KOMA Elektronik has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production of the Chromaplane, a unique new polyphonic electromagnetic instrument.
The Chromaplane features a touchless interface, organic analog sounds, and an intuitive way of playing, made possible by invisible electromagnetic fields.
Here’s what they have to say about the Chromaplane:
“Hidden in the world around us is a continually buzzing environment of electromagnetic fields – our cellphones and laptops are constantly emitting chaotic clicks and hums. The Chromaplane is an instrument that was designed to live in that hidden electromagnetic world with an intentional musicality.
The instrument constantly emits a cloud of electromagnetic fields from its surface, waiting to be detected by the musician. These fields are emitted by carefully sculpted flat copper spirals in an isomorphic layout. By moving two electromagnetic pickups across the surface, you can unlock a universe of sound – from ethereal drones to lively melodies, quirky bass lines, and distorted noise.
The ten visible dots on the instrument’s surface represent the center of each field – the closer your pickup is to the center of a field, the louder its voice will be heard.”
Pricing and Availability:
The Chromaplane is available to project backers starting at about $392 USD.
Note: Crowdfunding projects can involve risk. See the project site for details.
intended to buy one, had the kickstarter page open in my browser for a week. but they launched it very early in the morning and I missed both early bird tiers. guess Ill grab a used one in a year.
Same!
Opened the page as soon as I got the email, there was one Early Bird left. By the time I had clicked Add to cart – it was gone.
It’s better to wait until:
– Other people have tried it.
– Reviewers have found and reported issues.
– Manufacturers have fixed those issues.
– There’s an improved PCB version.
– You find a sale.
Avoid first batches; open your products and check the PCB version—it’s rarely 1.0. Buying early often means paying more for lower quality. If being the first makes you feel better, consider discussing it with a therapist.
Somebody missed the point of crowdfunding projects.
“You know what you get from pre-ordering a game?”
Check the first two messages. Their concern is not about supporting the project but rather about missing the opportunity to buy it for less.
My concerns were about being able to afford it at all – and yes, things are that tight.
I understand a tight situation, but the difference is only 50 euros from retail. I also get the feeling of missing out on a better deal. However, if you wait, you’ll likely get a better product and better value for your money.
It’s unkind to infer because a person wants something interesting like this, that they should see a mental health professional. Perhaps you should get yourself something fun and be curious, make a few impulse purchases – it’s not always a bad thing. Also, this company has proven itself to be absolutely reliable in delivering on crowd sourced products. Enjoy your day friend.
I didn’t write: “a person wants something interesting like this, that they should see a mental health professional.”
I wrote: “If being the first makes you feel better, consider discussing it with a therapist.”
So it’s not about the product or crowdfunding; it’s about GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).
But I can understand how it could sound harsh, maybe I could further explain what I meant, I guess I tried to rock the foundations a little.
In my view, seeing a therapist is a good thing, and GAS is a legit subject to bring up in a session.
I worked in retailing synthesizers and audio-related products for many years. Products are constantly improved in the background without customers knowing anything about it. I’m not talking about new “marks” but about improved PCBs, internal design, parts, prints… Companies never advertise this, but you may find out about it when you install a new firmware or discover that some newer abilities are only possible on the newer revision. They usually mention this in the manual in some sort of disclaimer.
Anyway, I didn’t say not to impulse buy things. I just said that waiting until things iron out is a good thing and it’s better to avoid the first batch. If you’re eager to support the project, can’t wait to get the product in your hands, or can’t miss the opportunity to get an early bird deal, go ahead, but If you missed that I see it as a good thing. If or when you do get it, you will probably receive an improved or better product compared to the first batch.
I actually love Koma from their day one and trust them. I also understand that this specific tech was used by a band for a year or more.
Enjoy your day too.
Meh… Sometimes manufacturers under estimate their costs and have to charge more after crowdfunding, or later find ways to make things cheaper by using lower quality parts.
Do you really think you gain anything by taking advantage of this? It usually just means this is their first product, or it’s a new product in a field they’re just starting to explore. That’s another good reason to wait until they iron things out.
Even if they find ways to lower costs in the future, I can’t think of one example where the “rev.0.9” was a better buy. It may happen, but it’s rare, especially with complex products. You might get some more expensive components, but not necessarily better ones, and you’ll also face more issues they didn’t consider before people actually started using it. You’ll wait a long time to get it and then be their beta tester, and all this for what, saving 50 euros?
If you’re up for all that to support something you believe in, that’s fine, if its about GAS that’s fine too, but don’t delude yourself into thinking you’re getting a better deal. This is a new instrument based on electromagnetic fields, so now more than ever, it’s better to wait.
It’s great you have an opinion, but how about you stopping shitting on someone else product launch now? No ones forcing you to buy it, and there are plenty of legitimate reasons to support a kickstarter, whether you personally want to or not…
UKifi
Your perspective probably makes more sense the more you are afraid of taking risks.
When I back a Kickstarter, though, I know that I’m getting the opportunity to influence what gear gets made, getting first access to it, and getting it at a price that means I can easily flip it and get my money back.
That’s generally a lot of ‘pros’ with very little downside.
My perspective is based on my experience. While I trust Koma and believe the first batch will be fine, I expect that the second batch will be even better as lessons are learned, particularly with new designs.
I’m not opposed to supporting the cause (and you can do so without being an early bird) I’m confident it will be funded with or without us.
The product seems like a great addition to the electronic instrument market. For me, being the first to access it isn’t as important. I prefer to take my time, read reviews, watch videos, and thoroughly review the manual. I’m happy to wait. In a way, I appreciate that others might not share my approach. GAS can certainly drive new ideas in our field.
Reading comprehension is also important.
Reread what I wrote, I have always liked Koma and find this product interesting.
This is an exciting an innovative concept! The tuning interface however is horrible 🙁
If the tuning was digitally controllable through midi, or midi tuning standarts I would consider getting it. But like that? I don’t wanna fiddle around with a screwdriver on stage.
Reading comprehension is also important.
Reread what I wrote, I have always liked Koma and find this product interesting.
Please correct the headline! It’s ‘Chromaplane’, not ‘Chromaphone’. Chromaphone is the much loved physically modelled synth plugin by AAS.
Thanks for the feedback!