Technology is bringing on a host of new musical instruments, most with recognizable ties to something very tried and true. Such is the case with the airpiano, a virtual keyboard made up of 8 infrared proximity sensors that combine to form 24 virtual keys with 8 virtual faders.
The airpiano connects to a computer which holds special software allowing you to pre-program and save multiple presets. The musician moves their hands above the sensors at different levels to trigger the various tones and faders, moving freely from one to the next. The musician memorizes the in-air locations of each sound, so no display screen is needed. Forty LEDs set into the wood-framed case mark the positions of the sensors. The instrument measure 960 x 160 x 26 mm, and weighs 2.8 kg. It’s Mac or Windows compatible, with a USB interface.
If you think the airpiano is the instrument for you, you can order one at the website for 1,099 Euros in Europe, or 1,149 Euros (about $1,700 U.S.) outside Europe.
A New Instrument – how it works from Poseidon on Vimeo.
(via DVICE)
