Eigenharp Google+ Community Archive

Mike, I was wondering if your Eigenlab stuff would work with Windows 7. I use Win 7 and have never used OSX. I am assuming this uses EigenD version 2 and not EigenD 1.4, so I'll need to upgrade, but just wondering why it wouldn't work on Windows 7 as well as OSX? I want to be able to learn scales/chords on just the C chromatic layout on the Tau as I'd be able to learn scales and chords without worrying about learning new key mapping layouts.

Mixed reaction to Leap Motion.  But Geert Bevin got a mention. http://www.technologyreview.com/news/518721/leap-motions-struggles-reveal-problems-with-3-d-interfaces/

Pieces you play - share hints/tips? Perhaps we could share on here, pieces that we have been playing (or learning)  with some info on where to get the score,  layouts used any setup/playing hints. I'll start... im learning the classic beginners piano piece Fur Elise Setup: - Alpha, setup 3, split 4 (1/2 splits) , Horz 4N (not rev), chromatic Difficultly: first bit easy, gets a bit harder in 2nd and last part. the Horz 4n has plenty of range, so i use the splits to give each hand enough space. There are (for me) a couple of tricky chord combinations, which i have reduced to 2 notes. probably more experienced could do all 3 notes. I did start playing with factory layout, again with same split, and it would be possible, though it required an inconvenient  octave shift. (in the second part, to rise thru the 5 Es)  - shifting up wasnt my issue, it was shifting back down to the correct octave whilst continue to play in the right hand. again more experienced players may not find this diff...

Learning to play....  Well, it seems that the Coursera Music technology course has the largest collection of eigenharpers participating I've seen to date! In his bio Mark Harris mentions that he is learning to play Eigenharp and this reminded me that several people have asked: where / how did you learn to play that thing? I do not really have a good short answer to that. It isn't clear that the the term 'learning to play' is really applicable (although we certainly learn the factory setups). We really seem to be exploring ways to use the instrument.

Eigenharp performance layouts In the Eigenharp hangout on Sunday, António Machado shared something of a performance layout for his Alpha that he designed for a particular song that he performed for a reunion with his old group Anonimato. I was struck by the fact that many of the keys were disabled so that they could not be accidentally struck during the performance and that the number of active keys seemed very small. I did not quite grasp the layout of the active keys. António said that there was no logic to it only that it was the "best possible layout" for playing that particular song. Knowing that António puts a great deal of craft into his music, I personally think that those two statements are not quite compatible, but that perhaps the end result of much creative effort seems too simple to talk about. I am fascinated by the possibilities and I suspect that there are many special layouts that would work extraordinarily well for more than a few different songs and for var...

An Eigenharp Player's Meetup. This is something that needs to be planned, scheduled, and executed. Within the next 2 years.

Decided to play Tau for my main set at electro-music fest 2013 in NY. Last weekend, worked out a few details on my pieces and realized I didn't need to use Alpha. This is fine with me as I'd like to baby it for awhile longer. ;) Plus, it will be good to show the different instruments to attendees. Paul Harriman will be there to show Alpha. I'll have Tau and Pico. So everyone should get a good look at all three. I'm doing a collab set with an electronic percussionist. May just use Pico to pay bass and sonic/rhythmic patterns. We'll see. Really looking forward to this event.

There seems to be a bug in the arranger (or my setup) when sending to a MIDI rig.  I've essentially taken Alpha Factory 2 and rewired Arranger 1 to MIDI rig 2 to send drum patterns.  If you set up a pattern it will generally send the right notes, but then, for no obvious reason, start sending a completely different note for a few bars, then go back to original.  I remember Mike Milton showing this to Geert Bevin  in one of the G+ hangouts a year of so ago, but not sure what the conclusion was.  Has anyone else seen this problem, and are there any ways to correct it?

