Keith McMillen Instruments has released this series of videos that look at how you can customize the configuration of their new QuNexus controller.
The QuNexus has a special mode, Control Mapping Assistant (CoMA), that lets you customize the messages sent by each key. Continue reading
Keith McMillen has been exploring new ideas for electronic music instruments for nearly 35 years, starting in 1979 with his company Zeta Music and more recently with Keith McMillen Instruments. His most recent creations are the QuNeo and the just-released QuNexus controllers.
Synthtopia’s Elisabeth Lewin talked with McMillen about development of the QuNeo and QuNexus controllers in part 1 of our Keith McMillen interview. In part 2, McMillen answers some reader’s questions on his instruments, discusses the state of MIDI, talks about performing with his own group and more.
Synthtopia: One of our readers asked, “What synths or software synths do you recommend using with your QuNexus controller?”
Keith McMillen: What synths? You know, we kind of passed on that by supporting all synths. We put in CV support and you can plug a MIDI expander into it, too.
Musicians are pack rats, a lot of them don’t ever throw or give any instrument away. And there’s a big resurgence in CV synthesis. And I think that people work differently if they have knobs and sliders and a bunch of patch cords in front of them.
For me, I don’t really have a preference for which synth people use with QuNexus. I think that there’s value in pretty much every version of synth that’s come out.
Synthtopia: That’s a really diplomatic answer.
Keith McMillen: (Laughs) That’s treacherous. I didn’t want to step in that one.
Synthtopia: You dodged that handily! Okay. Another Synthtopia reader asked when or whether there’ll be a Max developer kit for the QuNeo.
Keith McMillen: We are producing a developer kit for the QuNeo. It’s progressing and I expect something to be available within months. Continue reading
Keith McMillen Instruments has just announced that they have begun shipping their QuNexus Smart Sensor Keyboard Controller to customers around the world.
The QuNexus features KMI’s Smart Sensor technology which transmits pressure, tilt, polyphonic aftertouch, and velocity. QuNexus also supports CV, MIDI, USB, and OSC, for maximum flexibility.
“QuNexus is the most important evolution in keyboards since the Erard Escapement was introduced to pianos in 1821,” said KMI founder, Keith McMillen. “QuNexus gives keyboardists forms of expression that were only available to string and horn players. Although playful in appearance, it performs and feels like a serious instrument.” Continue reading
Keith McMillen (right) has been exploring new ideas for electronic music instruments for nearly 35 years, starting in 1979 with his company Zeta Music and more recently with Keith McMillen Instruments. His most recent creations are the QuNeo and QuNexus controllers, both developed using a ‘crowdfunding’ approach.
Synthtopia’s Elisabeth Lewin talked with McMillen about new instrument design, new music and how they intersect.
Synthtopia: Over the last 35 years, you’ve designed new electronic stringed instruments, MIDI mixers, created high-tech violin bows, MIDI foot pedals, a pad controller and now the QuNexus keyboard controller. Why focus on new instruments?
Keith McMillen: Being able to transition from amplified acoustic instruments into a new era of music where the computer is an interactive participant in a performance is significant.
Pretty much everything is organized around the theme of being able to play live computer music in an ensemble. It’s a complicated request that requires many components. And I’ve been chipping away at it for 30+ years. The vision gets clearer as I get closer to the goal.
Synthtopia: It seems, with Moore’s law, that what is possible grows exponentially each passing year. Does your vision of an electronic music ensemble broaden or narrow as the technology gets better? Continue reading
Here’s an overview of the new QuNexus controller, via Keith McMillen Instruments, from NAMM 2013. This video contains examples of some of the unique features of the QuNexus controller: Continue reading
Here’s another sneak preview of the Keith McMillen Instruments QuNexus keyboard controller, demonstrating how the keys sense pressure and location so that you can change the pitch or sound of notes – after you play the note.
The KMI QuNexus is currently under development as a funded Kickstarter project.