Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LinnStrument multitouch music maker gets demoed on video, grasps for investors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/16/linnstrument-multitouch-music-maker-gets-demoed-on-video-grasps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/16/linnstrument-multitouch-music-maker-gets-demoed-on-video-grasps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/16/linnstrument-multitouch-music-maker-gets-demoed-on-video-grasps/#comments 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.

[Thanks, Peter]

Continue reading LinnStrument multitouch music maker gets demoed on video, grasps for investors

LinnStrument multitouch music maker gets demoed on video, grasps for investors originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 May 2010 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonartaudioawesomeconceptdesigndrum machineDrumMachineinstrumentLinnStrumentMPCmultitouchmusicmusic thingMusical InstrumentMusicalInstrumentMusicThingpressureRoger LinnRogerLinnsensorsensorssoundtouchtouch paneltouch screentouchCoTouchPaneltouchscreenvideoSun, 16 May 2010 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Yamaha brings Tenori-On Orange to US soil for $700, dares you to rock your own socks off]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/yamaha-brings-tenori-on-orange-to-us-soil-for-700-dares-you-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/yamaha-brings-tenori-on-orange-to-us-soil-for-700-dares-you-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/yamaha-brings-tenori-on-orange-to-us-soil-for-700-dares-you-to/#comments Here's hoping you didn't pay your British bud to bring you one of those fancy Tenori-On Orange music makers over the holidays, 'cause if so, you just paid an absurd premium to get it a few months ahead of time. Oh, and now you've got an AC adapter that's bigger than your face. Nice. At long last, experimental musicians here in America are being treated to a native version of the Tenori-On O, which is the "more affordable" sibling to the also-shipping Tenori-On W. Functionally, the new O model is exactly the same as the original W model, except it can't be operated with batteries, its 256 orange LEDs are only visible on one side of the unit and it's encased in plastic; Yamaha's marketing the O to producers and studio hounds, whereas the W is made more for live performances. Whatever your fancy, the O should be available in a matter of moments for around $699.99 on the street, while the W can be had for around $300 more.

Yamaha brings Tenori-On Orange to US soil for $700, dares you to rock your own socks off originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioinstrumentmusicmusic thingmusical instrumentMusicalInstrumentMusicThingshipshippingshipssoundTenori-onTenori-On OrangeTenori-on WTenori-onOrangeTenori-onWususayamahaFri, 19 Feb 2010 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Eigenharp Alpha, Pico demo and mind-blowing concert (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/eigenharp-alpha-pico-demo-and-mind-blowing-concert-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/eigenharp-alpha-pico-demo-and-mind-blowing-concert-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/eigenharp-alpha-pico-demo-and-mind-blowing-concert-hands-on/#comments Remember the Eigenharp Alpha and Pico that we broke news of last week? Sure you do, but we bet you still haven't a clue how those long, elegant sticks work. The forty employees at Eigenlabs probably heard us simultaneously scratching our heads so they kindly invited us to their London studio for a quick demo, and boy, those musical wands look great up close, not to mention their remarkable flexibility for user configuration as well. John Lambert, Founder and Chairman of Eigenlabs, managed to sneak out of his busy schedule to give us the lowdown on the Eigenharps. It all started in his Devon barn about eight years ago and over time the Alpha was groomed into a 132-key beast, followed by the recently-developed, self-explanatory Pico. The defining character of both Eigenharps lies in their "completely new sensor technology" consisting of pressure sensitive keys, that can do dual-axis vibrato (not dissimilar to string instruments), accompanied by strip controllers for applying filters or pitch bend, or anything at all depending on how you configure them on their Mac software suite (Windows-support due in January). Likewise with the breath pipe: once you've loaded your library and presets you can switch from a Kenny G to a Daft Punk at the simple click of a key. Heck, you can even configure the air pressure sensitivity as well if you're tickling for a soft mood, or just feeling lazy. And those funky LED lights, you ask? Well, they're actually indicators for the different modes you're in rather than just being pretty. Watch the walkthrough videos after the break and you'll get a better idea.

Gallery: Eigenharp Alpha, Pico demo and mind-blowing concert (hands-on)

Continue reading Eigenharp Alpha, Pico demo and mind-blowing concert (hands-on)

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Eigenharp Alpha, Pico demo and mind-blowing concert (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaaudioDJdrum and beatDrumAndBeateigenharpeigenharp alphaeigenharp picoEigenharpAlphaEigenharpPicoeigenlabsfeatureshands onhands-onhandsonharpinstrumentloopmusicmusic thingmusicalmusical instrumentMusicalInstrumentMusicThingpicosamplersoundFri, 16 Oct 2009 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Eigenharp Pico and Alpha slowly remove shroud of mystery, gets stratospheric price tags]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/eigenharp-pico-and-alpha-slowly-remove-shroud-of-mystery-gets-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/eigenharp-pico-and-alpha-slowly-remove-shroud-of-mystery-gets-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/eigenharp-pico-and-alpha-slowly-remove-shroud-of-mystery-gets-s/#comments We can almost say with certainty that neither the Eigenharp Pico nor Alpha will actually be remembered as the "most revolutionary instrument in 60 years," but that's not stopping creator Eigenlabs from keeping its hopes high. If you'll recall, these funky instruments were unveiled courtesy of an enigmatic YouTube clip early last month, and now the outfit is slowly dribbling out official details on its contributions to the musical realm. Neither instrument is being aimed at the bargain banger, with the Alpha going for £3,950 ($6,302) and the Pico for £349 ($557). Both of 'em sport keys, a breathe pipe, a so-called strip controller and their own native soundsets, though currently they'll interface only with Macs. If you're really interested in learning something new, you can surf on over to the outfit's website for a look at the specifications -- just bring the checkbook if you're easily tempted.

