ContinuuCon Electronic Music Conference Tickets on Sale

Details follow: "Preparations are well underway for ContinuuCon 2024, the sixth international Haken Continuum conference, scheduled for April 26–28 in the Pittsburgh suburb of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Anyone who plays, aspires to play, or wants to learn more about the Haken Continuum Fingerboard, ContinuuMini, or EaganMatrix Eurorack module—as well as the Expressive E Osmose synthesizer, which also incorporates the EaganMatrix sound engine—is welcome to attend.

ContinuuCon 2024 tickets are now on sale on Eventbrite. Purchasing a ticket by March 25 entitles you to a $50 discount, with conference tickets priced at $280 until that date and $320 after. A ticket allows entry to all conference events, including the opening night reception and two full days of presentations, workshops, and demonstrations. Tickets also include two catered lunches.

Previous ContinuuCons were held in France, Portugal, and North Carolina. This year’s conference will be held at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. For more information and to view videos of past events, visit continuucon.com. Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com/e/continuucon-2024-tickets-829395021837.

Call for Presentations
In addition to Lippold Haken, inventor of the Continuum Fingerboard and ContinuuMini, scheduled presenters include Edmund Eagan and Christophe Duquesne, developers of the onboard synthesis engine the EaganMatrix. If you have an idea for a presentation, please submit an informal proposal to continuucon@continuucon.com as soon as you can. Presentations that incorporate some performance aspect are preferred. Presentations should be 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length. Applications can no longer be accepted after the available slots have been assigned. Please note that sales presentations will not be accepted.

About Haken Audio’s Instruments
The Continuum Fingerboard is a touch-sensitive, polyphonic electronic instrument that offers continuous multidimensional performance control by responding to each finger independently. The ContinuuMini is a smaller, more affordable duotactic model based on the same technology. Inside either is the EaganMatrix, a cutting-edge, user-programmable, digital modular synthesizer taking full advantage of the supple playing surface’s myriad performance possibilities. For Eurorack users, the EaganMatrix Module is a modular gateway to new musical explorations."

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Auld Lang Syne on Continuum & Osmose

video upload by JOSH MADOFF

"Thanks so much to Christophe Duquesne @anckorage for this amazing new Osmose preset, "Bouncing Pad"!

This was performed on the Haken Continuum and Expressive E Osmose. I have never played two synthesizers with such an incredible range of dynamics and expression. I really hope that this comes through in the performance.

Using the MPE Arpreggiator on the Osmose, this patch feels both unpredictable and organic. It seems like it's reading my mind, as the most imperceptible change in pressure simultaneously change both the sound and the Arpeggiator in very musical ways. The Osmose is known for attaining more expression through pitch-bend on a per key basis (the bendy keys), but I have actually turned that feature off for this performance. Even without per-note pitch bend, the extreme sensitivity of the keys controlling the MPE Arpeggiator, on a preset that is already in constant motion, gives me access to a vast universe of expression.

And thanks to the unmatched sensitivity and complete pitch freedom of the Continuum, this relatively simple patch feels like playing an acoustic instrument. It has all of the sensitivity, feedback, and nuance that comes with playing an acoustic instrument, as well as all of the difficulty and unpredictability. There are so many unplanned moments when I first touch a note, and the pitch is not perfectly in tune, then I intuitively slide over to correct it. It imbues each performance with a very human quality.

This is in no way a perfect performance, but I've left it as is. I believe that all of the imperfections make it more honest and human. (And some of these happy accidents hopefully make it more musical).

Thanks so much for watching and reading. I hope this year brings you peace, happiness and success :)

- Josh"

Happy New Year 2024 - Osmose and Continuum Preset

video upload by Christophe Duquesne

Note the software indicates finger position and pressure while playing.

"Happy New Year 2024 - Osmose and Continuum Preset

The preset is designed to be played in several very different ways, the video is show several of them.
The recording is done using La Voix du Luthier's resonators mixed with the direct signal.

The Osmose version of the preset is adapted for the expression of the Osmose and also has some more editing macros

The Osmose preset https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/duxgon...
The Continuum preset https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xjwowa..."

Murobox N40

video upload by Christophe Duquesne

"Halloween style Murobox N40 music box demonstration with La Voile from La Voix du Luthier, an Eagan Matrix Module from Haken Audio and an Osmose from Expressive E
The N40 is an enhanced version of the N20, the main additional feature being a chromatic scale and internal pies microphone, both being huge improvements !

Murobox Kickstarter campaign page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Murobox website: https://murobox.com/en/
My review of the Murobox https://murobox.com/en/our-users/fren..."

