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[Futulele goes live for iPad, ukelele serenades just went multi-touch (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/futulele-ukulele-goes-live-for-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/futulele-ukulele-goes-live-for-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/futulele-ukulele-goes-live-for-ipad/#comments Image

Futulele has come a long way since we saw it in March; it's now on the App Store and has put on a lot of sheen in return for slipping past the original April release target. Along with a few more flowers to reinforce the Hawaiian vibe, Amidio's definitive ukelele app has since gained the requisite support for the new iPad's graphics and a fully automatic mode, just in case you're not yet a virtual Jake Shimabukuro. If your ambitions do involve playing for yourself, you still have access to the promised maximum 132 chords (12 per set) with the flexibility to adjust chorus, delay, EQ and reverb in addition to recording those plucky creations. We're still waiting on the Futulele Remote app (and matching case) to choose chords more like we would on the real deal, but you can do it all on the iPad for now if you're willing to spend a fiver at the App Store. A flower necklace and an impressionable young lover are optional.

Continue reading Futulele goes live for iPad, ukelele serenades just went multi-touch (video)

Futulele goes live for iPad, ukelele serenades just went multi-touch (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amidioapp storeapple ipadapple iphoneAppleIpadAppleIphoneAppStorefutulelefutulele remoteFutuleleRemoteinstrumentipadiphonemusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentstablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletsukulelevideoTue, 29 May 2012 00:21:00 EST<![CDATA[gTar iPhone guitar hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/gtar-iphone-guitar-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/gtar-iphone-guitar-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/gtar-iphone-guitar-hands-on/#comments Image

When we first caught word of the gTar, it was a bit of a mystery, with an online presence amounting to little more than a low-res press shot, an enigmatic YouTube teaser and assorted specs coming out of South By Southwest and various investor sites. This week, however, brings TechCrunch Disrupt to town -- and Incident Technologies has braved some unseasonable New York City storms to come along for the ride. We managed to snag some time with the iPhone-docking instrument ahead of its debut on stage this afternoon.

Details are still a little scarce -- but here's what we know: the company is looking for a summer release for the educational instrument. In the meantime, Incident has thrown up a Kickstarter page, so you can get in on the action. A limited number of investors can get their hands on a unit for the low, low donation price of $350, once it goes into production. That's $100 off the estimated $450 retail price point -- not cheap, sure, but there are a couple of things to note here. First, we played with the gTar for a bit and we can say, definitively, that this isn't just some cheap, plasticky toy -- this feels like a real, amateur-level electric guitar. Also, for whatever it's worth, that price also includes a backpack carrying case -- so that's something, right?

Follow along after the break to get some fingers-on impressions.

Gallery: gTar hands-on

Continue reading gTar iPhone guitar hands-on

gTar iPhone guitar hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphoneeducationgtarguitarhands-onincident technologiesIncidentTechnologiesinstrumentiphonelearningteachingtechcrunch disruptTechcrunchDisruptvideoMon, 21 May 2012 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Roland's Wireless Connect lets your iPhone and electronic instruments play nice sans cords]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/rolands-wireless-connect-lets-your-iphone-and-electronic-instru/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/rolands-wireless-connect-lets-your-iphone-and-electronic-instru/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/rolands-wireless-connect-lets-your-iphone-and-electronic-instru/#commentsImage
As if there weren't already enough devices out there for connecting musical instruments to iDevices, Roland's unveiled its latest entrant to the fray over at this year's Musikmesse. Combining a duo of iOS apps and a Netgear-sourced USB dongle, the company's created what's dubbed as the Wireless Connect system. Essentially, by plugging the USB stick into a select number of the company's electronic instruments, you'll be able to jam out using your iDevice as a cord-free aid. With its updated app version of V-Drums Friend Jam, drummers can work on their chops and share the results over the web (alternatively, the current computer variant requires a wired connection). Additionally, the Air Recorder app allows you to hook up with its Synths and V-Accordions to record your playing, jam along with songs from your iPhone or both at the same time. Notably, you likely won't get much use out of Wireless Connect at your next gig, though, as it requires a LAN connection with access to the internet for full functionality. While there's not word on a pricing just yet, Roland plans to have the system on store shelves by the end of spring. Interested musicians can glance at the press release and instrument compatibility details planted just past the break.

Continue reading Roland's Wireless Connect lets your iPhone and electronic instruments play nice sans cords

Roland's Wireless Connect lets your iPhone and electronic instruments play nice sans cords originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Air Recorder appAirRecorderAppappleinstrumentiosiphoneminipostmusic makingMusicMakingnetgearnetgear dongleNetgearDonglerolandusbusb dongleUsbDonglev-drumsv-drums friend jamV-drumsFriendJamvideowirelesswireless connectwireless lanWirelessConnectWirelessLanThu, 22 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[PatchWerk lets you control a monstrous modular synth with your browser (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/patchwerk-lets-you-control-a-monsterous-modular-synth/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/patchwerk-lets-you-control-a-monsterous-modular-synth/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/patchwerk-lets-you-control-a-monsterous-modular-synth/#comments PatchWerkThe Paradiso Synthesizer at the MIT Museum might be the largest homemade instrument of its type. That fact alone does make it interesting but, what makes this room-sized collection of wooden cabinets connected by a web of cables really stand out is the fact that you can control it from the comfort of you home with nothing more than a browser. The web app, PatchWerk, lets individuals from around the world come together and commandeer Joe Paradiso's creation... at least in a limited form. As you turn dials and flip switches you can hear the soundscape change, and their real life counterparts react in kind on the museum floor. Hit up the source link to try it out for yourself and check out the video after the break to see the monstrosity you'll be hijacking.

Continue reading PatchWerk lets you control a monstrous modular synth with your browser (video)

PatchWerk lets you control a monstrous modular synth with your browser (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>instrumentJoe ParadisoJoeParadisoMITMIT MuseumMitMuseumModular SynthModular SynthesizerModularSynthModularSynthesizermusical instrumentMusicalInstrumentParadisoparadiso synthesizerParadisoSynthesizerpatchwerksynthsynthesizervideoFri, 16 Mar 2012 23:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar apprentice hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/guitar-apprentice-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/guitar-apprentice-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/guitar-apprentice-hands-on-video/#comments You know the whole "why don't you learn to play a real guitar" backlash that comes with the release of every Guitar Hero title? Multiply that by a hundred, and you're about ready to get down with Guitar Apprentice. The iPad add-on from the folks who brought you the similarly named Piano Apprentice turns your Apple tablet into something roughly the shape of a Gibson SG. From afar, it does look like a guitar. It's a fair bit lighter though, the wood swapped out for plastic, which feels pretty hollow.

The iPad sits in the body of the Guitar Apprentice. Right now, it just works with Garage Band, though the company tells us that its working on a proprietary app, so don't let the fact that the neck doesn't line up right now throw you too much. The neck is covered with small buttons, which light up and play as notes from their corresponding placement on the fretboard through a small speaker on the bottom of the guitar's body -- hold multiple down simultaneously and you'll get chord.