Update: Looks the The Beeb snagged a little mouth-on time with it!

Continue reading Eigenharp Pico and Alpha slowly remove shroud of mystery, gets stratospheric price tags

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Eigenharp Pico and Alpha slowly remove shroud of mystery, gets stratospheric price tags originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaaudioeigenharpEigenharp alphaEigenharp picoEigenharpAlphaEigenharpPicoEigenlabsharpinstrumentmusicmusic thingmusicalMusicThingpicosoundThu, 08 Oct 2009 06:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Novation Launchpad speaks Ableton Live's language... on video!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/novation-launchpad-speaks-ableton-lives-language-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/novation-launchpad-speaks-ableton-lives-language-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/novation-launchpad-speaks-ableton-lives-language-on-video/#comments
Look for a new slate of buttons to control Ableton Live? Even if you're shaking your head as if to signify "negative, Jim," you still owe it to yourself to peek the video in the read link. The newly announced Novation Launchpad is the self-proclaimed Ableton Live controller, with an 8 x 8 grid of do-anything keys, dedicated scene launch buttons and nearly limitless possibilities. It's up for order now from a variety of respected e-tailers, and based on the preview alone, we'd say it could very well be the best $199 you've ever spent. (This month.)

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Novation Launchpad speaks Ableton Live's language... on video! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AbletonAbleton liveAbleton live controllerabletonliveAbletonLiveControllercontrollerinstrumentLaunchpadmusicmusic thingMusicThingThu, 01 Oct 2009 22:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: D-Touch drum machine keeps heads, hands bobbing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/video-d-touch-drum-machine-keeps-heads-hands-bobbing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/video-d-touch-drum-machine-keeps-heads-hands-bobbing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/video-d-touch-drum-machine-keeps-heads-hands-bobbing/#comments
Oh sure, we've seen countless drum machine hacks over the years, but there's just something special about one that's so simple, yet so fulfilling. D-Touch is hailed as a visual markers recognition system "that enables the development of low-cost tangible user interfaces and mixed reality applications," and here, we're seeing it used to create movable sounds. Users simply print out the cubes, fold 'em up, add lentils and arrange them on the highly sophisticated A4 sheet of paper. We get the feeling this one won't cost you much to replicate, so why not hit the read link for more instructions after digging into the vid just beyond the break?

[Via Engadget German]

Continue reading Video: D-Touch drum machine keeps heads, hands bobbing

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Video: D-Touch drum machine keeps heads, hands bobbing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatd-touchdrumdrum machineDrumMachinemixed realityMixedRealitymusicmusic thingMusicThingtangibleUIuser interfaceUserInterfacevideoThu, 02 Jul 2009 09:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/line-6-and-planet-waves-brings-guitar-and-amp-control-to-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/line-6-and-planet-waves-brings-guitar-and-amp-control-to-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/line-6-and-planet-waves-brings-guitar-and-amp-control-to-iphone/#comments
Apple's closing out the new application talk today at WWDC with a demo from Line 6 and Planet Waves, who have joined the Cupertino-based company in order to give your iPhone the ability to control your guitar and amplifier. Sadly, the wireless communication between the Line 6 Variax guitar and the iPhone on stage had some issues, though the folks assured us we could see more later on at Line 6's website. If this thing manages to function, it will also let you re-tune your six-string and change models on the fly. No word on price or availability just yet, but we'll let you know if either of those factoids appear.

Gallery: Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone

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Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplampamplifierappappleapplicationguitarinstrumentiphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone osiphone os 3.0Iphone3gIphone3gsIphoneOsIphoneOs3.0ipodipod touchIpodTouchline 6Line6midiMIDI mobilizerMidiMobilizermusicmusic thingMusicThingPlanet WavesPlanetWavesportable audioportableaudiosoftwarewwdcwwdc 2009Wwdc2009Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: robotic marimba player grooves autonomously with jazz pianist]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/26/video-robotic-marimba-player-grooves-autonomously-with-jazz-pia/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/26/video-robotic-marimba-player-grooves-autonomously-with-jazz-pia/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/26/video-robotic-marimba-player-grooves-autonomously-with-jazz-pia/#comments
We've seen an orchestra's worth of robotic musicians, but we've yet to see one that integrates this perfectly into a piece without any human intervention. Shimon -- a robotic marimba player created by Georgia Tech's Guy Hoffman (formerly of MIT), Gil Weinberg (the director of the Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology) and Roberto Aimi of Alium Labs -- recently made its stage debut by sensing the music from a piano and reacting accordingly in order to provide complementary percussion. Unlike many alternatives, there's absolutely no delay here. Instead, it analyzes the classification of chords, estimates the human's tempo and attempts to extract features from the human's melodic phrases and styles. What you're left with a robot musician that goes beyond call-and-response and actually meshes with the Earthling's playing throughout. The full performance is posted after the break, and make sure to leave a donation as you exit through the doors on the left.

[Thanks, Guy!]

Gallery: Video: robotic marimba player grooves autonomously with jazz pianist

Continue reading Video: robotic marimba player grooves autonomously with jazz pianist

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Video: robotic marimba player grooves autonomously with jazz pianist originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>georgia techGeorgiaTechGTjazzJordumarimbaMITmusicmusic thingMusicThingrobotrobot jazzRobotJazzShimonuniversityvideoSun, 26 Apr 2009 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/pilotfishs-ondo-music-editing-mobile-concept-puts-new-twist-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/pilotfishs-ondo-music-editing-mobile-concept-puts-new-twist-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/pilotfishs-ondo-music-editing-mobile-concept-puts-new-twist-on/#comments
It's been nearly three years since the Onyx tickled our imagination, but Pilotfish is looking to completely melt our brains with its latest concept. The Munich-based industrial design firm has just introduced its Ondo music editing mobile, which is half cellphone, half music mixer and thoroughly amazing. In theory, the phone would boast a small mixing panel, three removable recording sticks with internal memory and a bendable center to give music lovers the ability to insert pitch bends and relieve stress. Essentially, the trio of OLED-infused sticks serves two purposes: when installed, they're the main phone panel, and when removed, they can be clipped onto instruments for recording purposes. Afterwards, they can be swapped with other Ondo owners or edited on the fly right on the device itself. Needless to say, there's a better shot at you winning the lottery than seeing this thing hit mass production, but you can feel free to dream by checking the full release, Q&A and demonstration video just past the break.

