Keith McMillen Instruments has introduced the QuNeo, the next generation of music software and hardware controllers for electronic musicians, DJs, VJs and DIY hackers.

Keith McMillen Instruments QuNeo

Redefining music production and performance, QuNeo (pronounced kyoo-ne-oh) covers all of the functionality of other controllers, while adding the power of extra dimensions. Quneo provides 27 pads, sliders and rotary sensors with 3D Multi-Touch recognition for pressure, velocity, and location sensitivity, which allows musicians playing electronic sounds to change their timbre (quality, brightness and volume) the harder or softer they are played by simply varying touch pressure. The pads are also responsive to X (left – right) and Y (up – down) and recognize multiple gestures for pinching and swiping.

Previously with first generation products, controlling music software and hardware was limited. You could only hit a pad, twist a knob or push a button to manipulate sounds and effects. KMI has resolved these restrictions with its innovative next generation line of Multi-Touch controllers: SoftStep, 12 Step, and now QuNeo, that transforms musical intent into audio through physical control of 3D Multi-touch sensor technology.

QuNeo features

  • The Size of an iPad: QuNeo is the size of an iPad 2 and fits in iPad accessories such as clips, stands and more.
  • 3D Tactile Pads, Sliders, Rotary Sensors and Switches: 27 pads, sliders and rotary sensors that are pressure, velocity, and location sensitive, with 17 switches responding to how hard you press.
  • LED Light Feedback: a remarkable lumination scheme combines variably diffusive elastomers with 251 multi-color variable brightness LEDs providing visual feedback that is immediately responsive and delightfully informative.
  • Class Compliant and Open Source Development Kit: QuNeo works with USB, MIDI or OSC and will communicate with your favorite music software environments right out of the box. More advanced users and programmers can download the development kit to create their own code to respond to QuNeo’s sensor data.

The QuNeo is scheduled for release in March 2012. It is currently priced at $200 USD for pre-sale at Kickstarter.com

More information: Keith McMillen Instruments / QuNeo