Expressive Improvisation With The Zvuk9 Expressive MIDI Controller

Zvuk Machines shared this video, demonstrating the expressive performance possibilities of their Zvuk9 Expressive MIDI Controller.

The video shows how you can use velocity, aftertouch, X and Y positions with the Zvuk9.

Here’s what they have to say about the technical details:

To add more expressiveness to playing, instead of using parameters of one sound, I’ve done my favorite thing – I’ve layered multiple sounds and controlled their volumes by X and Y.

Three sounds used are a harp, a violin and a guitar, all generated by Image Line Morphine synth. The harp can be heard across all pads, the violin in the upper parts of each pad and the guitar on the right part of each pad. X and Y are controlling volume of the violin and the guitar.

I also used aftertouch, it is mapped to a tremolo effect that affects all 3 sounds (generated by Image Line Gross Beat).

Another aspect presented in this video is how easy you can change tonic while playing and how you can play chords. At the beginning, I play Minor Pentatonic in D, then change it to E, then to A and in the last section I play chords made from these notes.

Details on the Zvuk9 are available at the Zvuk Machines site. They’ve also shared a playlist of video demos, embedded below, that offer a deeper look at how it works:

12 thoughts on “Expressive Improvisation With The Zvuk9 Expressive MIDI Controller”

    1. In my opinion and experience, I would not bother waiting… I was a really early kickstarter…. really disappointing.

      Position tracking was really buggy/inaccurate. The complete lack of any on device UI was a really stupid design decision. You need to disconnect the device, connect it to computer, make a change, reconnect, etc…

      Over

      And over

      And over

      And over

      To adjust important things like sensitivity etc. just stupid.

      Major disappointment. 🙁

      1. I am surprised to hear that about BopPad, I understand your frustration.
        That’s why we placed all the controls on board, to make the experience of using Zvuk9 smooth and enjoyable. All the main features (MIDI channel, tonic, scales, X,Y controls…) are directly accessible via buttons and knobs and all the other features, the ones less used (velocity sensitivity, aftertouch type…), are accessible via menu on the controller itself so you can access all the features without a computer.
        Position tracking on Zvuk9 is excellent and really stable.

    1. So can this also be used like 9 x/y/x MIDI controllers at the same time, if you wanted to use it for modulation purposes rather than as an instrument?

      I’m thinking it could be a live performance controller.

    1. We are still finalizing some details in our price calculation. It is expected to be around 870 EUR (VAT included). The buyers outside EU will be able to get it without VAT (for 20% less). The early bird discounts will be available at the start of our crowdfunding campaign, please subscribe to our newsletter so that we notify you when the campaign is launched if you would like to take advantage of the early bird pricing.

  4. Yes, the price is high. Unfortunately, we are not able to lower the price without lowering the quality. We will rather offer an expensive and quality product than the cheap one. Those who buy it will enjoy a reliable, stable and sturdy controller and I am sure will be glad we haven’t cut corners.

  5. Sadly a little too pricey for me but doesn’t mean I don’t want it. Looks great. The split mode idea is brilliant for lots of reasons but particularly for adjusting and playing. Hopefully, for those who can afford it, you can switch modes via footswitch. And/or map the top sliders to CCs as needed.

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