Gallery: Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones

Continue reading Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones

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Pilotfish's Ondo music editing mobile concept puts new twist on smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobendablebendable mobileBendableMobileconceptdjmobilemusicmusic editingmusic editing phonemusic editormusic thingMusicEditingMusicEditingPhoneMusicEditorMusicThingOLEDondoonyxpiezoelectricPilotfishportable audioportableaudioprototypesmartphoneturntableMon, 20 Apr 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yamaha's "hybrid" Avant Grand piano replicates the real thing, still ain't cheap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/25/yamahas-hybrid-avant-grand-replicates-the-real-thing-still-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/25/yamahas-hybrid-avant-grand-replicates-the-real-thing-still-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/25/yamahas-hybrid-avant-grand-replicates-the-real-thing-still-a/#comments
Yamaha's forthcoming "hybrid" Avant Grand may not set you back quite as far as, say, a Hamburg Steinway Model D-274, but it still ain't priced for amateur budgets. The piece was engineered to be around half the size and a third of the weight of a real-deal nine foot acoustic grand piano, all while maintaining the same heralded feel and sound. Dubbed a "hybrid" grand, this thing not only has four speakers that envelope the player in audio, but even the keys trigger a hammer that strikes a bar in order to replicate the feel of slamming a chord on one of the world's most prized instruments. The good news is that you can get 99 percent of a grand in your home for just $20,000. The bad news, coincidentally enough, is that you can get 99 percent of a grand in your home for a staggering $20,000. A video demonstration is in the read link.

[Via CNET]

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Yamaha's "hybrid" Avant Grand piano replicates the real thing, still ain't cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now here's a concept. A musical shirt with enough transistors to make even the hardest of hardcore nerd blush, and a long-sleeve garment fashionable enough to make even the world-class design student stop and admire. Mashed into one. The Musical toy piano shirt is that very piece, which was constructed to wow onlookers at the Electronic Textile workshop held this month in Switzerland. Packing removable batteries, speakers and circuitry, the shirt enables the wearer to emit eight different notes from Do to Do, and we hear there's nothing quite as cute as playing a song on yourself. See what we mean in the vid hosted just after the break.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

Continue reading Wearable toy piano makes music, looks good doing it

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Wearable toy piano makes music, looks good doing it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clothesgarbmusicmusic thingMusicThingpianoshirtsoundvideoThu, 11 Dec 2008 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Image scanning sequencer excites our ears, leaves blank looks on our faces]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/05/image-scanning-sequencer-excites-our-ears-leaves-blank-looks-on/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/05/image-scanning-sequencer-excites-our-ears-leaves-blank-looks-on/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/05/image-scanning-sequencer-excites-our-ears-leaves-blank-looks-on/#comments
Be warned: what you're about to see, hear and experience should you venture down beyond the break is exceptionally odd. Like, bordering on creepy. It's not so much the machine that's eerie -- after all, it's just a home built image scanning sequencer that uses LDRs to measure grey-scales and trigger MIDI notes from a selected threshold -- it's the audio we're concerned about. We're talking funeral tunes at their finest, which is honestly a bit heavy at this point in the morning. Those who can take it know where to head.

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading Image scanning sequencer excites our ears, leaves blank looks on our faces

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Image scanning sequencer excites our ears, leaves blank looks on our faces originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoarpeggiatorarpeggioImage scanning sequencerImageScanningSequencermidimidi sequencerMidiSequencermusicmusic thingMusicThingsequencervideoTue, 05 Aug 2008 08:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Belkin BreakFree adds magnetic breakaway connector to your guitar cable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/belkin-breakfree-adds-magnetic-breakaway-connector-to-your-guita/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/belkin-breakfree-adds-magnetic-breakaway-connector-to-your-guita/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/belkin-breakfree-adds-magnetic-breakaway-connector-to-your-guita/#comments
From all the coffee shop musicians here at Engadget, we'd like to sincerely thank Belkin for producing this marvelous device. For the rest of us who run around on stage like madmen, we have our doubts about how well this will work. Nevertheless, the BreakFree Connectors were designed to add a magnetic breakaway point in your 1/4-inch cable, meaning that things will simply snap away if too much pressure is applied. Sure, this could save you a mint in shredded cable costs, but we'd venture to say that only the calmer performers in attendance will really find it useful. Snatch (gently, of course) the BreakFree this September for $19.99 and grab a few extra tips for $9.99 per pair.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

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Belkin BreakFree adds magnetic breakaway connector to your guitar cable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're not quite sure how Seth Sternberger, one member of 8 Bit Weapon, was able to pull this off, but he somehow compiled a number of old parts from local shops and eBay in order to transform an NES Power Pad into an instrument of awesomeness. Click on through for a video of Micro Boogie being performed on said Pad, and don't be shocked to find yourself immediately overcome with the need to get one of these in your own house (only to remember that you can't dance).

