Keyboards with built in 'smarts' about Music Theory - both conventional (eg TheoryBoard) and Microtonal (eg Lumatone) and everything 'in between' - including Brain Interfaces

Here’s a bit more info on the Seeed Studio Minichord, including github for hardware and software:

The minichord is an innovative musical device designed for all musicians. It features 21 chord selector buttons for easy chord selection, a unique harp touch zone for triggering different notes, and supports custom presets for endless music creation possibilities. It also functions as a MIDI instrument via USB connection. Most importantly, the minichord is a fully open-source project, allowing users to freely access, modify, and share its source code and design.This product is a co-create collaboration with Seeed Studio and Benjamin Poilve.

Main Seeed Studio Minichord page:

Github:

It’s a nice little device, but its uses are limited.

I asked the creator (Benjamin) to add an option to change the device’s MIDI channel(s) so it can be used as an instrument on Zynthian.

Today I received a message that he fulfilled this request, and it has become much more useful as a result.

3 Likes

Very cool! I was wondering if Minichord could easily be ported to run on Zynthian without the custom hardware. We already have @riban ‘s Chordulator. I’m guessing Minichord has more capabilities.

Do you have the Exquis?
I got one and it is quite nice with the Zynthian, but the Windwoes Exquis App just sucks, and without that app, there are many things missing.
Are there device drivers / tools planned for this on Zynthian?

We generally can’t add drivers unless we have the kit. Anyone with a device is encouraged to write a ctrl device driver. I had considered buying one of there but am not yet convinced I would find it useful. I like the idea of a controller with more control but I may be better just using my guitar to MIDI device.

2 Likes

A small sample of minichord in my left hand (recorded as audio) together with keyboard and zynthian for the melody in right hand.
Not exactly a masterpiece, but it gives an impression.
Minichord’s own synth is playing the arpeggios/chords.

btw. no drivers needed :wink:

4 Likes