I'm reposting this course which is just now getting started because I think many of us might really enjoy it. It starts out quite basic (so we should breeze through some of it) and proceeds to cover coding in Python within Reaper for synthesis and algorithmic music (among other things). It might be interesting for those who are able to move some of the Python results into EigenD as well. I know it says it is starting soon, but the lectures and forums are open all ready. https://www.coursera.org/course/musictech

Second interesting musical link of the week! The Klee sequencer is quite a different idea from the normal step sequencer. There is a good PDF describing the concept at this URL http://www.modular.fonik.de/klee2/know_the_klee_draft3_203.pdf And also I found a VST implementation, which I've not tried yet. http://defectiverecords.com/klee/index2.html

OK.  Who got the piano black Alpha just announced 'sold' on Eigenlabs' forums?

Given recent discussions on Max (etc) this looks timely :) Originally shared by Ableton Live Enthusiasts This was posted a few months ago but if you haven't seen it, here's a page with a series of Max and Live API tutorials from the Berklee College of Music: http://sonicbloom.net/en/max-for-live-api-basics-video-tutorials-by-berkleemusic/ http://sonicbloom.net/en/max-for-live-api-basics-video-tutorials-by-berkleemusic/

I came across this today and thought it might be of interest. http://www.hisschemoller.com/2011/euclidean-rhythms/

The evolution continues. Had a practice session last night where I used TouchAble exclusively for controlling all of my record/playback from Live.  It worked flawlessly. It was nice to have the visual feedback, i.e.: seeing names of instruments/clips, etc.  Plus, TouchAble shows the playback position of a clip.  I found this particularly useful to make sure I wasn't abruptly ending a percussion or pad loop. I have an iRig stand for the iPad that affixes to my mic stand.  I placed it offset a bit to the right and directly in front of me.  So, it was easy to make the changes in TouchAble and still keep hands in close proximity to the 'harp. There's a lot of features in TouchAble I haven't explored and will wait until after my next gig.  Just being able to record/playback and adjust faders is enough for me at this point.

My EigenD Pro subscription ran out three days ago. Occurrently it does not automatically renew (even though it was set up that way). Was thinking about what to do now. Decided today to renew for six further months. I still really hope the foundation comes into place and EigenD "lives on". I found the discussion about Max highly interesting and really appeciate David's work in that direction. Still don't know what to think about "betting" on it as a future Eigenharp platform as long as there is still hope for EigenD. The biggest advantage for Max would probably be to lower the entry bar for contributions as it is at least more approachable for determined non-coder musicians than C++/Python/EigenD code is. (E.g. Antonio could probably get quite far in Max as he has the understanding of many concepts behind EigenD, only not the necessary months and years of programming experience with C++ and Python). So if we run into the situation where nobody does anything f...

FocusPro14 Question. If its turned on, but computer its connected to is not on... then can it still pass audio from analogue inputs to outputs/headphones? Basically, I like to play synth with computer off (so it doesnt distract me ;)) but I dont really want to have to keep unplugging headphone from FP14 into the back of the synth - but this would require FP14 to still route audio if computer is off  etc(I don't mind the FP14 being on) I guess otherwise I will possibly just get a splitter or small mixer

Takeways from today's Hangout: 1) Good to see new faces.  You bring much to the discussion. Never underestimate your contributions. 2) G+ Hangouts are not ideal (easy to 'step' on others when trying to jump into discussion, etc.).  But, until a better option presents, are a pretty good substitute. 3) What will we be using to control our 'harps in 2 to 3 years?  EigenD?  Max?  This may be the beginning of an interesting discussion. 4) People use the 'harp in diverse ways.  Would be good to hear more about them. 5) Sharing 'harp-based music.  There has been a 'video-only' bent to this.  Has this helped or hurt the effort to share what people have been doing? 6) We just can't help ourselves... setups/technical, etc.  ;) Feel free to comment on this post, or start a new thread on one of the topics.  Or, add your own takeaway. Nice to see everyone!