The speaker on the thing is pretty quiet -- that can be adjusted with the single volume knob, though that, like a lot about the Guitar Apprentice, isn't quite ready. The company tells us that the device is still a ways off, which means that, at present, you still can't strum the thing. Still, it's actually kind of neat, if totally ridiculous. This could be a solid educational devices for parents who aren't quite ready to plunk down the cash for a guitar and amp. When it's released, the Guitar Apprentice will run around $100 -- plus the price of an iPad, naturally.

Gallery: Guitar apprentice hands-on

Continue reading Guitar apprentice hands-on (video)

Guitar apprentice hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestofgarage bandGarageBandguitarguitar apprenticeGuitarApprenticehands-oninstrumentionipadmusical instrumentMusicalInstrumentvideoMon, 09 Jan 2012 00:53:00 EST<![CDATA[23-foot-high theremin appears in Melbourne, begins to freak out passersby]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/23-foot-high-theremin-appears-in-melbourne-begins-to-freak-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/23-foot-high-theremin-appears-in-melbourne-begins-to-freak-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/23-foot-high-theremin-appears-in-melbourne-begins-to-freak-out/#commentsIt appeared out of nowhere. And it makes semi-disturbing, 50s era sci-fi movie sounds when you
approach it. Over in Melbourne, artist Robin Fox has installed a seven meter (23 foot) high theremin instrument. Like the classic theremin design, the user doesn't have to physically touch it but just has to be within a certain range to activate it. Once initiated, you can expect to be aurally bombarded with retro movie sounds -- a cacophony of rubber monsters beating each other within an inch of their lives. The theremin will be present on the waterfront for the next three months as part of Melbourne Music Week, and you can click on through to hear its sounds as well as wonder when the ghost of Vincent Price will be showing up in the near future.

Continue reading 23-foot-high theremin appears in Melbourne, begins to freak out passersby

23-foot-high theremin appears in Melbourne, begins to freak out passersby originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50saudioinstrumentMelbournemusicrangeRobin FoxRobinFoxsoundsThe Day the Earth Stood StillTheDayTheEarthStoodStillthereminFri, 25 Nov 2011 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect BeatWheel hack makes you do the windmill]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/kinect-beatwheel-hack-makes-you-do-the-windmill/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/kinect-beatwheel-hack-makes-you-do-the-windmill/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/kinect-beatwheel-hack-makes-you-do-the-windmill/#comments Running out of avant garde ways of making music? Then perhaps this BeatWheel hack for Kinect, made at a recent Music Hackday in Boston, will give you some fresh ideas. Music samples are separated into eight segments, which encircle the user like a clockface. You then control which part plays by waving your hands around like a severely caffeinated Bernstein. Check out the shadowy BeatWheel demo after the break.

Continue reading Kinect BeatWheel hack makes you do the windmill

Kinect BeatWheel hack makes you do the windmill originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatwheelBoston Music Hack DayBostonMusicHackDayhackinstrumentkinectkinect beatwheelkinect hackKinectBeatwheelKinectHackmusicsample loopsSampleLoopsXbox 360xbox kinectXbox360XboxKinectThu, 10 Nov 2011 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Gibson's Firebird X robot guitar finally ready to ship after a very, very long delay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/gibsons-firebird-x-robot-guitar-finally-ready-to-ship-after-a-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/gibsons-firebird-x-robot-guitar-finally-ready-to-ship-after-a-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/gibsons-firebird-x-robot-guitar-finally-ready-to-ship-after-a-v/#comments Gibson Firebird X Like the Droid Bionic of the guitar world, the Firebird X was announced almost a year ago, packed with piles of impressive technology, and delayed so many times that practically everyone forgot it existed. Well, on September 30th the Firebird X will finally start filtering into retail channels for the rather excessive price of $5,570, in your choice of either Redolution of Bluevolution finishes. On board are a boatload of effects as well as an automated tuner, which we've come to expect from the so-called "robot guitar" series. The Pure-Analog sound processing engine is also open to developers, allowing owners to add on new effects and sounds down the road. But, enough with our ramblings. You know the drill, gallery below and PR after the break.

Gallery: Gibson Firebird X

Continue reading Gibson's Firebird X robot guitar finally ready to ship after a very, very long delay

Gibson's Firebird X robot guitar finally ready to ship after a very, very long delay originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availabledelayfirebirdfirebird xFirebirdXgibsongibson firebirdgibson firebird XGibsonFirebirdGibsonFirebirdXguitarguitarsinstrumentmusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentspure-analogrobot guitarRobotGuitarshippingWed, 28 Sep 2011 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Magnetic Cello almost makes it cool to play the cello (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/magnetic-cello-almost-makes-it-cool-to-play-the-cello-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/magnetic-cello-almost-makes-it-cool-to-play-the-cello-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/magnetic-cello-almost-makes-it-cool-to-play-the-cello-video/#comments
Say hello to the Magnetic Cello, the perfect companion to your magnetic drum kit. Crafted by college student David Levi (AKA "Magnetovore"), the instrument vaguely represents a traditional cello in structure, but the similarities pretty much end right there. To play it, for example, musicians use not a horsehair bow, but a magnetic rod that produces a voltage within an attached coil (the "bridge," in this case). Its "strings," meanwhile, consist of resistive ribbons connected to a voltage-controlled oscillator, allowing users to manipulate volume with the magnet-bow. The result sounds surprisingly cello-like, though Levi says he's still tinkering with its tone and playability. Waltz past the break to see the beast in action for yourself, or find more details in Levi's provisional patent application at the link below.

Continue reading Magnetic Cello almost makes it cool to play the cello (video)

Magnetic Cello almost makes it cool to play the cello (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowcellodavid leviDavidLeviinstrumentmagnetmagneticmagnetic cellomagnetic instrumentmagnetic rodMagneticCelloMagneticInstrumentMagneticRodmusicorchestraresistive ribbonresistive ribbon sensorResistiveRibbonResistiveRibbonSensorsoundvcovideovoltagevoltage controlled oscillatorVoltageControlledOscillatorSat, 24 Sep 2011 04:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/griffins-stompbox-available-to-order-virtual-guitar-shredding/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/griffins-stompbox-available-to-order-virtual-guitar-shredding/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/griffins-stompbox-available-to-order-virtual-guitar-shredding/#comments Remember that Griffin-made StompBox we showed you back in January? Well, it's finally hit the market, so you can free up those virtuoso hands and get to pedal-pounding wicked sound effects. The four button foot controller works with Frontier Design's iShred LIVE app for iOS, connecting your instrument via an included GuitarConnect cable to a 1/4-inch jack. The device is "designed to work with... a guitar, bass guitar, electric violin and keyboard," so your virtual jam band session is all but guaranteed. This musical f/x dongle is available to order now for $99.99 online, or you can just head to one of Apple's boutiques to snag it. Sadly, the effects switcher doesn't come bundled with a copycat of Slash's hat, but that shouldn't stop your credit card from indulging in this latest bout of Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

