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.
Ectoplastic Lab let us know that they have ‘fundamentally updated’ their Mazetools sound and music apps, adding motion-tracking features that let you control sound and music with gestures and body movements.
Thanks to the TensorFlow integration, the applications’ tracking now works via the normal device cameras of mobile and desktop devices (iOS, Android, Windows). They say they have also greatly improved room-scale tracking from Kinect, RealSense, etc.
What they shared about the updates:
“The introduction of Kinect 2 brought about a significant change in media art, and now, in 2024, motion tracking through TensorFlow can be accomplished using any standard webcam.
After two years of research and development, this technology has been effectively integrated into Mazetools, resulting in enhanced quality and performance. We have recently made improvements to our motion tracking capabilities, with a particular focus on controlling sound and music through body movements and gestures.
Our tracking system now functions seamlessly with the cameras on a range of mobile and desktop devices, including iOS, Android, and Windows. In addition, we have implemented a motion recorder and made significant enhancements to our room-scale tracking for Azure Kinect and RealSense.”
Mazetools currently offers two applications: Mutant and Soniface: Mutant serves as a loop machine and operates with a set number of instruments, while Soniface is more flexible in terms of adding instruments and integrating them with visuals.
Mazetools Soniface Update Version 4.2
Soniface now supports, beside Kinect v2/ Azure Kinect, the use of a webcam as a motion-tracking sensor to control music and sound through body movements.
With the new demo version available on Steam, users can easily try out Soniface. In addition, Linux support has been added along with several useful features. These include a new optional user interface design, making it more user-friendly on smaller displays. On iOS, Audiobus and Inter-App Audio routing, MIDI In & Out routing, and Airplay for visual output are now supported.
The new version includes a new feature for modular linking of controllers, allowing complex interconnections of mazes and instruments to create synth and effect chains for live performances.
New Features and Improvements:
Enhanced app performance, structure, audio, and image quality
New design mode for small displays (simple design)
Visual interface for the mobile Pro version
Webcam-based motion tracking for sound interface
New preset structure for all instruments
Rhythm sequencer pattern mode
Parametric EQ for Master, Rhythm, and Sampler
Notation interface with chord and scale selection
New automation interface: modular linking of all controllers across mazes
Keyboard and live pad for dynamic instrument input
New guide, improved in-app help in English and German
An example of Soniface Pro in action, featuring Tomoko Nakasato & Ectoplastic:
Mazetools Mutant Update Version 1.5
Mazetools Mutant enables loop-based music production. The software features synths, drums, samplers, sequencers, filters, and effects, all of which can be played on a square surface. These instruments collectively form the Hypercube, a dynamic space that alters the music from various perspectives.
The latest update introduces the Mutant Cloud, which allows you to store your own sound scenes, beats, and presets; an updated interface and more.
New features and improvements:
Enhanced app performance and audio quality
New scale and chord interface
Snapshot Cloud: to load snapshots into a 3D cloud (offline), defined by mood, energy, and structure
Interactive cloud navigation and snapshot filtering by author, key, and tempo
Snapshot Mutation Interface for merging two snapshots
Improved setup interface
New guide, improved in-app help in English & German
An example of Mazetools Mutant in action, featuring a live performance by Dr.Eck, Fly:
In addition to the updates, they announced upcoming dates for performances & workshops:
05.04.2024 Leipzig, Germany, Kurzsüchtig XR Festival
13.04.2024 London, UK, Crux Festival Audiovisual Performing Arts
14.04.2024 London, UK, Crux Festival Audiovisual Performing Arts
09.05.2024 Leipzig, Germany, Take Off Sound Performance with Tomoko Nakasato Schaubühne Lindenfels
11.05.2024 Cottbus, Concert, Spreewald Bahnhof
13.052024 Bautzen, Concert, Happy Mondays
16.05.2024 Berlin, Germany, Superbooth
31.05.2024 Geneva, Switzerland, AI FOR GOOD with Portrait XO
Vongon, a Californian manufacturer best known for making effects pedals like the Polyphrase and Paragraphs, has announced the release of its first synth.
Replay is a six-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer and a little window into synth heaven.
Lush pads, tiny plinks, snappy arpeggios, warbling melodies, resonant filters with midi connectivity and a sleek web interface!
Replay is said to be inspired by the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix. The most striking feature of this synth is its minimalist design. Bedecked in a beige aluminium housing with an all-beige keyboard.
Replay is equipped with a six-voice virtual analogue sound engine offering four oscillator waveforms and seven LFO waveforms that Vongon says is capable of producing everything from “rich pads and vibrant leads to snappy arpeggios and deep sub-bass tones”. There’s a multi-mode arpeggiator on board.
The instrument’s 2½-octave keyboard uses Cherry MX keys typically found in mechanical computer keyboards. The top panel hosts a set of 22 controls comprised of a number of Rogan knobs, faders and switches; the synth can also be controlled via a web interface where you can manage presets, access deeper parameter levels and update the firmware.
As for connectivity, you’ll find balanced line-level 1/4″ audio ins and outs along with 3.5mm and USB MIDI.
Features:
Six-voice virtual analog synthesizer with multi-mode arpeggiator
Straightforward main panel with additional options available via alt functions or web-based interface
Single oscillator per voice with ramp, square, sine, and triangle waveforms
Noise amount control – may be switched to external in via alt functions
Pulse width modulation with LFO and manual control
LFO with selectable waveforms and clocking options
4-pole low-pass filter with envelope, keyboard, and LFO modulation controls
VCA with modulation source and level control
ADSR envelope generator with exponential release
Multimode arpeggiator: Up/Down, Order, and Random modes
Arpeggiator range: 1-3 octaves
Up to 31 preset slots (one per key)
Cherry MX mechanical keys
1/4″ TRS line level output
1/4″ TRS line level input
5mm TRS MIDI in/out, compatible with type A or B adapters
USB connectivity for MIDI, connecting to the web interface, or alternative power supply”
Replay sleek and stripped-back design has its charms and it does sound great. Replay is available now price at $899. Find out more on Vongon website.
