Here’s another look at the new Eigenlabs Eigenharp, filmed on launch day.

See the Eigenlabs site for details on the new instrument.

via musicradartv

Here, Toshio Iwai, the creator of the Tenori-On, gives a demo of the new music gizmo:

While the Tenori-On may have a cramped user interface with limited expressive capabilities and primitive sound manipulation options, it’s got great blinky lights going for it.

Based on the introduction, it looks like the Tenori-On just went from being one of the most widely anticipated new music tools in recent history to being the most expensive ($1200) musical video game ever.

Composer Gary Kibler shares his more favorable first impressions of the Tenori-On over at CDM. He thinks the Tenori-On is important, but isn’t sure why.

Let me know what you think in the comments…..

Yamaha’s unique Tenori-On musical instrument is being launched today at at Phonica Records, in SOHO, London. A second launch event will be presented by Futuresonic at Mint Lounge, Manchester on 5th Sep, 2007.

For those that can’t be there, here’s what you need to know:

What Is The Tenori-On?

The Tenori-On is a 16 x 16 LED button matrix performance instrument. For DJs & producers it is a unique performance tool enabling them create spectacular live & DJ audio-visual performances. Media artist Toshio Iwai and Yamaha have collaborated to design “a new digital musical instrument for the 21st century”.

Pricing is expected to be 599 UK pounds, with free shipping.

You can hear audio demos of the Tenori-On in action below. More demos at the Yamaha site.

Who is Toshio Iwai?

Toshio Iwai is a Japanese interactive media and installation artist, best known for his who has also created a number of commercial videogames. In addition he has worked in television, music performance, museum design and digital musical instrument design. He’s best known for his video game design for the Nintendo DS, Electroplankton.

Tenori-On Specifications:

• Sequencer
  • Gate Time: 10 – 9990ms
  • Octaves: -5 / +5
  • Tempo (BPM): 40 – 240
  • Scales : 9 types
  • Transpose: -7 / +8
  • 6 x Performance Modes: Score, Random, Draw, Bounce, Push, Solo
  • Other Functions Clock, power-save, synchronized performance with two TENORI-ON instruments, recording, TENORI-ON song playback
  • Maximum Active Notes Push Mode: 64
  • Random Mode: 64 points
  • Draw Mode: 64 points
• Tone Generator
  • Tone Generator Type: AWM2
  • Maximum Polyphony: 32 notes
  • Preset Voices: 253 (239 normal, 14 drum kit)
  • Effects: 2 processors
  • Reverb: 10 types
  • Chorus : 5 types
  • Sampling: 3 voices (Raw audio with a maximum length of 0.97 sec, up to 16 samples per voice using the supplied TENORI-ON User Voice Manager software.)
• Card functions: Save, Load, Rename, Delete, Format
• Controller & Display
  • LED Buttons : 256 (No function)
  • Function Buttons : 10 (L1-L5, R1-R5)
  • CLEAR, OK, CANCEL Buttons: 1 each
  • Jog Dial
  • Display: 122 x 32 dot graphic LCD device
• Sound:Stereo Speakers 1-Watt output power
• Connections
  • Line Out/Phones: Stereo minijack x 1
  • Mini DIN: MIDI Out: for external device control, MIDI In for synchronized performance using two TENORI- ON instruments
  • Card Slot: SD Memory Card compatible
  • DC In: Connector for PA-3C, PA-130 or equivalent
• Power Supply
  • 6 ‘AA’ alkaline batteries: (not supplied)
  • AC Adaptor: PA-3C, PA-130 (supplied)
• Dimensions: 205 x 205 x 32mm
• Weight : Approx. 700g (without batteries)
• Supplied Accessories: Mini DIN cable, CD-ROM x 1, PSU, Quick Guide, Installation Guide

Tenori-On Videos

• Tenori-On Videos on Synthtopia
• Tenori-On features videos at the official site
• Hands-on with the Tenori-On at Sonic State

How Does It Work?

TENORI-ON “Modes”

The Tenori-On 16 x 16 LED button matrix is simultaneously a performance input controller and display. By operating and interacting with the LED buttons and the light they produce you gain access to the Tenori-On’s numerous performance capabilities.
The Tenori-On provides six different performance and sound/light modes for broad performance versatility, and these modes can be combined and used simultaneously for rich, complex musical expression.

