Aodyo Instruments has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Loom, a new multidimensional MPE MIDI controller.
Building on expertise developed through the creation of their Sylphyo and Anyma synthesizers, Aodyo Instruments says that they have designed Loom to provide musicians with a versatile and powerful tool for live performances, studio recordings, and bedroom compositions.
Features:
- Playing modes: Includes keyboard, ribbon, strum, and drumkit modes, with more to be added via software updates. All are customizable with the included editor. Third-party development is also encouraged via a developer mode.
- Multidimensional multitouch surface: Allows independent control of pitch (X), timbre (Y), and dynamics (Z) for each finger.
- Available in two or three-octave configurations. Enhanced control: Provides unique sensors that complement the main surface: thumb- activated tactile sliders and bars on the front and back edge, as well as a pressure-sensitive action zone on the left.
- Built for MPE and legacy MIDI: Optimized for MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), but fully compatible with non-MPE MIDI instruments, with easy connection via USB-C or MIDI TRS cable with a wide range of hardware and software.
Pricing and Availability:
Production of the Aodyo Instruments Loom is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it is available to project backers starting at €259, which is 35% off the planned retail price. The project has already met its funding goal.
Note: Crowdfunded projects can involve risk. See the project site for more information.
This looks great. I kinda wish it was a little longer with a larger range but it seems like a great concept.
There is also a 3 octave version.
I would definitely be in the market, but not at this price point
I think it’s surprisingly cheap for what it is
Wow, at what price point are you’d be willing to buy it ?!
Sorry but for an MPE controller it’s not expensive at all…
i paid 129 dollars for my last mpe controller
I would be interested in seeing a side by side comparison with Artiphon’s Chorda. They look very similar to me.
I have mixed feelings. It looks like a clever way to access MPE in a small form factor. And it has some versatility in the modes.
On the other hand, it gets dangerously close to the tactile-lacking glass-rubbing experience of using a smart device to make music. They’ve substituted wood for glass, but the challenges are the same. For example, that you have to stare at it to play it. It’s understandable, since you want to be able to glide pitch.
Sometimes I watch these videos and try to imagine myself enjoying it. As with the Haken and others, I just don’t think I’d connect to this. The Expressive E Osmose is a little more my cup of tea. Perhaps one day I’ll take that plunge.
The choice of wooden surface was made to get something between glass rubbing experience with more grip and something easier to slide than silicone surfaces.
You don’t necessary have to stare at the surface to play it as you get the pitch feedback.
The Osmose and the Loom provide you complementary playing experiences actually.
The wood surface looks like it would be a perfect for a lot of types of performance, and like it would have a great feel.
This looks like it would be great for performance where you want to add a lot of expressive control to each note. It would be great for mono glissando leads and chords where you want to add expression after you play the note. For fast playing, I’d still want a standard keyboard.
It’s great to see new types of controllers being introduced that support MPE, especially ones that are this affordable.