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DJ/producer Richie Hawtin, who is already Twittering his DJ sets, has launched a free iPhone application, Plastikman SYNK, that will allow his fans to experience a unique integration of audio, visuals and interactive technology on his forthcoming Plastikman world tour.

Conceptualized by Richie Hawtin and developed with Rob Fischer and Bryan McDade, SYNK is a companion iPhone/iPod Touch application to the 2010 Plastikman Live worldwide tour.

SYNK users will participate in an experiment in audience-performer interaction aiming to blur the lines of perception and participation.

“It has always fascinated me how sound, lighting, visuals and human interactivity define and deepen a concert experience,” says Hawtin.

Here are he details on the components of Plastikman SYNK:

LOGIKAL

Based upon earlier “Lodgikal Nonsense” and “Vokx” voice tracks, this state invites the audience to re-organize the word samples using a user interface of 20 touch buttons. In this state the centre of performance control is moved from the stage and into the audience.

KAMERA

This state is accessible throughout the show and gives users a live video stream of an internal perspective of the performance.

SYNKOTIK

This state explores the synkronicity of realtime-generated percussion patterns and their visual counterparts, integrating the stage LED wall and the built in displays on each SYNK activated iPhone/iPod Touch.

KONSOLE

This state is active during the entire show with realtime performance information. At specific moments an extended Konsole state becomes activated, allowing further insight into the realtime programming of the performance’s drum and percussive elements, while also providing visual feedback of musical and effect parameters. A simplified remote Konsole is available to all SYNK users worldwide and will be activated during all Plastikman Live performances.

Participants should connect to the Plastikman Wi-Fi network at each peformance and will be notified of the activation of the different states by their iPhone/iPod Touch at specific moments during the show.

The SYNK experience will not be limited to viewers of the live show. In between the performances the SYNK application will be in sleeper mode and function as a Plastikman atmospheric location shifter. By using visualizations inspired by Derivative, combined with the iPhone’s built-in microphone and accelerometer, users are immersed in a Plastikman environment. For best results, please use headphones.

Compatible with iPhone or iPod touch, SYNK requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Line 6 has officially announced MIDI Mobilizer, the MIDI interface for Apple iPhone and iPod touch – and we’ve got the details and videos.

MIDI Mobilizer is a low-profile piece of hardware that fits into the standard 30-pin connector of an iPhone and iPod touch. Together with MIDI Memo Recorder, a free app available for download at the Apple App Store, it offers MIDI musicians new options for performing, recording and data backup.

MIDI Mobilizer is compatible with millions of pieces of classic and modern MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), including synthesizers, digital pianos, effects processors, and  Line 6 guitar amps and POD products. Virtually any gear with standard MIDI 5-pin DIN connectors can now be directly connected to an iPhone or iPod touch.

Line 6 sees three immediate uses for the MIDI Mobilizer:

• MIDI Mobilizer can be used as a compact MIDI recorder for capturing performances anywhere. MIDI recordings  can be emailed as an SMF (Standard MIDI File) and opened and edited within virtually any Mac or PC-based digital audio workstation.
• MIDI Mobilizer can also be employed as a safety net for performing musicians. During equipment failure, or when using rented gear for a gig, MIDI parameter data stored on an iPhone or iPod touch can be imported into replacement keyboards or other MIDI equipment to quickly restore the exact settings and sounds needed. MIDI Mobilizer is the most portable and affordable solution for transferring MIDI information.
• MIDI Mobilizer also can be used as a portable MIDI playback device.

Any developer can create apps that work with MIDI Mobilizer – see the FAQ’s below.

MIDI Mobilizer will ship April, 2010.

MIDI Mobilizer FAQs

What is MIDI Mobilizer?

MIDI Mobilizer is a MIDI interface that connects your MIDI gear to your Apple iPod or iPod touch. MIDI Mobilizer lets you play, record, and backup MIDI information any time, any place.

Will there be more applications for MIDI Mobilizer?

Although no additional applications are being announced at this time, several creative application developers have explored how different apps could make use of a MIDI interface on an iPhone or iPod touch.

What are some compatible devices?

That’s a big list. It includes every MIDI-capable keyboard, amp, effect, and miscellaneous piece of audio gear since MIDI was introduced, in 1983.

