Keith McMillen Has Passed Away

Some sad news in via Keith McMillen Instruments

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith McMillen.

Keith McMillen, a pioneering force in audio and music technology, passed away this week leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a profound impact on the music industry. Born July 10, 1957 in Bermuda, Keith dedicated his life to revolutionizing how live interactive music is played and experienced.

A passionate advocate for the intersection of technology and music, Keith’s academic foundation was laid at the University of Illinois, where he earned a BS in Acoustics under the mentorship of James Beauchamp. He further honed his skills in classical guitar and composition under the guidance of Herbert Brun, Scott Wyatt, and Sal Martirano. Over the years, Keith developed MAPPS, an integrated computer composition, notation, and performance system that became the bedrock of his group TrioMetrik.

Keith’s professional journey began in 1979 when he founded Zeta Music, a company that would become synonymous with the modern violin. His revolutionary electronic instrument designs set new standards in the music industry, creating a market that continues to influence musicians today.

In 1992, as Vice President at Gibson Guitars, Keith founded G-WIZ, an R&D lab where he developed ZIPI, a groundbreaking musical instrument control language that evolved into the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol and lay the foundation for MPE and MIDI 2.0.

In 2005, Keith founded Keith McMillen Instruments, a company that quickly became known for its cutting-edge approach to musical technology using patented Smart Fabric sensors. Keith established the company to bring his innovative vision to life, and under his leadership KMI introduced groundbreaking products that combined Smart Fabric with musical artistry, including the K-Bow, QuNeo, QuNexus and K-Board Pro. These instruments, recognized for their versatility and advanced capabilities, reflected Keith’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music technology. His work through the company solidified his reputation as a pioneer in the field and left a lasting impact on the music industry.

In 2014, Keith founded BeBop Sensors with a mission to expand Smart Fabric applications into the fields of wearable sensors and haptics. This led to the development of several products and patents, including virtual reality gloves and insole sensors. This work inspired Keith to form Sensible Robotics, a new company where Keith focused his full attention on Making Robots Feel Better™ by using Smart Fabric to develop robotic skin.

Keith McMillen’s work exemplified a lifelong commitment to exploring how computer intelligence and user interface can enhance and expand musical performance. His passing is a great loss to the world of music and technology, but his innovations and achievements will continue to inspire and shape the future of both fields."

His instruments have been featured throughout numerous posts here on MATRIXSYNTH (271 posts to date including this one). You can find a handful of posts featuring Zeta here.

JLRs Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown #9 -

video upload by John L Rice

JLRs Modular Synthesizers - System Breakdown posts

"This is my ninth video breakdown/rundown, this time for my compact Eurorack system in a small lighting controller case.

Index:
0:00 Beginning
0:20 Introduction
0:55 Module Rundown
3:38 Modifications
6:20 Final Words
7:01 "It's Leftovers" (unplanned audio demo)
8:34 End

List of the 21 modules in this system
Happy Nerding: HM VCO x3, FM AID, ADSR
2hp: LFO, Seq, Delay, Trim, Mult
Erica Synths: Trigg, Drums
Synthesis Technology: E440
Doepfer: A138n
Division 6: Multiplicity VI
Bubble Sound: 141
TipTop Audio: ONE
Intellijel: Springray
Circuit Abbey: Unify
Synthwerks: Lamp-3
4ms Company: Row Power 30
(plus a Keith McMillen QuNexus keyboard)

Note that additional reverb came from an external device for the audio sample. Otherwise all sounds were from the displayed system.

If you found the content of this video helpful, interesting, or entertaining, please consider showing your support so I can stay stocked up on coffee and cookies. 😋 https://buymeacoffee.com/johnlrice"

K-Board Pro 4 Ableton 11.3 MPE Updates Analog, Electric, Collision and Tension Synths

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"The Ableton 11.3 update brings MPE to the Analog, Electric, Collision and Tension synths. KMI Product Specialist and Ableton Certified Trainer Kevin Mah runs us through this update with examples to get up and running with K-Board Pro 4 and Ableton MPE."

Ableton Live 11.3 K-Board Pro 4 MPE Jam

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

QuNexusRED MPE MIDI Sequencer and Arpeggiator by Keith McMillen Instruments - Arturia Pigments Demo

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"QuNexus is a powerful MPE keyboard controller and three track arpeggiator/step sequencer. Its 25 touch-sensitive keys detect velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, and per-key tilt, giving you unprecedented control and musical expression.

Each of the three arpeggiator/sequencer tracks can be programmed with up to 32 steps, 10 selectable arpeggiator patterns, and can be independently assigned to USB, MIDI, and Eurorack outputs.