Continue reading Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles

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Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 Bit Weapon8BitWeaponhackinstrumentmodmusicmusic thingMusicThingnesnintendonintendo entertainment systemNintendoEntertainmentSystemPower PadPowerPadretrovintageMon, 07 Jul 2008 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Modular recorder concept gets down with homegrown sounds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/04/modular-recorder-concept-gets-down-with-homegrown-sounds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/04/modular-recorder-concept-gets-down-with-homegrown-sounds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/04/modular-recorder-concept-gets-down-with-homegrown-sounds/#comments
Now here's an instrument you wouldn't have minded practicing as a tot. Alle Meine Klänge's AMK is a modular recorder (you know, those plastic flute wannabes) that pack an array of individual blocks which can hold any sound you like. Simply transfer homegrown beats / notes / tunes / etc. over to each block, connect 'em up and you've got yourself a instrument of cacophonic delight. 'Tis a shame it's still a concept -- Fisher-Price, you seeing this?

[Via BoingBoing]

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Modular recorder concept gets down with homegrown sounds originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptfluteinstrumentmodularmusicmusic thingMusicThingPKNTSrecorderFri, 04 Jul 2008 00:33:00 EST<![CDATA[AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/#comments
With the introduction of the Air Guitar Rocker, we pretty much bid the art of air rockin' adieu. No longer could we slam our belt buckles in an attempt to whammy a downright nasty Bb chord without feeling ashamed. Thanks to the AirPiano, however, imaginary musicians the world over may have one more chance to garner the respect of innocent bystanders. This instrument, which is truthfully more akin to a theremin than a bona fide piano, enables users to emit beautiful tones without ever touching the "keys." It's even smart enough to sustain a note if you hold your hand over a particular area for an extended time. We don't hand out unwarranted props, but we can't help but tip our hats to this one. Head past the break for a video of what we're gushing over.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy

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AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airpianoaudiodiyhackinstrumentmusicmusic thingMusicThingpianosoundthereminvideoSat, 28 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Solar-powered theremin shoved into Altoids can]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/16/video-solar-powered-theremin-shoved-into-altoids-can/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/16/video-solar-powered-theremin-shoved-into-altoids-can/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/16/video-solar-powered-theremin-shoved-into-altoids-can/#comments
Look out, modders -- the venerable Altoids tin is making a comeback. Shortly after the YBox2 rekindled our love for the immensely versatile box, along comes James G. Watt with yet another fantastical creation. The device you're gazing at above is a solar-powered theremin, which is good for making all sorts of cacophonic sounds anywhere that sunlight is abundant. For those unfamiliar with such gizmos, head on past the break for an admittedly strange sounding demonstration.

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading Video: Solar-powered theremin shoved into Altoids can

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Video: Solar-powered theremin shoved into Altoids can originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With a name like Moog, it has to be good, no? The creator of all types of unusual and wondrous music makers has stepped up with the Paul Vo Collector Edition guitar, a fanciful six-string that does quite a bit more than just light up whatever amp is lucky enough to receive its vibes. Constructed from premium grade mahogany, the instrument affords players full sustain, controlled sustain and mute modes to crank out all sorts of atypical tones, and just in case those few don't get your juices flowin', you'll be happy to know that there's loads more where that came from. Granted, this gem will cost you a stiff $6,495, but considering the amazing amount of utility found here, true musicians are apt to deem it a bargain.

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Moog offers up Paul Vo Collector Edition guitar originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've certainly seen musical gizmos meshed with wearables before, but the Pacer Suit doesn't even pretend to be anything other than a cacophonic jumpsuit (with a beastly set of kneepads). Laced with sensors and integrated speakers, the suit sends out tones based on movements from the person within. Heck, there's even a headphone jack if you're looking to be courteous while bustin' a move on the subway. In case you couldn't guess, the creation is still a concept for now, but we could totally see this becoming a cult classic in the underground scene.

[Via Gadgetremote]

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Pacer Suit gives you the perfect excuse for doing the Macarena originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 May 2008 03:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artconceptdesignmusicmusicthingpacer suitPacerSuitsuitThu, 29 May 2008 03:12:00 EST<![CDATA[ATTIGO TT elegantly integrates touch panels into DJ setup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/24/attigo-tt-elegantly-integrates-touch-panels-into-dj-setup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/24/attigo-tt-elegantly-integrates-touch-panels-into-dj-setup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/24/attigo-tt-elegantly-integrates-touch-panels-into-dj-setup/#comments
Just after seeing how the Nintendo DS's touch panel could be used to scratch things up, along comes a full-blown turntable setup that relies heavily on interactions with touchscreens. Dreamed up and designed by Scott Hobbs, the ATTIGO TT enables DJs to manipulate sounds via sensors, and the added visual effects are fantastically beautiful, if not useful. Check out a video of the creation being used after the jump -- just make sure one earcup is firmly planted around the ear first, alright?

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

Continue reading ATTIGO TT elegantly integrates touch panels into DJ setup

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ATTIGO TT elegantly integrates touch panels into DJ setup originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 May 2008 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not like we haven't seen Nintendo's DS used as a music maker before, but this variant may be the most amazing to date. yarglaaaafr's ProteinDS application is currently in demo mode, but judging by the demonstrative video waiting after the break, it's remarkably solid as-is. C'mon, it's a tool that enables users to scratch up tunes via the handheld's built-in touchscreen -- how could Mario not approve?

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading ProteinDS app enables DJ-style scratching on Nintendo's DS

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ProteinDS app enables DJ-style scratching on Nintendo's DS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>djdshackmusicmusic thingMusicThingnintendoportable audioportableaudioProteinDSscratchscratchingsoftwareturntablevideoFri, 23 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Band: the solar-powered wearable synthesizer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/15/square-band-the-solar-powered-wearable-synthesizer/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/15/square-band-the-solar-powered-wearable-synthesizer/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/15/square-band-the-solar-powered-wearable-synthesizer/#comments
Admit it: having a synthesizer in your pocket just isn't enough. No, you need one on your person in order to truly feel whole. If we just rang your bell, you should take a long, insightful look at the Square Band. The latest revision of the wearable synthesizer includes a volume control and a couple of flexible solar panels, the latter of which were added partly for aesthetics. Apparently wearers can simply trigger buttons tucked under their wrist with their fingertips, upon which a superabundance of cacophonic sounds will emerge and completely freak out any nearby bystanders. You have to have one now, don't you?

