Introducing Orba by Artiphon – An instrument designed for your hands

Published on Nov 25, 2019 Artiphon

Artiphon brought us the INSTRUMENT 1. The Orba is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.


"Hold out your hands and meet Orba, a new kind of musical instrument. It’s a tiny synth, looper, and MIDI controller that lets anyone make music immediately. Orba’s minimalist design resembles a cross between a gaming controller and a half a grapefruit, and its feather-touch sensitivity translates gestures from your fingers and hands directly into sound. Orba introduces a new and fun way to make music anywhere, even if you’ve never played an instrument before."

Onboard synth:

"We designed an innovative new synthesizer engine for Orba, with a broad range of synth sounds that work seamlessly with various playing gestures. Orba’s embedded looper means you can layer multiple parts without ever looking at a screen. The built-in speaker lets you make sound immediately (and it’s loud enough for a bit of karaoke). Plug in headphones to play alone or an external amp to play it loud.

The Orba companion app lets you explore even more. Available for Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android, the Orba app will let you access more sounds, presets, loops, and settings. The app is also where you’ll be able to save and edit your loops and songs. And of course, you can share your songs to social media and export to your favorite music-making software to keep building your beats."

No word on how programable the synth engine will be. That will of course determine how much the Orba is more of a controller and performance device vs. full fledged programmable synth.

Features
Eight capacitive-sensing pads for feather-touch control

Accelerometer and gyroscope capture a range of gestures

Center menu button accesses four presets, the looper, and other functions

Onboard synthesizer and built-in speaker offer an immediate playing experience

Connect to the cross-platform Orba app for more sounds, songs, and settings

Use MIDI over Bluetooth or USB to plug into any of your favorite music apps

Use the ⅛” (3.5mm) output to listen on headphones, speakers, and amps

Multicolor LEDs respond to the way you play

Embedded haptics offer vibration feedback

USB Rechargeable battery

Artiphon Sound of the Week – iZotope VocalSynth 2

Published on Jun 8, 2018 Artiphon

"Strum your voice! We’ve been having a ton of fun around the office using iZotope's new VocalSynth 2 plug-in with the INSTRUMENT 1 to enter new dimensions of music-making. Here’s just a sample!"

Artiphon + Pittsburgh Modular Analog Synthesizer (Artiphon Plus Series)

Published on Apr 3, 2018 Artiphon

"We recently connected the INSTRUMENT 1 to this Pittsburgh Modular analog synthesizer system, and now you can see how we did it!

Play any sound anywhere on the world's most versatile MIDI controller – the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1.

Learn more at https://artiphon.com/"

Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 Feature Update – February 2018 – String Muting & Volume Knob Mapping

Published on Feb 16, 2018 Artiphon

"What’s New:
You strummed, we listened. The INSTRUMENT 1 just got a major playability update for muting strings. Now simply strum a chord, and when you lift off the fingerboard the strings will automatically mute. Easier than pie.

Bonus: Strummed notes will ring out for as long as you can hold them with new infinite sustain. Can you hear it?

The volume knob also learned a new trick – it now sends data to your DAW (via CC#9) so you can map your favorite effects, dynamics, and more when using an external sound card or line-out from your iPad. Awesomely optional.

Fixed:
Previously, the bridge on Tap Fretted Strings mode was strummable. Now, it’s tappable. That just makes sense.

Bow method also gained velocity sensitivity, for the orchestrally-inclined. Perfect for Hans Zimmer covers – or John Williams, if you prefer.

How to Get It:
Simply open the Artiphon iOS app or Desktop Editor and follow the prompts to update your firmware."

The Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1

Published on Dec 20, 2017 Red Means Recording

"Artiphon sent me an INSTRUMENT 1 to demo. Here's that demo.

The INSTRUMENT 1 is a multifaceted, multidimensional MIDI controller that you can use to play software instruments on Mac, PC, and iOS.

You can change its behavior using the INSTRUMENT 1 Editor software. Play modes include things guitar, bowed instruments, pianos, percussion, autoharp and more. A built-in arpeggiator and various scale modes can inspire new ways of interfacing with your software or hardware instruments. It has velocity and aftertouch and you should touch it and think about your life."

Moogfest 2016 Announces Modular Marketplace Synth Event with Neuronics (ex Dewanatron) Debut

This is a bit of a double post. The press release from Moogfest follows further below. A number of known manufacturers are listed, however there is a new one you might not be familiar with, Neuronics. This will be their debut. I am curious what they will show as one half of Neuronics is Leon Dewan of Dewanatron, makers of the Swarmatron and other eccentric synthesizer creations. P.S. Great Make Noise T-shirt on the left! They are my favorite synth T, aside from mine of course. :)

"See, Hear, and Experience the Future of Music at the Moogfest 2016 Modular Marketplace

Free interactive bazaar gives everyone a chance to discover and test-drive next generation electronic musical instruments

Durham, North Carolina (April 27, 2016) - The Modular Marketplace at Moogfest 2016 reimagines the traditional trade show by creating a fun, interactive, educational space where electronic instrument designers connect directly with musicians, technology innovators, and the general public.

