I might like to see extra corporations like Artiphon on this planet. {Hardware} startups with intelligent concepts and a knack for bringing them to market. Again in November 2020, I spent a good bit of time with the corporate’s handheld synth/sampler/instrument. It didn’t flip me into Wendy Carlos, but it surely helped cross just a few darkish pandemic hours by firing up some music-making neurons.
The system’s power lies in its terribly low barrier of entry. No classes or musical aptitude are required — only a free hand or two and the will to noodle round with sound. At present the system is getting a sequel, within the type of the fittingly named Orba 2. The product appears to be like similar to its predecessor, with a spherical base and eight touch-sensitive pads organized in triangles like pizza slices.
Picture Credit: Artiphon
The system largely features the identical because the Orba 1, as properly, however incorporates a revamped sound engine with new built-in audio samples. These are augmented by built-in sensors, which allow you to modify the sound via speaking, shaking and spinning the system. There are 9 gestures in all. Customers can also pattern and loop straight on the system or with the related Orba app.
“We would like folks to precise themselves musically of their on a regular basis lives,” CEO Mike Butera says in a launch. “We’ve dreamed of permitting anybody to play any sound they will think about, wherever they go, with out worrying about historic instrument expertise or summary music concept. Orba 2 lastly makes that attainable.”
All instructed, the sampler can file as much as 5 minutes/128 bars on system, coupled with a brand new function that helps snap enjoying to a beat. Clearly the top sport is making the system as dummy proof as humanly attainable. Although, for extra superior customers, it additionally doubles as a MIDI controller (by way of USB-C or Bluetooth) for apps together with GarageBand, Ableton Stay, Logic Professional and Professional Instruments.
Artiphon’s Orba handheld synthesizer. Picture Credit: Artiphon / mockups-design.com
The Orba 2 runs $150 — notably a $50 premium over its very accessible predecessor. Artiphon has additionally added quite a lot of new options because the launch of the primary Orba, together with the flexibility to make the most of the system as a video editor.
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