[Via MAKE]

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Square Band: the solar-powered wearable synthesizer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 May 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo's DS Lite tends to find itself intertwined in obscure MIDI projects fairly often, so it's no shock to see yet another enterprise linking the handheld to some fairly swank beats. By utilizing a homegrown DS MIDI apparatus along with dStep software, the DS Lite is able to transform into quite the potent little step sequencer. Of course, anything musically-related digests easier with video, so jump on past the break for a lengthy demonstration (and peep the read link if you're eager to replicate).

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading Nintendo's DS Lite doubles as MIDI sequencer (again)

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Nintendo's DS Lite doubles as MIDI sequencer (again) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodsds liteDsLitemidimusicmusic thingMusicThingnintendoportable audioportableaudiovideoMon, 14 Apr 2008 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gigantic Ambassador controller built to handle Ableton Live]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/gigantic-ambassador-controller-built-to-handle-ableton-live/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/gigantic-ambassador-controller-built-to-handle-ableton-live/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/gigantic-ambassador-controller-built-to-handle-ableton-live/#comments
Some fairly fantastic homegrown controllers have graced our eyes before, but seriously, we have no idea how a human brain could actually keep track of all the possibilities on this one. Regrettably, we have no idea how many square inches (feet?) this thing encompasses, but the aptly-dubbed Ambassador was reportedly built with arcade buttons, an aluminum top panel and a wooden case with the sole purpose of controlling Ableton Live music software. Of course, a custom driver had to be created just to take everything in, and quite frankly, we're not too sure this thing was actually hand built as opposed to being ganked from a UFO's control hub.

[Via MAKE]

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Gigantic Ambassador controller built to handle Ableton Live originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While certainly not the most bizarre (nor elaborate) musical apparatus we've seen, Future Retro's intriguingly designed Revolution synthesizer still manages to stand out. Apparently, its creators firmly believe that "music is cyclic," and it's definitely practicing what it preaches on said device. The analog monophonic synthesizer is contained in a rugged aluminum chassis and is laid out in a way that makes "dividing a measure of music into equal parts" much easier -- visually, at least. 'Course, this bugger will put a $750 dent in your wallet, but it is shipping now for those simply enamored with the design.

[Via BornRich]

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Future Retro's Revolution synthesizer sports circular layout originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot on the heels of one of our favorite music creations of all time comes the Bubblegum Sequencer, which would've certainly claimed top honors (if only momentarily) had it arrived just weeks ago. This homegrown music maker lacks the elegance seen in the BeatBearing project, but gets your body bouncin' all the same. The hole-filled board sits atop a computer-connected webcam, which feeds in signals when a particular opening is plugged with a gumball. From there, the Java-based software translates the data and pumps out whatever beats you can dream of. Ready to take a listen? Check out the video waiting after the jump.

[Via The POKE with No Name, thanks Kevin]

Continue reading Bubblegum Sequencer: music never sounded so sweet

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Bubblegum Sequencer: music never sounded so sweet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rest assured, we've seen a fair amount of totally sexy music makers in our day, but Peter Bennett's BeatBearing has instantly become one of our favorites. The project is described as a "simple tangible user interface that uses ball bearings to program a sequencer," and it enables the user to create a myriad melodies using sounds from the basic components of a drum kit. As with most musical things, this truly is better appreciated through video, so do yourself a favor and click on through to see it in action. And yes, we too are waiting in tense anticipation for this thing to go commercial.

[Via Technabob]

Continue reading BeatBearing project weds ball bearings, elegance to make jams

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BeatBearing project weds ball bearings, elegance to make jams originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeatBearingdiymusicmusicthingpeter bennettPeterBennettprojectsequencervideoWed, 16 Jan 2008 02:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Yamaha's Tenori-On music maker gets reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/yamahas-tenori-on-music-maker-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/yamahas-tenori-on-music-maker-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/yamahas-tenori-on-music-maker-gets-reviewed/#comments
It's been over two years since we first heard of the Tenori-On instrument, and it's just now hitting boutique audio shops and a particular reviewer's hands. For those who have been hyping themselves up over this thing, we don't exactly have oodles of good news to share, and while the negatives did seem to outweigh the positives, here's the gist of it. On the bright side, the music maker is unique, cute and quite intuitive. It also got brownie points for boasting internal speakers and for being able to run on batteries. Unfortunately, it rings up at £599 (around $1,200), and it simply "feels too cheap" to cost so much; additionally, it lacks touch sensitivity and a hardware volume control. Granted, the hardcore fans may still find the issues acceptable, so do yourself a favor and hit the pros and cons list in the read link below before jumping to conclusions.

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Yamaha's Tenori-On music maker gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As if the Cushion Control pillows weren't cute enough, here we find a USB-powered, felt-covered calculator synth to ooh and aww over. Artists Kelli Cain and Brian Crabtree were able to conjure up this nifty device at a Felt Circuits workshop held in Los Angeles, and while details are relatively scarce, the creation is essentially a homemade eight- x six-inch calculator constructed from dyed wool that was hand-rubbed into felt. The two also "designed, etched, and populated noise-making circuit boards" which were then put into the contraption, and when connected to a USB port, touching the metal contacts that are sewn on "makes a bunch of noise," which we can causally refer to as abstract music. Unfortunately, there's no sign of these things going on sale, but if you beg the duo hard enough, you might find out if another workshop is in the pipeline.

