Haken Audio, creators of the Haken Continuum Fingerboard and other MPE-capable synths, has announced the EaganMatrix Micro – a new synth that packs the EaganMatrix sound engine into a compact USB module.
EaganMatrix is the sound engine that powers the Continuum, the Expressive E Osmose and several other synths. The EaganMatrix Micro features the same full-featured EaganMatrix sound engine, but in a compact self-contained form factor, powered and controlled via USB.
Here’s a intro video, by Edmund Eagan, demonstrating using the Warbl wind controller to control EaganMatrix wirelessly, via BLE MIDI and the CME WIDI Host:
The demo includes both realistic virtual instrument sounds and more ‘out there’ sound design examples. Eagan customized these presets to take advantage of the Warbl’s specific sensing technology.
Hundreds of Presets are included with the EaganMatrix Micro. An external cross-platform (Mac and PC) Haken Editor can be connected to modify and customize the EaganMatrix System Presets, or to create new presets from scratch.
Specifications:
- Polyphony: Nominal 1-3, Maximum 8
- Stereo Audio Output: 3.5 mm TRS
- EXT Connection: 3.5 mm TRS
- Can be used as a pedal input (Yamaha FC3A with HOSA MHE-100.5 is recommended),
or can be configured for a Control Voltage Converter.
- Can be used as a pedal input (Yamaha FC3A with HOSA MHE-100.5 is recommended),
- Seven Segment Display: Preset navigation and settings
- USB Power: 500 mA (190 mA average actual usage), via Mini USB connector
- USB MIDI: via Mini USB connector (USB-A to Mini USB cable included with purchase) – Allows bidirectional MPE and MPE+ connection to other devices; allows connection to the Haken Editor for editing and archiving EaganMatrix presets
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 5.8 x 1.9 cm (4.4 x 2.3 x 0.75 inches)
- Weight: 0.075 kg (2.6 oz)
Pricing and Availability:
The EaganMatrix Micro — u2x is available now for $449 USD.
Mini-USB connector?! Isn’t that the worst possible choice for a USB connection? I haven’t seen a new product with mini-USB in years, and complaints abound about how this style is prone to breaking with stress or repeated use.
Just what I thought. I hate those things.
Plus 3.5mm connections for audio and expression. It all feels like a slap in the face to musicians who can’t afford the bigger systems.
I’ve had lots of products with mini usb and not had problems. YMMV
Same here
Been thinking of putting their module in a case to create a standalone unit with Eurorack capabilties (near the bottom of https://www.hakenaudio.com/dsp-upgrade). With the Anyma Omega dead, there’s the Steampipe. Sounds great, but I am afraid I’d regret it as being too limited. Let alone that Haken has their focus on their engine, while Erica might not be arsed into expanding their unit.
Add this additive synthesis/resynthesis expansion I came across earlier today… https://synthanatomy.com/2025/01/christophe-duquesne-loris-synth-resynthesis-software-for-eaganmatrix-engine.html …and I think I’m on my way to a financial sound decision!
2 things:
A pity there is no importer for the Warble MIDI controller in Europe. It’s a hefty investment in shipping, taxes and customs to buy it as an individual from the US. I learned to play the recorder as a kid, so there should be some muscle memory left to pick this up again.
The choice for a mini-USB on the new Eaganmatrix Mico Synth is really strange, since as of 2025, on these kind of equipments , Europe does not allow this connector anymore. It should have been USB-C.
“The statement “Europe does not allow mini-USB connectors” may not be accurate, but it may stem from confusion around European regulations related to charging standards.
In the context of electronics, the European Union (EU) has been working to standardize charging cables and connectors to reduce e-waste and simplify consumer electronics. In 2021, the European Commission proposed legislation that would require all smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices to use a USB Type-C connector for charging, by 2024.
This regulation primarily targets USB-C as the standard for charging devices and doesn’t specifically prohibit other connectors like mini-USB. However, the trend in Europe, as well as globally, has been moving toward USB-C because of its faster data transfer speeds and more efficient power delivery compared to older connectors such as micro-USB and mini-USB .
In summary:
– There is no specific ban on mini-USB connectors in Europe.
– European regulations focus on USB-C as a standard for charging to reduce environmental impact.
– Mini-USB, while not commonly used in newer devices, may still be found in older products.
So, it’s not that Europe doesn’t allow mini-USB connectors; rather, there’s a push toward more modern, universal connectors like USB-C for new devices.”
Thanks for typing out what I couldn’t be bothered with.
Personally I find USB-C horrible a horrible standard. The only thing it has going for it is that it looks sleek. It often lacks the snuggishness by which the connector sits in the socket. Let alone that you sometimes need to turn the cable 180 degrees to make things work. They should have gone with a connector that would only fit one way.
Wow, I thought USB-C connectors always worked in either orientation– which was a benefit.
Is it possible that the ones you had that didn’t work in either direction were just poorly made or did not follow the standards for connections?
If not, that is sort of a perplexing (and yes, horrible) aspect of the standard.
nice, a very cool option to have out there.
12:28
Do we need one of those novel “anti true to the source” speakers to get the best out of these?
ahaha it’s a ContinuuMini chopped off! I purchased the Mini to have access to the Eagan synth engine. I think the controll surface is worth the price difference, but there are so many MPE options these days that having just the synth module could make sense to some. Cheers, Haken!
I had considered doing exactly the same! Glad others see I wasn’t the only one.
But I now own an Osmose-E.
something, something, blah.
Urgh, Micro USB?
No thank you.
It’s worse than Micro USB. It’s Mini USB!
Not every approach can accommodate this, but I prefer to set it and forget it. I make a point of providing strain relief and I rarely re-plug things. Its easier to do if you’re all ITB, but still, protecting your base pieces is vital.
I could easily live without all of the jack juggling, but hey, that’s why they make multi-port, multi-format adaptors. Technology is an octopus. Embrace the tentacles. 😛