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

Here’s another Ableton Live 8 + Livid Block demo video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

You don’t need any special drivers or apps to do this – the Livid Block is plug and play.

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!

Features:

• Portability – A compact and lightweight design lets you slip this controller into your backpack. Plug it into your computer’s USB, and you are powered to play.
• Design – Block is completely plug and play and USB powered. This means you don’t need drivers to use it and it works with a single USB cable.
• TalkBack – Reprogrammable buttons with LED talkback provides visual feedback by sending MIDI commands back to the controller.
• Software – A growing collection of open source sound applications and utilities provide a wide range of uses and endless customization.
• Home Grown – Handcrafted by artists in Austin, Texas.

Specs:

• 10.25″ x 10.25″ x 1.5″ (WLH) / weight 3 lbs. (26 cm x 26 cm x 3.8 cm, 1.36 kg)
• USB Powered
• Bi-Directional MIDI communication (talkback)
• Class-compliant: no drivers needed for Mac, Windows, or Linux.
• 64 Programmable backlight buttons for talk-back and interactive performance
• Programmable MIDI mapping allows you to change the MIDI settings on the hardware
• Anodized Aluminum Faceplate
• Open Source software tools to create your own LED talkback interaction
• Editor included for MIDI editing, and LED talkback programming
• Made in the USA
• Compatible with any software that supports MIDI learn
• ROHS compliant
• USB cable included

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.

An overview and demo of the Livid Ohm VJ controller by Livid Instruments’ VJ gear guru Jay Smith.

via Peter

Livid Instruments has released Livid Looper, free, open source audio manipulation software for Mac & PC. Designed to emphasize simplicity and hands-on control, short loops of audio can be sliced, diced, scrambled, and transformed with built-in and VST effects.

“Since we released our Ohm MIDI controller, we have had a dramatic increase in DJs, laptop musicians, and producers using our products”, says Jay Smith, Founder and President of Livid Instruments. “With the introduction of Looper, now we have both audio and video software titles made specifically for real-time performance, tightly integrated with our MIDI hardware.”

The colorful, illustrated interface is designed to inspire the artist, the simple rules provide for never-ending complexity, collaboration on a network makes computer music social, and the open source distribution keeps it mutating and alive. MIDI learn is available for any control, and simple knobs provide complete control over the sound of any loop.

Livid Looper is designed from the ground up to be networked and collaborated on. Native OpenSoundControl messaging means you can collaborate with multiple computers on separate interfaces controlling a single server computer. Free of charge and open source, Livid allows complete access to all the workings of the software to extend and change it as they wish.

Last year, we covered the introduction of the Livid Instruments Ohm DJ/VJ controller, and asked “Is this the coolest DJ controller yet?”.

It looks like the answer is yes, at least for VJs. This month’s Remix magazine has a review of the Livid Ohm, and they call it a “one-stop shop for trigger-happy VJs”:

“The Ohm/Union combo addresses an artist’s need to get down to the business of live visual performance without having to reinvent the wheel. Its developers recognized the desire for more spontaneity in video art and were determined to put the “real” back in “real time.”

The beauty of the Ohm/Union setup is once you get past the threshold of basic operation, the process of creating art becomes more physical and performance oriented rather than analytical or laborious. You feel more connected to the tools. For people wanting to jump in and make sweet-looking visuals, this hardware/software combo is equipped with enough bells and whistles to entertain for hours on end and at a reasonable price (try the demo available at Livid’s site). But with the ability to expand its capabilities, for example through Elements and FreeFrame plug-ins, as well as sophisticated sound–triggering and infinitely adaptable effects, the Ohm/Union combo will go as far as your imagination takes you.”

The Ohm is a high-quality MIDI instrument designed for real-time audio and video performance. It’s backlit for use in any environment, and comes in rugged rackmount metal or handcrafted mahogany. It’s priced at $790, which is reasonable for the combination of a high-end control surface plus software.

More details here and at the Livid site.