La Voix du Luthier and Haken Audio Superbooth 22 concert

video upload by La Voix Du Luthier

"This is an excerpt of Edmund Eagan and Christophe Duquesne concert (La Voix du Luthier and Haken Audio) at Superbooth 22 (@Superbooth Berlin )
The "busking" Onde set (Onde _ Continuumini) is used by Christophe Duquesne and allows a total freedom (the Onde is battery powered and also powers the ContinuuMini).
Edmund Eagan is using a Continuum Slim 70 and a Eurorack set including the Eagan Matrix module, connected to the new single body Pyramid from La Voix du luthier.
The recording was done on an iPhone and kindly shared by Antonio Machado (the audio is also from the iPhone and a bit noisy due the the environment, but also preserve the acoustic side of the performance)
The concert was mostly improvised. This is a 16 minute except of a 45 minutes performance."

SFF2022 - Démo HAKEN AUDIO Continuum Mini et Onde (La Voix du Luthier) par Christophe Duquesne

video upload by Les Sondiers

Hydrasynth Deluxe Demos by the sun god RA

Playlist:

1. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Blue Lotus RA

This is an attempt to make a "pressure-weighted portamento" patch on the Hydrasynth, heavily inspired by the Expressive E Osmose demo video by Christophe Duquesne [posted here]. I found that the Hydrasynth's Polytouch-keyboard really adds expressiveness to a simple monophonic flute-patch "Blue Pipes RA". Combined with "Blue Mandolin RA" on the lower side of the keyboard, with some key-split crossfade between them, the middle part of the keyboard combines polyphonic mandolin and monophonic flute. Preset M1-025 on The Hydrasynth Deluxe. SHOW LESS

2. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Old Times RA

This is Hydrasynth Deluxe multi preset M1-015, a dual patch. The lower partial is "L'apocalypse RA" from "the sun god RA" patch bank, an attempt to recreate the wonderful string sound that Vangelis got out of his Hammond organ/echoplex/tape echo in his "L'apocalypse des animaux"-era in the beginning of the 1970's. The upper partial is "Waxroll Piano RA".

3. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Seafloor Harp RA

Hydrasynth Deluxe preset M1-010 Seafloor Harp RA, a dual layer of "Southern Seas RA" and "Jomfrubad RA".

4. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Documentarist RA

Hydrasynth Deluxe preset M2-063 Documentarist RA. A dual layer of "1934 Upright RA" and "After Mirage RA".

5. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Electrosplit RA

Split between "Magnetisque II RA" and "E081 Voice Crystal RA"

6. Hydrasynth single patch: Deluxe Piano RA

Inspired by the SOS “synth secrets” articles about synthesizing pianos, I tried to make a “realistic” piano patch on the Hydrasynth. This is single preset “A011 Deluxe Piano RA” on the Hydrasynth Deluxe.

7. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Hydra Orchest RA
8. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Miami Bass RA

M1-016 Miami Bass RA - an attempt to make a split patch of Jupiter-8 bass arpeggio and pad from Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice" soundtrack. Last part is M2-008 Miami Splice RA, pad now on lower half of the keyboard, while upper is reminiscent of the Fairlight-type lead sound in "Crockett's theme".

9. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Drive U Home RA

Preset "M1-045 Drive U Home RA" on the Hydrasynth Deluxe.Bread & butter. A split between bass guitar "Basketbass RA" and analog pad "Pro-5 Carpad RA". The drum machine is a Roland TR-6S hanging on an IKEA "Isberget" laptop support because of the keyboard stand angle.

10. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Johansson RA

A dual split patch with «Utanmyr Bass RA» as the lower part, and «Utanmyr Piano RA» (slightly tweaked preset «Deluxe Piano RA») as the upper part. I was planning to play "Visa from Utanmyra" by Jan Johansson, but discovered I'm no piano player. So instead I made up this little melody, much easier to play.

11. Hydrasynth Deluxe multi patch: Orchestra Hit RA

Trying to see if I could make a Fairlighty sampled orchestra hit on the Hydrasynth Deluxe, I tweaked preset M1-012 Hydra Orchest RA using chord mode, some envelope to pitch and Lo-fi FX.

12. Hydrasynth single patch: Cimbalom RA

This is an attempt to make a "realistic" cimbalom for the Hydrasynth. This is the lower partial of multi patch M2-045.

13. Hydrasynth single patch: Cimbalom RA

This is an attempt to make a "realistic" cimbalom for the Hydrasynth. This is the lower partial of multi patch M2-045.

