"This is a first edition Manta with Amber LEDs only. Serial no 23.
It is a touch sensitive controller interface requiring a computer or MantaMate accessory to turn capacitive touches into midi, OSC, or CV information.
You can get super geeky with it in MaxMSP or SuperCollider, use a free third-party program like MantaJUCE to get MIDI to your program of choice, or get a MantaMate to convert your touches to CV signals."
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Jeff Snyder - additional demo here.
"This is an example of an effective technique for using the continuous data from the sensors on the Snyderphonics Manta.
While it's possible to get useful data from the sensors when conceiving of them as a sort of psuedo-pressure sensor, they are actually sensing the total surface area covered by the finger. The technique demonstrated here is what we have found to be the most effective way to achieve a nice range of control over the sensors.
Placing your finger on the sensor with the flat part of the fingertip covering as much surface area as possible, and then rolling the finger up until only the tip is touching the top of the hexagon will produce a smooth decrease in sensor values.
Conversely, starting with the finger pointing straight down, and the fingernail just above the top of the sensor, then rolling the finger down to cover more surface area, will produce a smooth increase in sensor values."
"Nice touch-plate controller for synths, DAW or video apps. Velocity-sensitive with aftertouch. Mint conditions, fully functional, comes with USB cable and padded carrying case"
"Fancy handmade in the US midi controller. The Manta is similar to a Buchla/Serge touchplate but with USB! Beautiful wood panels and backing with a metal touchplate makes for a very expressive instrument/controller with a very quality feel. Mine is version 2 with bi-colour leds.
The Manta is designed to be incredibly flexible depending on how you wish to use it. It makes a fantastic complement to a MAX/MSP, PureData or modular setup but can be used with any DAW such as Live or Logic. I've used it as velocity-sensitive 48 note keyboard, which I found useful for breaking old keyboard habits. You can assign the little hexagons to pretty much any midi parameter though. It can be a sequencer, X/Y pad, keyboard, fader. A lot of potential in a small package.
It has a USB connection so you have to interface with the computer for now, though Snyderphonics are apparently developing a little breakout box with midi and CV for analogue and other external gear."