Does MIDI Mobilizer come with MIDI cables?

Yes, it comes with a pair of five-foot, five-pin Planet Waves MIDI cables.

How does MIDI Mobilizer connect to my iPhone/iPod touch?

MIDI Mobilizer plugs into the 30-pin connector on the bottom of your iPhone/iPod touch. Two Planet Waves cables (each with a 2.5mm 3-conductor jack on one end, and a standard MIDI 5-pin DIN jack on the other) connect MIDI Mobilizer to the MIDI device of your choice.

Can I use MIDI Mobilizer to control synthesizer applications or play other music apps on my iPhone?

This is technically possible, but would require software updates to each application in order to communicate with MIDI Mobilizer. Additionally, the developer of the application would need to become a Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer developer in order to be given the development tools, and allow Line 6 to publish their MIDI Mobilizer-enabled version (currently, all applications for a hardware accessory must come from the same publisher).

If there’s an application you’d like to see work with MIDI Mobilizer, please have the developer contact MMdeveloper [at] line6.com for more information.

What MIDI data can the MIDI Memo Recorder application record?

MIDI Memo Recorder will capture and record all MIDI data that can be stored within a Standard MIDI File, which includes all performance information (notes, controllers, pedals, pitch bend, after touch, etc) as well as any System Exclusive data (usually the parameter values of a keyboard or effect unit’s sounds and settings). It does not record System Real Time messages, which include Active Sensing and MIDI clock and control, since these are also not recorded (or needed) in Standard MIDI Files.

All data received is time-stamped to one millisecond accuracy in order to preserve very accurate timing of all MIDI events.

How many Memos can I have in MIDI Memo Recorder?

Virtually unlimited. Since the iPhone and iPod touch have very large amounts of memory, and MIDI data is very small, running out of room is nearly impossible.

MIDI Memo Recorder makes it easy to rename, reorder and delete Memos in order to keep your information organized. You can also offload your Memo recordings to a computer via email or via WiFi access.

Can I copy a MIDI file from my computer into MIDI Memo Recorder?

This can be accomplished by simply playing any MIDI file out your computer’s MIDI interface and right into MIDI Mobilizer, and record the data directly into MIDI Memo Recorder. It will capture and time-stamp all of the data, and be able to play it back exactly as it was received.

Can I use MIDI Memo Recorder without MIDI Mobilizer?

MIDI Memo Recorder can run without MIDI Mobilizer; however it won’t be possible to send and receive MIDI data (since this requires a hardware interface). MIDI Memo Recorder will temporarily display a message that the MIDI Mobilizer is not connected, but this can be dismissed in order to use MIDI Memo Recorder’s other functions (i.e., emailing already recorded Standard MIDI Files, renaming, moving, or deleting Memos, etc).

Can anyone develop applications that talk to MIDI Mobilizer?

Any developer who complies with Apple’s developer requirements and signs up with Line 6 as a MIDI Mobilizer developer can develop applications for MIDI Mobilizer. Contact MMdeveloper [at] line6.com for more information.

MIDI Memo App Videos

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MIDI Memo App for MIDI Mobilizer – Record/Playback

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MIDI Memo App for MIDI Mobilizer – Back Up Settings and Patches

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MIDI Memo App for MIDI Mobilizer – Add Your Settings to Replacement/Rental Gear

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Zettt demonstrates how to control Ableton Live with an iPhone using Open Sound Control.

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via Zettt

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Miditina is a WiFi-based wireless Concertina-style MIDI Controller for the iPhone and iPod Touch, now in development.

The app doesn’t make any sound itself. It is designed for controlling hardware or software VST-style MIDI synthesizers via a WiFi connection to a Windows or Mac OS X based computer.

Details:

It supports several button-to-MIDI note map layouts, including English Concertina (based on my Englitina app), and standard chromatic scales.

For use as a simple 27-button MIDI trigger, two layouts are provided that simply label the buttons with numbers.

Multiple iPhone or iPod Touch devices (up to 16) can run the app simultaneously, each sending messages on its own MIDI channel to the hardware or software synthesizer.

While playing, you may also optionally send real-time volume, expression, modulation, or wind controller MIDI messages by tilting the iPhone/iPod Touch to the right or left.