#creator 2.1 update:2.1.1 fixed keygroup layout new features: - variable declaration and defaults - sleep this release is all about making templates MUCH more maintainable and readable and a bit more flexible to, and was part of the motivation of implementing 2.0 Note: this is backwards compatible, so templates do not need to be change immediately. However, once changed they will only work with 2.0 details... Sleep ===== now in a template you can specify a 'sleep' example (and only likely requirement!) in createdevice.bc pico manager create sleep 2 this tells creator to wait 2 seconds before continuing, giving time for eigenD to create the keyboard before continuing. this means I can (and have) removed the pause between executions, which will make larger setups much faster to run! Declaring variables ================ Ok, this is the 'biggy' and one of the big reasons for 2.0 for me. Lets look at an old template (linkrig.bc) scheduler identifier to %VAR2% scheduler iden...

Going to download TouchABLE to my iPad later this eve. Want to use it to control faders in Live. I'm in the middle of composing a piece that needs volume transitions between parts and sections. Cumbersome to use laptop controls during performance. Have read good reviews , so thought I'd give it a go.

Whitby Folk Week starts tomorrow! (17-23) and takes over the town. http://www.whitbypavilion.co.uk/events/Whitby-Folk-Week-Saturday-17-August-2013 http://www.whitbyfolk.co.uk/ Tickets still available but only from the festival office. Not to be confused with http://www.musicportfestival.com/ (18-20 Oct - hint-hint!) But if by great good chance anyone is planning to come with their Alpha, Jim McLaughlin will be delighted to see you in the Musicport shop in Skinner Street (mention my name). http://www.whitbypavilion.co.uk/events/Whitby-Folk-Week-Saturday-17-August-2013

#Creator 2.0 is here! =============== Update: 2.0.2, bug fix in physical mapping, and keygroup layout. normal and vertical layout example for pico Sneak peek yesterday but now its here for real. Changes: - written in Java using XML/RPC to talk to eigenD, doesnt need eigend scripts. this means its should be compatible with windows. (though only a mac osx script its supplied) - has all command line features of 1.0, use -h to see, is backwards compatible - Keygroup layout    old CreateLayout is now integrated into creator, and so can use  command line options of creator (e.g. file, script, debug etc) - Templates - these are the old 1.0 modules renamed, as modules are something else now.  - two initial modules:     * BelcantoTemplate - process template files( old modules)     * KeygroupLayout - processes layouts (aka old CreateLayout), see below.  - new 'command' option, -C to issue a single command - createsetup.sh has been renamed to creator.sh, to reflect broader usage Currently...

creator 2.0, is on its way.... there is a prototype in the normal place, and you can use by using createsetup2.sh (it doesnt yet have command line options, they are coming later) changes... creator 1.0 was a proof of concept, it basically was about the templates and to see if it could be useful, and its has proved it is. but i was never happy with it being implemented as shell scripts, as its impossible to go far with it. 2.0 is written in Java and communicates directly with EigenD via XML/RPC, no middle man - so Ive full control :o)  Of course its backwards compatible... and the old version is still there. BUT 2.0 will evolve into a slightly different beast, which will mean the templates are far more manageable. Its likely that the templates will need a small updates in the near future which will separate 1.0 and 2.0.  my intention is this: (at least initially)  the modules will be copies into 1.0 and 2.0 directories creator 2.0 will be able to use 1.0 and 2.0, but the old creator wil...

This setup has me puzzled. 3 keygroups: main and 2 playable keygroups that have key mappings applied. Playables are wired to main. I have a scale selector, wired to main. The scale selector changes scales of the main keygroup. The scale change does not get applied to the playable keygroups. There are no scale associated with the playables. Why aren't scale changes applied to the playables?

Hello, I have a Pico and use EigenD 1.4.12. Is there available such MIDI setup which will let me connect Pico and iPad and play application like Anymoog from the Pico? (I saw some video by Geert but cannot find the setup)

If you want use your strip controller to control volume of a patch, use the Absolute setting in the Routing Matrix instead in the regular strip control option. BTW: Shouldn't we have a "tips & technique" section?

