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Concept

The airpiano is an innovative MIDI and OSC controller. It allows the user to trigger invisible keys and faders in midair.

Touch-Free Interface
The airpiano was the first musical interface to introduce an intuitive and simple touch-free interaction. Most touch-free interfaces require users to stare at a display, while the user’s hand gestures in 3D space control elements on the screen. However, musicians and performers need to be able to play their instruments in a more free and intuitive way. The airpiano’s keys and faders are therefore not on the screen, but above the airpiano surface. The performer knows the exact position of each controller in the air, so no display is needed, and the interaction becomes much more natural.

Discrete and Continuous Control
The airpiano is often compared with the Theremin. The Theremin is a wonderful instrument which is quite difficult to play. One reason for this is that it provides only continuous control. The airpiano has a matrix of 24 discrete keys and 8 faders, which makes it much more simple to use. Actually, the airpiano software makes the device so versatile that there is no real reason for a comparison. These are completely different instruments.

Hardware

The airpiano is built from beautiful walnut wood, dark red acrylic glass and RoHS compliant components.

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* 8 infrared proximity sensors create up to 24 virtual keys and 8 virtual faders
* 40 LEDs provide easy orientation and visual feedback
* 1 momentary button allows switching between presets directly from the device
* ¼″ connector for using an expression pedal or a foot switch
* Power 9Vdc
* USB 2.0
* Dimensions: 960 x 160 x 26 mm ; Weight: 2.8 kg

Software

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* Create and save arrangement presets
* Assign keys and faders with MIDI messages (OSC messages are sent automatically)
* Assign keys with preset-load messages (allows loading presets directly from the device)
* Set momentary button functionality
* Set pedal / foot switch functionality (MIDI CC , Global Velocity or Preset Loader)

A New Instrument - Jo Hamilton

AirPiano - Controlling Ableton LIVE

Unfortunately, the airpiano is now sold out and is no longer in production.

Code:

http://www.airpiano.de/

link

 

thanks. but everithing can be do with a mouse...
It lacks the lighs of the laser harp... it seams sooooooo passé *yes*

 

cute and useless *yes*

 

Probably thats why it`s not available any longer. Was a nice project, could have become something.

 

that looks as useful as a dog with an airplane on his back... hmmm

 

Ja mein Herr,
seems you`re busy with discerning whats useful/-less, I`m glad you had time to reply. Gridlocked attitudes are so inspiring...
Air Piano was a prototype that hasn`t made it, for an instrument builder still interesting, maybe.
And it`s not a plane on a dog... it`s a dog as a plane.
Looking forward to the upcoming "very useful" topics you are going to delight us with.