Layers & Blocks

Tenori-On layers can be thought of as “performance parts” or “recording tracks.” The Tenori-On has a total of 16 layers. Separate notes and voices can be assigned to each layer, and all layers can be played together in synchronization.
The 16 layers are divided into six performance mode groups as shown in the illustration below. The six modes have different note entry methods and operation. Up to 16 layers created using different modes can be combined for rich, complex musical expression. Once complete set of 16 layers is called a “block.”

The Tenori-On can store up to 16 programmed blocks (16-layer groups) in memory, and you can switch from block to block instantly during performance.
You could, for example, create a musical composition in one block, then copy that composition to another block and edit it to create a variation of the original composition. Or you can load a number of previously-created compositions into separate blocks from an SD Memory Card and switch between them to create variation during playback.

Detailed information on the Tenori-On’s performance modes is available at the official site.

Tenori-On Resources:

• Toshio Iwai Works
• Tenori-On official site
• Toshio Iwai Interview
• Design and production photos
• Tenori-On Manuals

Circuit bending is the process of creatively short-circuiting cheap electronic devices such as guitar effects, children’s toys and synthesizers to create new musical instruments and sound generators.

If you’re not familiar with it, you might want to check out this short preview for the circuit bending documentary by Derek Sajbel. The video features Q.R. Ghazala, Nebula Girl, The Shinths, Daedelus, Dave Wright, Cynthia and music by Venetian Snares. It was compiled of footage shot during 2003 (4 years and shooting) of answers to the question “What is Circuit Bending?”

It’s geektacular, it’s DIY and, sometimes, it’s even musical.

If that sounds like a bunch of mumbo-jumbo, just check out the videos below:

Basic Demo #1

By moving and relating these objects, representing components of a classic modular synthesizer, users can create complex and dynamic sonic topologies, with generators, filters and modulators, in a kind of tangible modular synthesizer or graspable flow-controlled programming language.

Basic Demo #2

Improvisation Demo

This instrument is being developed by a team of digital luthiers (Sergi Jordà, Martin Kaltenbrunner, Günter Geiger and Marcos Alonso), at the Music Technology Group within the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.

via Axehole: Reactable – A Multi-User Electro-Acoustic Instrument

The newest addition to the EWI family incorporates numerous enhancements to its overall design as a wind controller, and adds an integrated analog modeling synthesizer optimized for wind control, dedicated MIDI In and Out ports, an audio output, new performance functions, internal effects processing, and computer software for editing one’s sounds.

With its internal dual voice analog modeling synthesizer, the new EWI4000S is now a self-contained performance instrument. This synthesizer features two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO)—with an individual volume control— that incorporate sawtooth, triangle, square, and pulse width waveforms. Further, the voltage-controlled filters (VCF) enable changing from 2- to 4-pole filters. With a new noise generator, the EWI’s VCF adds greater realism to one’s playing by emulating breath noise. This on-board synthesizer also incorporates a new sweep function that is considerably more effective than a conventional envelope generator. As one changes the force of their playing, the sweep parameter alters the shape of the sound.

The EWI4000S provides controls for breath, vibrato, glide time, and bend width—enabling players to adjust the instrument’s settings to their specific playing style. Further, the EWI can transmit multiple MIDI messages via breath control to send expression and aftertouch information to external sound generators. With its new Octave Key, which creates an automatic doubling of notes one octave below the note being played, it’s easy to create rich, full musical timbres. And as an industry first, the new EWI4000S features a Hold Mode that sustains a note while enabling one to play around that note—making the EWI4000S the first EWI with sostenuto capability.

The EWI4000S is also the first EWI to ever offer built-in signal processing, the EWI4000S provides reverb, delay, and chorus effects to sweeten one’s sound.

With all its internal capabilities, the new EWI4000S also includes sound editing software to extend the instrument’s capabilities even further. Available for both Mac and PC, this software enables players to customize their sounds prior to live performance. All of the edited programs can be stored inside the EWI4000S and settings can be recalled instantly during one’s performance.

Akai Professional’s EWI4000S Wind Controller will be available Q1 of 2006, with a suggested retail price of $999.

More information is available at the Akai Pro site.

The Sonar*Axe can be used to control any MIDI-compatible device.

ElectroKraft specializes in machines “designed to alter, change and morph the standard canned sounds of any midi drum machine, synth or keyboard. They are alternative midi controllers, using things like photocells and sonar sensors instead of keys or buttons, giving them a very Theremin-like functionality.”

More information is available at the ElectroKraft site.

