Livid Instruments today announced the new Block NE, the Nova Musik Edition of the new Livid Block controller.

This version of the Block controller has a glossy black wood body, black anodized aluminum faceplate, and green LED’s. The Livid brand on the side has been replaced with the Nova Musik star, as it is available exclusively from Nova Musik.

It retails for $399.

Description:

Block is a compact and programmable MIDI control surface designed for interactive audio performance.

Built on the same bi-directional and adaptable platform as the Ohm64, Block provides a powerful interface for creating and interacting with sound in a small easy-to-transport body. Sixty four backlight led buttons provide endless possibilities for visual feedback with the instrument by connecting it to Ableton Live, Max/Msp, our open 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.

Native Instruments has released Maschine 1.1, a free software update for its groove production studio.

The new version optimizes the workflow and increases the creative potential of Maschine through new MIDI I/O capabilities, support for the REX loop format, enhanced controller interaction, and more.

To allow producers to easily incorporate external gear into their Maschine projects, the new version adds MIDI I/O functionality. Hardware synthesizers and similar devices can now be controlled from the Maschine sequencer both through polyphonic tracks and from individual monophonic sounds within a Group, while a special “Batch Setup” function makes it easy to set up MIDI input configurations in existing projects. Maschine 1.1 also adds support for REX files, enabling users to include pre-sliced loops in their projects that sync to tempo automatically. Any pattern in Maschine can also be directly exported as an audio file into a host sequencer or other audio software through a convenient drag-and-drop feature.

Further enhancements in Maschine version 1.1 include additional slicing options, advanced scene triggering, new metronome and record count-in options, extended controller integration for parameter adjustment and file saving, and a wide range of minor optimizations.

The 1.1 update is now available as free download for all owners of Maschine.

Eigenlabs has posted a couple of videos that offer an introduction and tutorial for the new Eigenharp Pico.

With 18 playing keys and 4 mode keys, a strip controller and breath pipe, the Pico has the majority of the playing features of the Eigenharp Alpha. It plays an unlimited range of sounds and is available in two finishes.

The Eigenharp Pico is shipping starting November 23, 2009 and retails for £349.00 (inc vat).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Specifications:

Image: Tech Star

A nice shot of the new Novation Launchpad.

Tech Star calls the Launchpad “one of the best purchases I have made so far.”

via the Synthtopia Flickr Group

If you’ve been worrying about how you can incorporate more onanistic pantomime into your act, you may want to check out Eric Singer’s Sonic Banana.

The Sonic Banana may not quite as cool looking as a keytar, but the instrument is completely original, offers unique performance opportunities and could be the perfect excuse for the occasional single-entendre pickup line.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Sonic Banana consists of four bend sensors in a row, running the length of a rubber tube, with a pushbutton switch at the end. Software in Max converts this data into musical functions, turning the Sonic Banana into a versatile performance instrument.

More info is available at Singer’s site.

Logidy has introduced the $49.95 UMI3 USB MIDI foot controller.

Description:

The UMI3 features 3 configurable footswitches and an input for an expression pedal, encased in a rugged steel stomp box.

It connects to a Mac or a PC through USB and shows up as a class compliant MIDI device. No driver is required. It is powered through USB.

It behaves like a three note keyboard right out of the box, but can be configured to send many other types of messages to take full advantage of the MIDI mapping features included in most of today’s DAWs. The configuration happens in a friendly setup panel for Mac or PC available for download at Logidy’s website.

The panel can also work as a step sequencer where the function of a given footswitch can be changed each time it is pushed, or when another switch is pushed. Setups can be designed to trigger as many as 24 different MIDI events.

The UMI3 is in stock and available for purchase immediately through Logidy’s website for $49.95 plus shipping.

Kurzweil Music Systems has announced the PC3LE6, the first of its new PC3LE line of performance control keyboards.

The LE line includes the sound set from the PC3, in addition to many of the PC3’s most popular features like Setup Mode, Song Mode and Quick Access Mode.

The LE’s streamlined user interface has been designed to allow for a quick learning curve. This new, interactive U.I. provides a constant stream of useful information to players; move a controller and the LE will display the controller’s name, value and the parameter to which it’s been assigned. (Example – Knob 5: 43 Reverb Wet/Dry)

The PC3LE line also features USB thumb-drive storage, 16 independent arpeggiators, 16 simultaneous Riffs, 8 backlit impact-sensitive drum pads and high quality 24-bit D/A converters. The 61-note PC3LE6 will be followed shortly by the release of the 76 and 88-note versions, the PC3LE7 and PC3LE8.

