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Scott Cairns
03-30-2005, 05:47 PM
I know there's been alot of discussion recently about what we would like from future sample libraries, the possibilities of physical modelling and so on.

I often wonder about the midi spec and also the keyboards we use to manipulate our samples. I sometimes wonder if our method of inputting the data has to improve to keep up with the possible technological leaps that sample libs and PM are making.

I came across this intriguing piece of hardware;

http://www.cerlsoundgroup.org/Continuum/

Some interesting points;

"The performer must place fingers accurately to play in tune and can slide or rock fingers for glissando and vibrato."

"The z (pressure) position of each finger provides dynamic control. The performer produces tremolo by changing the amount of finger pressure. An experienced performer may simultaneously play a crescendo and diminuendo on different notes."

"The y (front-to-back) position of each finger provides additional timbre control for each note in a chord. By sliding fingers in the y direction while notes are sounding, the performer can create timbre glides. Depending upon the capabilities of the synthesizer used with the Continuum Fingerboard, the y position can have a variety of effects. One possibility is to let the y position on the Continuum Fingerboard correspond to the bowing position on a string instrument, where bowing far from the bridge produces a mellower sound and bowing near the bridge produces a brighter sound."

Has anyone played with this? I hope it might come down in price before I take the leap.. :)

Bruce A. Richardson
03-30-2005, 06:03 PM
They're very proud of it, no doubt.

Scott Cairns
03-30-2005, 06:09 PM
That sounds a bit cryptic Bruce. :) Care to share your thoughts on this bit of gear?

Im genuinely interested in advancing the way we "play in" our music and what other composers think about the idea too.

Whether this is the right tool for the job I have no idea.

Theodor
03-30-2005, 06:16 PM
It looks very expressive , and hard to play too ! Just like a vertical theremin with the feel of a keyboard . The "blind system" ( 2 - 3 - 2 - 3 ) looks pretty cool . This would be a great controller if you get to master it .

Rich Pell
03-30-2005, 06:18 PM
Scott, there was a Video from NAMM floating around NS, of the maker and the guy who created Kyma playing this thing and it looks and sounded amazing to me. I think you`d have to really dedicate yourself for a few months to learning how to play it right. It reminds me more of Pedal Steel tech. than Piano tech. actually. I reallly want to get one too one day...Rich
BTW, i looked into those diff. Asus Xeon boards and you right yours makes more sense overall... :)

Scott Cairns
03-30-2005, 06:44 PM
Thanks guys, glad the mobo worked out for your Rich. :)

Let me know how you get on building your Xeon and if I can help out. (I could always pick your brains about Samplitude in return ;))

xav93
03-31-2005, 02:21 AM
The "fretless" keyboard.

Brian2112
03-31-2005, 02:23 AM
Looks like something I'd eat Sushi off of.:D

Yossarian
03-31-2005, 06:50 AM
I seem to remember Squids (Dave Kerzner of Sonic Reality) posting about the Continuum and speaking highly of it. At $5290 for the full-size version you probably need to be a successful sound developer to afford one, tho. :)

/Yoss

Theodor
03-31-2005, 07:08 AM
I had sent an e-mail to Lipold ( the creator ) some time ago suggesting he should offer a "keyboard layout" with it so you can actually see what you are playing.

He replied , words among his reply was "You can come anytime by and try it out with your sound module or with the ones i have here" . So if you guys feel like checking it out and you live around there , i think he wouldn't mind at all ;)

Rich Pell
03-31-2005, 10:02 AM
Thanks guys, glad the mobo worked out for your Rich. :)

Let me know how you get on building your Xeon and if I can help out. (I could always pick your brains about Samplitude in return ;))

Kool, Scott you can always ask me anything about Samp. anytime (though I`m still learning new stuff everyday :rolleyes: ). I`m probably gonna need to hold off on a new comp. until the summer when my shows are done, but i know I`ll need your advice then..Are you really gonna get the continuum? Rich