Miditina requires two pieces of software to do its job. The first is the Miditina app itself, running on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

The other is a small free open-source DSWiFiMIDI server application that you run on your PC or Mac before launching Miditina.

The server application receives the MIDI messages from the app via WiFi, and sends them along to either an external MIDI interface or a loopback MIDI driver to talk to software synthesizers running on the same computer.

via tradlessons

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Pioneer has announced a new DJ mixer, the DJM-2000, that’s the iPad of DJ mixers.

The DJM-2000 is Pioneer’s most powerful performance mixer and is designed to be the perfect match for CDJ-2000 digital decks. It features a 5.8-inch LCD multi-touch panel display, a first on a DJ mixer.

Other features include Beat Effects, Instrument FX, serious connectivity, a live sampler, USB audio interface, 3-band EQ, digital audio in and three different mixing modes.

All that sexy comes at a price, though. The DJM-2000 is expected to be available in June 2010 with a suggested retail price of $2,999.

Features:

• Mixer Layout – The DJM-2000 inherits a larger foot print than its predecessors to accommodate a sectioned layout of features as well as cosmetically match the latest Pioneer CDJ series of digital media players. On the top center section of the mixer resides its EFX capabilities to give DJs a bounty of digital effects. Located on each side of the middle section is its audio mixing controls for connection of up to four digital or USB sources. Across the middle section, Pioneer added new INST FX (Instant Instrument FX) functions which allow DJs to further alter and create more sound effects. And, at the bottom center of the mixer is a large LCD touch display that provides DJs a window for remixing beats and adding effects with the ease of a simple touch of the screen.
• Industry First Multi-Touch Panel – A first in the industry for audio mixers, the DJM-2000 incorporates a full-color 5.8-inch LCD multi-touch panel for adding audio effects. Users can simultaneously manipulate the displayed controls on the panel by touching different areas of the screen. Three different performance modes are available including;
  • Frequency mix – Enables more precise mixing within seven frequency ranges. For example, users can enhance the bass region within the music they’re mixing.
  • Sidechain remix – DJs can create seven different dynamic audio effects with touches and movements on the screen.
  • MIDI mode – Allows the user to assign various controls displayed on the LCD screen to control DJ software via MIDI. Four types of MIDI modes are available for more performance flexibility.
• Evolved Beat Effects – A section of the mixer resides an Evolved Beat Effects adopted from earlier versions of the DJM series of mixers to generate a multitude of sound effects. Numerous buttons were added for selecting multiple effects and beat parameters for additional performance capabilities. Further manipulation of the sound effects can be made using the Effect Frequency knobs that changes the low, mid and high frequency bands of the music. Turns of the knobs enhances the effects to each frequency band, i.e., an echo added specifically to the vocals of the music or a doubling of the hi-hat rhythm, providing incredible performance options.
• Instant Instrument FX – The INST FX (Instant Instrument FX) provides six additional audio effects that include Noise, HPF, LPF, Jet, Zip and Crush. Each of the effects can be induced into the channel with a turn of the Filter knob. Additionally, the Parameter knob allows the effects to be fine tuned.
• Pro DJ Link – When used specifically with Pioneer’s CDJ-2000 or CDJ-900 turntables via Pro DJ Link, the DJM-2000 becomes an even more powerful musical tool. The mixer incorporates four Ethernet ports in the back of the unit allowing up to four of the most recent CDJ turntables to be connected (via LAN cables) while sharing only one music-filled SD card2 or USB storage device. In addition, up to two laptop computers pre-installed with Pioneer’s music management software rekordbox™ can be interfaced with the DJM-2000 via LAN cables, in cases that two DJs are transitioning for their individual performances.
• Live Sampler – A cool feature of the mixer is its Live Sampler capability which allows the sound from a microphone or from the MASTER output to be recorded directly into the mixer. The “sampled” sound can instantly be transferred via LAN cable to a CDJ-2000/900 for scratching.
• Link Monitor – When linked with the CDJ-2000 player, the mixer informs the DJ of its connected status. The JOG rings of the turntable changes in color based on the current on-air status or channel number connection, providing quick visual indications to the DJ.
• USB interface – The DJM-2000 features a USB audio interface3 that allows direct computer connection without the need for an external sound card. Up to four audio sources can be assigned to each channel providing even more flexibility. For additional convenience, the MASTER output can be connected directly to a computer for recording4 of performances
• Sound Quality – Continuing the prestigious reputation of Pioneer mixers, the DJM-2000 provides excellent sound quality. By utilizing balanced hybrid op-amp and a perfectly balanced output circuit in the analog processing stage, Pioneer managed to significantly decrease induced noise resulting in a dynamic range of 107dB with 0.004% THD for an extremely clean and powerful sound.