Kurzweil has published a page of audio demos at their site.

The Kurzweil PC3LE6 retails for about $1,300.

PC3LE6 Features:

• Keyboard:     Fatar TP-8; 61-note semi-weighted action with velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys
• Display:     240 x 64 backlit LCD w/ dedicated back panel contrast control
• Polyphony:     64 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated, lightning fast performance
• Multitimbral:     16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
• Architecture:     PC3 sound engine, complete with anti-aliased VA oscillators and KB3 Mode. Important synth and effects parameters can be accessed and adjusted via the PC3LE6’s front panel knobs and buttons – user settings can be captured and saved with a single button press. Supports loading PC3 programs
• Factory Presets:     PC3 sound set, including Base ROM, Orchestral, Classic Keys, String Section, General MIDI set and over 70 KB3 programs with total of over 800 programs
• Factory MIDI Setups:     256 factory programmed MIDI setups. Up to 2048 user programmable MIDI setups, each with 16 independent zones, effects, triggerable pattern-based “Riffs” and arpeggiator settings. Dozens of user-editable patterns for both pitch and velocity
• General MIDI:     Standard
• User Memory:     2048 locations for user created preset programs, songs and setups
• Sequencer:     16 tracks; 960 PPQ resolution. Song editing functions include both event and track-based tools like quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling and more. Controller chasing and quick “set song loop point” functions are also included
• Effects:     10 insert effects distributed over 10 busses, one auxiliary send; featuring over 500 of our award winning effects – reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more
• Controllers:     Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 5 front panel knobs (15 virtual knobs with a two-tiered shift button), 7 front panel switches (momentary or toggle, software selectable), 2 switch pedal inputs, 1 continuous control pedal input and mono pressure. Controller values can be “captured” and stored as part of a program. In addition to all of these, the PCLE6 also features 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations
• Arpeggiator:     16 full-featured independent arpeggiators with multiple latch modes, selectable play order, velocity, duration, tempo, and sync functions as well as pre-recorded beats and musical phrases
• Riffs:     16 simultaneous “Riff” generators (used for triggering MIDI sequenced phrases, beats, or complete multi-track arrangments from notes on the keyboard and/or any on-board physical controller)
• Analog Outputs:     Two 1/4″ balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs)
• Headphones:     1 rear panel 1/4″ headphone output
• Digital Outputs:     24-bit, stereo S/PDIF at 48K (internal clock)
• MIDI:     In, Out, Thru
• USB:     Host port for connecting a USB thumb-drive and a Device port that allows the PC3LE6 to load and save data directly to and from a computer, perform OS updates and send/receive MIDI over USB
• FREE OS Updates:     Flash ROM upgradeable via USB or thumb-drive

PC3LE6 Specifications

• Height:    (5.00″) (12.70 cm)
• Depth:    (14.50″) (36.83 cm)
• Length:    (41.50″) (105.41 cm)
• Weight:    (31.00 lb.) (14.06 kg)
• Power:     Internal AC power supply
• Automatic selection 90-250V AC operation

Yamaha has introduced the DTX-Multi 12 electronic percussion pad, which 12 on-board pads and a built-in sound module.

Description:

The DTX-Multi 12 boasts over 1200 voices, covering drums, percussion and keyboard sounds, many drawn from Yamaha’s Motif synthesizer range and many completely new. Up to 200 custom set ups can be created and stored using all internal sounds and 42 types of effects.

Alternatively additional sounds can be loaded and stored into the onboard 64MB of memory and allocated to any pad for total customization

The unit is designed to easily integrate into an existing acoustic set up or act as a stand alone unit. DTX- Multi 12 comes with Cubase AI 5″ software .

Up to four voices can be assigned to a single pad for simultaneous or sequential playback and a wide range of dynamic options are made available.

Versatility is enhanced with 128 on-board phrase patterns covering a wide variety of styles and users can also record their own patterns and assign them to pads. A click track function also allows players to control the unit instantly, ideal for live shows.

The DTX- Multi 12 can as an excellent input device for computers. Connectivity is via a single USB cable. The included Cubase AI5 DAW software facilitates the recording and extensive editing of MIDI data, it can also function as a high quality sample playback device with 64MB of flash ROM on board.

