KOMA Elektronik & Passepartout Duo have announced a Kickstarter project to fund production of their unique new touchless electromagnetic synthesizer, the Chromaplane.
The Chromaplane, a polyphonic analog synthesizer, is designed around ten tunable electromagnetic fields that are emitted from its aluminum surface.
The instrument is played in a unique way. The pickups are the main way in which you interact with the instrument, drawing lines over its surface to reveal drones, lively melodies, or distorted noise. The developers say that “this unorthodox approach is an invitation to invent new techniques and to make a very personal connection with the instrument,” adding, “there is no right or wrong way to play.”
The Chromaplane is a standalone device, including a filter and a delay, but can also be integrated into a wider setup, thanks to a variety of connectivity options.
Here’s the official Chromaplane intro video:
“We imagined a device that could combine the expressivity and immediacy of an acoustic instrument, alongside the endless possibilities of electronic sound design,” they note. “The most subtle gestures translate immediately into sound, giving a powerful connection between your hands and your ears.”
Pricing and Availability:
Production of the Chromaphone is being funded via a Kickstarter project, which will launch July 23rd, 2024.
Three price tiers are available as follow:
- Super Early Bird (limited availability): €299
- Early Bird (limited availability): €319
- Kickstarter Price: €359
Bundles including the Field Kit and multiple Chromaplane units will be available as well.
Note: Crowdfunding campaigns can involve risk. See the project site for details.
Looks like a clever design, elegant build-concept, and for what it is, not a terribly high price.
Though it is quite “boutique”, it also has some possibilities for the differently abled, or for some sound installations with visiter inputs.
Hmm. The perambulation of the pedal extremity is impeded by the insertion of a foreign botanical offshoot. Now gentlemen, we must proceed with caution. This Bedford dog is worth a fortune.
Now this right here is game changing. Not some scrub company shaking down elderly pioneers for their product names in other countries. No, this is a new and interesting idea oh yeah also at a great price.