MIDI Mandala – a wireless Midi controller for iOS
Intelligent Gadgets has released MIDI Mandala– a wireless Midi controller for iPod/Touch, iPhone, and iPad
Previously, Intelligent Gadget’s Mandala Music app first introduced the idea of using a circular arrangement of control pads to generate music. The user selects a musical scale that is mapped to the mandala. The lowest note is in the center, followed in increasing pitch from the top, alternating back and forth, down to the bottom. Compared to a square grouping of control pads, or even a keyboard on smaller devices like an iPhone or iPod, the circular arrangement is much easier to play. In fact by mapping a scale to the control pads there are, in effect, no wrong notes.
Where Mandala Music uses an internal FM synthesizer to generate sound, Midi Mandala lets you play networked Midi synths wirelessly using the same circular control concept.
Run multiple versions at the same on different Midi channels and control different synth sounds simultaneously.
After touch controls let you change the pitch and loudness of a sound, providing subtle nuances of expression. 16 presets allow you to save your own custom settings..
Akai Pro SynthStation49 – Overview and walk through
Here’s the pitch form Akai:
SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad and is the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional’s heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way.
http://www.akaipro.com/synthstation49
Additional information:
Dock, power and position the iPad perfectly using the adjustable-angled cradle, or establish commanding control over your favorite computer software using SynthStation49‘s USB/MIDI port. Professional ¼” outputs and extreme portability ensure you’ll be able to take your sequences straight to the stage at a moments notice.
SynthStation49 is the only full-featured, professional keyboard controller allowing direct MIDI performance recording onto an iPad. Bridging Akai Professional’s popular MPK controllers with the previously released SynthStation25, SynthStation49 provides immense software control with forty-nine, full-size velocity-sensitive keys, nine backlit MPC-style drum pads and full transport buttons. An adjustable-angled dock for iPad allows the user to easily slide their tablet into the SynthStation49’s cradle and position the screen to their preference.
SynthStation49’s keyboard, pitch/modulation wheels and sustain pedal input provide great feel and the essential controls for musicians and producers to compose, record and perform. The nine drum pads of SynthStation49 give users immediate, intuitive beat-creation capabilities over the 50 classic and modern kits available within the SynthStation software. Program, Sequence, Song select and Transport buttons also provide quick navigation to the SynthStation App’s most used components for a seamless, efficient workflow.
SynthStation49 also contains a stereo pair of professional ¼” TRS outputs with volume knob for easy connecting to other pro audio equipment on stage or in the studio. A headphone output also lets users practice and compose in private. The SynthStation49’s USB port can be connected directly to a Mac or PC computer to receive power in addition to transmitting MIDI to and from music software – a great way to turn the SynthStation App or other CoreMIDI compatible App into a sound module. You can even use SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer – no iPad required!
AkaiConnect SDK allows third-party developers to take advantage of all the professional controls and capabilities of Akai Pro’s SynthStation49 keyboard controller and incorporate support for those controls within their iPad applications. Software developers interested in creating programs compatible with SynthStation49 can submit an application now at SynthStationApp.com.
NastyMono – Feedback Controller and I/O Adapter for the KorgMono
Amazing Machines has introduced the NastyMono Feedback Controller and I/O Adapter for the KorgMono series of analog synths.
Features:
- Stereo 3.5mm I/O cables
- Mono 1/4″ Auxiliary Input
- Mono 1/4″ Audio Output
- Feedback Attenuator for Optimal Control over the Feedback Path
- Fixed Passive Low Pass Filter to clean up the Feedback Path
- Passive Device, no batteries or PSU needed
Compatibility:
The NastyMono was designed for the KORG Mono Series and will work properly with any of the following devices:
- Monotribe
- Original Monotron
- Monotron Duo
- Monotron Delay
See the Amazing Machines site for details and more audio demos.
Note: You still can use the NastyMono with any other Analog Synth that features a VCF Input and Multiple Audio Outputs or a Separate Headphones Output. However due to the nature of the KORG Mono Series, the 1/4” Auxiliary Input and the 1/4” Audio Output Signals on the NastyMono rely on the RING contacts found on the 3.5mm I/O cables.
Livid Instruments Builder V2
Livid shows off their latest development in relation to their Builder DIY controller set:
Brain v2 expands the original Brain with a lot more functionality. We’ve added the Brain v2 Bus Board that make it easy to connect your controls to the Brain. We expanded LEDs from 48 to 192 with added circuitry for extra brightness. Encoders can now be used with led encoder ring support. RGB LEDs can also be used to greatly enhance your possibilities. We’ve also added a 5v power jack for standalone operation without a computer. Velocity sensitive pads and can also be used with version 2. Music by Henry Strange
KymaControl Kyma iPad Controller App
Pad app for controlling symbolic sound corporation’s Kyma sound design software for Mac. http://ipadloops.com/kyma-controller-app-for-ipad/
Kyma Control is the Swiss-army-knife of controllers for the Kyma Sound Design Workstation, providing four of the most popular Kyma controller-modes in one, wireless multi-touch package: a bi-directional mirror of Kyma’s Virtual Control Surface, a multi-touch pen/tablet controller, a standard and a Tonnetz keyboard, accelerometer controls, and compass heading for using direction as a control.
For use in the studio, on stage, in the lab, at home, or in classroom, Kyma Control frees you from having to sit in front of your laptop; put yourself inside the sound field and perform your Sounds in an expressive, intuitive manner using your hands and gestures.
