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:

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.

Percussa has announced hands-on AudioCube workshops, led by AudioCube creator Bert Schiettecatte at his private workshop in Brussels:

Workshop description:

Starting with some theory, you will discover the history of AudioCubes, tangible interfaces, and their applications.

The practical part of the workshop will let you master the technical aspects of using AudioCubes in sound, music and visual creation, and let you work on your own project using AudioCubes.

Workshop duration:

One day.

Cost:

250 EUR incl. VAT total per person

What you will learn:

A complete overview of the possibilities of AudioCubes and software in different scenarios for artistic creation (live performance, sound design, music production, installation work, …). A good understanding of all technical aspects.

Topics covered:

• history of audiocubes
• overview of tangible interfaces
• why were audiocubes created / fundamental ideas
• how audiocubes work
• the audiocubes hardware
• audiocubes software for live performance, sound design and music production
• how to use audiocubes to control MIDI software and hardware
• how to MIDI map audiocubes
• how to use AudioCubes with Max/MSP

If any readers decide to go to this, leave a comment and let me know. I’d be interested in following up on your experience.

Noone feat. Nekochan- Just because of a little water.

Images : Arthur Chays, Simon Gras, Raphael Sylvestre /
Sound Design: Thibault Duperrier /
Editing : Camille Geoffray /

Noone on myspace : myspace.com/nooneroom

This series of videos comes from a live Percussa AudioCubes performance:

We stopped by Logos Foundation today where Kristof is working on a PD (pure data) patch using the new topology firmware and external for AudioCubes (send us an email if you want to join the beta testing). Great to see how the topology is being used to control the MIDI patterns going to each of Logos’ musical robots. The concert is tomorrow, you can find more info here: http://users.telenet.be/stichtinglogos/lb/0909/lb0909kon.html#090909. Dancers will control various musical parameters of the performance, such as tempo and music dynamics.

Click here to view the embedded video.

AudioCubes Live at Logos ABOCb

Click here to view the embedded video.

This video offers a tour of the various Soundpacks that Percussa has put together for use with the AudioCubes.

Part 2 below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

via Percussa:

In the second of our online Percussa tutorials we take a look at the various Soundpacks Percussa has put together to help you get started with your cubing experience. We look at some of the audio samples included and the custom designed FX racks to find out what ways we can use these with the Cubes.

Andre from Cuesounds discusses new sound libraries for the Percussa AudioCubes.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In this video, Andre offers an introduction to the Percussa AudioCubes

This is a Loop Shaper tutorial. In less than 4 min., it teaches you how to use Loop Shaper with Percussa AudioCubes.

Says Qwartz:

Qwartz Max Mathews rewards a genius invention: this year, we attribute the Qwartz Max Mathews to Bert Schiettecatte, of Percussa, for the invention of Audiocubes instruments.

The aims of the Qwartz are to present and make heard the many facets of the contemporary electronic and digital music scene; give people the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of this music and enjoy it to the full; support the creativity and cultural diversity that independent production can ensure.

An awards ceremony dedicated to musical and artistic excellence closes each edition and is held in Paris. This evening, open to the public, brings together the nominated artists and labels, as well as the principal players on the electronic and cultural scene: producers, artists, delegates from cultural centres, representatives of institutions and civil societies, journalists, partners.

Taylor Deupree presides the fifth edition and the Jury’s president is Enki Bilal. The Awards Ceremony takes place in the prestigious Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione on Friday, the 3rd of April.

Have any readers attended or been involved with the Qwarz awards in the past? If so, leave a comment!

Image: percussa

Saturday Synth Porn: A sexy shot of the Percussa AudioCubes, from a Vancouver Workshop.

via the Synthtopia Flickr Group – add your photos, too!

This is a little gear porn video demo of the Percussa AudioCubes, via Bostich+fussible:

Having fun with Percussa Audio Cubes, This is our First Test Ableton Live and some loops and filters, we will use this set up on our next gigs….stayed tuned

I thought US Apple stores were pretty cool – until I saw the type of things that go down in Japanese Apple stores!

This is an Apple store demo of using Percussa AudioCubes to control Reason 4 for live music performance together with Quartz Composer for Visuals.

Click here to view the embedded video.

All software is controlled by Percussa AudioCubes.

via Percussa

2009 NAMM Show preview: Percussa has some goodies on tap for the upcoming NAMM show that look like they will dramatically expand the range of uses for their AudioCubes: AudioCubes VST Wrapper, AudioCubes Loop Shaper & AudioCubes DeckBridge for Deckadance.

AudioCubes VST Wrapper 1.0

Existing VST plugins or instruments in your DAW can be instantly used with AudioCubes through included VST wrappers from Percussa. The wrapper is compatible with popular DAW software such as IL FL Studio, Ableton Live, …

Plugins can be instantly mapped to cube sensors without MIDI Setup. Sensor info can be scaled, inverted and limited to plugin parameters and colours can be linked to incoming MIDI notes in the case of VST Instruments.

With just one cube and VST wrapper software, you can apply effects to your tracks very easily. The tiniest gestures of your hands and fingers are instantly audible.