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Homegrown USB-powered calculator synth doubles as pillow originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2007 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artaudiocalculatorcarpetcushiondesignfeltinventionmusicmusicthingpillowportable audioportableaudiosamplersamplingsynthsynthesizerusbusb powerusb-poweredUsbPowerweirdMon, 21 May 2007 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Beat Blocks melds wood and MIDI in rhythmic harmony]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/31/beat-blocks-melds-wood-and-midi-in-rhythmic-harmony/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/31/beat-blocks-melds-wood-and-midi-in-rhythmic-harmony/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/31/beat-blocks-melds-wood-and-midi-in-rhythmic-harmony/#comments
No doubt we've seen quite a few attempts to mesh MIDI with, um, just about everything, but Jess Hoefs' Beat Blocks creation certainly brings back fond memories of our childhood days. Based around basic wooden blocks, colored with blue tape and adorned by bottom-mounted sensors, the system functions when a block is placed into a sensor-laden cube on the board, sending a signal to generate a specific loop. The "tangible interface for a rhythm sequencer" utilizes MIDI and contacts in order to generate sound signals, and by re-arranging the blocks on the fly, users can mix up the beats and create quite the musical masterpiece whilst reliving their days of innocence. Jeff is looking to ramp up two different flavors, with one being of a smaller, more performance-oriented design, and a larger matrix board to accommodate "multiple users." So if you're still curious just how fiddling with toy blocks can actually create musical delight, be sure to hit the read link and surf over to the video demonstration.

[Via OhGizmo]

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Beat Blocks melds wood and MIDI in rhythmic harmony originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It takes a certain level of determination and creativity to shun the smorgasbord of other music-related Wii mods already out there, and to be quite honest, the Wii Loop Machine does a fair job of putting the other alternatives to shame. Taking full advantage of the Wiimote's ability to be used at will with a Bluetooth receiver and the right coding, the music manipulation software allows beat lovers to scroll through loops, twist up the jams, drop the bass, toss in a delay, and pretty much hack up the tunes at will with a combination of button mashes and Wiimote slinging. Currently, the software is only compatible with OS X, but the creator is definitely interested in your contact information if you can port this stuff over on the Windows side of life. So if you've already got a home-based studio set up, and your Mac just isn't getting enough love, be sure to hit the read link and check out the deets, or click on through if you're yearning for lesson in geekified mixing.

[Via Joystiq, thanks Andy]

Continue reading Wii Loop Machine utilizes Wiimote to manipulate beats

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Wii Loop Machine utilizes Wiimote to manipulate beats originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobeatsbluetootheffectsloop machineLoopMachinemacmusicmusicthingportable audioportableaudiowiiwii loop machineWiiLoopMachinewiimoteFri, 23 Mar 2007 08:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Roland kicks out trio of new audio gear at NAMM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/18/roland-kicks-out-trio-of-new-audio-gear-at-namm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/18/roland-kicks-out-trio-of-new-audio-gear-at-namm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/18/roland-kicks-out-trio-of-new-audio-gear-at-namm/#commentsWhile we certainly had our fun at this year's CES, Roland is off doing its own thang at NAMM this week, and the audio gurus have blessed us with a trio of new gear to tinker with, including a svelte guitar modeler. The VG-99 packs just about every guitar / amp model a player could ever find a use for, gives the owner full control over the dynamic controls, and provides alternate tuning on the fly for even more bizarre riffs. The device even features a guitar-to-MIDI converter for "direct connections to keyboards, sound modules, soft synths, computers, and other MIDI-compatible devices," which means it won't be too long before all these MIDI hacks get a dash of pickin' added to them. The MV-8800 "production studio" allows direct connection of an LCD and mouse for all-in-one mixing and producing action, and even boasts an internal hard drive, optical drive, and support for multitrack mastering / burning. Bringing up the rear is the V-Synth GT Elastic Audio Synthesizes, which looks to pull double-duty as a keyboard when you're creating tones to interact with the extraterrestrial. Although pricing information isn't yet available, all three of these units should be hitting showrooms (and sound rooms) real soon. Click on through for a few more snapshots.

Read - Roland VG-99
Read - Roland MV-8800
Read - Roland V-Synth GT
[Via MusicThing]

Continue reading Roland kicks out trio of new audio gear at NAMM

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Roland kicks out trio of new audio gear at NAMM originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ampaudioguitarguitar modelerGuitarModelermodelermusicmusicthingmv-8800nammportable audioportableaudiorolandv-synth gtV-synthGtvg-99Thu, 18 Jan 2007 23:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Akai MPC-1000 drum machine drops a beat, plays Pong]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/28/akai-mpc-1000-drum-machine-drops-a-beat-plays-pong/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/28/akai-mpc-1000-drum-machine-drops-a-beat-plays-pong/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/28/akai-mpc-1000-drum-machine-drops-a-beat-plays-pong/#commentsCram any sort of retro game onto a machine clearly not designed to play it and you'll probably color us impressed, and just as the off the wall Doom installations, MIDI hacks, and Wolfenstein ports have gone down, Japan's own JJ has struck a cord with vintage folk everywhere with his latest tweak. Reportedly, the hacker / entertainer re-wrote the actual operating system for a $999 Akai MPC-1000 drum machine, added a few features from the more expensive MPC-2500, and got the MIDI all setup precisely like he wanted -- all to play a little musical Pong. Aside from the snazzy custom loading screen, the game itself looks to work fairly well, and also triggers samples of your choice to loop in the background while gaming. The good news is that the Pong upgrade will only set you back $30, but the bad news is that would require you to actually already own the Akai machine, and just in case your wallet can't handle anymore abuse whatsoever after this past Monday, just click on through for a (gratis) YouTube demonstration.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Akai MPC-1000 drum machine drops a beat, plays Pong

