HakenAudio April2012

24 April, 2012
HAKENAUDIO
A screenshot
detail of the
editor for the
new
EaganMatrix
programmable
synthesizer. The
EaganMatrix
utilizes the DSP
engine that is
integrated into
the Continuum
Fingerboard
Version 5 Firmware
for the Continuum Fingerboard
Lippold Haken and Edmund Eagan
Version 5 firmware for the
Continuum Fingerboard includes
the new EaganMatrix
programmable synthesizer. This
unique synthesizer utilizes the
existing DSP audio engine of the
Continuum Fingerboard,
expanding the expressive
possibilities of this musical
instrument to now include custom
sound design. The EaganMatrix
is accessible through a crossplatform editor program.
The EaganMatrix is a modular
digital synthesizer, allowing the
user to finely craft their musical
sound by connecting audio and
control modules via a patching
matrix.
1
This matrix is inspired by classical
modular matrix patching
synthesizers such as the ARP
2500 and the EMS Synthi 100.
However, unlike those analog
predecessors, the EaganMatrix
doesn't use pins to make patch
point connections. Instead, a
dynamic formulaic equation can
be placed inside a selected patch
point, replacing that static pin,
creating a simple to amazingly
complex relationship between the
Continuum playing surface and
the flow of sound from patch
point source to destination. Each
three dimensional performance
direction of the Continuum
playing surface can influence the
final result of every single patch
point. And there are many, many
patch points!
This relatively simple concept is
powerful. It harnesses the
amazing performance response of
the Continuum Fingerboard so
that the performer can create
nuanced, expressive, dynamic,
and totally custom sounds.
Sounds tailored specifically to the
musical tastes of the creator. As
well as this EaganMatrix, there
are a number of other
improvements and refinements to
the Continuum operation. This
includes things like programmable
mapping for the Kenton
Controller, patch naming,
archiving and retrieving presets,
and other features and
refinements. Version 5 firmware is
available now here at
HakenAudio.com.
HAKENAUDIO 24 April, 2012
EaganMatrix details
These are the synthesizer modules for
each voice in the EaganMatrix:
• Three flexible summation oscillators,
each with controls for frequency, phase,
and spectral balance. The oscillators can
also act as wave shapers, creating rich
harmonic variations to the oscillator
input.
• A smooth organic-sounding noise
source.
• Two versatile multimode filters, with
these inputs: audio to be filtered,
frequency, and bandwidth. Possible
filters are LowPass, HighPass, BandPass,
LowShelf and HighShelf, as well as
unity gain BandPass, Notch, and AllPass.
• Two powerful biquad filter banks,
which are banks of 8 related but
independent biquad filters, with controls
for audio input, frequency, frequency
spread, bandwidth, bandwidth spread,
spectral centre, and spectral weighting.
These biquads are the same technology
that are used in the current Continuum
to create the physical models like the
winds and strings.
• A time delay, with controls for audio
input and time. The time delay is suitable
for creating chorus and flanging effects,
and can be used for echo delays as well.
• Four independent LFOs, each with
controls for cycle mode, frequency, and
trigger. Available LFO shapes are
RampUp, RampDown, Pulse, Triangle,
Hann, Square, Sine, and
“The EaganMatrix is a modular digital synthesizer with a unique
implementation of the classical matrix patching system. As a
Continuum player I designed the EaganMatrix to allow musicians to link
the expressive powers of the Continuum Fingerboard to an equally
expressive synthesizer. It feels more acoustic than electronic.”
Edmund Eagan, primary designer of the EaganMatrix synthesizer
SampleAndHold. The LFOs have been
integrated into the EaganMatrix a
unique way, allowing each LFO to
influence a formula result directly.
• 8 CVC (Continuum Voltage Convertor)
outputs. This requires that a CVC be
connected to the Continuum to be active.
• 3 independent Midi controller streams
for sending formulas to a connected Midi
device.
• Output level via formulas.
Hot on the heels of the initial 5.0
firmware release, version 5.01 adds some
new exciting synthesis algorithms that
expand the sonic possibilities of the
EaganMatrix.
