Author Archives: Justyn Myers

QuNeo as a keyboard? New Kickstarter announced

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Keith McMillen Instruments just launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new keyboard controller, the QuNexus. This super-portable controller features the same depth of control found in other controllers from Keith McMillen, but in a more conventional keyboard layout. The 25 keys can detect pressure, velocity, location and polyphonic aftertouch.

The QuNexus also features CV/Gate inputs and outputs for controlling analog synths. Imagine hooking this thing up to an old modular!

All this in a tiny, bus-powered package! We can’t wait to try it out!

Disney Research creates multi-touch, living plant controllers

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Tired of plain old buttons and knobs? How about something a little more natural? Disney Research has developed technology that turns living or artificial plants into expressive multi-touch controllers. As you can imagine, this can be used to control any number of parameters, including sound and video.

This interactive plant exhibition, called Botanicus Interacticus, utilizes the amazing Touché sensor, also developed by Disney Labs.

DIY stands for Launchpad let you show off your skills

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As far as we’re concerned, the days of quietly hiding behind a laptop are over! Controllers help make electronic music performance exciting to watch. So why are most controllers designed to lay flat on a table where no one can see them except the performer?

Controllerist and producer Frank Carroll (aka iProv), from Cork City, Ireland, has solved this problem for Novation Launchpad users with his inexpensive, sturdy and easy to build stands that tilt the controller towards the audience.

“Controllerism is the new performance of the future,” Carroll wrote in an email, “along with visual performances from the likes of Amon Tobin, audiences want the complete sensory experience. And us as performers should be proud of it and not afraid to stand up and be counted as musicians.”

Check out Carroll’s video and get your controllers facing the right direction!

60 Works builds custom Minimoog V controller

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Our friends over at 60 Works have just created a gorgeous new custom controller for the Minimoog V software instrument from Arturia. Built with classic Moog styling, The PMM controller puts all of the powerful software controls at your fingertips. The controller even features working six-position rotary switches for the waveform selector.

The PMM, which stands for “Portable Memorymoog,” was built for Mark B, producer/owner of International Feel Recordings, but according to the 60 Works website, retail units may be available in the future. Stay tuned!