In the Hangout last evening, there was a little discussion about costs etc.  A easy misconception is that any instrument provides all that one may find necessary to create the music they want, over time. I think back to my earlier days as a saxophonist.  I started with an alto model in school.  Then, I added a tenor to be able to play additional gigs.  Soon after, I added a soprano model for the same reason.  Over time, I also had a clarinet and flute in the bag, plus all of the necessary racks and stands, reed tweaking tools, etc.. With the Eigenharp, there's a lot that comes with it, in terms of instrumental sounds (forget all of the layout configuration possibilities for now.)  Piano, synth, clarinet, cello, and many interesting patches in the included Alchemy Player. Depending on how deep one wants to go, you may find that you want to add additional sound synthesizers (software or hardware-based).  There are some freebies, but the best will require an additional outlay. Conside...

I set up a Google Calendar for future #EigenWarrior Hangouts.  I checked online to make sure I was selecting good times, alternating back and forth with the time we used yesterday to a time that falls earlier. The times listed are in current EDT.  Check out  http://www.worldtimebuddy.com/ for conversions. Check it out and let me know if alterations are needed. https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=nekjo1e3fjuvllnft9akqjvqr4@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

Quick improv example of the Kora patch discussed in the Hangout. An example of the Kora patch from Native Instruments.  Improvization. I made a 4-voice multi in Kontakt to broaden the sound a bit.  Set Eigenharp up in poly mode.  Did not do any other config, i.e.: no pitch bend settings, modulation, etc.  Just a quick improv example.  Needs a little fine tuning to mellow the sound, but you get the picture.

Hangout? If someone organises one I'll join :o) (im not organising as I made a pigs ear of it last time!)

Mark Harris - An OSCPad question:  Have you looked into, or implemented, track fader control?  The FCB1010's pedal is able to control track fader so I know it's able to be done. What I'd like to be able to do is use the slider strip(s) to control an active track's fader. Is this possible?

Scale Illuminator Demo (2/2) This part shows how to activate new layouts. (warts and all, i did it all in one take without preparation and it shows :o) Please note: command line options are explained on github wiki also see earlier video on 'creator in 60 seconds' for how to download repository to get access to tools. Apologies for sounds, didn't realise it was only taking input from internal mic, need to find a way of mixing in EigenD output. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y52Or6do3m0

Scale Illuminator Demo - part 1. (watch in HQ, otherwise you wont be able to text!) First half shows scale illuminator and some of its features. Second half (processing and uploading now, probably 17:15 CET), shows create layout and some alternative layouts note: these are demos, kind of showing what they do and a bit of how to. BTW: did you know you do these recording directly with quicktime on the mac, so you dont need to pay for additional software - cool! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_SbFFHIeQo

Anyone considering the new Mac Pro? I'm toying with the idea. If it is anything like current models, it will last until I decide for a cranial implant.

Audio input into EigenD? k, so decided to take the plunge and get Live, inevitable really. ( I may have a few questions for you live users out there!) Im now trying to get setup that I like working. Basically for the moment, my plan when using Live, is to host VSTs in live, and also pipe audio from EigenD to Live via Jack OSX. No problem there! But then what Ive tried to do is pipe Audio back from Live to EigenD so that I can pipe it to the headphones on the Alpha. Ive wired up Jack OSX fine, and Ive changed EigenD setup to wire the audio input to the headphone - but nada, nothing, zilch. I know JackOSX is doings it job, as same channel routes to mac speakers, and im getting output there. I know headphones works (e.g. enabled, gain, quality), as Ive wired EigenD mixer output to them, and get output from them. But it would appear nothing is coming thru the audio input! It would appear there is no audio input in EigenD... any thoughts? Geert Bevin did you have this working? I know Randy ...

Honored.  One of my pieces got accepted for inclusion on the electro-music NY festival's sampler CD. https://soundcloud.com/simple-not-simpler/assemblage-op-6

createlayout 0.2 now supports reversed columns. ( e.g. col 5 to col 1) - particularly useful for horizontal patterns when not using reversed rows. wiki is updated to contain documentation on how to use, and full instructions on what each parameter does. https://github.com/TheTechnobear/Eigenharp/wiki/Creator-create-layout