Continue reading Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go

Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplifierappavelectric guitarelectric guitarsElectricGuitarElectricGuitarsGriffin StompBoxGriffinStompboxGuitarguitar effectsGuitarEffectsguitarsinstrumentinstrumentsIOSiPad appIpadAppiphone appIphoneAppiShrediShred AppiShred LiveIshredAppIshredLivemusicmusic appmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsMusicApppedal boardPedalBoardrockrock and rollRockAndRollStompBoxTue, 26 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Laser Pitch Detection system turns your axe into a luminous, latency-free MIDI machine (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/laser-pitch-detection-system-turns-your-axe-into-a-luminous-lat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/laser-pitch-detection-system-turns-your-axe-into-a-luminous-lat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/laser-pitch-detection-system-turns-your-axe-into-a-luminous-lat/#comments Laser Pitch Detection System Here's a fact you should remember about lasers: they make everything better. Even musical instruments. Anyone who has ever tried to use their trusty six-string as a MIDI controller knows the pain of the latency introduced by trying to convert string vibrations into digital signals. M3i's Laser Pitch Detection (LPD) system skirts this issue by running a laser beam under each string. Instead of detecting vibrations the optical pickup measures the distance between the diode and the depressed string, then converts that into a pitch. That not only means there's no delay, but also that no need to actually tune your instrument -- it combines all the laziness of Antares' ATG-6 with the class of Beamz. If you're curious, there's a demo video after the break.

Continue reading Laser Pitch Detection system turns your axe into a luminous, latency-free MIDI machine (video)

Laser Pitch Detection system turns your axe into a luminous, latency-free MIDI machine (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitarguitarsinstrumentinstrumentslaser pitch detectionLaserPitchDetectionlpdm3iM3i TechnologiesM3iTechnologiesmusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsvideoThu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot band covers Marilyn Manson, renders sullen teenagers obsolete (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/robot-band-covers-marilyn-manson-renders-sullen-teenagers-obsol/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/robot-band-covers-marilyn-manson-renders-sullen-teenagers-obsol/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/robot-band-covers-marilyn-manson-renders-sullen-teenagers-obsol/#comments
Sure, we've seen robot bands before. But even when insecure and egotistical, they never quite capture the youthful disaffection we want from our mechanical pop stars. Until now. End of Life is a robot band consisting of a cello, and electric guitar, drums, and, for some reason, a flat-bed scanner -- maybe he's the cute one? The group recently covered Marilyn Manson's three-string anthem "The Beautiful People," and it sounds almost exactly like you'd expect: we'll call it "raw, visceral, and uncensored." We can't wait to see them sneer at Rock Band-playing robots too lazy to learn a real instrument. Catch them in the video after the break, and you can tell all your less-cool friends you knew them back before they sold out.

Continue reading Robot band covers Marilyn Manson, renders sullen teenagers obsolete (video)

Robot band covers Marilyn Manson, renders sullen teenagers obsolete (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artautonomousbandeolhackinstrumentmechanical bandMechanicalBandmusicmusic makingmusic videoMusicMakingMusicVideomyspacerobotrobot bandRobotBandroboticsRobotsvideoMon, 18 Jul 2011 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Caption Contest: A heaping helping of wearable music]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/caption-contest-a-heaping-helping-of-wearable-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/caption-contest-a-heaping-helping-of-wearable-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/caption-contest-a-heaping-helping-of-wearable-music/#comments
Is this the new musical Power Glove? Imogen Heap thinks so. The Grammy winner rocked the stylish hand warmers at a TEDGlobal 2011 event in Edinburgh, Scotland, creating gesture-based music during a four-minute demonstration, with the gloves wirelessly connected to a nearby laptop. Could this be the death of the theremin as we know it, or just another good excuse to do a caption contest?

Brian: "Imogen there's no heaven."
Terrence: "Ms. Heap hard at work on a sequel to the NES "classic" Bad Street Brawler, tentatively titled Street Corner Complainer."
Darren: "Seriously? Wires?"
Brad: "Now if only I could find some oven mitts that would magically bake cookies for me, I'd be set!"
Jon: "Force enhancing gloves allow Imogen to one up Luke, raise X-Wing."
Tim: "Do I look intense enough now? Too pensive? What if I tilt my head up a bit further?"
Amar: "And then they handed me the Grammy and I grabbed it like this and then -- oh, have I already told you this story?"
Dante: "What do you mean they aren't cashmere?!?!"
Joseph: "So I was holding Bjork's leg up like this, but she still couldn't get over Madonna's gate."
Sean: "To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub..."
Christopher: "Please sir, I beg you -- don't take my Flowbee away."
Richard Lai: "Ceiling cat, come to momma."

[Image credit: University of the West of England]

Caption Contest: A heaping helping of wearable music originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caption contestCaptionContestedinburghgloveglovesimogen heapImogenHeapinstrumentmusicmusical instrumentMusicalInstrumentscotlandtedThu, 14 Jul 2011 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Antares ATG-6 brings auto-tune to the guitar, can't retroactively save Lil' Wayne's SNL solo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/30/antares-atg-6-brings-auto-tune-to-the-guitar-cant-retroactivel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/30/antares-atg-6-brings-auto-tune-to-the-guitar-cant-retroactivel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/30/antares-atg-6-brings-auto-tune-to-the-guitar-cant-retroactivel/#commentsAntares ain't the first company to provide individual control to each string on a guitar (hello, Roland!), but the outfit's new ATG-6 technology takes things one step closer to being acceptable by the mainstream. Rather than forcing users to process separate string signals via an external device, this here rendition aims to tuck everything within the body. In the demo just past the break, a Seymour Duncan HEX pickup is used, and while it's connected via a MIDI cable, it's most certainly not a MIDI guitar -- that's strictly used for control. It's also worth pointing out a key quote from Antares product manager Max Mobley -- he's using a $99 guitar "with about $40,000 worth of technology inside of it," giving us the impression that this is nowhere near mass commercialization.

Rather than using auto-tune to utterly destroy the genuineness of music (and produce one of the most hilarious Bud Light commercials to date), these axes are hoping to provide legitimate guitarists with added functionality; things like flawless intonation and bolstered tonal flexibility. The system is reportedly capable of constantly monitoring the pitch of each individual string to ensure that every riff and lick is in tune, but it's smart enough to back off when you want to manually manipulate things. We're told to hang tight for more details, but for now, we'd invite you to have a glance at the company's current progress (and a brutal flashback from 2008) below.

Continue reading Antares ATG-6 brings auto-tune to the guitar, can't retroactively save Lil' Wayne's SNL solo

Antares ATG-6 brings auto-tune to the guitar, can't retroactively save Lil' Wayne's SNL solo originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 May 2011 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atg-6auto tuneauto-tuneAutoTunegibsonguitarHEXinstrumentintonationmusicpickupvideoMon, 30 May 2011 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Airpiano on sale now, conduct a symphony of soft synths with the wave of a hand (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/airpiano-on-sale-now-conduct-a-symphony-of-soft-synths-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/airpiano-on-sale-now-conduct-a-symphony-of-soft-synths-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/airpiano-on-sale-now-conduct-a-symphony-of-soft-synths-with-the/#commentsAirpiano When last we saw the Airpiano way back in 2008 (ah, the halcyon days when people still cared about Spore) it was just a proof of concept, hacked together by interface design student Omer Yosha. Now you can finally order your own online for €1,099 (about $1,607) if you're in Europe, or €1,149 (about $1,680) if you dwell anywhere else on this little, blue marble we call Earth. The theremin-like Airpiano doesn't actually produce any sounds itself, instead it uses proximity sensors to feed MIDI and OSC (open sound control) signals to a computer over USB, allowing musicians and non-musicians alike to command soft synths with only the majestic wave of a hand. It may land you some confused stares from people who still play instruments with strings and keys (you know, Luddites), but it's certainly more dignified than planting yourself in front of a Beamz laser harp. A trio of videos awaits after the break.