Granulators
Audio granulation is a powerful synthesis
tool. The EaganMatrix now includes two
specially implemented types of granular
synthesis.
2
The output stage incorporates a soft
saturation capability, allowing the
creation of distortion and overloading
effects.
Demos audio and videos of live
performances of new sounds from the
EaganMatrix are available at
HakenAudio.com
Also, there are common controls for all
voices:
Version 5.01
MultiGrain
One of two new granular synthesis
algorithms available in version 5.01
• Reverb control via formulas.
• Convolution body control via formulas.
The first, MultiGrain, uses a sinusoid as
it’s grain input. This can create a variety
of interesting timbres, from tonal clusters
to harmonic sweeping patterns,
reminiscent of bird warbles or resonant
tube pitch shifts. The second granulator,
GrainSilo, uses the Time module as a
sound source. The GrainSilo is capable
of odd echo effects and feedback
patterns, creating sonic variations of the
looping or static audio source from the
Time module.
Time Module
The Time module has been optimized in
version 5.01. Now it is possible to have
longer delays at high sample rates. This
opens up the possibilities of using the
delay as a high quality echo effect, while
also allowing the user to extend it’s
maximum time to create interesting
control rate loops. The Time module is a
variable DC or AC recorder, equally
adept at recording/manipulating audio
or control signals.
HAKENAUDIO 24 April, 2012
The Matrix Formula
what makes the EaganMatrix powerful
The EaganMtraix
Formula
The direct
connection between
the playing surface
and sound control.
A matrix is a flexible and compact patching system,
allowing every source patchable to every destination.
The implementation in the EaganMatrix is an
expanded concept to this analog matrix model. In
the EaganMatrix each of those possible matrix
points can be connected by a highly flexible and
powerful Matrix Formula. This formula is primarily
a mathematically stylized interpretation of the
Continuum playing surface, as well as other control
inputs like knobs and performance pedals. So, unlike
a matrix patch pin that could only potentially pass
the Source to the Destination at full, or perhaps half
level, an EaganMatrix patching “pin” can be
dynamically altered in real time through a player’s
interaction with the Continuum Fingerboard.
combination uniquely within each formula. Using
this information, a finger can act as a volume
control, a pitch modifier, a filter cutoff set point, etc.
Presets for the Formulas are available making it easy
to get started influencing the design of a sound.
Another convenience factor is that the same formula
can be used multiple times, saving time for repetitive
patching.
On the surface, this could be compared to a
modulation parameter used on many other
synthesizer software products. However, the
EaganMatrix has a far greater flexible architecture.
Marrying this architecture to a high speed expressive
controller like the Continuum further differentiates
the EaganMatrix patch point from other software (or
hardware, for that matter) musical instruments.
Lippold Haken, inventor of the Continuum Fingerboard
A matrix formula is divided into four primary
components: W, X, Y, and Z. These four
components relate to the possible finger position in
relation to the Continuum Fingerboard playing
surface.
W is a representation of whether or not the finger is
in contact with the surface, and X, Y, and Z are the
positional information based on the finger’s position
in three dimensional space. These four basic subblocks of the formula can be used in any
The Continuum
Fingerboard
Available in full and
half sizes.
For more information:
HAKENAUDIO
www.HakenAudio.com
SCHNEIDERSBUERO
3
www.schneidersbuero.de
“The EaganMatrix formula structure
makes it possible to apply
mathematical formulas to specific
patching points. Linking a musician’s
performance abilities in such a way is
enormously powerful.”
Each formula can use a unique LFO shape with any
LFO. Formulas can be modified to have a global
effect on the column that they are influencing. As
well, every formula can reference another formula,
such that limits within one formula can influence the
output of another. All this happens at high speed
with direct interaction of the Continuum playing
surface, creating musical performance that feels
more acoustic than electronic: immediate,
controllable, and expressive.
Much like a musician will choose a musical
instrument based on preferences of bridge height,
body shape, tonal balance and a myriad of other
subtle factors, the EaganMatrix formula structure
makes it possible to impose subtle (or dramatic, for
that matter) changes to sounds to personalize the
experience of playing a Continuum Fingerboard.