June 2021 book update: Creativity using alternative and expressive controllers/synths

Hi there!

I'm increasingly treating book updates as "exclusive written videos" for Waveshaper Patreon supporters, devoting more time to these updates (often at the expense of another video on the channel, but frankly, you deserve it!)

Anyway, on to this month's update... 

If you're looking for inspiration in your electronic music-making - rather than trying a new synth or plugin - maybe try a different controller? 

Most electronic music instruments are different than acoustic ones in that there's typically a separation between the sound engine and the interface used to play it (often a "bundled" set of black and white piano-style keys).

Not that you can't get expressive with piano keys, but with MIDI support often including polyphonic aftertouch and increasingly more instruments supporting MPE (polyphonic expression) there's no reason to limit yourself to piano-style keys, which are typically "on/off" switches with no control over how individual notes you play evolve beyond initial velocity. Plus, a different layout (e.g., a grid instead of a piano roll) can present a new and different music-making perspective.  

My book already had a buyers guide that included 5 "expressive" synths and controllers, but I felt the topic deserved a bigger canvas, more attention, and should include different controllers, not just ones based on MPE. Since the differences could no longer be summed up in a simple table - I removed it and included all the relevant information in "mini-reviews" relevant to the individual synth or controller.

I try to keep my updates bite-size and valuable - this one came out a bit bigger...

I hope this inspires looking at your existing instruments and music from a different point of view.

As usual thanks for your support and all my best,

Ziv / Loopop