Blue and white LEDs illuminate the keys during arpeggiations, step sequences, and playback.

QuNexus can control MIDI hardware using the included MIDI Out cable or our optional MIDI Expander (sold separately). You can connect to modular synthesizers via the gate, three CV outputs, and two CV inputs, all of which can be assigned using the QuNexus Editor software, which is compatible with Windows and MacOS."

K-Board MPE Tutorial with VCV Rack

KMI K-Board-C MPE VCV Rack demo video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments


video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"A tutorial on using Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board MPE with VCV Rack

00:00 Intro to K-Board MPE and VCV Rack
00:56 VCV Rack Setup Guide - Getting Sound
01:40 Adding modules to rack (simple mixer, reverb)
03:17 Patch from Scratch - basic monophonic synth
05:30 Triggering envelopes with K-Board
06:57 Connecting K-Board pitch to oscillators
09:35 Using a slew limiter to achieve portomento
11:13 Patching polyphony
13:03 Setting up and patching MPE
16:02 Example performance patches

VCV Rack Modules used in this tutorial by Surge XT, Audible Instruments, Befaco, Bog Audio, Repelzen and Valley"

KMI Qunexus & Eurorack Modular Synthesizers w/ David Rothbaum

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"Our pal David Rothbaum walks us through a patch-from-scratch featuring the Qunexus !

Read all about this set-up : https://bit.ly/3WD3065
Check out more of David's work : http://davidrothbaum.co/

Gear :
Qunexus : https://bit.ly/3FR4YsY
Grab a K-Board-C: https://bit.ly/3BVnr6t
More KMI : https://bit.ly/3jnWRN0
Interested in Modular? https://bit.ly/3Vej9Ot

KEITH MCMILLEN QUNEXUS RED:
Redesigned with an ultra-durable ABS-polycarbonate red enclosure, the QuNexus RED from Keith McMillen is the same compact, feature-rich, 25-key MIDI/CV controller you know and love, but with a few upgrades. Aside from the aesthetic change, the new QuNexus is fully equipped to handle the MPE software and hardware."

And a couple outdoor performances by David:

12.8.22 // Remote Ambient Modular Synth performance.

video upload by david rothbaum

"This was composed, recorded and filmed at the ruins of Camp 16 in the Angeles National Forest. At one point this was a Nike missile site. Then later it was a training area for inmate firefighters until it burned down in the 2009 station fire where two firefighters were killed defending the camp.

It is a rather somber place, but also quite beautiful.

Thanks for watching."

12.15.22.// Ambient Modular


"This was composed & recorded at the Chilao campground in the Angeles National Forest.

I very rarely have a destination in mind, more a direction. I drive until I find a spot that I like then usually I have to hike around a bit till I find a spot to actually set up. Then, once all the gear is set up I sit down to compose. The composition process in this case took about two hours. After that, I set up all the camera gear, film the performance, then get the B roll. In this case the entire process from leaving the house to getting back home took about seven hours.

This is the first time I used the @1010_music Bluebox to record. It was awesome to be able to do a remote performance and get a multitrack recording that I could fine-tune once I got back home."

Boards of Canada - Roygbiv Cover | Nord Drum 3P Sounds Only | + Novation Launchkey Mk3 & SoftStep 2

video upload by Jannis Le Wolff

"🥁Interested in using those sounds yourself? I just released my first custom sound bank for the Nord Drum 3P, containing the sounds from this video and many others. You can find it here (including previews): https://bsta.rs/515ad0173

You can get 20% off until November 15th by using this Code: THANKYOUENJOY

Also note that all sounds are available as wav files as well, so you can use them even without owning a Nord Drum 3P.

---------

In this video I'm playing Roygbiv from Boards of Canada while only using sounds from the Nord Drum 3P. I used some effects inside my DAW though and also mixed it in the end, applying some EQ and compression.

The whole set is organized in Ableton Live, and I'm also using the Novation Launchkey Mk3 for playing the final synth line and some clip triggering. Intentionally I wanted to play all sounds by "drumming", but the melody had too many variations and notes so it became too complex. As a foot controller I'm using the Keith McMillen Softstep 2. A very fun thing I discovered here was to change the pitch of a pad with a foot controller. This way I could "drum" the bassline, which has 8 different pitches.

I always loved this song and bassline, and I was curious how well it works with the Nord Drum 3P. I really like how the bass sounds in the lower tones, while it gets a little less fat when moving up in terms of the notes you play."

Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board C MPE Keyboard Controller

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"K-Board-C is a simple yet expressive, durable, portable USB MPE MIDI keyboard designed for music producers and performers to use anywhere. K-Board-C works with all of your music software, connecting to your computer or mobile device via USB-C. K-Board-C is MPE compatible with 25 touch sensitive keys to detect velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, and per-key tilt, giving you total control of musical expression. The new K-Board-C enclosure features a durable ABS polycarbonate finish that comes in 5 fun colors: Snow, Galaxy, Orchid, Lime and Aqua. Powerful and portable, the K-Board-C is designed for everyone making music!"

Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board Pro 4 and OB-E Performance Demonstration with Kevin Mah

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"Certified Ableton Instructor and KMI Product Specialist Kevin Mah performs with the K-Board Pro 4 and OB-E ."

K-Board Pro 4 x GForce OB-E V2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"Kevin Mah demos the K-Board Pro 4 MPE keyboard controller with the GForce OB-E V2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer in Ableton Live.

========

Video by Kevin Mah (SolidTakes)
Ableton Certified Instructor from Vancouver BC
More info here: https://www.ableton.com/en/certified-..."

QuNeo MPE Overview and Setup Tutorial with Ableton 11, Modal Skulpt, and Equator

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"QuNeo now speaks MPE! It's by far the most expressive controller of it's size, use it for finger drumming or playing melodic scales and chords.

In this video we show you how to get started with the QuNeo and MPE. We run through how to setup the QuNeo MPE application with a soft synth (Equator), Modal Skulpt, and Ableton Live 11."

Lealani VS Keith McMillen's New Quneo MPE : Finger Drumming from Fantastic Planet

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"Our favorite beatmaker from outer space Lealani joins us to show of the brand new Kieth McMillen QuNeo MPE.

Strap yourself in for some explosive demos and some breakdowns of how Lealani uses the QuNeo for dynamically rich performances!

The new QuNeo RED is a 4x4 finger drumming MPE pad controller that senses pressure, position and velocity to send MIDI Notes, CCs, and more with vivid LED feedback:
Check it out here : https://www.perfectcircuit.com/keith-...

Hear more of Lealani's work on Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/album/668kTZ..."

QuNexus RED

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

Update: MSRP appears to be $179. Check the dealers on the right for availability.

"The new QuNexus RED is a powerful 25-key MPE keyboard controller and three track Arpeggiator/Step Sequencer with USB, MIDI, and CV outputs. The keys detect velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, and per-key tilt, giving you unprecedented control and musical expression. QuNexus RED also features our new, ultra-durable ABS-Polycarbonate finish."

QuNexus RED MPE Sequencer with modular synth

Haken Continuum / EaganMatrix - Four-Note Arpeggiator & Using ContinuuMini with uCVC/CVC

Haken Continuum / EaganMatrix - Creating a Simple Four-Note Arpeggiator - EaganMatrix Programming

"Experimenting today creating a simple four note Arpeggiator in the EaganMatrix. This preset lets you define four tones that are settable in real time using the i, ii, ii and iv controls. Four notes are always played but you could vary that with extra programming. Y induces some octave shifts and a fifth too that you can press with multiple fingers to play the tones polyphonically at the octave - but the tones themselves are not produced by X (but by the controls). Added Speed control and put a couple continuous pedals on two of the controls to change the pitch sequence with your feet. But the real fun comes when you connect a Keith McMillen Softstep 2 and program chord changes - as the Softstep lets you change all four of the i, ii, ii and iv controls together with the press of a foot or hand. I added some balloons as well to summarize the few steps used to create the preset."

Haken Continuum / EaganMatrix - Using ContinuuMini with uCVC/CVC (Control Voltage interfaces)
EaganMatrix Programming

"Discusses how to connect and use a ContinuuMini (also Half/Full and Slim Continuums) with the Haken Audio Continuum Voltage Converter and especially the Evaton Technologies uCVC for playing Monophonic synths and modules (though playing polyphonically will be similar - just use more CVC channels in parallel with preset Polyphony set greater than 1. Here using a Moog Slim Phatty as the instrument being played by CV - but could be any synth or Eurorack or other module that accepts CV inputs. Also introduces EaganMatrix CVC programming that is essential in using CV with non-standard CV interfaces."

K-Board Pro 4 meets Madrona Labs Aalto

Keith McMillen Instruments

"K-Board Pro 4 meets the Madrona Labs Aalto synthesizer."

KMI Synth Spotlight: KBP4 meets ARGON8 from Modal Electronics

Keith McMillen Instruments

See the dealers on the right for availability on each.