Continue reading Airpiano on sale now, conduct a symphony of soft synths with the wave of a hand (video)

Airpiano on sale now, conduct a symphony of soft synths with the wave of a hand (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airpianoinstrumentmidimidi controllerMidiControllermusical instrumentsmusical intrumentMusicalInstrumentsMusicalIntrumentOmer YoshaOmerYoshaopen sound controlOpenSoundControloscsynthSynthesizerthereminvideoTue, 26 Apr 2011 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Otomata sequencer creates generative music for the melodically challenged (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/otomata-sequencer-creates-generative-music-for-the-melodically-chal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/otomata-sequencer-creates-generative-music-for-the-melodically-chal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/otomata-sequencer-creates-generative-music-for-the-melodically-chal/#comments
 It won't bring you the success or adoration that Brian Eno's enjoyed, but the Otomata sequencer could have you making noise like the Roxy Music alum in seconds. Way back in 1996, Eno espoused the idea of generative music, which is a non-repetitive form of music created, in this case, anyway, by a piece of software. Otomata takes that idea and puts it to use in a cellular automaton, consisting of a simple grid of cells in different states. With Otomata, each selected cell has four states: up, down, left, and right. When activated, the cells move in the direction of their given state, and when they encounter an obstacle, like a wall, a pitched sound is created. After each collision, the cells turn around and head in the opposite direction until they hit another obstacle, and the process continues indefinitely. The result is a chaotic but somehow lulling symphony of electronic sounds, a la Mr. Eno, that anyone with a mouse can muster. Head on past the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading Otomata sequencer creates generative music for the melodically challenged (video)

Otomata sequencer creates generative music for the melodically challenged (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain enoBrainEnobriancellular automatacellular automatonCellularAutomataCellularAutomatonearslapenogenerativegenerative musicGenerativeMusicinstrumentmusicmusic sequencermusicalmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsMusicSequencerOtomataOtomata sequencerOtomataSequencersequencersoundvideoTue, 19 Apr 2011 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Korg Wavedrum Mini makes music from your nervous tics (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/korg-wavedrum-mini-makes-music-from-your-nervous-tics-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/korg-wavedrum-mini-makes-music-from-your-nervous-tics-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/korg-wavedrum-mini-makes-music-from-your-nervous-tics-video/#commentsKorg Wavedrum Mini Can't stop banging out Rebecca Black's oh-so-infectious jams on your knickerbockers? Korg's Wavedrum Mini won't make Friday any less awful, but it could make your inexcusable actions a wee bit less annoying. The Q3-bound Mini crams the company's digital drum pad tech into a portable package with a built in speaker, and its myriad buttons let you choose from 100 different sounds including strings, synth tones, and a gaggle of percussion instruments. You'll also get 100 preset rhythms for those who prefer their instruments play themselves, but surely that's not you... right? Heck, there's even a loop function so you can build layer upon layer (upon layer!) of cacophonous noise. The best part, however, is the included sensor, which can be clipped to almost anything, turning your ceaseless toe tapping into bass hits. If you can't wait to see it in action, take a gander at the exceedingly long demo video after the break.

Continue reading Korg Wavedrum Mini makes music from your nervous tics (video)

Korg Wavedrum Mini makes music from your nervous tics (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drum padDrumPaddrumselecrtonic drumElecrtonicDruminstrumentkorgkorg wavedrumkorg wavefrum miniKorgWavedrumKorgWavefrumMinimusicmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentspercussionSynthesizervideowavedrumwavedrum miniWavedrumMiniTue, 12 Apr 2011 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Beep-It optical theremin for the masses makes sci-fi sound anybody's game (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/beep-it-optical-theremin-for-the-masses-makes-sci-fi-sound-anybo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/beep-it-optical-theremin-for-the-masses-makes-sci-fi-sound-anybo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/beep-it-optical-theremin-for-the-masses-makes-sci-fi-sound-anybo/#comments We've seen theremin mod after theremin mod, but those seeking that distinct sci-fi sound without the physical labor or hefty price tag haven't had much of an outlet until now. Meet Beep-It, a $35 analog optical theremin that sports a simple on / off switch, volume control, one quarter-inch jack, and light sensitive resistor to make you the master of that otherworldly sound. According to its creator, Michael Una, the little sonic music maker started off as yet another mod -- a "single-oscillator square wave theremin" in a petri dish -- back in 2008, and underwent a number of incarnations before getting the wood grain treatment you see here. Beep-It is now available at select retailers or direct from the company's website -- then again, we suppose you could hire Bobby McFerrin to do the same thing. Trippy demo after the jump.

Continue reading Beep-It optical theremin for the masses makes sci-fi sound anybody's game (video)

Beep-It optical theremin for the masses makes sci-fi sound anybody's game (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog optical thereminAnalogOpticalThereminaudioaudiophilebeep itbeep-itBeepItdigitaldigitial musicDigitialMusicinstrumentmichael unaMichaelUnamodmodsmusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsoptical thereminOpticalThereminsoundthereminvideoTue, 22 Feb 2011 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[New York subway schedule turned into a beautiful, musical visualization (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/new-york-subway-train-schedule-turned-into-a-beautiful-musical/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/new-york-subway-train-schedule-turned-into-a-beautiful-musical/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/new-york-subway-train-schedule-turned-into-a-beautiful-musical/#comments
HTML5, JavaScript and a tiny pinch of Flash. Those are your ingredients for building one of the neatest, simplest websites we've come across in a long time. Conductor, as its maker Alexander Chen dubs it, is a visualization built on New York's publicly available subway schedule API. It shows the progress of the Big Apple's underground carriers throughout the day and garnishes the experience with a delightful musical trick every time two lines cross. You can see it on video after the break or just hit the source link and experience it for yourself.

Continue reading New York subway schedule turned into a beautiful, musical visualization (video)

New York subway schedule turned into a beautiful, musical visualization (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexander chenAlexanderChenaudioconductorhtmlhtml5instrumentinternetjavascriptmapmappingmtamusicnew yorkNewYorknycschedulesoundstringstringssubwaytraintrainsundergroundvideovisualizationvisualizedwebwebsiteMon, 31 Jan 2011 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Griffin StompBox pedal board brings authenticity to iPad rocking]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/griffin-stompbox-pedal-board-brings-authenticity-to-ipad-rocking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/griffin-stompbox-pedal-board-brings-authenticity-to-ipad-rocking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/griffin-stompbox-pedal-board-brings-authenticity-to-ipad-rocking/#comments Users of the iShred Live iOS app (no relation to this thing) now have a pedal board to do the job of, well, a pedal board. Up until recently, the app allowed players to connect their electric guitars to an iPhone or iPad, and use said device as an amplifier, with a near endless array of pedal effects at their fingertips. Looking for a way to make the experience more authentic, Griffin teamed with the folks at Frontier Design Group to create the StompBox, which, according to Griffin's website, "effectively recreates the experience of an actual pedal board." It features four separate foot switches, which can be assigned particular effects by the user, and connects to the iPad or iPhone with a 1-meter-long dock connector cable -- guitar connection cables are sold separately. Now the future Peter Framptons of the world can scale back on setup time and concentrate on making their guitars talk.

