KVR Audio

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 12:09 am

Hello,

I have been following the alternative midi keyboard controller movement for a while. I was very close to buying the Axis 64 http://www.c-thru-music.com/cgi/?page=prod_axis-64 but on a mission on Google to check it out I read a review mentioning that velocity control was not so good.

I also looked at the StarLabs midi keyboards http://www.starrlabs.com/product/zboard-2424/. Unfortunately they cost more than I was willing to pay.

I also checked the iPad as a mid keyboard controller but dang it has no velocity sensing. The iPad or a Windows touch screen for me will be the ideal controller to play music. Looks like it will be a long wait or this feature to be implemented.

There were other midi keyboards I was looking at but none were ready for purchase and that included the LinnStrument. This is not true anymore as the LinnStrument is close to being available perhaps in just a few weeks. http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument.html. Judging from the videos it looks great!

My questions to those that are into alternate midi keyboard controllers:

Your overall opinion of the LinnStrument.

Are you considering purchasing?

D.H. Miltz · Post by **D.H. Miltz** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 12:12 am

When you posted this earlier, I moved it here: http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... &p=5875297

D.H. Miltz · Post by **D.H. Miltz** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 12:14 am

Now I see that you've found that, but prefer it here. I guess here's okay.

tapper mike · Post by **tapper mike** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:44 am

http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument.html

Scroll to the lower portion of the page. Follow the link regarding how much, when. Sign up for the news letter.

Apparently it's going to be roughly 1500USD

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:03 am

tapper mike wrote:http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument.html

Scroll to the lower portion of the page. Follow the link regarding how much, when. Sign up for the news letter.

Apparently it's going to be roughly 1500USD

Thanks for posting the link.

Do you have any comment to make about the LinnStrument.

Are you considering purchasing?

tapper mike · Post by **tapper mike** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 1:48 pm

I still like ztars or more especially zboards more.. I can see issues arising by attempting to slide chords. I think it's a limited layout. Although it does show a lot of potential. If money weren't an issue I'd buy it.

I don't have the money for it and I don't see the money showing up anytime soon.

thetechnobear · Post by **thetechnobear** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:57 pm

these 'expressive controllers' are excellent

( i don't think the iPad can compete, due to the lack of tactile feedback of glass, also it cannot be pressure sensitive ( i know of the hacks of surface area, but its not the same) which is a primary expression input)

Ive an eigenharp, so won't be getting a linnstrument (too much time invested in learning to play the eigenharp to get distracted

)

Id say the linnstrument will be fantastic, I like the fact you can just plug in straight in and play (using midi to computer or straight to hardware), and that its a good size (so range), its a pretty good form factor, and the price point is very attractive.

of course, you'd need hands on, to feel the surface to determine the tactile feedback which i think is important, and also to feel the resolution and response rate… but the specs look like it should be fine.

a few things id point out, whilst its plug n play, in realty you will be looking for a good combination of VST host and plugins to make the most of it (u-he support voice per channel now, so great start!), this is the same with all (except continuum/seaboard which come with internal sound generators)

the 'main' alternatives are: eigenharp, continuum, soundplane and seaboard.
they all attack the same problem from different angles, so form factor and feature set will determine your choice.
eigenharp - has breath and ribbon strips, form factor is unique… ready for front of stage

continuum - possibly most developed, and the sound generator, eagan matrix is very cool, continuous surface
soundplane - lovely build, continuous surface
seaboard - perfect for keyboard players, easy to transfer skills. ( i think it only has 2d touch rather than 3d?)

at the moment, all have their advantages, and don't even really compete again one another, as they are so different.

I do feel(/hope?) , that given the feature set and the price point, the linnstrument is possibly going to sell more than the others have, a bit less niche… but who can tell, I'm sure the same was said of the others when they were released

Kalamata Kid · Post by **Kalamata Kid** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 9:13 pm

hetechnobear,

Thanks for the detailed post.

I am surprised at the lack of interest on the LinnStrument or is it a lack of interest on my thread? Too bad as it seems that the LinnStrument is a fine expressive instrument. The price $1500 is reasonable as you will be able to do something creative and expressive which you will be unable to do with other midi keyboard controllers.

No I do not work for this company. I genuinely think this great product and have been waiting for his or something similar for many years. The waiting is almost over.

Please post your opinions.

gbevin · Post by **gbevin** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:14 am

Hey everyone,

Roger and I are getting very close to the release of the LinnStrument. In the meantime, Ben from KVR has graciously opened a forum here for us. So if you have any questions, feel free to ask them there: http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=263

Take care,

Geert

LinnStrument Alternate Keyboard Midi Controller Out Soon!?