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GovernorSilver
Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1349 Location: Washington DC Metro
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robsol
Stream Operator
Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 2492 Location: Bristol UK
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Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 3:13 pm Post subject:
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This one looks very interesting! I would not compare it so much to the Continuum though, there are other alternatives out there which it seems much closer to. The Soundplane is a direct competitor, although it is produced on a much smaller scale than i suspect the Linnstrument will be. It also has a similar layout, which is more like a guitar, while the Continuum is definitely derived from a Keyboard structure. _________________ Muied Lumens Sub Forum
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robsol
Stream Operator
Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 2492 Location: Bristol UK
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Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 3:18 pm Post subject:
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Ah I see now he has added a few words to include the Soundplane (and Eigenharp too). _________________ Muied Lumens Sub Forum
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GovernorSilver
Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1349 Location: Washington DC Metro
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Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 9:21 pm Post subject:
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The Linnstrument looks to be the most affordable of these multitouch pressure-sensitive controllers. It also has the advantage of standalone operation that the Soundplane does not have.
OTOH, Soundplane can send OSC while Linn opted to not implement it, so this might be a consideration for some potential customers.
Continuum is the most expensive, but has an optional CV interface and built-in virtual modular and physical modelling synth engines, which improves value for the money considerably.
Eigenharp is almost as expensive as Continuum, but has discrete keys, breath controller option, MIDI and OSC support, etc.. but then again cannot run standalone.
How wonderful that our choices of these alternative instruments is growing, to address a variety of musical needs. _________________ Current and recent work on Soundcloud
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robsol
Stream Operator
Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 2492 Location: Bristol UK
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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:37 am Post subject:
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The Continuum does not do OSC either. It uses multi-channel pitch bend and can do NRPN's for the two other 'dimensions' on its playing surface so its not so bad.
The built in synth is one of the best I have ever heard, and although it is hard to learn at first, very flexible and unique. It is a perfect fit for the physical instrument. _________________ Muied Lumens Sub Forum
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GovernorSilver
Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1349 Location: Washington DC Metro
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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 10:03 am Post subject:
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My fantasy controller rig is a Linnstrument for harmony parts and half-size Continuum for melody lines.
I've always liked the OSC concept, but I'm still committed to using the hardware synths in my rig, and none of them support OSC. I was inspired by the comment discussions on CDM to look up NPRN implementations in my Korg M3 and Nord Modular G2. The M3 has 4 CC numbers that can take NPRN, if I read the manual correctly. I forgot to look up whether 14-bit pitch bend is also supported. The G2 apparently doesn't have native NPRN support, but a workaround is available using patching techniques:
http://electro-music.com/forum/post-66929.html#66929
So the remaining question is whether Linnstrument itself can transmit 14-bit MIDI. _________________ Current and recent work on Soundcloud
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robsol
Stream Operator
Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 2492 Location: Bristol UK
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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:59 pm Post subject:
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Hmmm... I may have been too quick about the Continuum sending out NRPN's - it looks like it doesn't. Sorry about that. :s
However, the important part is the pitch, which is by standard always 14 bit, in all synths. You can choose any two CC's for the two remaining parts that make up a voice/channel. I have never had any problems with this while playing external synths, but I suppose it could be down to my playing style a bit maybe.
One thing to be aware of is that the Nord Leads (and probably also the Modulars by default) have a non-standard exponential curve on their pitch bend, which works well with their own pitch stick, but it does not work with the Continuum. You want a linear pitch bend for a predictable pitch tracking across the Fingerboard. You could possibly make up for this by programming the Fingerboard surface to compensate, but this is not something I have explored yet.
The internal synth is where it really shines IMO. The Eaganmatrix is based upon the matrix of the VCS3, but where each point can be a mathematical function of pitch, pressure and front/back position, plus a lot more. An other point which is rarely mentioned is that there is a (digital AES3 only) input on it, which can be patched into any point on the matrix, for audio rate modulation, or for turning the Continuum into a giant Kaoss Pad. _________________ Muied Lumens Sub Forum
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GovernorSilver
Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1349 Location: Washington DC Metro
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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:35 pm Post subject:
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CDM's Peter Kirn follows up the Linnstrument article with some love for Continuum, and highlight's Roger Linn's own admiration for Haken's instrument.
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2014/04/watch-haken-continuum-rival-string-instruments-expression/#more-33232
I just sold my Voyager so I'm a tiny bit closer to my gear ambition. After listening to that amazing Continuum demo, I can confidently say I'd be happy just playing that patch without ever learning how to program any of the internal synths in Continuum. I enjoy playing viola and electric vioiln, but it would be nice to be able to play some of that stuff with one hand while playing harmony parts with the other, in the rare event that I play live - I currently use my bowed instruments with Octatrack to summon up a racket. Lacking any high-res MIDI support other than pitch bend wouldn't bother me because the internal engine sounds so good to my ears. _________________ Current and recent work on Soundcloud
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robsol
Stream Operator
Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 2492 Location: Bristol UK
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robsol
Stream Operator
Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 2492 Location: Bristol UK
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GovernorSilver
Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1349 Location: Washington DC Metro
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elmegil
Joined: Mar 20, 2012 Posts: 2177 Location: Chicago
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Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:29 pm Post subject:
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GovernorSilver wrote: | The Linnstrument looks to be the most affordable of these multitouch pressure-sensitive controllers. It also has the advantage of standalone operation that the Soundplane does not have.
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Where did you see/what is the expected price? I confess to not reading closely but usually such things are easy to pick out. |
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robsol
Stream Operator
Joined: Apr 24, 2009 Posts: 2492 Location: Bristol UK
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 5:40 am Post subject:
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elmegil wrote: | GovernorSilver wrote: | The Linnstrument looks to be the most affordable of these multitouch pressure-sensitive controllers. It also has the advantage of standalone operation that the Soundplane does not have.
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Where did you see/what is the expected price? I confess to not reading closely but usually such things are easy to pick out. |
Peter Kirn was talking about a price in the region of a Macbook Pro... as opposed to a small used car price. _________________ Muied Lumens Sub Forum
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elmegil
Joined: Mar 20, 2012 Posts: 2177 Location: Chicago
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 6:18 am Post subject:
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So the price of a good instrument, not an elite instrument.
Good to know! |
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GovernorSilver
Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1349 Location: Washington DC Metro
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 6:58 am Post subject:
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elmegil wrote: | GovernorSilver wrote: | The Linnstrument looks to be the most affordable of these multitouch pressure-sensitive controllers. It also has the advantage of standalone operation that the Soundplane does not have.
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Where did you see/what is the expected price? I confess to not reading closely but usually such things are easy to pick out. |
It's buried in the first article:
Quote: | But it seems we can expect something in the more accessible MacBook Air price range, rather than the “small used car” price point of boutique devices like the Continuum. |
_________________ Current and recent work on Soundcloud
Some old stuff on VIRB |
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GovernorSilver
Joined: Apr 26, 2004 Posts: 1349 Location: Washington DC Metro
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2014 1:42 pm Post subject:
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Muied Lumens wrote: |
One thing to be aware of is that the Nord Leads (and probably also the Modulars by default) have a non-standard exponential curve on their pitch bend, which works well with their own pitch stick |
Ah, thanks for pointing that out. Might take a bit of extra work to get proper-sounding vibrato and pitch bends out of my G2 using Linnstrument as a controller, but I'm sure there's some way of patching it so I'll get the expected behavior. Or I could just use Linnstrument on the Korg M3. _________________ Current and recent work on Soundcloud
Some old stuff on VIRB |
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