Griffin StompBox pedal board brings authenticity to iPad rocking originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplifierappavelectric guitarelectric guitarsElectricGuitarElectricGuitarsGriffin StompBoxGriffinStompboxGuitarguitar effectsGuitarEffectsguitarsinstrumentinstrumentsIOSiPad appIpadAppiphone appIphoneAppiShrediShred AppiShred LiveIshredAppIshredLivemusicmusic appmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsMusicApppedal boardPedalBoardrockrock and rollRockAndRollStompBoxTue, 18 Jan 2011 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Misa Digital Kitara hands-on preview (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/misa-digital-kitara-hands-on-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/misa-digital-kitara-hands-on-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/misa-digital-kitara-hands-on-preview-video/#comments Ambidextrous, capacitive, programmable, open source, five simultaneous touch inputs. The Misa Digital Kitara has quite the laundry list of goodies to boast about, but we couldn't let it slide through CES without getting our fingers on it and exploring for ourselves. The first thing that strikes you about this guitar-shaped synthesizer is its weight distribution -- it's no heavier than a good electric guitar, but a lot more of that weight is contained within its neck -- and the second will inevitably be its lightning-quick response to touch. Misa tells us latency is less than 5 milliseconds and it felt like it.

There are two main modes of operation: a string mode, as seen above, and a ball mode allowing for even more adjustability. Both modes can then be further tweaked by choosing between the red and blue setting, with the former allowing for the performance of hammer-ons. Sliding your finger around the 8-inch touchscreen can do all sorts of wonderful things as well, such as altering pitch, tempo and volume, while those fearful of having no tactile feedback in string mode can apply a clear sheet over the screen that has tiny little ridges where the strings would usually reside. We say "usually," because you'll be able to configure the distance between the imaginary strings for yourself. The Kitara runs an open source Linux OS, which will be updatable via USB and is already compatible with Mac, PC and, naturally, Linux machines. It also has more than a hundred sound presets and we've been promised the option to customize them and create new ones by playing around with the algorithms in the future.

The black Kitara is made out of good old plastic (but it's made very well) and costs $849 whereas the silver one you see in the gallery below is constructed out of a single block of aluminum and will set buyers back $2,899. Pre-orders are going on now through Misa Digital's online store and shipping is set to start on April 3. Video follows below.

Gallery: Misa Digital Kitara hands-on

Continue reading Misa Digital Kitara hands-on preview (video)

Misa Digital Kitara hands-on preview (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambidextrousaudiocapacitivecesces 2011ces2011digital guitarDigitalGuitarelectronic guitarElectronicGuitarguitarhands-onimpressionsinstrumentkitaralinuxmisamisa digitalmisa digital kitaraMisaDigitalMisaDigitalKitaramusicmusicalopen sourceOpenSourcepreviewprogrammablesoundsynthesizervideoSat, 08 Jan 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Beamz laser instrument gets upgraded to please hardcore laser rockers and gamers alike]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/beamz-laser-instrument-gets-upgraded-to-please-hardcore-laser-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/beamz-laser-instrument-gets-upgraded-to-please-hardcore-laser-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/beamz-laser-instrument-gets-upgraded-to-please-hardcore-laser-ro/#comments
The demonstration of four-player Rock Band Mobile at Samsung's CES 2011 press conference was pretty slick, but to the folks at Beamz, that kind of music gaming is still so amateur compared to its laser switch-activated jam sessions. That's because they've redesigned their original product to be more living room-friendly thanks to a black paint job and a slimmer profile. They've also tried to appeal more to the gaming set by expanding the Beamz song library beyond the original 80 developed by independent artists to include "top hit jams" - aka cover versions of top 40 tracks -- and 35 licensed "video songs" from Disney and EMI. So if you'd like to laser thump the bass to Blondie's Heart of Glass music video, you can. Additionally, the Beamz software has been upgraded to support up to three laser instruments on the same track and recording for a real band experience -- though it still only runs on PCs. For $200, we don't expect these to fly off shelves, but for those who've mastered the whammy bar, it's at least another way to get your faux music-making fix.

Gallery: Beamz music player

Beamz laser instrument gets upgraded to please hardcore laser rockers and gamers alike originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioBeamzBeamz Interactive Music SystemBeamz Music SystemBeamzInteractiveMusicSystemBeamzMusicSystemcesces 2011ces2011DisneyEMIhands-oninstrumentlaserlaser music systemLaserMusicSystemlasersmusicmusic gamemusic gamesmusic gamingmusicalmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsMusicGameMusicGamesMusicGamingsoundThu, 06 Jan 2011 23:24:00 EST<![CDATA[3D printed concert flute rapidly prototypes sound (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/3d-printed-concert-flute-rapidly-prototypes-sound-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/3d-printed-concert-flute-rapidly-prototypes-sound-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/3d-printed-concert-flute-rapidly-prototypes-sound-video/#comments The world's first store for 3D printed goods just opened in Brussels, and while we imagine they've already got a fair selection of prototyped merchandise to choose, might we suggest they invest in a few production runs of this fabulous new flute? Amit Zoran of the MIT Media Lab -- yes, the same soul who helped dream up a 3D food printer early this year -- has now printed a fully-functional concert flute with a minimum of human intervention. Directing an Objet Connex500 3D printer (which can handle multiple materials at the same time) to spit out his CAD design, dollop by tiny dollop, in a single 15-hour run, he merely had to wash off support material, add springs, and assemble four printed pieces to finish the instrument up. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, of course, so how does it sound? Find out for yourself in the video below.

Continue reading 3D printed concert flute rapidly prototypes sound (video)

3D printed concert flute rapidly prototypes sound (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d printer3D printing3dPrinter3dPrintingamit zoranAmitZoranConnex500fluteinstrumentinstrumentsMITmit media labMitMediaLabmusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsObjetObjet Connex500ObjetConnex500printingRapid PrototypingRapidPrototypingvideoWed, 29 Dec 2010 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack preview]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/25/sanyo-eneloop-pedal-juice-battery-pack-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/25/sanyo-eneloop-pedal-juice-battery-pack-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/25/sanyo-eneloop-pedal-juice-battery-pack-preview/#comments It's Christmas Day, which probably means that at least one toy that you received (or gave) won't be fully functional until Monday. Why? Batteries. It's an age-old problem, that "batteries not included" thing, and it's one of the reasons we've fell so in love with Sanyo's Eneloop line. Without question, the Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries are amongst the best and most reliable that money can buy, so whenever another Eneloop product pops out, it obviously catches our eye. Sanyo's branching out pretty severely with its latest device, and being that at least 3.5 members of the Engadget staff have strummed a six-string once or twice, we had to take a closer look at the Pedal Juice when given the chance. For those that missed last month's introduction, this pedal-sized block of energy is designed to provide 9V power to six or seven effects pedals, miniature amplifiers or electric drum pads (amongst other musical doodads). So, does this thing live up to the Eneloop reputation? Find out after the break.