KBP4 meets ARGON8: Setting up MPE

NAMM 2020 Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board Pro with Deckard's Dream

Published on Jan 17, 2020 sonicstate

"Keith McMillen were at the NAMM show this year to show off their K-Board Pro 4 using MPE to control the Deckards Dream synthesizer. We got a quick demo, and then we spoke about the configuration options of the K-Board to tailor it to your playing needs."

Black Corporation Kijimi With Keith McMillen K-Board Pro 4

Published on Sep 25, 2019 Perfect Circuit

"Black Corporation's Kijimi and Keith McMillen's K-Board Pro 4 make a stellar pair: and synth and controller that combine to offer enormous expressive potential via MPE.

Kijimi is an eight-voice analog synth based on the super rare RSF Polykobol. It not only allows for MPE control, but features a rich set of internal modulation options great for adventurous synthesists and sound designers.

K-Board Pro 4 is an MPE-capable MIDI keyboard, providing extended expressive control with a familiar feel and user interface. By treating each key like an XYZ expression pad, KBP4 provides uncommon musical potential to keyboardists.

Read more about MPE and why these two devices pair so well here:
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal...

K-Board Pro 4 available : https://www.perfectcircuit.com/keith-...

Kijimi available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/black-..."

K-Board Pro 4 meets Deckard's Dream

Published on Aug 27, 2019 Keith McMillen Instruments

"We play a bit of the old classic Blade Runner soundtrack on the Deckard's Dream synth. Really beautiful sounding machine, and responds wonderfully to the subtle MPE stylings of the y-axis and x-axis vibrato."

BeBop Sensors Smart Fabric Sensors add MPE to KMI K-Board Pro 4

BEBOP SMART FABRIC SENSORS ENABLE FIRST 3D EXPRESSIVE KEYBOARD: K-BOARD PRO 4 MPE CONTROLLER

SmartFabric™ Sensors Provide Multiple Dimensions of Touch Sensitivity in Each Key for Info on Attack & Release Velocity, Continuous Pressure, Horizontal & Vertical Position, and Poly Aftertouch Messages for the Deepest Level of Musical Expression

“With K-Board Pro 4, we’ve taken the format of a traditional keyboard and updated it for the 21st Century. With our BeBop Sensors SmartFabric™ Sensors underneath each key, you can tweak any synthesis parameter in real time by moving your fingers while you are playing. The MIDI MPE Standard is the future for expressive controllers and we have designed the K-Board Pro 4 to be the ultimate MPE Controller.” -Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, BeBop Sensors

June 18, 2019, Berkeley, CA, USA – BeBop Sensors www.bebopsensors.com, the world leader in Smart Fabric Sensors, has partnered with KMI to announce the official release of the K-Board Pro 4 MPE Controller. Created with BeBop Sensors SmartFabric™ Sensors, the K-Board Pro 4 is a four-octave MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) MIDI keyboard controller based on the traditional keyboard layout, but with multiple dimensions of touch sensitivity in each key. The K-Board Pro 4 sends information on musical subtleties, including attack velocity, release velocity, continuous pressure, horizontal position and vertical position data to offer the deepest level of musical expression. It can also send Poly Aftertouch messages for communication with expressive legacy controllers.

“I’m excited that Keith McMillen, BeBop and KMI are bringing out the K-Board Pro 4, further expanding the next generation of expressive keyboard instruments! It’s a joy to play and their expertise in the field of sensor technology and delivering great musical products makes this instrument a guaranteed winner,” said Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater.

MIDI MPE Standard is Future for Expressive Controllers & K-Board Pro 4 is the Ultimate MPE Controller

MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is the newest development in MIDI; a standard specification that allows easy integration of multiple, polyphonic per-key dimensions of expressive control. To capture all of this nuanced gesture, K-Board Pro 4 features BeBop Sensors’ patented Smart Sensor Technology, developed in conjunction with KMI. K-Board Pro 4 is USB powered and MIDI class compliant to ensure both portability and compatibility with MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, as well as MIDI capable hardware.

K-Board Pro 4 is available immediately from the KMI website at: keithmcmillen.com.

Unusual Electronic Music Controllers From KMI At NAMM 2019

Published on Feb 3, 2019 Synthtopia

"At the 2019 NAMM Show, Keith McMillen Instruments was showing a complete line of unusual music controllers.

Their line is based around 'Smart Fabric', which means that it doesn't rely on movable parts, like most instruments and music gear. The technology also allows the devices to sense a variety of types of touch, allowing the controllers to be used in very expressive ways."