Roger Linn. Ever heard of him? He's only the man behind the modern day drum machine and the original MPC-60, and he's also the man behind the concept you're inevitably peering at above. For now, Roger's calling this beaut the LinnStrument, and there's quite a back story to go along with it. The design began way back in 2006, with the goal being to create a full-on multitouch instrument with the ability to let one's finger dictate volume, timbre, pitch and pressure. No doubt, many have tried to concoct something similar, but Roger's discovery of TouchCo enabled him to create one sans the limitations of imitators. Unfortunately, Amazon quietly scooped up the startup in January of this year (to have this sort of technology available for the Kindle product line), and in turn, shut down TouchCo's involvement with the outside world. Now, Roger's being forced to reveal his unfinished work in hopes of attracting investors or unearthing another company that could mimic this sort of awesomeness en masse. Jump on past the break and mash play to get a better idea of what the world's missing out on, and be sure to tell Jeff Bezos "thanks" the next time you bump into him.
@InvaderZim But it is the first of its kind... The Continuum is a synthesizer. That means it must be connected to a source of audio to produce sound. The "LinnStrument" however, is an instrument. Being that it produces its own sound. A common misconception. :]
@jakester22 Incorrect. A synthesizer IS an instrument. The Continuum is a controller as is these device. The Continuum sends MIDI to whatever you like (synth/computer/drum machine) or CV to synths etc. This device sends OSC (which is pretty much the same as MIDI just bad ass) to a computer which is playing a Max/MSP synth patch.
"The Continuum is a MIDI controller; it does not generate audio. Rather, it must be connected to a sound-producing source that will receive MIDI input, such as a synthesizer module."
Another user interface option for digital musicians. Looks cool if they can keep the price reasonable. The input devices concepts is reflective of a pressure sensitive digitalisation device (wacom style) used for graphic design and artwork, and with that in mind I can't help buy think that painting the music might actually make sense..... in a synaesthesia kind of way....
So wait.. if I understand this correctly, Roger Linn sould his TouchCo to Amazon and now you say he's "forced" to show his work to attract investors?
Assuming he owned the company, it must have been Linn's decision to sell the company in the first place? And how about using some of that money to start a new business? Or how about not selling an idea if you want to develop it further?
I'm an musician (mostly my own film scores) and you are absolutely right. This a cool toy but not innovative (unless a standalone version comes out for $100). I have a Roland V-Synth that has multi-touch, supports aftertouch, has a touchpad controller and D-Beam. The amazing CS-80 from Yamaha in the 70's had polyphonic aftertouch, ribbon control and much more (Blade Runner soundtrack uses it heavily).
The successor to the V-Synth GT will likely have an upgraded touch panel but they've been doing touch for many years - plus with D-Beam. But yeah, it has that ancient thing called a keyboard attached (and pretty awesome one at that), so this pad does not interest me much at all.
@stephenv2: Yes it is innovative. Nothing like it. Your list of controllers does not do what this device does. Sorry. I am a musician too. If it's less than $400-600 I will buy it.
@djabootie No and it would be totally cool if there was an app like this for it but the thing is, the iPad can't do pressure sensitivity like in the video on his device which is for sure needed.
@werty1432k All of the images of capacitive (iPad, Droid) show that pressing harder is detectable because your finger is squishy and more of it comes in contact. Not sure if the iPad automatically tracks solid points, and just sends that data to apps, but the technology at least can do it. And there's a DS homebrew drawing app that shows even that simple resistive touchscreen can detect pressure (with or without the stylus). As far as I know, pressure sensing is no big deal, so I'm looking forward to seeing this as an app on assorted touchscreen tablet devices.
Can't wait to see what Jordan Rudess will do with this technology... Although, I'm not quite clear on how LinnStrument differs from the Haken Continuum. I know LinnStruement is OSC instead of MIDI, but if they're both controlling a MIDI sound what is the difference?
When I posted this little instrument design of mine on Friday night, I had no idea it would generate such a large interest. Thanks to all those who have commented, and it looks like my goal of stimulating interest in new musical instruments has had some success. I especially like the comments about the Continuum and Eigenharp, two amazing new instrument designs. If anyone's interested, my site contains a page describing these and other innovative ideas in musical instrument design:
Roger, as a long time user of your instruments and effects, I have to say that I hope you can get this concept going. It is brilliant. By the way, is that MAX you're using for those tones? Thanks!
