Livid

Jay from Livid demos the new $399 Livid Block MIDI control surface, working with Ableton Live 8:

The audio is from my band Sinch’s sinch.net 2006 EP Subdivisions, Bluskreen created the samples and they are available under a cc license here bluskreen.com/soundshare.php

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Just when you think it’s safe to buy that cool matrix sequencer MIDI controller monome thing you’ve been jonesin’ for, out pops the $399 Livid Block matrix sequencer MIDI controller monome thing.

Description:

The Livid Block is a compact programmable MIDI control surface designed for interactive audio performance. Built on the same bi-directional and adaptable platform as the Livid Ohm64, Block provides an interface for creating and interacting with sound in a small easy-to-transport body.

Sixty-four LED buttons provide visual feedback with the instrument by connecting it to Ableton Live, Max/MSP,  pen source sounds apps, or any other software that supports MIDI.

The open source blockEditor application lets you reprogram any of the controller’s sixty-four clip buttons, eight knobs, two faders, and seven function buttons. Block is hand crafted from lightweight wood and aluminum for easy portability.

Block has bi-directional talkback communication allowing the controller to talk to your software, and software to your device. MIDI messages can be sent to the Block to light up the buttons for an interactive performance. Completely programmable and mappable, Block provides a flexible control surface that be used with any software or setup. Completely USB powered means you don’t have to worry about adapters and and power strips, and it is plug and play so no drivers are required.

The Livid Block is expected to be available starting Nov 1st for $399.

More details and photos below! Read more…

The new Livid Ohm64 can be used with the large selection of free applications for the monome:

here is my first test with the mon+ohm max patch, works as a standalone. I am running 64step, available from the monone site here. To run monome apps all you have to do is open mon+ohm, then the app. Some of the apps don’t require this as they send midi. Lots of fun

monome radically increases the options for the Ohm64, making an already sexy controller that much more interesting.

Livid has announced that they will be giving away a limited edition of their Ohm DJ/VJ controller:

In celebration of the great response we have had this past year for the Ohm controller with hundreds of users now in over 35 countries, we are giving away an Special Edition Ohm package. This one-of-a-kind Ohm is made of Jelutong wood with a light blue stain and will be the only one of its kind in circulation. This Ohm is being made custom for this drawing as an appreciation to the community. The drawing will take place on March 16th.

The entire package is worth $930 USD and includes an Ohm, a copy of Union and Cell VJ softwares, a Livid T-Shirt, and shipping. All purchases made from the Livid Instruments website (refills, T-shirts, hardware, software etc…) will be automatically entered in the giveaway, additionally you can enter the giveaway by entering your information on the form here. The winner will be randomly picked on the 16th of March and we will also announce the winner on the lividinstruments website.

You can enter here.

Note: By entering, it looks like you’re signing up for the Livid email newsletter.

This video does a nice Mr Rogers on the manufacturing of the Livid Ohm MIDI control surface, by Livid Instruments.

This controller is made and designed in the Austin manufacturing shop of Livid Industry. Edit by Jason Senk.