Hold on to your seat cushions, folks – the future of MIDI controllers is here.
Well, that’s yet to be seen, but what we’ve got here is something really, really cool. Introducing the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 – a MIDI controller in the shape of a … that’s the interesting part. It can be whatever you want it to be. With an elongated frame and touch pad interface, the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 is able to assume the roles of a variety of percussion and string instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, and even a ukelele.
Now, the variety of instruments available is nothing new to MIDI controllers – their entire purpose is the digital manifestation of different sounds/instruments, and its easily achievable with various presets and plugins. What makes this controller so valuable though is its appeal to the wider market. Not too many people who are unfamiliar with electronic music might know the intricacies behind using a MIDI Fighter or a Launchpad, but put this ergonomic and transparent design in their hands, and they can play it naturally. 
The hype behind the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1 was so strong that it made its $75,000 goal on Kickstarter in just 6 hours. Today, it has achieved over $200,000 in contributions, adding up to 289% of their expected goal – and there are still 38 days to go.
This is a really neat device that could open up opportunities for a variety of indie creations and possibilities that we can’t even think of yet. Just think of what developers did with the Kinect.
You can check out the project on Kickstarter here: http://kck.st/1Nc4QCO
- Play any instrument, style, and sound with a single device that connects directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Our patented multi-instrument technology transforms the INSTRUMENT 1 into a guitar, violin, bass, piano, drum machine… it’s any instrument you want it to be.
- Plug in and play 100’s of apps like GarageBand with universal musical gestures: strumming, tapping, bowing, sliding, and more.
- Digital string-like interface works with any MIDI-compatible software.
- The unique ergonomic design can be held in multiple positions, and is fully ambidextrous.
- Design new instruments and custom tunings via the Artiphon companion app.
- It’s compact, portable, durable, self-powered, and simple.
- Designed and engineered in Nashville, TN.