Over 25 companies selected for their cult status or game-changing ambition will demonstrate their instruments and offer a glimpse into the future of electronic music. Many of the entrepreneurs and designers behind these products will be in attendance, and almost all items are available for purchase.

Moogfest programming partner Kickstarter has ever curated a selection of three instruments, supported through its crowdfunding platform, to exhibit at the Modular Marketplace: the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1, Sensory Perception by Sunhouse and Kilpatrick Audio.

The Modular Marketplace is one of the many highlights of Moogfest 2016, which celebrates the legacy of Bob Moog, the visionary engineer who pioneered the analog synthesizer and other technology tools used by artists like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Kraftwerk. The four-day festival from May 19-22 will feature over 250 innovators in music, art, and technology -- from Gary Numan, GZA, Grimes and Laurie Anderson to virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier and transhumanist visionary Dr. Martine Rothblatt. For the first time, Moogfest takes place in Durham, North Carolina, a fast-growing capital of technology, culture and entrepreneurship.

'The Modular Marketplace is free and open to the public, giving everyone from school kids to technology influencers an opportunity to participate,' said Moogfest Festival Director, Marisa Brickman. 'A new generation of engineers and circuit designers are building on Bob Moog's legacy by creating new tools that are shaping the future of music and sound.'

The Modular Marketplace features product launches, daily demonstrations, sound experiments, exclusive discounts, and other special events. It takes place at the American Tobacco Campus at 318 Blackwell Street from 10am - 6pm from May 19 - 22.

Some highlights of the Modular Marketplace include:

Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1: Developed at The New Museum's NEW INC incubator and funded through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $1.3 million, the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 will make its public debut at Moogfest 2016. The groundbreaking instrument allows users of any skill or style to strum a guitar, tap a piano, bow a violin, or loop a drum beat -- all on a single interface. By connecting to iOS devices, Macs and PCs, this portable and durable musical tool can make any sound imaginable.

Audulus: Audulus is a virtual modular synthesizer environment for iOS, Mac, and Windows platforms. Throughout the festival, Audulus will be giving away copies of the deep and beautifully designed software to curious sonic voyagers. Simply come by the booth and get signed up.

Bastl Instruments: Based in the Czech Republic, Bastl Instruments in a community-driven company focused on producing handmade electronic musical instruments. Bastl Instruments will be displaying an eclectic robotic percussion set controlled by their Eurorack format synthesizer modules. Additionally Bastl Instruments will be offering 10% off discounts on their tabletop granular synthesizer - The Micro Granny.
Bleep Labs: Bleep Labs will launch the Thingamagoop 3 at Moogfest 2016, a light controlled synthesizer, effect and noise friend. Simple controls give musicians access to rich and diverse sounds, from simple square and triangle waves to FM laser battles.

Neuronics: Neuronics is an exciting new adventure in synthesis helmed by Leon Dewan and producer Josh Humphrey. Dewan is best known for the unique and visually striking analog synthesizers available with his company Dewanatron, whose flagship device, the Swarmatron creates the effect of a swarming hive of bees. Neuronics makes its debut at the Modular Marketplace.

Electric Objects: Electric Objects is the creator of E01, an Internet-connected screen designed specifically for art, capable of playing more than 10,000 works of digital art including video, animations, GIFs, high definition images, or web-based work. Electric Objects will be featuring works by performing artists and speakers at Moogfest 2016.

Kilpatrick Audio: Using both new and vintage circuits and cutting edge software, Kilpatrick Audio creates unique and interesting musical equipment designed to sound great, be fun to use, and to inspire musical ideas in the exploration of new sounds.

Luisa Perera & The Counterpointer: The Modular Marketplace will feature an auto-composing musical installation by coder and instrument designer Luisa Pereira. The counterpoint method Bach will be expressed through her instrument the Counterpointer and 3 Moog Mother-32 modular synths. This alludes to the work of the composer who made the Moog Modular famous, Wendy Carlos.

Make Noise: Based in Asheville, North Carolina, the home of Moog Music, Make Noise designs and builds Eurorack format modular synthesizers that incorporate "West Coast" design philosophies associated with synth pioneers Don Buchla and Serge Tscherpnin. Make Noise is presenting a demonstration of their new 0-Coast device during daytime programming.