Haken Continuum / EaganMatrix - Jenny Oscillator Basics

video by EaganMatrix Programming

"A discussion of the operation and programming of the EaganMatrix Jenny Oscillator (pronounced "Genie") that is included in post 9.0 Haken Continuum and ContinuuMini firmware. The Jenny Oscillator is synced to a Master DSF Oscillator. It has its origins from that used in Georges Jenny's Ondioline (invented 1941), though Lippold Haken has added a number of extensions to this new digital implementation (the only digital model known to be available). Christophe Duquesne had the original idea and with Lippold and Ed Eagan they worked on and implemented this wonderful new addition to the EaganMatrix, ideal for creating a wide variety of reedy timbres with complex harmonic spectra."

Deckard's Continuum Dream

Christophe Duquesne

"A Deckard's Dream controlled by a Continuum in MPE mode (with some additional help from a Kijimi, a NDLR and Valhalla Supermassive).

I was kindly lent a Deckard's Dream and a Kijimi from Black Corporation: for quite a long time, I wanted to try the Deckard to control it with a Continuum and the result is quite impressive. It's very different from the Eagan Matrix (the internal engine of the Continuum) and brings a very interesting set of colors ... and of course, it has this signature sound that triggers some memories (and, by the way, the Valhalla Supermassive I use here, as all Valhalla DSP effects, is really a must have). The MPE implementation of the Deckard is a bit unusual, but Ok for the Continuum, and a great thing is that, as for the Eagan Matrix, a single control can influence several parameters, each with its specific range, which is highly important for expression, and you manage to get an interesting mix of your own control and the legacy envelopes and LFO (that you usually play with your fingers on a Continuum).

In the video, the Kijimi is controlled by an NDLR by Conductive Labs, also a pretty nice combo."

ContinuuCon 2019 Presentations

Published on Jun 11, 2019 ContinuuCon

Playlist:

1. Lippold Haken - Hardware Evolution Of The Continuum Fingerboard :: ContinuuCon 2019

62 years before I started working on the Continuum Fingerboard, Leon Theremin built his instrument with pitch and dynamics determined by the performer in an electromagnetic control loop. This is the 37th year that I have been working to create the best electromagnetic instrument I can, with the performer in a timbre control loop that is fast, sensitive, and organic. This is the 18th year without sales price increases for the Half-size and Full-size Continuum Fingerboards. In this presentation I will show recent and ongoing improvements to the mechanical, electrical, and magnetic design of the Continuum Fingerboard. In addition, I will discuss my efforts to avoid sales price increases in the face of increasing component costs. Finally, I will take apart a ContinuuMini, and show how its hardware design retains important core aspects of its big brothers, but at a much lower price point. - Learn more at www.continuucon.com

2. Ed Eagan - Sound Design, Creating a Bullroarer :: ContinuuCon 2019 Haken Continuum Conference

2019 brought ContinuuCon back to Asheville, again hosted by the University of North Carolina Asheville Department of Music.

Performers, sound designers, composers and electronic music enthusiasts who attended ContinuuCon explored this uniquely expressive instrument through music, workshops, lectures and more. Dr. Lippold Haken, inventor of the Continuum and ContinuuMini, and Edmund Eagan, developer of the Continuum’s synthesis engine EaganMatrix, along with many other technologists and performers, openly shared their knowledge, history and musical talents at this event.

3. John Worthington - Expressive Electronic Percussion :: ContinuuCon 2019 Haken Continuum Conference

Acoustic percussion instruments are inherently expressive. Electronic percussion instruments? Not so much. Adding the subtlety of acoustic percussion into electronic performances requires understanding how the percussionist’s gestures translate into sonic changes. The talk examines the types of expression achieved from acoustic percussion instruments in terms a synthesist can appreciate and use in sound design.

5. Roger Linn - Importance Of Expressive Touch Control :: ContinuuCon 2019 Haken Continuum Conference

Music made with the on/off switches of MIDI keyboards and drum pads has tended to be used for background music— background for singers, dance or picture. Expressive touch control is enabling a new generation of solo instrumentalists that are bringing solo musical performance back into the focus of attention.

6. Roger Linn - The Future Of Synthesis Under Expressive Control :: ContinuuCon
7. Christophe Duquesne - Kinetic Physical Modeling :: ContinuuCon 2019 Haken Continuum Conference

Explanation and demonstration of a new space-based physical-modeling module for the Eagan Matrix.

CLICK FOR MORE »

La Voix du Luthier Intros Unique Eurorack Case

Published on May 17, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, La Voix du Luthier introduced a new Eurorack case, designed to be used with their Onde resonator.