Percussa Cubes Basics

Impressions and demonstration of using the Percussa Audio cubes with the tutorial Ableton Live set. The center cube detects the faces of the other cubes to send MIDI notes to Live to change loops.

Percussa Cubes with Resonant Synth

Here’s the setup:

Using the distance sensors on the audio cubes, I’m Controlling synth parameters with one cube to “shape” the sound with my hands, then using another as an “exciter” to make the sound happen by waving my hands in front. Much as a violin needs a bow to excite the string to vibrate, and a flute needs air to make its sound, this synth I programmed in Cycling ’74’s Max/MSP (based on CNMAT’s “resonators” object), relies on a virtual breeze from my hands to make sound.

Livid is now shipping the awesome Ohm DJ & VJ control surface.

While the Tenori-On and other new control surfaces look cool, the Livid Ohm combines great looks with an intelligent combination of switches and continuou controllers. The only way it could be more awesome would be if the center buttons were a 16 x 8 matrix of pressure sensitive pads.

But then it would cost $1,600, instead of a fairly reasonable $790.

Ohm is a high-quality MIDI instrument designed for real-time audio and video performance. It’s backlit for use in any environment, and comes in rugged rackmount metal or handcrafted mahogany.

Ohm’s LED backlit controls feature a thirty-six button clip bank, onboard function controls, effect mute buttons, BPM tap, high-quality faders and knobs, and a DJ-style crossfader. Livid’s two-handed layout with a center button array is ergonomically designed for multichannel performance.

Here are the details….

Connectivity

Ohm provides both MIDI out and USB connectivity. The control layout was not only designed as the most comprehensive controller for VJ software, but was inspired by some of the most innovative and popular audio software programs like Ableton Live, and FL Studio. Ohm also makes an ideal companion for hardware such as analog synthesizers, video mixers, DJ software, lighting equipment, and other musical instruments.

Software

Ohm includes a free, fully functional copy of the all-new Livid Union 2.5 VJ software, completely integrated to match the controls of the instrument. Also included are demos of audio applications like Ableton Live & FL Studio demo.

Features

• Professional-grade controls
• LED back lighting with on/off switch
• 36 Button Clip Bank note pad
• 9 function buttons
• 8 slider trigger/mute buttons
• 8 High quality faders
• 1 DJ style crossfader
• 10 rotary dials
• BPM tap button
• 5 PIN MIDI out
• USB connection
• 12v DC (use included adapter)
• Compatible with any software that supports MIDI learn
• Livid Union 2.5 VJ Software Included Free
• Other Software Included: Ableton Live Demo, FL Studio Demo, AMG One Demo.

Ohm – Wood

• 6 lbs.
• 17.6(L) x 10.5(W) x 1.5(H)

Ohm – Metal

• 8 lbs.
• 19(L) x 8.73(W) x 2.5(H)

Livid has introduced a new DJ controller, that unlike some recently introduced music interfaces (Tenori-On cough, cough), looks to designed with the needs of DJs, VJs and electronic musicians in mind.

Ohm is a high-quality MIDI instrument designed for real-time audio and video performance. It’s backlit for use in any environment, and comes in rugged rackmount metal or handcrafted mahogany.

Ohm’s LED backlit controls feature a thirty-six button clip bank, onboard function controls, effect mute buttons, BPM tap, high-quality faders and knobs, and a DJ-style crossfader. Livid’s two-handed layout with a center button array is ergonomically designed for multichannel performance.

The Ohm is priced $790.

Connectivity

Ohm provides both MIDI out and USB connectivity. The control layout was not only designed as the most comprehensive controller for VJ software, but was inspired by some of the most innovative and popular audio software programs like Ableton Live, and FL Studio. Ohm also makes an ideal companion for hardware such as analog synthesizers, video mixers, DJ software, lighting equipment, and other musical instruments.