This+Slork= Awesome! http://slork.stanford.edu/ Slork is the stanford laptop orchestra... They also have MoPho (mobile phone orchestra). Makers of Ocarina and a few other apps for the iPhone, etc...
The app ThumbJam for the iPhone/iPod Touch has some similar capabilities imho, although a very different layout. I love it. I know the apps creator has discussed that he's intending an iPad version which I think in many ways might rival what Mr. Linn is working on.
The tragedy that should be emphasized here is that Amazon, in it’s ambition to stop the Kindle from becoming irrelevant, bought off a technology that could have revolutionized the world.
The Touchco tech had so much potential in many fields (not just for multitouch screens) due to its versatility, low cost, and being relatively simple to manufacture – and now, where is it? In Amazon’s labs waiting for a next gen Kindle. Pfft!
I was intending on using their tech just before Touchco disappeared, back in January. Can everyone imagine the possibilities at $10/sq ft? I urge everyone to contact Ken Perlin (he of the computer science fame and one of the Touchco founders) and Jeff Bezos (he of of the aaargh, you shafted me fame) to urge them to free this technology.
This great musical instrument and so many other things are being blocked unnecessarily. Speak to your representatives!
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
posted May 16th 2010 11:17AM
Haken Continuum, anyone?
@Joccer
Exactly!
@Joccer
At $10 per square foot for this technology i can't imagine it being anywhere near the price of a Continuum (cheapest is $3390)!
This also sends OSC data rather than MIDI which is much more flexible and has "infinite" resolution rather than the 0-127 that MIDI delivers.
@Joccer yea, engadget need to do some more research when saying this is the first of its kind, the Continuum has been around since 2004. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuum_(instrument)
@InvaderZim
But it is the first of its kind... The Continuum is a synthesizer. That means it must be connected to a source of audio to produce sound.
The "LinnStrument" however, is an instrument. Being that it produces its own sound.
A common misconception. :]
@jakester22 Incorrect. A synthesizer IS an instrument. The Continuum is a controller as is these device.
The Continuum sends MIDI to whatever you like (synth/computer/drum machine) or CV to synths etc.
This device sends OSC (which is pretty much the same as MIDI just bad ass) to a computer which is playing a Max/MSP synth patch.
@InvaderZim
Continuum sucks...OSC kills MIDI and this design looks way better.
@dovemouse
"The Continuum is a MIDI controller; it does not generate audio. Rather, it must be connected to a sound-producing source that will receive MIDI input, such as a synthesizer module."
via the wiki linkk
@afakhori that's what i said, no?
@Joccer
This could potentially revolutionize music production if done right.
That's cool.
@Laughton I want one XD
@Laughton cool indeed. i wish that guys was my grandpa.
Eigenharp is still the momma of all new musical instrument designs... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVqJh0qEMc
I can barely play a harmonica, but I can type like a sonofabitch -- am I any more likely to be able to create sweet music on this? No? Damn.
Another user interface option for digital musicians. Looks cool if they can keep the price reasonable. The input devices concepts is reflective of a pressure sensitive digitalisation device (wacom style) used for graphic design and artwork, and with that in mind I can't help buy think that painting the music might actually make sense..... in a synaesthesia kind of way....
So wait.. if I understand this correctly, Roger Linn sould his TouchCo to Amazon and now you say he's "forced" to show his work to attract investors?
Assuming he owned the company, it must have been Linn's decision to sell the company in the first place? And how about using some of that money to start a new business? Or how about not selling an idea if you want to develop it further?
*Confused*
Clarification anyone?
@bricktop He didn't own TouchCo.
seems like mr. linn is out of ideas.
That needs to be made asap!
"a full-on multitouch instrument with the ability to let one's finger dictate volume, timbre, pitch and pressure"
I'm not a musician but isn't that the definition for a keyboard?
@SeeKo Different form factor.
@SeeKo Music is hard to define.
