Eigenharp
Eigenharp is a brand of electronic instrument made by Eigenlabs, a company based in Devon, UK,[1] invented by John Lambert and released in 2009 after developing it for eight years.[2][3] The "instrument" is in essence a highly flexible and portable controller, with the sound being actually generated in the software it drives.
Characteristics of all of the instruments are:
- A matrix of velocity sensitive multi-expressive keys, each of which act like a 6-way analog joystick. This allows the simultaneous pitch bend and modulation (or other parameters) of each played note individually.
- A stick-like vertical form factor akin to a sitar for the larger models or a flute in the smaller ones.
- A built-in wind controller, giving the larger versions of the instrument an appearance similar to a bassoon.
- One or two ribbon controller strips.
- The software is available as open-source under the GPLv3 and runs both on Macintosh and Windows.
Additionally, the larger models have:
- A series of percussion keys
- A built-in step sequencer with indicator LEDs for each key.
- A headphone amplifier with an output on the instrument
Models
The instrument comes in three models: Alpha, Tau, and Pico, in decreasing order of size. Each has a breath-pipe, a key matrix (120, 72, and 18) and a ribbon controller. The Alpha and Tau also have 12 percussion keys each, a second ribbon controller, and headphone output. The Alpha also has microphone preamplifier with an input on the instrument.[4]
References
- ↑ "About Eigenlabs". Eigenlabs. Retrieved 2010-09-11.
- ↑ Murph, Darren (2009-10-08). "Eigenharp Pico and Alpha slowly remove shroud of mystery, gets stratospheric price tags". Engadget. Retrieved 2010-09-11.
- ↑ Masters, Tim (2009-10-08). "Do you drum it, strum it or stroke it?". BBC News. Retrieved 2010-09-11.
- ↑ "Eigenharp Alpha". Eigenlabs. Retrieved 2010-09-11.
External links
Articles
- Do you drum it, strum it or stroke it? - BBC News, 8 October 2009
- G4 TV Coverage of the Eigenharp
- Eigenharp Article on CrunchGear
- Eigenharp News, Tips and Tricks
- In-depth Eigenharp Alpha review after three months - EigenZone, 21 June 2010
Example Videos
- Battlestar Galactica Cylon theme on Eigenharp Alpha
- James Bond theme on Eigenharp Alpha
- Live performance with Eigenharp Alpha of the band Flytecase