Software

Ohm includes a free, fully functional copy of the all-new Livid Union 2.5 VJ software, completely integrated to match the controls of the instrument. Also included are demos of audio applications like Ableton Live & FL Studio demo.

Features

• Professional-grade controls
• LED back lighting with on/off switch
• 36 Button Clip Bank note pad
• 9 function buttons
• 8 slider trigger/mute buttons
• 8 High quality faders
• 1 DJ style crossfader
• 10 rotary dials
• BPM tap button
• 5 PIN MIDI out
• USB connection
• 12v DC (use included adapter)
• Compatible with any software that supports MIDI learn
• Livid Union 2.5 VJ Software Included Free
• Other Software Included: Ableton Live Demo, FL Studio Demo, AMG One Demo.

Ohm – Wood

• 6 lbs.
• 17.6(L) x 10.5(W) x 1.5(H)

Ohm – Metal

• 8 lbs.
• 19(L) x 8.73(W) x 2.5(H)

Livid Instruments has introduced Cell, a real-time video app designed for instant playback and performance. Cell is designed to make VJ performance a breeze, and is available directly from Livid Instruments for only $99.

Description:

Cell provides users an intuitive, touch-screen friendly interface with stunning effects and control, making video performance incredibly simple. Features include, real-time effects, live video input, large clip libraries, and playback manipulation such as; scrubbing, speed, loop, and reverse play. Cell is a perfect tool for VJs, DJs, lighting designers, musicians, and video presenters.

“With Cell we have streamlined the process of performing real-time video”, states Peter Nyboer, Livid’s Director of Software Development. “For a lot of users, video is an addition to something they are already doing, whether it’s music or lighting or stage design. With one click of the mouse, the video can be switched, crossfaded, sequenced or radically transformed with effects. MIDI integration gives even more control, but in the end, Cell won’t distract from the primary task.” Nyboer adds.

With the release of Cell, Livid opens the world of real-time video to artists and designers with its ease-of-use and inexpensive price tag. Cell’s simple MIDI integration allows it to be controlled with almost any MIDI device on the market. Resolution-independent GPU processing optimizes output quality. Cell also ships with free video clips to start mixing right out of the box, and sets of thirty-six Clip Bank Refills can be purchased directly from Livid for $29 per set. It is available for both Mac OSX and Windows XP, A free demo is available.

Livid

According to Livid, the respond-r transforms floors, walls and screens into an immersive media experience. respond-r can be used to create environments, interactive branding campaigns, event marketing, permanent installation, product launches, club environments, special events, and creative projects.

The system is an all-in-one projection and media system that can be customized and configured for each project and environment. Livid works with clients and agencies to create custom installations for products launches, special events, and branding campaigns.

Livid has a video that showcases some of the respond-r’s applications.

“The octav-4 allows an easy way to create presets for basically anything the V-4 can do, and control up to eight V-4’s setting all at once” says Brian Dressel of OVT Visuals, who worked with Livid in the creation of the software. “My favorite feature of the octav-4 application is the ability to cycle multiple inputs, creating a chase effect across multiple screens at the same time. The software interface gives me complete control over all the inputs and outputs.”

The Octav-4 takes advantage of the V-4’s MIDI integration, allowing you to easily and quickly configure, connect, and control multiple V-4s. With one interface to control all of the V-4’s at the same time, Livid brings affordable synchronized multi-screen control right to your fingertips. The software features one step MIDI setup, cascading controls, automated input and transition cycling, BPM transitions, effects selection, and preset saving. Ocatav-4 is available for both Mac and Windows and can be purchased directly from the Livid Instruments website for $129.

More information is available at the Livid site.

Livid has introduced new video clip refills for vjs and others looking for royalty-free video clips for mixing and presentation.

Livid provides the options of an instant download of the 320×240 or full-resolution video available on DVD.

Features:

• High quality loops
• 36 loops per collection
• Instantly download
• 800×600* (30fps) on DVD
• 320×240 (30fps) DOWNLOAD
• 4:3 Aspect Ratio
• Perfect for video productions
• QuickTime .mov format with PhotoJPG compression
• Royalty-free
• QuickTime files work with many VJ and video editing softwares

More information is available at the Livid site.

