizer expert and sound designer. We decided to give him one of our C15 pre-production units for a few weeks. We wanted to find out how the C15 would inspire him in the way he plays keyboards and designs sounds.

In October we brought a C15 to his home in The Hague (NL). Federico started to explore the instrument and created a collection of his own presets. We asked him to think about a number of music pieces or improvisations that would show some characteristics of the instrument in a video recording session.

As a location we chose Studio Helmbreker in Haarlem (NL) where Federico had recorded the latest album with his band 'Azure Hiptronics'. The main room has a great sound and atmosphere.

We were very lucky that two other members of the band - Luciano Poli (bass) and Satindra Kalpoe (drums) - joined in for some of the pieces. The recording took place on the 6th of December, 2016. Bowie Verschuuren was the man behind the camera. All tracks were recorded 100 % live; no overdubs or effects were added - only slight EQ-ing and limiting was used."

Nonlinear Labs C15 - "Caves"

Published on Dec 8, 2018 peter m mahr

"Demoing the expressiveness of the NONLINEAR LABS C15 "Caves" sound which was used in the Kloentalersee video:"

Switzerland Kloentalersee drone flight

Published on Sep 8, 2018 peter m mahr

"Wonderful Alps - Glarus Kloentalersee

All sounds - Nonlinear Labs C15

Idea, visualization and music - peter m. mahr"

Nonlinear Labs C15 - Studio Package Update - USB-MIDI and Internal Digital Recording

video by Nonlinear Labs

"The Nonlinear Labs C15 gets a major update that includes USB MIDI connectivity and an internal digital audio recorder.

The current implementation of a MIDI interface is now widening up the spectrum of applications for the C15 - especially in the studio environment. For connecting the C15 directly to a computer we are offering a new small hardware device called the MIDI Bridge.

The second feature included in this software release is an internal digital recorder. It automatically stores the audio output signal of the last hours in the C15.


MIDI features at a glance:

➤ Transmits and receives notes, positions of the Hardware Controls, Program Changes
➤ Up to 90 parameters can be modulated via the Macro Controls
➤ 14-bit resolution (16384 steps) for Note Velocities and for Controls available
➤ Separate MIDI Channels for Split zones and Parts of the synth engine available
➤ Local On/Off


Internal Digital Recording - features at a glance:

➤ Loss-free digital recording of the stereo output signal
➤ FLAC-compressed storage of the last hours (at least 80 min) of playing
➤ Auto-start when the C15 is booted (optional)
➤ Visualization in the browser and play-back controls
➤ Download of the selected segment as FLAC or WAV file
➤ The sound parameters at any point of the time line can be restored
➤ Complete information about the presets used in the session


All parts arranged and played by Tim Sund. Thank you, Tim!

http://www.timsund.com/

The music is an arrangement of Herbie Hancock's "Hidden Shadows".
The original song was released on his album "Sextant" (Columbia Records, 1973).

All audio material generated with the C15.

Filmed at Blackbird Music Studio
https://www.blackbird-music-studio.de"

Nonlinear Labs C15 Workshop at SchneidersLaden

video upload by SchneidersLaden

"The Nonlinear Labs C15: The character of the C15 synthesizer stems from a puristic digital engine which produces a unique palette of sounds seamlessly spanning from organic and acoustic to experimental and electronic.

Nonlinear Labs was founded in 2011 by Stephan Schmitt. The company is dedicated to building advanced electronic instruments for performing musicians, focusing on playability, expressiveness, quality, and durability. The synth engine of the C15 is called Phase 22. The core structure is a phase modulation synth that is based on two sine oscillators and two sine shapers only. Their signals can be passed through a comb filter, a state-variable filter, and a chain of five effects.

The design process for Phase 22 aimed at building an expressively playable instrument that has a strong individual character. At the same time the set of parameters should be small enough to be easily accessible."

