Published 25/6/09
Fingers on buttons
A new company called Snyderphonics have launched their first product, the Manta. It’s a touch-sensitive surface for controlling audio and video applications with an array of 48 hexagonal sensors that act as the primary interface for the device. Uniquely, each sensor sends continuous data about how much of its surface area is being covered by the user’s finger, and this data can be set up in software to control any MIDI parameter.
The sensors can also detect attack velocity, so it can report what developers call “piano-like” velocity data when a sensor is touched (obviously it feels different to the users, because there’s no physical travel in the sensor). Other controls on the Manta include a pair of virtual sliders that have the ability to “discriminate extremely minute changes in the linear motion of a user’s finger”, and four assignable buttons.
But the Manta isn’t just a futuristic field of touch-sensitive triggers: the whole surface can be configured as a large X-Y multi-touch pad for controlling constantly evolving effects or the pitch and volume of a synth, say. What’s more, each sensor of the Manta has an LED backlight that can display information coming from software on the connected computer, such as step-sequencer information, where each sensor represents a step.
The Manta connects to its host computer via a USB cable, from which it receives its power supply. It shows up on a Windows, Mac OS or Linux computer as a Human Interface Device, although currently the control software is only compatible with Apple Macs.
Each Manta is built into a hand-made walnut or maple case, and ships with a protective sleeve. Prices start at $675, which was £415 when we went to press. Snyderphonics will ship anywhere in the world, although they ask that prospective customers make contact before purchasing. Visit the Snyderphonics web site for more.
www.snyderphonics.com
A new company called Snyderphonics have launched their first product, the Manta. It’s a touch-sensitive surface for controlling audio and video applications with an array of 48 hexagonal sensors that act as the primary interface for the device. Uniquely, each sensor sends continuous data about how much of its surface area is being covered by the user’s finger, and this data can be set up in software to control any MIDI parameter. The sensors can also detect attack velocity, so it can report what developers call “piano-like” velocity data when a sensor is touched (obviously it feels different to the users, because there’s no physical travel in the sensor). Other controls on the Manta include a pair of virtual sliders that have the ability to “discriminate extremely minute changes in the linear motion of a user’s finger”, and four assignable buttons.
But the Manta isn’t just a futuristic field of touch-sensitive triggers: the whole surface can be configured as a large X-Y multi-touch pad for controlling constantly evolving effects or the pitch and volume of a synth, say. What’s more, each sensor of the Manta has an LED backlight that can display information coming from software on the connected computer, such as step-sequencer information, where each sensor represents a step.
The Manta connects to its host computer via a USB cable, from which it receives its power supply. It shows up on a Windows, Mac OS or Linux computer as a Human Interface Device, although currently the control software is only compatible with Apple Macs.
Each Manta is built into a hand-made walnut or maple case, and ships with a protective sleeve. Prices start at $675, which was £415 when we went to press. Snyderphonics will ship anywhere in the world, although they ask that prospective customers make contact before purchasing. Visit the Snyderphonics web site for more.
www.snyderphonics.com