Taking advantage of the V4’s MIDI implementation, each unit can be quickly setup and controlled by the MIDI messages sent from the octav-4 software. The octav-4 can tie together multiple V4 outputs of differing content into a unified composition, synchronized to a tempo, or individually controlled with your mouse. “Cascading” the controls provide movement of transitions and content among screens with the click of a mouse.

Features include:

• Control from 1 to 8 Edirol V-4’s for multiple outputs
• Automatically Cycle Inputs
• BPM Transitions
• BPM Fades
• Saving Presets
• Easy MIDI Configuration

All you need to use the octav-4 software is a computer, a MIDI controller, and at least one Edirol V-4. The octav-4 gives you the freedom to control and manage multiple outputs from one interface.

The octav-4 was developed and designed by Livid Instruments and OVT Visuals.

More information is available at the Livid site.

Livid

Livid offers an instant download of the 320×240 resolution for immediate download and mixing or full resolution available on DVD and shipped to you promptly after your order.

• High quality loops
• 36 loops per collection
• Instantly download
• 800×600* (30fps) on DVD
• 320×240 (30fps) DOWNLOAD
• 4:3 Aspect Ratio
• Perfect for video productions
• QuickTime .mov format with PhotoJPG compression
• Royalty-free
• QuickTime files work with many VJ and video editing softwares

*Volumes 1 and 2 high resolution files are 640×480 30fps

The company plans to release additional refills over the next few months. Upcoming refills will contain a mixture of live action clips, location shoots, animations, abstractions, and nature.

We are working on a release of a brand new AV application and need competent testers to become part of our testing team. This is a hybrid audio/video application for MAC and PC. If you have the time to dedicate to testing our new application please contact us to become part of the team. Send an email with your computer(s) specs to contact at lividinstruments.com.

Livid introduced Elements earlier this year, empowering third party developers, artists, and students with the ability to create custom “plug-ins” for Livid software. The Virtual V-4 Element is designed by Livid to take advantage of the MIDI capabilities of the video mixer and turn it into a software controller. With one MIDI cable, a V-4, and a laptop, Livid has significantly decreased the amount of gear and cables needed for live video production, while doubling the output capabilities.

“With the increasing speed and performance of personal computers, video designers are moving towards software-based video mixing with hardware based components” states Peter Nyboer, Livid’s Director of software. “The Virtual V-4 bridges the gap between the two giving both hardware and software users all the flexibility and control they need.”

The Virtual V-4 extends the functionality of the Edirol video mixer by giving it direct access to Union’s interface. Hundreds of effects parameters can be assigned to the V-4’s knobs, thousands of video files can be triggered, and live camera feeds manipulated, all in addition to the expansive set of tools and modules already available in Union. The built-in MIDI setup instantly programs an Edirol V4 for MIDI capability, reducing the need to navigate cumbersome menus.

Source: Livid Instruments

Livid

“With the Tacitc m2 we’ve introduced a more powerful set of tools while keeping our hand-crafted instrument design,” states Jay Smith, President of Livid Instruments. “Our set of software tools, effects, and hardware integration further extends Livid’s ease-of-use reputation.”

The Tactic m2 hardware, which is an extension of the software’s interface, features ten sliders, six knobs, seven effects triggers, and a thirty-six movieclip bank for real-time video mixing at your fingertips. The new Tactic Pro 1.5 software allows up to four layers of effects per channel with new effects, modules, and tools.

Tactic Pro also includes Livid Elements, a new form of plug-ins released earlier this month with their popular Union VJ software. Elements allows third party developers to further extend the functionality of Tactic Pro and can be used to make custom effects, interface controls, and media sources to integrate into the software. The Tactic m2 hardware and software package has an MSRP of $899 USD and can be purchased directly from the Livid Instruments website.