@SeeKo
I'm an musician (mostly my own film scores) and you are absolutely right. This a cool toy but not innovative (unless a standalone version comes out for $100). I have a Roland V-Synth that has multi-touch, supports aftertouch, has a touchpad controller and D-Beam. The amazing CS-80 from Yamaha in the 70's had polyphonic aftertouch, ribbon control and much more (Blade Runner soundtrack uses it heavily).
The successor to the V-Synth GT will likely have an upgraded touch panel but they've been doing touch for many years - plus with D-Beam. But yeah, it has that ancient thing called a keyboard attached (and pretty awesome one at that), so this pad does not interest me much at all.
@stephenv2
You're not an musician, you're an hero.
@stephenv2: Yes it is innovative. Nothing like it. Your list of controllers does not do what this device does. Sorry. I am a musician too. If it's less than $400-600 I will buy it.
That is so cool! I want one!
Is that an Ipad?
@djabootie No and it would be totally cool if there was an app like this for it but the thing is, the iPad can't do pressure sensitivity like in the video on his device which is for sure needed.
@werty1432k I was joking
@djabootie oh lol ok sorry, just hard to tell with comments.
@werty1432k All of the images of capacitive (iPad, Droid) show that pressing harder is detectable because your finger is squishy and more of it comes in contact. Not sure if the iPad automatically tracks solid points, and just sends that data to apps, but the technology at least can do it.
And there's a DS homebrew drawing app that shows even that simple resistive touchscreen can detect pressure (with or without the stylus).
As far as I know, pressure sensing is no big deal, so I'm looking forward to seeing this as an app on assorted touchscreen tablet devices.
Holophonor...now that's what i want to see...sadly we're a thousands too early... :(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NMp-6LHTbg
@DmitryNYC, perhaps not as early as you might think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWkfBNYiqqA
Wow that instrument is............ Not AMAZING
I'm still mad at Jeff Bezos for erasing my CDNow wishlist.
Perfect for Pink Floyd cover-bands!
Can't wait to see what Jordan Rudess will do with this technology... Although, I'm not quite clear on how LinnStrument differs from the Haken Continuum. I know LinnStruement is OSC instead of MIDI, but if they're both controlling a MIDI sound what is the difference?
When I posted this little instrument design of mine on Friday night, I had no idea it would generate such a large interest. Thanks to all those who have commented, and it looks like my goal of stimulating interest in new musical instruments has had some success. I especially like the comments about the Continuum and Eigenharp, two amazing new instrument designs. If anyone's interested, my site contains a page describing these and other innovative ideas in musical instrument design:
http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/other/new_instruments/
Also, many of the points people raised are discussed on my site:
http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/products/linnstrument/index.html
Again, thanks to all!
- Roger Linn
@Roger Linn this looks like a rip of iBone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h60GhaMnAAQ
Roger, as a long time user of your instruments and effects, I have to say that I hope you can get this concept going. It is brilliant. By the way, is that MAX you're using for those tones? Thanks!
This+Slork= Awesome!
http://slork.stanford.edu/
Slork is the stanford laptop orchestra... They also have MoPho (mobile phone orchestra). Makers of Ocarina and a few other apps for the iPhone, etc...
I could muck around with this for hours
The app ThumbJam for the iPhone/iPod Touch has some similar capabilities imho, although a very different layout. I love it. I know the apps creator has discussed that he's intending an iPad version which I think in many ways might rival what Mr. Linn is working on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zehpq_LzDcg
Oh yeah, and ThumbJam is only $7.
The tragedy that should be emphasized here is that Amazon, in it’s ambition to stop the Kindle from becoming irrelevant, bought off a technology that could have revolutionized the world.
The Touchco tech had so much potential in many fields (not just for multitouch screens) due to its versatility, low cost, and being relatively simple to manufacture – and now, where is it? In Amazon’s labs waiting for a next gen Kindle. Pfft!
I was intending on using their tech just before Touchco disappeared, back in January. Can everyone imagine the possibilities at $10/sq ft? I urge everyone to contact Ken Perlin (he of the computer science fame and one of the Touchco founders) and Jeff Bezos (he of of the aaargh, you shafted me fame) to urge them to free this technology.
This great musical instrument and so many other things are being blocked unnecessarily. Speak to your representatives!