So, here is another nice to have capability. It would be nice to be able to have a talker act at the first opportunity after it was triggered that makes sense musically. I think this might imply an agent that waits for something specific before releasing the rest of the belcanto. It might wait for the next bar in the metronome or it might wait for the end of a loop in the drummer or recorder So the talker that now says "Hey you this do" whould say "hey you when condition this do" and the condition might be new bar or loop end (or other things?) Why would this be useful? One example is for the drummer (I guess recorders would have similar). Most drum loop sets come with starts, endings, fills and variations. People drag them onto timelines to make full and interesting backings (which might be a bit rigid, but at least they are varied.) It would be nice to load a range into the drummer and then switch between them. Now, you can do this presently and it isn't too ...

had scale illuminator active and accidentally had both scale mode and instrument selected... this is what happens - he he :o)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq6db0J3hSQ

LIttle quiz. Playing with an agent that starts with ..... an S Two, three fingers on my left hand #Eigenharp #lovingit https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6369052/audio%201.mp3

Hi from the SF bay area, USA.   I am looking for Eigenharp owners in the bay area that would let me see there harp and get a better sense of the key action, etc.  Anyone home?   Thanks, Cere

Scale Illuminator. Ran a Creator script. What are the purpose of the red and green lights on courses 4 and 5?

Long time no posting something here... I've bin enjoying Mark Harris lastest agent - scale illuminator (also testing, stirring and messing around) in the process thought (and Mike Milton also suggested ) using the percussion keys to control this agent. So, the 8 scales from factory setups and implemented also a clever wicked switching lights from Geert Bevin to be used to invert and root note) It's on https://github.com/TheTechnobear/Eigenharp to be used with Creator. scaleilluminatorstandard1pluscontrol.conf (if someone asks can try coming up with a native EigenD script) https://github.com/TheTechnobear/Eigenharp

I suspect this might be of interest to some of you. The demos sounds pretty good. http://www.soniccouture.com/en/products/28-rare-and-experimental/g44-geosonics/

High praise and other misdemeanors to Mark Harris . Just browsed through the #Creator docs again on GitHub.  Really well done, sir.  Was looking through the repo for things I had missed since my absence, so thought the docs deserved another look too. Clear, concise, complete.

Live action shot of a man in a hat.

FX - send and return. Im trying to mix an FX VST. now my understanding was send was how much is sent to VST, and return is how much of the return signal is mixed in. Now what I want, is for 100% to be sent to the VST &, 100% to be used as return (i.e. only the return signal not original) as I think the return already has the 'mix' of original + effect (so I want to control the mix in the VST not signed) but it appears what ever I set it to, I always get the original audio, and return just says how much of the FX i get as well, so then need to turn down the main value to compensate.  bascically, Im struggling to get the levels right, and I think im getting delay (induce my mix original signal + return, which will be delayed due to VST processing) Also in some configurations, im finding I get the effect if I go to speakers, but not headphones (in alpha) BUT ive already checked that the headphone pre fader is NOT enabled. thoughts? Backaround. my access virus has VST control, ...

Midi playable input?  Id really like to be able to connect my keyboard to play rigs thru the midi input . The CC side looks to be there, so I can route mod wheel etc. But from memory the key data is not useful, since its just note output, i.e. you lack velocity. Im thinking I could hack the midi input agent, and add velocity, but just want to check if anyone has another way ? (it would kind of be useful, as well for DAWs to playback into eigenD) thoughts? madness?

Mark Powell I'm having trouble figuring out how to get headphone output along with monitor output with the Focusrite. I've went thru the manual and toyed with the settings. Do you have a method that works? (I'm not wanting to use the 'harp's headphone jack as I really need a full mix output from DAW etch.) Thanks.

I Like the size of the Pico... Where is the place to look for one for a guy with a Budget

Picture of my setup at IndyMEME.

Just finished packing up my gear for the #IndyMEME  event tomorrow and Saturday. Not a huge footprint, although quite a lot for a 30 minute set, nonetheless. 1.5 hour drive over - not bad at all.  Will check into hotel.  Chill.  Then head to the Irving Theater for set up.  Perform at 6PM EST. Will be feeling the power of the #EigenWarrior  Clan. Cheers!