ElectroKraft

2 Devices In One Box

The Space Box can be used to process guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer or microphone, or used as a stand-alone photocell-controlled theremin synthesizer. A photocell is contained inside a lens on top of the unit that reacts to light and shadow. Waving your hand over the photocell will create changes in the frequencies and tones of the effected sound.

Inside the Space Box, there is a digital oscillator and a frequency multiplier. The nature of the frequency multiplier is such that it will also create fuzz and distorted effects quite different from traditional fuzz effects boxes. Combine that with strange metallic sounds and an array of spacey sci-fi tones and you have an effects unit/theremin-synthesizer from outer space.

The Space Box is features a combination of digital and analog circuitry, encased in all aluminum alloy construction. It has standard 1/4″ in/out jacks, and runs on 9 Volt battery or 9 Volt universal adapter power jack.

Behind the Space Box

Guitar builder, pickup maker and custom effects pedal builder Tony Amendolare has been developing new hybrid electronic instruments and effects that are influenced by the sounds created by artists in the areas of “chip music”, lo-fi, experimental electronica, noise and circuit bending.

“I am very intrigued and influenced by the underground art of ‘circuit bending’. Circuit Benders take old digital keyboards like the Casio SK-1 and the Speak & Spell and rewire them to create new sounds. I thought how cool it would be if you could process your instrument through one of those circuit bent devices. I decided to develop something that can be used as an effects unit and also as a stand alone light-theremin synthesizer, creating the experimental sounds as heard from circuit bent devices.”

Sometimes innovative ideas are just a combination of simple elements. Inspired by the underground art of “circuit bending”, experimental electronic music and “chip music” the Space Box encompasses a variety of exciting methods that open up new aural expression for experimental and progressive musicians who have an affinity for alien soundscapes.

Audio Samples:

• Spacebox1.MP3
• Spacebox2.MP3

The Space Box lists for $189.00, and is available at the ElectroKraft site.

ElektroKraft has introduced the Axe*Synth, a guitar synth that is part theremin, part science fiction and completely one-of-a-kind!

From Classical Guitars to Digital Guitars

Classical guitar builder, pickup maker and custom effects pedal builder Tony Amendolare has been immersed in the pursuit of creating electronic musical instruments that spark the imagination and create worlds of new sound.

“I was intrigued by other synthesizers that were constructed like guitars, such as those made by Casio in the 80’s. I wanted to make something that sounded very “fat” and full, and could be controlled like a guitar with a fretboard. I also wanted to create an instrument that exhibited the look and aesthetics of something “Sci-Fi”, like what you would see in one of those post apocalyptic science fiction films like “Blade Runner”. “

Electronic Expressiveness

Another important element was to incorporate “expressive control” elements like the theremin photocell which controls some of the frequency settings, and the very responsive touch sensitive fretboard which you can play like a guitar. These things make the Axe*Synth much more than a synthesizer most people are used to. It will feel like a very organic, expressive and intuitive instrument when played.

Inside the Axe*Synth

Inside there are two oscillators which can be played separately and/or simultaneously for 2 voice polyphony. The oscillators can also be combined via the internal ring modulator with the flick of a switch. There is a frequency filter that can be used to further shape and enhance tone.

A Theremin?

Yes. There is a photocell contained inside a lens on top of the body that will react to light and shadow. Waving your “picking hand” over it will create changes in frequencies while your fretting hand plays notes on the fretboard. Further frequency adjustments can be made “on the fly” by turning the frequency adjustment knob while playing notes with your other hand.

The photocell theremin effect can be turned off leaving you with just the notes being played on the fretboard. Conversely the fretboard can be turned off allowing only the photocell control and transforming the Axe*Synth into a “light theremin”.

There is no “tracking” or midi involved here. Everything that is produced comes directly from inside the Axe*Synth. Standard 1/4″ in/out jacks, 9 Volt universal adapter power jack and power indicator LED.

It’s a combination of digital and analog circuitry encased in all aluminum alloy construction.

Inspiration

Sometimes revolutionary ideas are just a combination of simple elements. Inspired by the underground art of “circuit bending” and experimental electronic music the Axe*Synth is being offered as a new way to create music for people who are seeking new worlds of sound and aural expression, professional musicians and non-musicians alike.

More information is available at the ElectroKraft site.

See it in action

BroadBand Video | LowBand Video

Availability

The Axe*Synth is available online via the ElectroKraft site, or at (516) 837-8375.

The site gives vistors an overview of the subject, and demonstrates concepts like the relationship between the shapes of waves and their sound.

It is tough to navigate at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is an excellent way to learn about some of the fundementals of electronic music.