We talked with Christophe Duquesne, who told us about the case and explained how they're creating a system for new types of electronic acoustic performance."

Soundmit 2018 - International Sound Summit - Overview

Published on Nov 23, 2018 SOUNDMIT

Soundmit 2018 - 3/4 Nov 2018
www.soundmit.com

Soundmit 2018 - Overview
www.soundmit.com/en/s2018
www.soundmit.com/it/s2018

Exhibit at Soundmit 2019!
Contact us at info@soundmit.com

The second edition of the Soundmit - International Sound Summit ended keeping all the promises. 35 exhibitors from 11 different countries, over 800 visitors and 170 operators in the sector. Institutional patronage increased with the Italian Trade Agency, E.M.E.A., Politecnico di Torino, Politecnico di Milano, DAMS Turin, University of Rome Tor Vergata and Arduino.

We would like to thank all the companies, manufacturers, makers, supporters and artists who participated in this fantastic edition.

Thanks to:
Arrel Audio, AudioDj, Ausr ltd, Baloran, Bastl, Bjooks (patch&tweak), Cavisynth, Euterpe Synthesizers Lab, Eventide, Fase Lunare, Finegear, Fingersonic, Grau Modular, Haken Audio, Intherphase Audio, Jomox, Keen association, La Voix Du Luthier, Modor Music, Nondestructive Design, Roland, Schertler, Schmidt Synthesizers, Soundmachines, Special Waves, SSSRLabs, Synth Fest France, Theresyn, This is not rocket science, Wavelicker, Yamaha, Zirante, Audio Modeling, Audiolino, Midiware, Moog.

CLICK FOR MORE »

IRCAM's ContinuuCon introduction to EaganMatrix

Published on Aug 4, 2018 Christophe Duquesne

"Introduction to the Eagan Matrix, the sound engine of the Continuum, at IRCAM's ContinuuCon on April 27th 2018"

Meet the Haken Audio Continuum Fingerboad team (english only)

Published on Apr 25, 2018 Modularsquare

( It really begins at 28:20 )

The Continuum Fingerboard is a powerfull virtual modular synthesizer build into the most incredible and sensible controller you will find today. You can try one by yourself in our parisian showroom !

http://www.modularsquare.com

Haken Audio Team :
- Robert Lippold Haken (inventor)
- Edmund Eagan (coder / sound designer / composer)
- Christophe Duquesne (coder / sound designer / composer)

COLD SONG

Published on Dec 22, 2017 Christophe Duquesne

"This is a very personal recording since I initially did it specially for my father.

It is "The song for a cold genius" (or 'Cold Song') from Henry Purcell: you probably know the amazing version of Klaus Nomi... I'm of course far from that, but this shows another direction where the Continuum can help you to go.
I recorded the backtrack with the Continuum and a SV1 (and a little bit of Nord Modular G2X). The "machinery" behind if from my friend NaniSound.
I played that track live during last Continuucon in Asheville and also in Nantes for the Synthfest.

And by the way Merry Christmas !!"

Strumming the Continuum

Published on Oct 9, 2017 Christophe Duquesne

"I started designing a strumming preset for the Continuum some weeks ago. At first it was mainly a game ("is it possible to do it ?"), but it appears to be very fun to play ! so here is a small demo of it.

Every sound (except drums) is coming from the Continuum (the effect processing is done internally using the layer feature, one preset processing the output of another one). The main preset is using the Touche feature of the Continuum and the Touche area is using all 3 axis: X for strumming, Z for strumming harder, and Y for damping. So that's 3 axis for both hands. The little black bar on the left side is just to help staying in the strumming area (if you start strumming outside of the area, it will not strum at all).

This demo is very 'guitar style' (Ok, you can say I'm a frustrated guitar player) but of course one of the interesting thing will be to play that way with all sorts of sounds."

Kurtz Mindfields Live at SynthFest 2017 - teaser - "The Dreaming Void"

Published on Sep 7, 2017 KurtzMindfields

A bit of synth spotting in this one, with Minimoog Model D on leads.