AudioCubes Loop Shaper 1.0

Producing sounds or music directly with the cubes is possible through the included sound design software from Percussa.

VST plugins can be loaded and hosted directly in this application without running a DAW or other software.

With just one AudioCube, your gestures are captured and translated instantly into parameter changes for the VST plugins.

The results can be recorded into the built-in looping sequencer, and stored to disk as a WAV file, for reuse in your DAW or sequencer. Alternatively, audio can be streamed via Rewire to popular software such as IL FL Studio, Ableton Live, …

DeckaBridge 1.0

Deckadance, a popular professional digital DJ application by Image-Line, can easily be used with AudioCubes through included Deckabridge software from Percussa.

Real-time sensor signals from the cubes can be assigned to DJ effects without complicated MIDI setup.

Classic MIDI DJ controllers for transport control, cueing, loop setting, can be used simultaneously with AudioCubes without any problems.

Relooper sequencers in Deckadance can be easily controlled using multiple cubes for interesting loop slicing and reconstruction.

Deckadance template files are included for use with DeckaBridge.

This video demos using Percussa AudioCubes with FL Studio.

via Percussa:

We just got an email from Spyro who lives in Venezuela and is a heavy FL Studio User. His real name is Mat and he did a video tutorial on using AudioCubes with FL Studio. Check it out!

Real Name: Matias Monteagudo

Akas: Spyro, Montéz, Tony Alpha
web: www.spyrofunk.com (website) / http://spyro.mediashift.net/klanglabs/ (VST plugins development)

Graduate as Bachelor in Music under composition area at the IUDEM, Caracas. Spyro has worked in areas such as movies, short films, TV spots, documentaries, theater, art exhibitions, plain gigs and fashion shows

His recent works includes the soundtrack and sound design for Plan B (a local action movie) Also 2D Animation and music/effects for the Prolapio series of humour shortfilms, and around 200 TV spots for clients including Toyota, Ford, Schick, Coca-Cola, SubWay, Kraft, Movistar, Bayer, Glade, Pfizer, Energizer and Kosiuko.

In 2005 after his participation in the Red Bull Music Academy on Seattle, Spyro is very proud to release a 5 Songs EP called Biodegradable with the label Yoruba Records, owned by his fellow friend, great musician and master DJ, Mr. Osunlade

Spyro also spend a lot of time making VST plug-ins for his brand called KlangLabs, his most known plug-ins are Vokko a stereo vocoder, StompBud a virtual body sounds sample player, and BackMan a realtime in-sync backwards audio processor.

Puremagnetik has created a custom sound set for you to download, warp, morph, mangle and destroy!

1) Login and Download the Selector Library Here.

2) The Selector Library comes packed with percussives. Use Ableton’s Sampler, Simpler or Impulse and any Audio or MIDI effect(s) from the Ableton Library to create 1-10 Drum Racks.

3) Make 4 Live Clips for each rack that you create.

4) Send your Live Pack to selector@puremagnetik.com by February 16th.

Got questions? Selector discussion is available here.

Prizes:

• 1st Place —> $100 store credit at Halcyon Online, $100 Coupon from Percussa, Free 2 year subscription to Puremagnetik, Merchandise from the Ableton Web Shop.
• 2nd & 3rd Place —> $50 store credit at Halcyon Online, $50 Coupon from Percussa, $100 QuickBuy Coupon from Puremagnetik, Merchandise from the Ableton Web Shop.
• Twelve runner-ups will have their content included in the final Selector Micropak and will be awarded a $12 QuickBuy Coupon from Puremagnetik. All names will be credited on all Live Racks and Clips.

The list of all winners will be posted on PM’s home page on February 20th.

The library is written in C and is available for Mac OS X and Windows.  The goal is to make a library that is robust, easy to learn, and that covers most the functionalities the cubes are offering.  

The libcube library is available right now and includes two detailed examples of how to use it.

Details here.

This video, via Dan from Schaack Audio, demos a single Percussa AudioCube controlling Slicex in FL Studio.

This video demos using a Percussa Audiocube to create loops. 

The Audiocube’s 4 sensors control 4 parameters of a VST instrument, which are recorded into a looping sequencer and played over the original recording, allowing the performer to create a loop quickly and shape the sound and musical patterns using has hands and fingers, like a piece of clay. 

The parameters are recorded in high resolution and speed for smooth continuous control.

AudioCubes in Dr. Faustus video shoot:

We set up at the loft and shot this video. The final version will be posted as soon as it is edited. These are shots from just the two stationary cameras. The handycam footage has yet to be converted to an editable format. I’m working on it. The soundtrack is unedited and from a live feed from the digital DJ system, so what you hear is the exact music coming from all those gadgets on the table there. -Kipp

Cassiel’s straker on monome and audiocubes:

The monome is being driven by the straker sequencing network, which is built using shado. The sound manipulation comes courtesy of shard, an algorithmic sample slicing plugin that we’ve used on stage a few times, most recently for a Future of Sound gig at (re)Actor3 in Liverpool.