Artiphon – creators of the Instrument 1 and Orba synthesizers and MIDI controllers – has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the Chorda, a new synthesizer, looper and MIDI controller that’s designed to be played in a variety of ways.
Chorda features 12 capacitive-sensing pads, an built-in synthesizer and sample engine, a looper, support for MIDI and is also an MPE controller.
What Artiphon say about it:
“Chorda is an incredibly versatile instrument. In fact, it’s like having many instruments in one! You can play Chorda flat like a keyboard or drum machine, or pick it up and strum like a guitar or ukulele.
Chorda lets you play music intuitively, whether you’ve never picked up an instrument or if you’ve played your whole life. With feather-sensitive “capacitive touch” sensors, it picks up even the slightest (or the wildest!) movements so you can express yourself instantly and explore your favorite music in new ways.”
Features:
12 capacitive-sensing pads respond to even the lightest velocities and enable per-note expression in multiple dimensions
Bridge with six triggers for individual note articulation using familiar gestures like strumming, tapping, and pressing
Onboard synthesizer and sample engine, and built-in speaker offer an immediate, standalone playing experience
Accelerometer and gyroscope capture a range of multi-dimensional movements
Use the built-in looper to easily layer Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead parts
Connect to the cross-platform Artiphon app for more sounds, songs, and settings
Connect via MIDI over Bluetooth or USB-C, and use MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) to play your synths and music software in dynamic new ways
Use the 1/8″ (3.5mm) output to listen on headphones, speakers, and amps
Multicolor LEDs respond to the way you play
Embedded haptic engine offers vibration feedback
USB rechargeable battery with 4+ hours of battery life
Chorda supports the following MIDI expressive controls:
Per-note:
Velocity
Vibrato (Pitch)
Radiate (CC74)
Press (Channel Pressure, Aftertouch)
Universal:
Tilt (CC1)
Move (CC113)
The Chorda is available to project backers starting at $199.
*Note: Crowdfunded projects involve risk. Find out details on the project website.
SampleScience has released v2 versions for 4 of its free plugin instruments.
Each of the instruments has been updated with four new effects, a re-mastered sound set, 5 new variations, and the ability to choose a custom folder for the sound content:
Nu Guzheng is a plugin instrument based on a multi-sampled set of guzheng samples. This traditional Chinese plucked zither has been recorded in stereo using a pair of Blue spark condenser microphones. Recorded in 32-bit and downsampled to 24-bit for the plugin version, the end result is clean-sounding and authentic.
Zither Renaissance is a virtual instrument based on a damaged plucked zither recording that has been restored. A combination of audio engineering techniques has been used to make these zither samples great: spectral repair, adaptative noise removal, and manual retuning.
Resonance is a piano plugin designed by combining short acoustic piano attack samples and a piano’s body resonance physical model. Inspired by the music of Nils Frahm, Resonance is perfect for fast arpeggios and emotional riffs.
Synthetic Vortices is a collection of 90 ambient loops generated by the Ensoniq Fizmo and embedded in a VST plugin instrument. The collection of sounds is “atmospheric and alien”.
The instruments are available for free by entering 0 in the price field. Donations to support the developer are welcome.
Sound Magic has announced the releases of Encyclopedia of China, a comprehensive collection of Chinese solo and ensemble virtual instruments.
Encyclopedia of China reflects over 20 years of effort to record a wide range of Chinese instruments, and over 1,000 musicians contributed to the final product. The collection is designed to capture not just Chinese instruments, but for making the modern Chinese style of music, which also features a full symphony orchestra.
Features:
Over 7,316,200 samples, 11.32 TB uncompressed content
Modeled Vibrato, Legato, Tremolo, Glide, and Glissando
Multi Velocity layers samples
Round Robin on most techniques
Up to 4 Microphone Perspectives
Innovative Performance Key Switch system
Embodied high-quality reverb and EQ
Comprehensive Envelope system
Scala Tuning System can emulate different tuning systems
DFD/RAM system enables users to relocate resources and ensure the best performance under every individual project
Different GUI mode for standard resolution and 4K resolution