Gallery: Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack preview

Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack preview originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 22:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryaudiobatterybattery packBatteryPackeneloopguitarguitar pedalGuitarPedalimpressionsinstrumentmusicpedalpedal juicePedalJuiceperipheralpreviewrechargeablerechargeable batteryRechargeableBatterysanyoSat, 25 Dec 2010 22:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Misa Digital's stringless Kitara goes up for pre-order: $849 for a truly unique musical instrument]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/misa-digitals-stringless-kitara-goes-up-for-pre-order-849-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/misa-digitals-stringless-kitara-goes-up-for-pre-order-849-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/misa-digitals-stringless-kitara-goes-up-for-pre-order-849-for/#comments Remember the Misa Digital Guitar? Well, it's called the Kitara now, it's taken on a fresh lick of paint, and it's ready to be pre-ordered now for an April delivery. The Kitara discards old fashioned strings and has you strumming along on a multitouch display instead, populating the fretboard with a litany of buttons that modify the aural output from your digital input. It has an onboard synthesizer, but the real magic will happen once you plug it into your own audio equipment and start experimenting. Basically, it's like the Kinect of electronic music -- just needs a few inventive souls to harness its potential properly. They'll need fat wallets too, mind you, as turning this invention into a viable product has meant a lofty $849 starting price in the US. See a video demo and the full Kitara press release after the break.

Gallery: Misa Digital Kitara press images

Continue reading Misa Digital's stringless Kitara goes up for pre-order: $849 for a truly unique musical instrument

Misa Digital's stringless Kitara goes up for pre-order: $849 for a truly unique musical instrument originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioaustraliadigitaldigital guitarDigitalGuitarguitarinstrumentkitaramichael zarimisMichaelZarimismisa digitalmisa digital guitarmisa digital kitaraMisaDigitalMisaDigitalGuitarMisaDigitalKitaramultitouchmusicquirkysoundsynthesizertouchscreenuniquevideoWed, 15 Dec 2010 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz ships Rock Band 3 MIDI Pro adapter, gives your keyboard and drum set new life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/mad-catz-ships-rock-band-3-midi-pro-adapter-gives-your-keyboard/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/mad-catz-ships-rock-band-3-midi-pro-adapter-gives-your-keyboard/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/mad-catz-ships-rock-band-3-midi-pro-adapter-gives-your-keyboard/#commentsTalk about just in time. With merely weeks to go before Mr. Claus makes his wintry journey 'round the globe, Mad Catz has decided to finally ship a peripheral that was introduced way back in June. Without a doubt, the MIDI Pro adapter is one of the more intriguing music game accessories to hit the open market, enabling Rock Band 3 owners to use most MIDI keyboards and drum sets with the title. The box is shipping as we speak for Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Wii, and the Xbox 360 variant should be headed to Best Buy in the coming hours. If you'll recall, this guy's also designed to work with the forthcoming Rock Band 3 Squier guitar / controller, and it even features a velocity sensitive adjustment for MIDI drums designed to reduce cross-talk during play. At $39.99, it's a no-brainer for those who already own a MIDI instrument or two, but we just might be more excited about the hacking possibilities than anything else. DIYers, get at it!

Gallery: Mad Catz Rock Band 3 MIDI Pro adapter

Continue reading Mad Catz ships Rock Band 3 MIDI Pro adapter, gives your keyboard and drum set new life

Mad Catz ships Rock Band 3 MIDI Pro adapter, gives your keyboard and drum set new life originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryadaptercontrollerdrumsgamingguitarinstrumentkeyboardmad catzMadCatzmicrosoftmidimidi promidi pro adapterMidiProMidiProAdaptermusicmusic gameMusicGamenintendoperipheralplaystation 3Playstation3PS3rock bandrock band 3RockBandRockBand3sonywiixboxxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect theremin is just too late for the 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/kinect-theremin-is-just-too-late-for-the-day-the-earth-stood-st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/kinect-theremin-is-just-too-late-for-the-day-the-earth-stood-st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/kinect-theremin-is-just-too-late-for-the-day-the-earth-stood-st/#commentsKinect theremin is here, too late for the awful 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video) The sound of the original theremin frightened audiences of spooky and science fictiony movies in the '50s and '60s, and while this digital replication is perhaps a little less chilling it's also a lot less physical. It's the so-called Therenect from Martin Kaltenbrunner, created using the Open Frameworks and OpenKinect libraries. To play just hold your hands up, allow the software to detect them, and then let the digital falsetto flow, as Martin kindly demonstrates for you below.

Continue reading Kinect theremin is just too late for the 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video)

Kinect theremin is just too late for the 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d camera3dCameradigital instrumentDigitalInstrumenthackinstrumentkinectmartin kaltenbrunnerMartinKaltenbrunnermicrosoftopen frameworksOpenFrameworksopenkinectthereminvideoxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:07:00 EST<![CDATA[O-Bow repurposes a mouse sensor for artificial bow tracking]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/o-bow-repurposes-a-mouse-sensor-for-artificial-bow-tracking/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/o-bow-repurposes-a-mouse-sensor-for-artificial-bow-tracking/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/o-bow-repurposes-a-mouse-sensor-for-artificial-bow-tracking/#comments Here at the Engadget HQ we're very serious about articulating the noise and action of a bow when it comes to our synthesized string instruments, and the O-Bow looks like it could be the low cost solution we were dreaming of. (No, Smule Magic Fiddle doesn't count, it's a devil "instrument" and it lies). Hacker / musician Dylan Menzies has devised a method using the optical sensor from a mouse for tracking anything with a grained surface, like a wooden stick, and using it to make a single sample synthesizer "sing" like a real bowed instrument. Unfortunately, that single sample sounds pretty terrible right now, but Dylan is working on a more sophisticated method of modeling the instrument. Until then, we'll just have to resort to giving Smule dirty looks and messing around with our Korg joystick. There's a video after the break, but don't say we didn't warn you about that sample.

Continue reading O-Bow repurposes a mouse sensor for artificial bow tracking

O-Bow repurposes a mouse sensor for artificial bow tracking originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowDylan MenziesDylanMenzieshackinstrumentmouse sensorMouseSensormusico-bowoptical mouseoptical mouse sensorOpticalMouseOpticalMouseSensorsynthsynthesizervideoMon, 22 Nov 2010 22:51:00 EST<![CDATA[SuONOIO synth takes soundgeeks from zero to tweaking in fewer than 60 cycles (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/suonoio-synth-takes-soundgeeks-from-zero-to-tweaking-in-fewer-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/suonoio-synth-takes-soundgeeks-from-zero-to-tweaking-in-fewer-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/suonoio-synth-takes-soundgeeks-from-zero-to-tweaking-in-fewer-th/#comments We'll admit that sometimes it doesn't take much to get our engines running here at Engadget HQ. If you can throw a couple of knobs, exposed circuitry, a 9v battery, and a sense of adventure into a semi-coherent package, we'll be pleased as punch. The SuONIO synthesizer, therefore, makes us very happy indeed.