"Extract from the 40 minutes concert: 'The Dreaming Void' album in live at the Synthfest 2017. Berlin School return !
Captation et Réalisation by Guillaume Diard
Sample titles :
- Earth Albedo 0.37
- Mahjong Constellations
- Aletheia Part 2
Thanks to Patch Work Music, Moog France, Christophe Duquesne, Nany Sound, Philippe Brodu (Algam), Olivier Briand, Bertrand Loreau, Alain Parrain, David Perbal, Delphine Cerisier, Jean-Michel Maurin ....
The Dreaming Void coffret (2 Vinyls + CD) available at:
https://asso-pwm.fr/shop/kurtz-mindfi... (october 2017)

Continuum, CVC, Dark Energy and Z-DSP

Published on Jun 18, 2017 Christophe Duquesne

"Coming back from the Continuucon with a CVC, I plugged it to my Dark Energy (Doepfer) and Z-DSP (Tiptop audio with Valhalla DSP Cartridge). The Continuum is controlling 6 CV from the CVC to drive them. The Continuum is really bringing the Dark Energy to life !"

Nantes SynthFest 2017 Videos by Klair Zaki

Published on Jun 8, 2017 Klair Zaki

Playlist:
SynthFest 2017 - Présentation du GEM Promega 2+ par Paul Wiffen
SynthFest 2017 - Vika Yermolyeva avec Nani Sound et Christophe Duquesne (Anckorage)
SynthFest 2017 - Klairzaki essaie la harpe laser
SynthFest 2017 - François et le Sequential Circuits Pro-One
SynthFest 2017 - Nori Ubukata et l'Ondomo
SynthFest 2017 - Démonstration du modulaire Doepfer par Florence Michel
SynthFest 2017 - Performance de Michael Sean O'Connor (intégral)
SynthFest 2017 - Performance d'Olivier Romary au Korg Monotron Delay
SynthFest 2017 - Concert de Time Composer (extrait 1)
SynthFest 2017 - Concert de Time Composer (extrait 2)
SynthFest 2017 - Présentation et démonstration Arturia Matrix Brute
SynthFest 2017 - Présentation et démonstration Arturia Matrix Brute (v2)
SynthFest 2017 - Concert de Time Composer (extrait 4)
SynthFest 2017 - Concert de Time Composer avec Kilian (extrait 3)
SynthFest 2017 - Concert de Time Composer (extrait 1v2)
SynthFest 2017 - Concert de Time Composer avec Kilian (extrait 3 v2) HD
SynthFest 2017 - Démonstration du HAKEN Continuum par Christophe Duquesne

ContinuuCon Coming to Asheville NC This Week, Starting June 8

You might recall ContinuuCon, the event focused on the Haken Continuum fingerboard and MPE or Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression devices was announced here on MATRIXSYNTH back in October of last year, and again in May of this year. The event begins this Thursday, June 8. Russell Hoffman of Evaton Technologies who will be presenting at this year's event, sent in the schedule which follows. P.S. If you are new to ContinuuCon you can check out posts from previous year's events via the ContinuuCon channel label here.

via Russell Hoffman of Evaton Technologies on this year's ContinuuCon: http://www.continuucon.com

"There are lectures and workshops on all things Continuum, and the culminating event is the ContinuuConcert (free to the public).

Located at the UNC Asheville campus in Asheville NC.

SCHEDULE

All talks and workshops take place in UNCA, Lipinsky Hall, room LH044

Thursday – June 8

5:00-7:00pm – Check-In and Reception at UNCA, Lipinsky Hall (in lobby) – Music by Mark Smart

Friday – June 9

9:30-9:40am – Welcome by ContinuuCon Hosts
9:40-10:30am – Lippold Haken – History of the Continuum and its Forerunners
10:40am-12:00pm – Ed Eagan – EaganMatrix Introduction and Programming

12:00-2:00pm – Lunch Break (see restaurant suggestions below)

2:00-2:30pm – Russell Hoffman – CV Eurorack Interface – Product Introduction and Demo
2:30-3:00pm – Christophe Duquesne – EaganMatrix Effects Design
3:10-4:15pm – Ed Eagan – EaganMatrix Version 8 and Beyond

6:00pm – Dinner and Jams at Sally’s – (Non-ticketed guests $25)

Saturday – June 10

9:30-10:20am – Lippold Haken – Spreading The Word
10:30-11:30am -Ed, Rob, Sally, Benedict – Playing Techniques – (used in the ContinuuConcert)
11:40am-12:00pm – Benedict Slotte – Pitch Shifting Preset

12:00-2:00pm – Lunch Break (see restaurant suggestions below)

2:00-2:50pm – Jesse Chappell – iOS and the Continuum + Controllers and Visualization Prototypes
3:00-3:30pm – Christophe Duquesne – State Space Based Physical Modeling Algorithm
3:40-4:30pm – Closing session – Eagan Matrix, Performing, The Future
4:30-5pm Q&A and discussion

8:00pm ContinuuConcert – UNCA, Lipinsky Hall"

http://www.continuucon.com