Nonlinear Labs C15 - the new Sound Designer Bank by Mark Wilcox - PART TWO

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

PART ONE here

"In this video, Tim Sund introduces a selection of new presets by Californian sound designer Mark Wilcox. In these presets, Mark frequently utilizes the bi-timbrality of the C15 to create sounds from two completely different components, between whose characteristics one can then morph back and forth using modulations (expression pedals and ribbons).

In all examples the ribbons display the movement of the two expression pedals. The sound was recorded directly with the C15's internal recorder and was not processed in any way.

Mark´s bank as well as the banks of the other sound designers, who have created sounds for the C15, can be downloaded here: https://www.nonlinear-labs.de/support...

Video recording, editing and presentation: Tim Sund"

Nonlinear Labs C15 - Major Software Update Released

Nonlinear Labs C15 - New Features - Update 2020

via Nonlinear Labs

"The C15 received the most significant software update since its release.

It's an update of the operating system, the synth engine and the user interface. It includes layer, split and mono modes, more voices, and more macro controls and modulation targets.

Get an impression of the new features in this video.

Get a detailed list of all the improvements here.

This update continues the constant evolution of the C15 since its launch three years ago. It expands its range and quality of sounds and improves his playability and suitability for musical performance. The update is accompanied by around 200 new presets making use of the new features.

The new software is a complete rewrite. Based on the new architecture, future developments will be easier and will also benefit from new opportunities. The synth engine and the user interface now both run on Linux.

The update is free for all C15 users, who will also benefit from the interchangeable magnetic foils, as the new version comes with updated overlays reflecting the new features.

As of now all new instruments will be shipped with the new system and we will contact all users in the coming weeks to perform the update with them. Early models of the C15 will be brought to Berlin to update the hardware in order to install the new software."

Podcast 330: Stephan Schmitt

20Objects

"Talk about a career! Stephan Schmitt started his journey into audio development by making noisy object as a kid, then got into electrical engineering to work on large format consoles (which is where he took on software...), then co-founded Native Instruments, creating Generator/Reaktor. After years with NI (including the development of Spark, Skanner and Kontour), he set off to work on his ultimate project: a keyboard player's dream synth, called the Nonlinear Labs C15.

In our chat, we talk about his history through the creation of NI, how he finds the synth voicings that are his signature development, and how the C15 fits into the world of modern music playing and production. Along the way, we also learn a lot about the things that (according to Stephan) make a synth 'expressive', and how this can benefit the live synth player.

Super fascinating, and a chance to learn the history behind the earliest days of virtual synth development, and the on-going work creating a niche hardware device. Check out Nonlinear Labs at https://www.nonlinear-labs.de/index.html."

The Emphase Synthesizer by NONLINEAR LABS

Note this is the first NONLINEAR LABS post.

Some details via NONLINEAR LABS:

"The housing of the Emphase synthesizer consists of two parts: the performance cabinet and the creation cabinet. The performance cabinet is very compact, but it contains all of the instrument's processor and audio components; it can be used separately from the creation cabinet in "play only" situations. The creation cabinet is a detachable extension of the user interface for sonic exploration and sound design and can also be useful for controlling a complex performance. It requires a connection to the performance cabinet for operation.

The modular design is open for variable user interface concepts. The current configuration:
- Four Selection Panels, each with 24 buttons with corresponding state-indicating LEDs. The software-defined functions of the buttons are indicated by interchangeable magnetic foils.
- Edit Panel with 18 buttons, an incremental encoder, and a 256 x 64 OLED display

Functions:
Parameter editing:
- selecting parameters
- displaying labels and values of parameters
- changing values
Presets:
- browsing, selecting and recalling presets
- storing the current edit buffer as new preset
- overwriting, deleting, moving and sorting of presets
Morphing:
- between two presets
- between the current state and a preset
Unlimited Undo for all sound editing interactions"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Visiting Nonlinear Labs in their early days - 2015

video upload by Nonlinear Labs

"Brian Smith (www.bigbrainaudio.com) gives his impressions of a visit at Nonlinear Labs in this video, where Stephan Schmitt shows the state of development of the company's first product, a digital synthesizer."