Hi-Hat controllers and kick pedal pads can be added if you wish to use the DTX-Multi 12 as a compact stand alone electronic drum kit.

Available: Dec 2009; RRP: £685 Inc VAT

Livid Instruments‘ Peter Nyboer published an interesting post over the weekend, explaining his thoughts on why you should buy one of his company’s controllers, like the Livid Block, over alternatives from larger companies, like Akai’s APC40 or the Novation Launchpad:

Jay and I first saw the APC40 at the NAMM convention in January. We went to NAMM to meet with dealers and show them our plans for the year, sharing some prototype work of the Ohm64, prepared to highlight how we were evolving our existing Ohm controller (which was initially targeted at VJ’s), and broadening our reach to musicians. We felt like we had a unique product to offer.

Practically the first thing we saw when we walked into the giant convention hall was the APC40: a direct competitor, well-funded with an existing sales and marketing network, an established if not legendary brand, teamed with the hottest product, priced way below what we could imagine, speaking directly to the customers we had hoped to reach. It was a bit disheartening, to say the least, and brought up the very question you ask. Unfortunately for us, the dilemma was more an existential one: not “What do I buy?” but “Why am I here?”

The reason we are here is because we want to offer a foundation for gratifying creative work. As you’ve observed, our controllers are designed to work well with Ableton’s emphasis on tracks, clips and effects. A company called NativeKontrol (http://www.nativekontrol.com/) has even designed software that works “between” Live and the Ohm64 to provide the navigation control and automatic mapping of the environment.

Nyboer goes on to explain some of the hardware, software and philosophical differences that might make you want to get a Livid controller, and why an APC40 might be a better choice for some people.

It’s a must read, if you’re considering purchasing a matrix controller.

It also highlights that we suddenly are flooded with great options for matrix sequencer controllers, ranging from the relatively inexpensive Novation Launchpad to the more boutique monome 128. They’re all good options, depending on your need and budget – but Nyboer makes a good case for paying a  little more for a solution that gives you more options.

See Nyboer’s full post here – and leave a comment with your thoughts on which of these controllers is the best solution.

Percussa has announced that their AudioCubes are now available in packages of 6 and 8. Details are available at the Percussa shop.

You can preview the AudioCubes’ capabilities above.

Here are their recommendations for various types of applications:

This video demos using the Akai APC40 like a monome:

Blinken Park on the APC40 sending midi through the IAC driver to Ableton Live 8. We don’t need no stinking Monome.

This set of videos, by Darren Cowley, demonstrates some advanced programming techniques with the Akai APC40 & Ableton Live.

APC40 Customization (above):

This is a quick Vimeo about how i’ve used Bomes to modify the behaviour of the APC40 within Ableton Live.

Because of the high demand for the support of this template head over to thestudiosessions.co.uk to find details of how to get hold of a copy…..

This short film is mainly to act as inspiration to others as to what can be achieved with the APC with a little bit of effort and without Max for Live….

Click here to view the embedded video.

APC40 Customization – Scene Two (Pioneer Emulation):

This is a follow up to my first Vimeo whereby i use Bomes Midi Translator to create a new scene of functionality for the clip launch buttons on my APC40. This scene is designed to mimic the behaviours of my trusted CDJ’s and DJM600. WIth it instead of the standard mapping you can consider Ableton as a bank of 8 CDJ’s ready to play….

Click here to view the embedded video.

This vimeo demonstrates how i’ve set up my DJ template using Bomes Midi Translator to get the most functionality out of the APC40….

Much of the APC40 is fantastic but it’s the little things that annoy, like the pan banks not always returning to the last value known and a lack of being able to control all the filters across each track without hard wiring a control knob and then losing it’s other functionality…

As you can see this set up solves many of these problems and brings in the ability to use Live’s Looper on the fly along with various other beatmashing effects….

To use the template you must be on Live 8.0.5 or higher and be using the full version of Bomes Midi Translator 1.7, without these the template will simply not work….

To achieve the Beat Jumping, reverse etc. effect you’ll need to have a copy of the VST version of Reaktor….

Percussa Modulor is a free new application for the AudioCubes hardware platform that turns them into musical Legos.

Modulor lets you record loops into cubes using your favourite MIDI controller, and then combine those loops simply by putting cubes together. Color coding can be used, for example to remember which loop is where or what key the loop is in.

