Archive for August, 2024

Ellitone KeyControl MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller + Sequencer


The Ellitone KeyControl is a unique, handmade MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller that features 12 velocity-sensitive wooden Touch Bars and a built-in ‘ambient poly sequencer’ mode.

The KeyControl is made from Black Walnut hardwood and comes in two versions, with or without AAA portable battery power. The version without AAA battery power is 25% slimmer. Both versions can be powered via USB-C.


The KeyControl is designed to be widely compatible with many different types of existing gear including:

  • Computers and Phones running DAWs (USB MIDI);
  • Vintage and modern keyboards/synthesizers/drum machines that support classic 5-Pin MIDI;
  • Modern synths that support TRS MIDI; and
  • Vintage/modern analog synthesizers that require Control Voltages.

Features:

  • USB MIDI output via USB-C
  • 5mm TRS “Style-A” MIDI output that can be easily adapted to classic 5-pin MIDI output using an inexpensive “TRS style-A to 5-pin midi” cable adapter.
  • MIDI output messages include CHANNEL, NOTE ON/OFF, VELOCITY
  • Control Voltage (CV) features:
    • 3 outputs on the right side of the device (3.5mm) provide voltage outputs for NOTE/PITCH, TRIGGER, VELOCITY
    • monophonic NOTE/PITCH output voltages are standard 1 Volt Per Octave and have a range of 4 octaves (0-4V)
    • Trigger voltage output provides a 25 millisecond pulse at +5 volts whenever a new note is triggered
    • Sustained GATE signals can be achieved by holding down the SUSTAIN Button
    • Velocity voltage output has a range of 0-4 Volts

The Ellitone KeyControl MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller and Sequencer is available now, priced starting at $154.99.

ScrubBoard Kit Available To Pre-Order Now


Developer Jeremy Bell has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the ScrubBoard – a “cassette tape-based audio sandbox”.

The unique instrument lets you scratch audio, recorded on cassette tape, or create live musique concrète audio effects.

Options include a ‘hardcore’ DIY kit, a standard kit, and a pre-assembled instrument.

Production of the ScrubBoard is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it is available to backers starting at $425.

*Note: Crowdfunded projects can involve risk. See the project website for details.

Korg NTS-3 Kaoss Pad Overview


Korg shared this official overview of their NTS-3 Kaoss Pad.

The NTS-3 Kaoss Pad is an effects unit that combines the classic Kaoss X/Y pad touch interface and effects with the ability to load custom effects, created with the open-source logueSDK.

Topics covered:

00:00 Opening Demonstration

00:57 What Is The Nu:Tekt NTS-3 kaoss pad

02:14 Touch Interface

02:42 Great For Guitars

03:04 Tempo and Sync

03:25 Preset Hold

03:44 Effects Hold

04:08 Making A Preset

05:14 Global Parameters

05:25 Audio Demonstrations

Watch the video and share your thoughts on the NTS-3 in the comments!