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Akai MPC-1000 drum machine drops a beat, plays Pong originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akaiclassicdrum machineDrumMachinegamehackjapanjjmidimodmpc-1000mpc-2500mpc1000mpc2500musicmusicthingpongportable audioportableaudioretrosequencervideovintageThu, 28 Dec 2006 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo DS doubles as wireless MIDI keyboard / controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/nintendo-ds-doubles-as-wireless-midi-keyboard-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/nintendo-ds-doubles-as-wireless-midi-keyboard-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/nintendo-ds-doubles-as-wireless-midi-keyboard-controller/#comments Joining the nearly endless amount of Nintendo DS hacks already in the wild is TobW's DS Sampling Keyboard, which "uses the DS's microphone and touchscreen" to interface with a software-based sampling keyboard. A close contender to join our Music Thing series, this wonderous hack takes advantage of the wee machine's excellent X / Y-axis controls as well as its built-in WiFi to beam the MIDI commands wirelessly. The program has been tested with Wifi, GBAMP, and M3, so "it should work on pretty much anything," and provides a much less expensive alternative to those dedicated offerings. While musical gizmos are always more effective when seen heard rather than just heard about, be sure to click on for a front row seat to the YouTube demonstration.

[Via MusicThing]

Continue reading Nintendo DS doubles as wireless MIDI keyboard / controller

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Nintendo DS doubles as wireless MIDI keyboard / controller originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codedcodingdiydsdsliteGBAMPhackkeyboardM3midimodmusicmusicthingnintendoprogrammedtouchscreenwifiMon, 27 Nov 2006 03:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Thing: Music and audio gear in Second Life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/music-thing-music-and-audio-gear-in-second-life/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/music-thing-music-and-audio-gear-in-second-life/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/music-thing-music-and-audio-gear-in-second-life/#commentsEach week Tom Whitwell of Music Thing highlights the best of the new music gear that's coming out, as well as noteworthy vintage equipment:
Now, I've never been inside Second Life, but -- inspired by Reuters, which set up a bureau inside the game, which now has over a million players -- I've spent some time trawling the shops for cool music gear. Dissapointingly, I've found no vintage synths, keytars or mountains of old studio gear. I did find a British virtual instrument-maker called Robbie Dingo, who mainly sells slightly ordinary guitars, drum kits, bagpipes, grand pianos and something called a Hyper Flute, which - disappointingly - is completely safe for work, but allows you to compose your own music within Second Life.

Robbie sells his instruments at SL Boutique - a steel drum set costs L$120 (40 cents in real money), while a Hyper Flute costs L$3,000 (around $10). Most Second Life instruments are really toys -- they'll play a couple of sound loops and animate with your avatar. Some are slightly more advanced: Robbie's 1965 Fender Stratocaster (L$400/$1.40) "loops a funky pattern that can be transposed via the menu system to any key whilst remaining in time." How many real-world guitarists can say the same?

Robbie's greatest claim to fame was creating the guitar used by folk singer Suzanne Vega when she played a gig in Second Life. As far as I can work out, the guitar in this case was just a prop -- she was playing a real guitar into a microphone, whch was beamed into the concert.
Other SL gear manufacturers include Neurocam Audio, who produce headphones and microphones, which really confused me. How does a microphone work? It "serves a purpose: It changes your chat to GREEN in the chat window, allowing the event host the ability to be noticed above noisy crowds!"

Finally, for just L$1 (1/3rd of a cent), you can buy a Cigar Box Guitar, just like the one featured in Make Magazine, which will play a short clip of cigar box guitar jamming. Virtual cigars not included.

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Music Thing: Music and audio gear in Second Life originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So, VW is giving away a free guitar with (almost) every car sold betweeen October and December as part of a slightly baffling promotion of the iPod-friendly auxillary input in their new car audio system. Yeah, I'm a little confused, too.

The guitar is made by First Act, an interesting company who got rich selling children's guitars in Wal-Mart. They're very marketing savvy - with a large custom shop churning out one-offs for bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Franz Ferdinand. The firm was founded by one Bernard Chiu, who made a fortune selling air humidifiers in the '90s.
The VW GarageMaster guitar looks ok, if you can excuse the clunky-looking VW logo control knobs. And the cheesy VW gang sign on the headstock. In a world of identical Fender/Gibson clones, it's nice to see a guitar that's part Hagstrom, part Rickenbacker, part Burns, with a scratchplate to match the colour of your car and a VW logo at the 12th fret.

The only real innovation in the VW guitar is a built in active analog amp modelling circuit, which I'm guessing works a little like a SansAmp pedal. It means you can plug the guitar straight into your VW car stereo and... well, I'm not exactly sure how you're supposed to play in your car, but that's the idea. Of course, if you like the guitar but don't want to buy the car, expect these things to be all over eBay in a few weeks, and cluttering up lofts for years to come.

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Music Thing: VW's free guitar deal originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, it does look like the control panel from a TIE fighter. Yes, it could be a useful part of a Darth Vader Halloween costume. This is the Korg Kaoss Pad 3, announced this week after a leak on Music Thing. Kaoss Pads are fairly cheap digital effects/sampling boxes, but what makes them special is the interface -- a backlit touch-sensitive X-Y pad. When you move your finger over the pad, it changes the sound, tweaking delay time, shifting pitch, scrubbing a sample backwards and forwards. The first Kaoss Pad was introduced in 1999 as a DJ tool (even the new KP3 has only phono ins and outs) and pretty soon it started getting namechecked by the cool kids. Radiohead used them live to recreate studio effects, seen very clearly in this YouTube clip. Meanwhile, Brian Eno was collecting the things: "Kaoss Pads... are a way of taking sounds into the domain of muscular control," he said, as he does. "If you have a few Kaoss Pads in line, like I do, you can really start playing with sound itself, with the physical character of the sound." The KP2 arrived in 2002, with a bit more memory , a few more effects, and a more gig-ready aluminium case. The KP3 is again the same idea, but with still more memory, a USB connection, and SD card so samples can be stored and a crazy pixellated display which can, for no apparent reason, display scrolling text messages. UK Price is £315, and it should be in the shops in October.