SuONOIO is the band of former Nine Inch Nails keyboardist Alessandro Cortini, and SuONOIO is a pint-sized slab of silicon that comes bundled with a digital copy of the band's latest album. Delivered bubble-wrapped in a hand-stamped cardboard box -- if you've ever had the pleasure of unboxing an Arduino kit, you'll know the feeling -- it's pre-loaded with two banks of samples that were used to create the album.

Although it's a sample-based instrument, it's the user's job to create new noise using an array of jumper-activated effects and mixing techniques. It's not quite as expansive as an MPC, but as any good experimentalist knows, there's a lot to be gleaned from limitations and new interface paradigms.

Read on for our impressions of the noisebox and a tour of its inner workings!

Gallery: SuONOIO

Continue reading SuONOIO synth takes soundgeeks from zero to tweaking in fewer than 60 cycles (video)

SuONOIO synth takes soundgeeks from zero to tweaking in fewer than 60 cycles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alessandro cortiniAlessandroCortinicircuitcircuitrycontrollerdiyhackhands-oninstrumentkeyboardknobsmusicnine inch nailsNineInchNailssamplessynthsynthesizervideoMon, 22 Nov 2010 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Lock protects your guitar from theft, runs at least one roadie out of a job]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/rock-lock-protects-your-guitar-from-theft-runs-at-least-one-roa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/rock-lock-protects-your-guitar-from-theft-runs-at-least-one-roa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/rock-lock-protects-your-guitar-from-theft-runs-at-least-one-roa/#comments Let's set the scene: you let that last Bm chord ring out, the crowd roars in the background, the fog fades and the lights go down. A drip of sweat falls from your brow and lands softly on the pick guard of your shiny new Fender. A smile graces your face, you slowly remove your weapon of choice from around your body and slam it down whimsically on your guitar stand. Exit stage right. Meanwhile, you're munching on a week-old Honey Bun and some prankster from that mosh pit on the left is making off with your six string. Tragedy.

In order to keep this awful, awful scenario from happening to you, The Rock Lock Company was born. Chris Goulet turned a bright idea into a product you can buy, with this here buckle simply snapping around your guitar neck, looping around something immobile and locking into place. Of course, you'll need a tech to remove it prior to rolling out for your first song, but it's probably worth the $49.99 asking price for all those other moments. Hit the source link to get your pre-order in, but only if you enjoy free shipping as a bonus.

Gallery: Rock Lock guitar security tool

Rock Lock protects your guitar from theft, runs at least one roadie out of a job originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris GouletChrisGouletguitarinstrumentlockmusicrock lockRockLocksecurityTue, 26 Oct 2010 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Power Gig's full-size, handmade guitar / controller now on sale for $250]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/23/power-gigs-full-size-handmade-guitar-controller-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/23/power-gigs-full-size-handmade-guitar-controller-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/23/power-gigs-full-size-handmade-guitar-controller-now-on-sale/#comments Ah, ha! There it is! Way back in March, we had a sit-down with folks from Seven45 Studios about their plans for Power Gig: Rise of the SixString (for PS3 and Xbox 360), focusing mainly on how they intended to rival the Rock Band and Guitar Hero franchises from a peripheral standpoint. The six string guitar accessory that ships with the game bundle today is already leaps and bounds better than what RB3 is packin' (pending Stratocaster launch plans), but an instrument we were keenly interested in at GDC was also one we couldn't photograph at the time. The company made clear that it was looking at releasing a real-deal, bona fide guitar in the future -- a full-size First Act axe that could be used with the game or with a legitimate amplifier. Now, that limited edition piece is on sale for both of the aforesaid consoles, boasting a single cutaway basswood body, humbucking pickup, and a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. Each one is available for $249.99, but there's no telling how many will be produced. We'd also prefer to see these in larger music shops in order to give consumers an idea of the fit, finish, feel and sound, but those into taking chances can get one headed their way as we speak.

Gallery: Power Gig's full-size, handmade guitar from First Act

Continue reading Power Gig's full-size, handmade guitar / controller now on sale for $250

Power Gig's full-size, handmade guitar / controller now on sale for $250 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryavailablecontrolcontrollerfirst actFirstActgamingGDCGDC 2010Gdc2010guitarinstrumentmicrosoftmusicnow availableNowAvailableon saleOnSaleperipheralplaystation 3Playstation3Power GigPowerGigseven45sonyxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Moog Filtatron app makes your iOS band seem almost plausible]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/moog-filtatron-app-makes-your-ios-band-seem-almost-plausible/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/moog-filtatron-app-makes-your-ios-band-seem-almost-plausible/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/moog-filtatron-app-makes-your-ios-band-seem-almost-plausible/#comments
Lot of people these days use their iOS devices to add a little spice to their music-making, just as almost every company out there seems to be modeling their various synths and effects for handset use. Will the Moog Filtatron -- with its Ladder filter, various effects and ability to tweak both samples and real-time audio -- go the distance when compared to its hardware brethren? We don't really know, but we can tell you that this does look like it'd be a lot of fun on a long car ride. And the demo video is certainly awesome. Available now for $5. Video after the break.

Continue reading Moog Filtatron app makes your iOS band seem almost plausible

Moog Filtatron app makes your iOS band seem almost plausible originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefiltatronfilterinstrumentiosipadiphonemoogmoog filtatronMoogFiltatronmusic makingMusicMakingsynthSynthesizervideoTue, 19 Oct 2010 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New York band plays a subway gig using nothing but iPhones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/16/new-york-band-plays-a-subway-gig-using-nothing-but-iphones/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/16/new-york-band-plays-a-subway-gig-using-nothing-but-iphones/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/16/new-york-band-plays-a-subway-gig-using-nothing-but-iphones/#comments Last week, a band you've probably never heard of sang a likely unfamiliar tune, as part of an impromptu concert on a New York City subway train. Nothing all that unusual there, except for the instruments Atomic Tom used -- on that day, each and every member of the band jammed on a iPhone. Whether it's a legitimate indie creation or clever viral marketing, the result is the same: an amazing video awaiting you right after the break.

Continue reading New York band plays a subway gig using nothing but iPhones

New York band plays a subway gig using nothing but iPhones originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleatomic tomAtomicTomaudiobandinstrumentiPhoneiPhone bandIphoneBandmusicmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentsvideoSat, 16 Oct 2010 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Tascam's TC-1S guitar tuner is solar powered, super tiny]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/tascams-tc-1s-guitar-tuner-is-solar-powered-super-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/tascams-tc-1s-guitar-tuner-is-solar-powered-super-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/tascams-tc-1s-guitar-tuner-is-solar-powered-super-tiny/#comments We hate to point out the obvious, but it's about time you threw procrastination in the nearest dumpster and started thinking about your holiday shopping duties. For the budding guitarist in everyone's life (admit it, there's always one), Tascam has a cutesy new guitar tuner that's both a) affordable and b) Stocking Stuffer-approved at just 3.77- x 0.71- x 1.57-inches. The TC-1S claims to be the world's first solar-powered tuner, complete with a rugged silicon wrap, a USB port for cloudy days and shadowy clubs, a sweet carrying clip, integrated microphone and a quarter-inch input for guitar and bass tuning. It can even be calibrated to an external source, and it'll be available in a half-dozen hues (black, pink, orange, green, blue, white) later this month.