To view the full list of Modular Marketplace exhibitors visit:
http://www.moogfest.com/program/talent/modular-marketplace"

New Design for the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 Comes to Kickstarter

via Kickstarter

Play any instrument, style, and sound with a single device that connects directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Our patented multi-instrument technology transforms the INSTRUMENT 1 into a guitar, violin, bass, piano, drum machine... it's any instrument you want it to be.

Plug in and play 100’s of apps like GarageBand with universal musical gestures: strumming, tapping, bowing, sliding, and more.

Digital string-like interface works with any MIDI-compatible software.

The unique ergonomic design can be held in multiple positions, and is fully ambidextrous.

Design new instruments and custom tunings via the Artiphon companion app.

It's compact, portable, durable, self-powered, and simple.

Designed and engineered in Nashville, TN.

A guitar is designed to be strummed; piano keys are pressed; drum pads are tapped; violins are bowed. But what if a single instrument could be played with any of these techniques? That's exactly what we're creating – one instrument that lets you be the whole band..."

"Because the INSTRUMENT 1 is fully MIDI-compatible, it works with 100's of MIDI apps and software like Ableton Live, ProTools, Logic, and many more on your computer. The Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 connects directly to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and PCs via Lightning or USB.

It works with any music creation software that uses the MIDI standard, which is the universal language of digital music. MIDI has been around for over 30 years, and lets electronic instruments tell each other what notes to play and how they should sound. But don’t worry: we’ve made it easier than ever to get started making digital music; no acronyms required."

See the Artiphon channel label below for the previous design.

Artiphon Instrument 1 - Summer NAMM 2014

Published on Aug 5, 2014 Sound On Sound magazine

"Multi-instrument musical controller"

Happy New Year! The Year in Synths 2013

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a busy year it has been in the world of synths.

This is going to be one doozy of a post, so bear with me. This post is a review of the year in synths for 2013. We begin with Tributes to Those We Lost This Year, followed by New Manufacturers & Makers, Older Manufacturers Added to the Site, New Gear Announcements, Top 10 Posts by Traffic,  My Standout Posts for the Year, and finally This Years' Synth Events. I did my best to keep things as short and concise as possible.

Let's begin with the hardest part of the post.

Tributes to Those We Lost This Year

RIP Bernard Parmegiani - Electronic & Acoustic Composer
Lou Reed RIP
RIP Dick Raaymakers aka Kid Baltan
RIP George Duke - DreamWeaver
RIP Ralph Dyck, Sept 28, 1941 – May 20, 2013
RIP Ray Manzarek

All missed and never to be forgotten. Take a moment to remember them.

------

New Manufacturers & Makers

Starting last January, I decided to keep a running list of every new manufacturer and maker introduced to the site during the year.  This is something I haven't done before and I thought it would be interesting to see how many there were in the year.   It's easy to focus on the big synth announcements throughout the year, but what about all the new makers and brands? I shouln't have to go considerably into the significance of new designers on the scene, so I'll just say two things regarding them.  One, the number of new makers is a direct reflection on the interest in our scene, and two, these are the creators of new gear which directly translate into new designs not previously available to us.  Think about that for a moment.  These are makers and designs that did not exist before.  They are part of our synth history.  So what is the total count of new synth designers for the year? A whopping 113. Think about that a bit. One hundred and thirteen new synth designers and brands this year alone.

Here they are (note a handful date back to 2012, but 2013 marked their momentum and availability):

CLICK FOR MORE »

Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 with Apple GarageBand

Published on May 6, 2013 Artiphon·2 videos

"A quick song composed, played, recorded, and exported entirely with the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 and GarageBand for iOS.

Reservations now available at www.artiphon.com/reserve

For more information:
www.artiphon.com
www.facebook.com/artiphon
www.twitter.com/artiphon

Special thanks to Alex White (www.alexmwhite.com)"

Artiphon Instrument 1 hands on | Engadget

Published on Feb 9, 2013

"Special Thanks to ENGADGET.
Site: http://bbktech.net , http://bbkworld.net
Twitter: http://twitter.com/brianarmy"

See this post for another video and details on the Artiphon.

Artiphon - Multi-Instrument Hardware Controller for iOS Device

Published on Jan 10, 2013 techcrunch·2,892 videos


"John Biggs interviews Mike Butera, Founder of Artiphon, onstage at CES 2013. Artiphon is a multi instrument that uses an iPhone as it's brain. This device can be a guitar, bass, violin, banjo, or drumpad..."

http://www.artiphon.com

"INTRODUCING THE INSTRUMENT 1

We are extending the musical possibilities of iOS devices into dramatically new territory. With an ergonomic body crafted from heirloom-quality hardwoods, this hybrid species of instrument offers musicians a force-sensitive interface, robust connectivity, and exceptional sound quality. Whether playing at home, in the studio, on the road, or on stage, Artiphon presents a dynamically new way to touch sound."