Additional features of the DJM-2000 include:

• Switching 3-Band EQ/Isolator – Equipped with a switching 3-band EQ (+6dB to -26dB) and 3-band Isolator (+6dB to -?dB) on each channel
• Digital In – Permits audio signal of each channel with no deterioration in sound quality
• Fader Start Play – Connection with CDJ player(s) with PRO DJ LINK or control cable allows the mixer to start the turntable by switching faders
• Talk Over – Lowers the volume of the music when a connected microphone is used
• Peak Level Meter – Displays input levels at a glance
• Cross fader Assign function – Allows the flexible assignment of the input on each channel to the cross fader
• Fader Curve Adjust function – Allows changes to cross fader and channel fader curves

via iandavidtaylor

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Sampletoy (App Store link) is a new musical instrument/plaything that’s part sampler, part granular synthesiser.

You can use it to capture sounds through the iPhone microphone and then play, loop, pitch and distort them live on the screen.

Features:

• Create your own instruments out of any sound.
• Email your performances as audio files straight from the app.
• Built-in resonant filters, delay and envelope.
• Auto-saves current recording and state and recalls it again on next launch.
• Stepped mode allows chromatic, major, minor, pentatonic and whole-tone scales to be played.
• Totally multitouch – play up to 5 notes at once.
• 44kHz/16bit – professional quality sound.
• Built-in comprehensive manual.

Best of all, SampleToy lets you “Record any old crap and make it sound awesome!”, according to its creators.

SampleToy sells for $1.99.

If you’ve tried out SampleToy, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Description:

There are plenty of features under the hood, such as resonant filters, delays and envelope. You can enable “stepped” mode to play your sounds like a traditional keyboard, or keep it in “free” mode for some microtonal madness.

Once you’ve recorded a sound, use the main area of the screen to play it back at different pitches (up to 5 fingers at a time). You can crop the sound by dragging a selection over the waveform. The crop area is also multitouch and you can adjust the crop while playing the sound too.

The y-axis is pitch of the sound, and the x axis is configurable to control filters or envelope.

You can record your performances on Sampletoy and send them via email within the app as a CD-quality wav file (mono or stereo)

Sampletoy requires audio input, so works only with the iPhone (built-in mic or headset mic) and iPod Touch 2G (headset mic)

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is a sneak preview of André Gonçalves‘ unreleased ADDAC007 ETHERNET Module:

In the video you can see the connection of an iPhone to my new ADDAC System through Ethernet using OSC.

This is a modular synthesizer setup with Arduino based Analog-to-Digital-to-Analog 16bit 8 independent CV Outputs and USB Interface.

That’s right – iPhone control of 8 control voltages!

The ADDAC is an Arduino-based Analog-to-Digital-to-Analog convert, featuring 8 independent outputs and a USB interface.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This video demonstrates how to control vintage analog synths, like the Roland Alpha Juno, using an iPhone.

Why would you want to do that?

One reason could be to make programming an entire generation of knob-free synths a lot easier.

Another reason could be to add new performance capabilities for synths that are knob-challenged.

via kosmotikshokk:

I’m controlling my Alpha Juno with the TouchOSC iPhone app, connected to puredata on my computer via the standard OSC protocol. This pd patch will work with the Juno 1 or 2, or the MKS-50 rack version. The same principle could be applied to any synthesizer with MIDI control.

Get the pure data patch here (requires “pd-extended” distribution): http://sites.google.com/site/kosmotikshokk/junOSC.pd

Get the touchOSC template here:
http://sites.google.com/site/kosmotikshokk/junOSC.touchosc

Obsolete? from Pixelh8 on Vimeo.

Pixelh8 Chip Concert at National Museum of Computing from Alper Cagatay on Vimeo.