The Chord Machine AKT-0.1 by Akuto Studio is a groundbreaking instrument that opens up endless possibilities for playing MIDI notes, combining effects, and tweaking your sound within a compact and durable device. Crafted to be your companion from the start of your musical journey and beyond, the Chord Machine evolves with new features that you’ll continually explore and integrate into your productions. This device is designed not just to be an instrument, but an ever-growing tool for musical innovation. One of the most striking features of the Chord Machine is its isometric keyboard layout, which diverges from the traditional piano setup to offer new creative potentials. This unique arrangement allows for more intuitive playing and chord construction, making it easier to experiment with musical ideas. The isometric design aligns with the device’s goal to make music creation accessible and inspiring, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out.
The Chord Machine boasts a revolutionary note selection system for both chords and melodies, thanks to its intuitive grid-like interface. With three distinct keyboard modes—Tonnetz, Accordion, and Piano—you can seamlessly switch between different methods of note selection. This versatility unlocks a vast array of creative possibilities, encouraging musicians to push the boundaries of their musical expression. Each mode offers a unique approach to music-making, ensuring that you never run out of fresh ideas. Tonnetz mode stands out as a particularly powerful feature. It transforms the way you visualize and play music, allowing each note to be separated by a consistent interval in the same direction. This setup enables effortless transposition of chord shapes across different keys, providing access to a rich library of chords with just a few basic shapes. The Tonnetz mode not only simplifies playing but also enhances your understanding of music theory, making it an invaluable tool for learning and creativity.
Accordion mode is another innovative aspect of the Chord Machine. It simplifies chord progressions by allowing each key to play a complete chord, making transitions between chords as simple as pressing the key beneath the current one. This mode supports a wide range of chord types, including major sevenths and more, facilitating diverse harmonic exploration. Accordion mode empowers musicians to focus on their creative flow without getting bogged down by complex fingerings. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the Chord Machine includes a Piano mode. This mode replicates the classic piano keyboard layout, with black and white keys represented by illuminated LEDs. The four isometric rows provide two continuous piano rows, allowing for smooth transitions and familiar playability. This mode ensures that musicians who are comfortable with the traditional piano can still benefit from the Chord Machine’s innovative features.
The Chord Machine’s hardware design further enhances its functionality. A square touchscreen offers a new range of playing possibilities, adding nuanced control and providing valuable information. This screen allows you to see and change the keyboard mode, monitor which chords or notes you’re playing, and configure the playing field where all the creative magic happens. The touchscreen’s intuitive interface makes it easy to interact with the device, ensuring a seamless user experience. The playing field, marked by a circle and dot in the middle, is where you can manipulate live effects and control the output to your computer or DAW. Up to four effects can be accommodated on the playing field, with customizable placement and range for each effect. For instance, you can set an effect to transition from 30% in the center to 80% toward the edge. This dynamic control over effects adds depth and dimension to your music, enabling real-time sound manipulation.
The Chord Machine also features three screen modes—Direct, Bi-manual, and Strum—each offering a different approach to note generation and control. Direct mode allows you to slide your finger without sending notes until you press a key. Bi-manual mode lets you select notes with the keyboard and activate them by touching the playing field, akin to strumming a guitar. Strum mode takes this further by displaying pressed keys as lines on the screen, which can be finger-picked or strummed. These modes encourage experimentation and cater to various playing styles, making the Chord Machine a versatile tool for any musician. Additionally, the Chord Machine includes user-friendly features like preset saving, pitch control, and customizable interface orientation. You can save up to seven presets, navigate semitones with the rotary knob, and transpose chords easily. The device can also be flipped 180° to suit your preference, with the interface and LEDs adjusting accordingly. These thoughtful features ensure that the Chord Machine adapts to your workflow, providing a personalized and efficient music-making experience.
Source » Kickstarter