Music and passion are always in fashion with Symbolic Sounds’ new Kyma Pacarana - described as a supercomputer for sound.

The Pacarana is a powerful multiprocessor computer that runs alongside your Macintosh or PC. Like other computers, the function of the Pacarana is defined by its software. Unlike other computers, the Pacarana doesn’t have to run a huge general-purpose operating system with elaborate GUIs and multiple independent processes that can interrupt each other at any time. 

The entry-level Pacarana ($2790) costs less than a Basic Capybara-320, but the new entry-level model is 5 times more powerful. 

Control the Pacarana with any USB-MIDI device, FireWire-MIDI controller, or MIDI-generating software. Symbolic Sound has been working closely with Haken Audio to create seamless plug-and-play operation with the new MIDI-based Continuum fingerboard.

Other controllers with a high degree of Kyma integration include the Wacom tablet, the CM Labs MotorMix, and the controllers supported by Camille Troillard’s OSCulator (http://www.osculator.net) software, including the Nintendo Wiimote, the Jazz Mutant Lemur, the Logitech Space Navigator, and others.

The Pacarana offers the high-speed connectivity you need for digital audio production, including two FireWire 800 ports, 2 USB ports and 100-base T Ethernet jack.

The Pacarana communicates with the Kyma X software running under Mac OS or Windows via FireWire 800 (IEEE1394B) or an 800-to-400 adapter cable.

Audio and MIDI input and output is handled via an external FireWire or USB converter or, for current Kyma owners, through a Capybara-320 with Flame FireWire I/O. Connect additional USB MIDI controllers like keyboards or fader boxes via the second USB port.

Kyma users include BT, Joel Chadabe, Otto Laske, Laurie Spiegel and Frank Serafine.

via AudioNewsRoom

This new video by Richard Lainhart, Pneuma, is based on growth patterns generated by cellular automata software, processed in Adobe After Effects to create constantly changing structures ranging from the crystalline to the architectural.

We previously highlighted another cool visualization by Lainhart, Lux,

The soundtrack is a live improvisation on the Buchla 200e analog modular synthesizer, controlled by the Haken Audio Continuum Fingerboard fretless keyboard controller. This HD version was rendered in May, 2008.

Note: “Pneuma” displays an intense, periodic flicker pattern that some may find uncomfortable. Those subject to seizures should not view this film.

The guys at Haken Audio, the creators of the Continuum Keyboard, have published a video that showcases the awesome power of MIDI-controlled Tesla coils.

Here’s the story behind it:

Mark Smart performs live in Urbana, Illinois on March 7, 2008.

This outdoor concert was part of a student-run open house for the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. Tesla coils were used to create musical pitches via a control system designed by university student Steve Ward. Two coils were used. The right coil is playing a prerecorded Midi track, acting as the bass, and the left one is performed live as a lead sound via the Continuum fingerboard. The Midi track as well as additional audio backing tracks were played via Cubase running on a Open Labs Neko workstation.

In spite of the frigid temperatures (4 degrees Fahrenheit, 26 mph winds), the concert was well attended and was voted the most popular event of the open house.

Based on the video, it’s clear that this would have been a tough act to compete with.

Mark Smart is an very talented multi-instrumentalist and a geek in the best sense. I always try to stop by and see him and Dr. Lippold Haken at the annual Winter NAMM Show, because they’re both really nice guys, and it’s amazing to see Mark play walking bass with one hand he solos on Continuum with the other.

More about Mark at his site.

via Livepa