Continue reading Tascam's TC-1S guitar tuner is solar powered, super tiny

Tascam's TC-1S guitar tuner is solar powered, super tiny originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioeco-friendlygreenguitarguitar tunerGuitarTunerinstrumentmusicsolarsolar powersolar poweredsolar-poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredTascamtc-1stunedWed, 06 Oct 2010 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[World's smallest violin uses MEMS, plays only for you (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/worlds-smallest-violin-uses-mems-plays-only-for-you-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/worlds-smallest-violin-uses-mems-plays-only-for-you-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/worlds-smallest-violin-uses-mems-plays-only-for-you-video/#comments You might not have heard of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), but there are likely a bunch in your new smartphone -- they make possible the tiny accelerometers and gyroscopes needed to detect motion as your device swings around. However, last week students at the University of Twente demonstrated a brand new micrometer-scale system: a tiny musical instrument that plucks strings (those "folded flexures" above) one-tenth of a human hair wide. Six microscopic resonators fit on a microchip, one resonator per musical tone, and series of the chips can be combined into a MIDI interface to play entire songs. Though the micronium needs to be amplified 10,000 times before they're audible through standard speakers, the instrument's the real deal -- watch it play a wide selection of tunes (including some Mario Bros) in a video after the break. One burning question remains, however: is this nano-violin open source?

Continue reading World's smallest violin uses MEMS, plays only for you (video)

World's smallest violin uses MEMS, plays only for you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>instrumentMEMSmicroelectromechanical systemsMicroelectromechanicalSystemsmicroniummusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentssciencesoundTwenteUniversity of TwenteUniversityOfTwentevideoMon, 04 Oct 2010 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Moog shows off the analog Minimoog Voyager XL, just another thing from the past that isn't dead]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/moog-shows-off-the-analog-minimoog-voyager-xl-just-another-thin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/moog-shows-off-the-analog-minimoog-voyager-xl-just-another-thin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/moog-shows-off-the-analog-minimoog-voyager-xl-just-another-thin/#comments Hey Moog, thanks for continuing to be so awesome, and thanks for busting out the Minimoog Voyager XL, a brand new, analog-loving synthesizer. This beauty boasts a ribbon controller, a 61-note velocity sensitive keyboard, a panel-mounted touch surface controller. In addition to all its analog features, the Minimoog's got MIDI for if you're from the future (or you know, the present). The updated Minimoog -- which is being released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its arrival on earth -- is available now, and if you can cough up the nearly $5,000 it'll cost you, it'll probably be worth it.

Moog shows off the analog Minimoog Voyager XL, just another thing from the past that isn't dead originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analoginstrumentinsturmentskeyboardkeyboardsminimoogmoogmusicmusicalvoyagerWed, 15 Sep 2010 02:29:00 EST<![CDATA[IK Multimedia ships AmpliTube iRig iPhone interface adapter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/ik-multimedia-ships-amplitube-irig-iphone-interface-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/ik-multimedia-ships-amplitube-irig-iphone-interface-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/ik-multimedia-ships-amplitube-irig-iphone-interface-adapter/#comments We know you've been waiting on pins and needles, and at long last, the gap between announcement and "now shipping" has been closed. IK Multimedia has just revealed that its AmpliTube iRig adapter is shipping, enabling iPod touch, iPad and iPhone users to jack their guitar or bass directly into their iDevice and access all sorts of effects. From there, users can pipe the audio to a pair of headphones or a guitar amp, theoretically allowing your handheld to supplant your mess of pedals. We're also told that the iRig can be used with line level signal sources such as synthesizers, keyboards or mixing consoles, so there's that. It's available as we speak for $39.99 (or €29.99 overseas), and users can expect an iPad-specific version of the AmpliTube app to be released in the near future.

Continue reading IK Multimedia ships AmpliTube iRig iPhone interface adapter

IK Multimedia ships AmpliTube iRig iPhone interface adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryadapterAmpliTubeAmpliTube iRigAmplitubeIrigapplebasscontrollereffectsguitarIK MultimediaIkMultimediainstrumentiPadiPhoneiPod TouchiRigmusicnow availablenow shippingNowAvailableNowShippingperipheralshipshippingThu, 08 Jul 2010 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Eigenharp Alpha's biggest fan pens 11,000 word guide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/eigenharp-alphas-biggest-fan-pens-11-000-word-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/eigenharp-alphas-biggest-fan-pens-11-000-word-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/eigenharp-alphas-biggest-fan-pens-11-000-word-guide/#comments Earlier this month, lucky musician Geert unboxed an Eigenharp Alpha for the whole world to see. Now he's jotted down a few thoughts on the 132-key digital instrument... oh hell, let's just call it a primer. Calling out years of musical study as proof he knows what he's talking about, the man delves into enough detail about the mind-blowing multi-instrument machine to teach Eigenharp 101. If you want to know whether dropping £3,995 on the musical creature would be worth your while, you'll find all you need to know at the source link, but be aware the sheer complexity here may serve to daunt some would-be casual learners. If you need to regain your enthusiasm afterwards though, there's no quicker way than watching an Eigenharp jam session -- we recorded one at the company's London HQ, and you'll find it after the break.

Continue reading Eigenharp Alpha's biggest fan pens 11,000 word guide

Eigenharp Alpha's biggest fan pens 11,000 word guide originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaaudioeigenharpEigenharp alphaEigenharpAlphaelectronic musicElectronicMusicinstrumentinstrumentsmusicmusic makingmusicalmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsMusicMakingTue, 22 Jun 2010 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven45 Studios may have a six-string guitar, but your bud'll be playing air drums (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/seven45-studios-may-have-a-six-string-guitar-but-your-budll-be/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/seven45-studios-may-have-a-six-string-guitar-but-your-budll-be/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/10/seven45-studios-may-have-a-six-string-guitar-but-your-budll-be/#comments You think you'll hit these colored pads? Think again, because while Seven45 Studios' Power Gig rhythm game has you shredding on the sweetest axe we've seen, it doesn't actually come with drums -- you'll be waving sticks in the air instead, while four colored sensors pick up your motions. That makes your drum kit nice and portable, sure, but removes all physical feedback -- and given the history of video game peripherals (look up Sega Activator, please) we kind of wonder what the company's designers were thinking. Or we did, at least, until we saw the video after the break. Seems they're just as confused as we are.

Continue reading Seven45 Studios may have a six-string guitar, but your bud'll be playing air drums (video)

Seven45 Studios may have a six-string guitar, but your bud'll be playing air drums (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessories-awardAccessoryAirStrikecontrollergaminginstrumentmusicPeripheralperipheralsPower GigPower Gig: Rise of the SixStringPowerGigPowerGig:RiseOfTheSixstringseven45Seven45 StudiosSeven45StudiosvideoThu, 10 Jun 2010 11:11:00 EST<![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