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Music Thing: Korg's Kaoss Pad 3 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Aug 2006 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureskaoss padd 3KaossPadd3korgmusic thingMusicThingFri, 04 Aug 2006 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Thing: Boutique effects pedals]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/28/music-thing-boutique-effects-pedals/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/28/music-thing-boutique-effects-pedals/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/28/music-thing-boutique-effects-pedals/#commentsEach week Tom Whitwell of Music Thing highlights the best of the new music gear that's coming out, as well as noteworthy vintage equipment:

About a year ago, I wrote about boutique synthesizers -- fantastically obscure boxes hand-made by freaks (normally Scandinavian). Compared with synths, effects pedals are relatively simple -- sometimes just a handful of components, a switch and a couple of knobs in a steel box -- so there are loads of people experimenting and making great-looking but expensive pedals for guitarists. Most of the pedals mentioned here are in the $350-$500 range. Sure, that would buy you a dozen Chinese-made Behringer pedals, but would that make you happy?

Zvex Ringtone
Disappointingly, Zachary Vex's new Ringtone pedal won't make your vintage strat sound like the Crazy Frog. Instead, it's a 8-step sequencer driving a ring modulator -- the early sound effect used to make the voice of the Daleks, and built into the Commodore 64's SID sound effects chip. It's pretty hard to understand what the Ringtone does, or why it's cool, without watching Zachary's wonderful demo video. Like all boutique pedals, the Ringtone is crazy expensive at $349, but that gets you a hand-made, hand-painted pedal.

After the break: Kitsch Brazilian pedals, butch American pedals, clever English pedals, and a fuzzbox with a joystick...

Continue reading Music Thing: Boutique effects pedals

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Music Thing: Boutique effects pedals originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jul 2006 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DIYeffects pedalsEffectsPedalsfeaturesGuitarmusic thingMusicThingpedalssynthesizerFri, 28 Jul 2006 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Thing: Roland Micro-BR and Trinity DAW]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/14/music-thing-roland-micro-br-and-trinity-daw/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/14/music-thing-roland-micro-br-and-trinity-daw/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/14/music-thing-roland-micro-br-and-trinity-daw/#commentsEach week Tom Whitwell of Music Thing highlights the best of the new music gear that's coming out, as well as noteworthy vintage equipment:
Two new shiny boxes were announced this week. They both run on batteries and can record and edit audio, but they couldn't be more different. In the trashy and corporate corner is the Boss Micro-BR. It's a four-track, with guitar and mic inputs. It's "slightly larger than an iPod," runs on 2 AA batteries, has built in drum sound and effects, and is shinier than a cheap Korean DAP from 2005. This unit is the spiritual offspring of the cassette four-track, which anyone who was in a band in the '80s or early '90s will remember with a mixture of fondness and dread. If for some reason you're recording a demo by yourself, and you can't get to a laptop, it's probably perfect. No price yet, but it won't be much.

Meanwhile, in the open source startup corner is the Trinity DAW, a Linux-powered stand alone audio recorder. It's has the professional ins and outs that the Micro-BR so obviously lacks, and is built around a 500mhz processor, 128mb memory, 20gb hard drive and a real screen. It ships with Audacity software which, like most Linux software, is great/cruddy depending who you ask. It can record in stereo with professional microphones that need phantom power, and there's a nifty circular touchpad next to the screen to navigate around the GUI. Unfortunately, there's a whiff of vapour around the project, which currently only exists in rendered form, with an eye-watering price tag of $999. For which price you could probably buy 16 tracks of Micro-BR, or a decent laptop and a pile of software.

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Music Thing: Roland Micro-BR and Trinity DAW originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jul 2006 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wait! Come back! Stop scrolling! Why should you read about a boring-looking grey synthesizer? I'll tell you why. This week, music geeks have been talking about two things. The first is the Bleep Labs Thingamagoop, the tiny, cute, handmade-in-America noise box with a strobing LED tentacle and surprisingly reasonable $100 price tag. The Thingamagoop represents one end of what's interesting in music gear at the moment -- fun, handmade, not necessarily very practical analog gear put together in garages by Make magazine readers.

Then there's this grey plastic synth. It's Novation's new Xio, which represents the other big thing happening in music gear: astonishing value for money. This thing is a USB audio interface, with phantom power and a pre-amp, so you can record using real professional microphones. It's a MIDI controller for racks and soft-synths, with a cool touchpad and joystick and lots of knobs. It's a nice-feeling (if short) semi-weighted keyboard (there's also a 49-key version). And, it's a real stand-alone analog-modelling synth, which you can tweak in your deckchair while it runs off 6 AA batteries. The Xio costs £229 (Maybe $350-$399 retail), significantly cheaper than it's nearest rival, the 3 year-old MicroKorg, which has mini keys and no controller or USB audio features. It's amazing.

Chinese manufacturing and cheap DSP chips have revolutionised the music gear business. Sure, this stuff doesn't have much soul, and it probably won't be collectable in 20 years, but it's making the average dorm-room studio a far more exciting place to be. Anyway, you can always invest the change in a small family of Thingamagoops.

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Music Thing: Novation's ultra-cheap synth/soundcard/interface originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jul 2006 22:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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