Aodyo Instruments Launches LOOM Multidimensional MPE MIDI Controller


Aodyo Instruments has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Loom, a new multidimensional MPE MIDI controller.

Building on expertise developed through the creation of their Sylphyo and Anyma synthesizers, Aodyo Instruments says that they have designed Loom to provide musicians with a versatile and powerful tool for live performances, studio recordings, and bedroom compositions


Features:

  • Playing modes: Includes keyboard, ribbon, strum, and drumkit modes, with more to be added via software updates. All are customizable with the included editor. Third-party development is also encouraged via a developer mode.
  • Multidimensional multitouch surface: Allows independent control of pitch (X), timbre (Y), and dynamics (Z) for each finger.
  • Available in two or three-octave configurations. Enhanced control: Provides unique sensors that complement the main surface: thumb- activated tactile sliders and bars on the front and back edge, as well as a pressure-sensitive action zone on the left.
  • Built for MPE and legacy MIDI: Optimized for MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), but fully compatible with non-MPE MIDI instruments, with easy connection via USB-C or MIDI TRS cable with a wide range of hardware and software.


Production of the Aodyo Instruments Loom is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it is available to project backers starting at €259, which is 35% off the planned retail price. The project has already met its funding goal.

*Note: Crowdfunded projects can involve risk. See the project site for more information.

 

DIY MIDI Controller Roland JD-Xi


Maker and musician Oliver Hagen has designed a custom MIDI controller for the Roland JD-Xi synthesizer, the DivingBoard.

The Roland JD-Xi has a very powerful synth engine – boasting a basic analog voice, a drum machine and a 128-voice digital synth – but is minisynth, with limited controls, making patch programming slow. Developers have created multiple JD-Xi patch editor options, as a result.

The DivingBoard, though, is a home-made MIDI hardware controller. It’s designed “to solve the lack of parameter accessibility on the Roland JD-Xi synthesizer,” notes Hagen. “It differs from other solutions I’ve seen, in that customizability and potential ease-of-use are greater, and general use with a range of synthesizers is possible.”

It is a DIY project, and materials are estimated to be about £60-£70. Find out more on the project website.

 

 

 

Akai APC64 Ableton Live Controller Review


Host Ziv Eliraz – In his latest Loopop video, takes an in-depth look at the new AKAI Professional APC64 controller for Ableton Live.

As always, Eliraz offers a comprehensive feature overview, demos and examples, and his take on the pros and cons.

Watch the video, and share your thoughts on the new APC64 in the comments!

Topics covered:

0:00 Intro

1:40 Overview

2:05 Grid modes

4:30 Fader modes

6:30 Seq mode

8:40 Buttons

9:35 Screen

10:35 Build

11:00 I/O

11:50 Note mode

12:45 Chord mode

13:20 Drum modes

14:00 Ableton Live

14:30 Live rec

15:15 Quantization

16:05 Automation

17:00 Step seq

17:45 Seq settings

18:40 Modifiers

20:10 Seq live rec

21:45 Performance

22:15 Important tips

22:25 Poly AT v MPE

23:00 Device params

23:50 More buttons!

25:20 Device lock?

25:55 Seq + Live

26:40 Note repeats?

26:55 Latency

27:30 Pros and cons

32:15 Outro