The AlphaSphere soon in a more affordable version

We already talked about the AlphaSphere when it was introduced by Bristol-based manufacturer Nu Desine at Musikmesse 2012 (see these previous news). The tactile MIDI controller is now available in two Nexus and Elite versions, and a more affordable “me” edition will be available this summer. AlphaSphere me will retain the core functionality of the higher versions but will loose modularity for instance.

Features of this new AlphaSphere me:

• 32 pressure and velocity-sensible pads
• Configurable LED illumination
• USB 2.0 connection
• Support for polyphonic aftertouch
• Compatible with any MIDI software: each pad supports for two features that can be used simultaneously: trigger and fader/dial/modulation wheel/pitch wheel ; ability to map scales or configure individual notes ; support for multiple MIDI channels to play several instruments together ; Dynamic MIDI Channel mode to dynamically apply individual MIDI channels to each pad and generate, for instance, polyphonic note pitch bend or modulation with software that don’t support polyphonic aftertouch
• Sensibility adjustment for each pad, to send polyphonic aftertouch, channel, modulation wheel, pitch bend or CC messages
• Dimensions: 22.7 × 22.7 × 26.5 cm
• Weight: 2 kg approximately

The AlphaSphere me will be completed with the AlphaLive standalone programming software for Mac OS X and Windows. This app allows for programming the AlphaSphere functions, with a choice of Controller, Sampler, Step Sequencer and MIDI control modes and OSC support. The AlphaLive is an open source software under GNU 2 license. The AlphaSphere firmware is also on open source under GNU 3 license, you can therefore download the source codes.

The AlphaSphere is available for pre-order for $199 excl. taxes. You’ll find all the details at www.alphasphere.com.