Besides recording and playing back loops, it’s also possible to process MIDI data, from loops or from live input, for example, using arpeggiators, chord generators, transposition, echos, … each cube can have one MIDI effect, and by forming networks of cubes you can create processing chains for MIDI data.

The application is a VST instrument host, so you can run it all by itself, and load your favourite software instruments. The resulting MIDI can be recorded to disk as a MIDI file with multiple tracks, one for each software instrument, which lets you bring your project into your favorite DAW software.

Lavalamp as MIDI controller…

via hotchk155:

6 voltage-dividing pairs of light dependent resistors arranged round a standard lavalamp and read by analog inputs of Muduino (arduino clone) to generate semi-random streams of MIDI continuous controller messagesMIDI controllers then mapped to various controls in Propellerheads Reason.. just to see what happens really… Result is rather addictive and hypnotic… turn up the speakers, watch the lamp, turn into a zombie

A short demonstration of the MLGI (Multi- Laser Gestural Interface) designed by Meason Wiley at California Institute of the Arts.

Strap it on a dolphin, and you’d have a lethal weapon.

The Multi- Laser Gestural Interface is an open source and modular “free-gesture” controller that uses beams of laser light along with photo resistors to create a physical, fluid musical instrument.

With the MLGI, Wiley is attempting to bring a physical interactivity to electronic music performance. By removing the performer from behind the laptop, the audience becomes aware of the performer’s interaction with the controller, which creates an instant visual connection between the sound and the performer.

The MLGI was created using Dan Overholt’s multi I/O CREATEUSB or CUI interface, which, along with the programming language ChucK, can be made to send MIDI or OSC via USB port.

For more information about this open-source + modular controller,  visit www.cyclespersecond.net.

This is a short demo of the Novation Launchpad and Nocturn from the AES convention.

You can use a combination of Launchpads Nocturns and other devices in one Live session.

Akai Professional is now shipping its nanoKontrol-killer LPD8 laptop pad controller and LPK25 laptop performance keyboard controller.

The LPD8 and LPK25 are USB-MIDI controllers for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. Each model is less than 13 inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.

The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional’s MPC line of music product stations. The LPD8 has eight blue light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. The LPD8 also has eight assignable Q-Link knobs to which users can assign virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control.

The LPK25 is a scaled-down relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. The diminutive keyboard is made up of 25 miniature, velocity-sensitive keyboard keys with synth action. The LPK25 contains an arpeggiator, which steps through chords automatically, assisting musicians with creating quick melodic ideas. Sustain, octave up and down and tap tempo controls round out the LPK25’s easy-to-learn layout. Each controller works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation.

Both the LPD8 and LPK25 have four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs they use.

The LPD8 and LPK25 are each available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers for a U.S. Retail Price of $129 USD and an estimated street price of $69 USD each.

This percussive synth jam is OrbVroomer’s drumKat take on Crystal Method’s High Roller.

The drumKat is percussion control surface that features 10 velocity sensitive MIDI triggers.

via OrbVroomer:

Only two little synth notes not triggered live here.

The L.I.S.A trigger plays those.

Everything else is live playing.

I start with a mono drone synth note, then fill in the rest of the notes in that driving pattern. That pattern is then layered under the drum line. All it needs now is for the real CM’s sounds on top to conquer my sonic lameness.

Devices used: DrumKat, MidiKiti, Pole pads, DIY Triggers-LISA (piezo) , DIY WEEL Trigger, Hat pedal, Yamaha pedal, 4 foot switches, Mapper, E-MU XL-1.E-MU Orbit V2, Korg MS2000BR, A & H Mix Wizard.

Orb Vroomer is an electronic performance musician. Synthesizers & MIDI interfaces programmed by Orb. Custom Vroomulator rig designed & built by Orb.

Marco Kuhn’s Play Box is a multi touch user interface, which, along with his Play Live software, can control Ableton Live.

Play Box Features:

• multi-touch and object interaction
• 22 ” TFT display , 1680 x 1050 pixel
• robust
• plug`n play

Play Live Features:

• GUI Elements support multitouch interaction
• you can control 32 tracks and 127 scenes, that are 4064 clips
• track controls mute, solo, record, send1, send2, pan, level

Kuhn hopes to build and sell Play Box & Play Live. No availability or pricing information has been announced.

More details at the Hi-Pi site and at CDM.

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