What’s New in Version 1.1.1
This version adds support for two dimensional faders, and buttons and switches with distinct on and off labels. The standard and Tonnetz keyboards are now on separate tabs, the keyboard range indicator now includes keyboard rounding mode selector, and the Volume control faders are now longer. This version is compatible with iOS 5.
FEATURES
• Auto-mapping, bi-directional multi-touch mirroring of Kyma’s Virtual Control Surface (VCS)
• Pen/tablet surface tracking as many as 11 fingers with color trails to help you track finger position
• A keyboard for sending !KeyDown and either continuous or discrete values for !KeyPitch & !KeyTimbre
• A Tonnetz pitch-space with configurable vertical and horizontal intervals
• Pitches can be rounded to equal tempered pitch, rounded only on !KeyDown and continuously variable after that, or, in Strum-mode, triggered when your finger passes by the key
• Trigger or control Sounds with the iPad’s accelerometer measurements in the X, Y, Z directions, as well as controls corresponding with Pitch, Roll and Yaw
• Compass heading from the iPad’s magnetometer tells you which way the iPad is pointing so you can use it for panning and other controlsREQUIREMENTS
• iPad
• Symbolic Sound Kyma X.77 (or newer) with Paca(rana) Sound Computation Engine
• WiFi connection to network accessible to the Paca(rana)KymaControl is available for $14.99
Closer look at the Akai MAX49 keyboard controller
Here are three brand new videos featuring the new controller from Akai, more info below:
MAX49 from Akai Professional places revolutionary MIDI and CV control at your fingertips. With an intuitive layout and included AkaiConnect automatic-mapping software, MAX49 offers an instant, fully immersive experience with your favorite music software and virtually all VST plugins. From its 49 semi-weighted keys and 12 real MPC pads, to its groundbreaking LED touch faders and vintage CV & Gate outputs, MAX49 combines cutting-edge Akai Pro technology with classic capability to give you an unprecedented music-making experience.
CUTTING-EDGE
MAX49 is one of the most unique controllers ever engineered. Right away you’ll notice one of its most distinguishing features: four banks of eight backlit LED touch faders, allowing you to assign up to 32 control parameters. You can use MAX49’s LED touch faders just like analog faders by simply dragging your finger along their touch strips, or you can perform instant leaps in any MIDI value from zero to maxed out and everything in between—an unprecedented, unmatched controller capability.
CLASSIC
MAX49 is also equipped with four banks of 12 backlit MPC pads, giving you a total of 48 assignable pads, allowing you to integrate legendary Akai Pro production capability into live performances and recording sessions alike. These backlit, velocity sensitive pads come with classic MPC Swing, Note Repeat, Full Level and navigation controls to give you all the tools you need to create music at your highest level.
MAX49 comes ready to command any controller hardware or software from any era: USB MIDI, traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI and even Control Voltage and Gate outputs are onboard, allowing you to control everything from today’s most advanced music software, to analog modular synths from as far back as the 1960s. Mackie Control and HUI protocols are also built in to give you instant compatibility with many industry standard DAWs.
Closer look at the iMoov – Motion controlled effects in Traktor
New video featuring the iMoov wireless MIDI controller:
After 2 years of research into sensor technology, we are proud to present the iMoov by TangibleFX. To celebrate this release, the app is free for the first 5000 users.
The iMoov is a fully customisable wireless MIDI controller that can be used to control multiple effect parameters within leading softwares like Logic Pro 9, Traktor, Ableton Live, etc, using your movement. The iMoov is also compatible with the Line6 MIDI Mobilizer II.
It’s useful for DJs, live musicians and producers alike. Hold it in your hand, or strap it to your guitar – the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
We have also developed the TangibleFX School of Moovology to help you get the most out of your iMoov:
http://tangiblefx.com/moovology/
We hope you enjoy this app as much as we do! We’re very excited.
Available now on the App Store – FREE FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME!
Song used:
Royalston – Carnivore (Med School)
www.tangiblefx.com
Testing out the new Brain v2
Here are the background details from Livid Instruments:
Testing out the new Brain v2, I repurposed the Code Step Sequencer (as featured here: cycling74.com/2012/01/17/working-with-hardware-livids-code-part-two/) so it would work with these MIDI controller parts.
I hooked up a couple of the Livid Elements modules to the Brain, and hooked up my photosynth (an array of 16 photoresistors, described here: blog.lividinstruments.com/2011/04/22/photosynthesis/) to control the effects on one of the sounds (parameters on the reverb, delay, and filter). I use my crummy cellphone camera’s light to provide a source of photons to alter the effects in a dramatic fashion.
Magnetometer Virtual MIDI Controller App
This is a magnetometer enabled virtual MIDI controller app made by Aaron Pride for the RVA Hackathon 2012 (RVAHackathon.com) The other apps featured are Sunrizer and NLog Synth.
Using core MIDI, audio backgrounding, along with the Z axis readings off the magnetometer… negative pole vs. positive pole of the magnets will trigger pitch up or down. Sends pitchwheel, modwheel, and random note commands w/ poly-aftertouch.
BE CAREFUL PLAYING WITH STRONG MAGNETS!
TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 – Controllerism with Moldover
Matt Moldover takes on Native Instruments’ Traktor Kontrol F1 in a hands-on demo
“We gave two new TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 units to controllerism pioneer Moldover for a weekend test drive. Combining the F1s with his TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, he unlocked the full potential of TRAKTOR’s new Remix Decks™.”
Enjoy




