Audiosens presents: KYRA
KYRA, the portable MIDI controller that stands out thanks to
Sensors can be controlled individually. Through additive-
Ambient sounds can be created using granular synthesis.
A course project by Samuel Spagl, Silas Roth, Tim Eichelbaum and Saskia Künstner, 3rd semester, 2019
Supervising lecturers: Prof. Dr Kyrill Fischer, Prof. Thorsten Greiner, Prof. Dr Jürgen Schwab
“Design a product for the field of sound synthesis, build a prototype and devise a marketing concept!” That was
the brief for the interactive semester workshop in the third semester. We invented the KYRA mobile MIDI controller. What makes it special is that KYRA is controlled via various internal and external sensors.
Before the KYRA concept took shape, we had to put ourselves in the user’s shoes. As we are all users ourselves, we also asked ourselves what we wanted. What problem do we want to solve? What are the expectations of potential users? What purpose should our product serve?
Shortly afterwards, an initial concept emerged, along with the name KYRA. KYRA stands for innovation, individuality and freedom. Sensor-controlled MIDI controllers are a novelty on the market. KYRA is designed for creative musicians who want to take control of their MIDI controller themselves and create a truly personalised sound.
The external sensors are all freely configurable, so the user can decide which sensor to use to control the individual parameters. A piezo microphone, for example, can be stuck to almost any surface to pick up any vibrations there. A motion sensor attached to a silicone finger ring measures the user’s hand movements and converts them into control data. A distance sensor measures distance data, which could be used, for example, to control pitch or volume. Each sensor is simply connected via a four-pin 3.5 mm jack to the compact housing, which is then connected to the laptop via USB. In the Max/MSP patch we have created, the resulting sounds are recorded using the control data provided by the sensors. In total, KYRA has four ports for external sensors.
Built-in components include a membrane potentiometer and pressure sensor for controlling individual parameters, as well as an electret microphone for recording. Five freely assignable RGB rotary encoders – that is, illuminated rotary knobs – provide additional precision for parameter control, ensuring there are no limits to the composition.
KYRA was implemented using a Teensy 3.6 microcontroller. We patched the synthesis methods and modules in Max 7. The prototype’s compact casing was produced from medium-density fibreboard using a laser cutter.
The accompanying Max/MSP application includes a recording function, additive synthesis and granular synthesis for creative sound generation. It also includes various sound-processing modules such as filters, reverb, pitch shifter, stereo delay, feedback delay and saturation, to give the music a personal touch.
As the internal and external sensors, as well as the rotary encoders, can all be freely assigned, KYRA is a highly customisable MIDI controller. KYRA is designed so that every user can set up their own workspace. Furthermore, users have the freedom to get creative, connect additional sensors and experiment with them. With KYRA, musicians have the opportunity to deliver an engaging live performance in the electronic and ambient genres. As KYRA is very compact, it fits comfortably into a rucksack. This means the MIDI controller can be used anywhere – wherever there’s something exciting to listen to.
