Haken Audio - Slim Continuum 21s8x

The Slim Continuum 21s8x offers 21 semitones (nearly 2 octaves) and full three-dimensional control via pressure, position, and movement. This enables nuanced, dynamic sounds that are impossible to achieve with conventional controllers. Whether for live performance, sound design, or studio work, the Slim21 Continuum is the ideal companion for those who value portable, highly expressive playability.

Its ultra-sensitive neoprene surface responds to touch in three dimensions: pitch (X), movement (Y), and pressure (Z), allowing for incredibly expressive performances. For example, subtle lateral finger movements can produce vibrato. The Slim Continuum is available in two sizes: the Slim70 spans nearly six octaves, while the more compact Slim46 covers almost four octaves. Both models can track up to 16 simultaneous inputs on their surface, capturing every nuance of your finger movements in detail. This is a unique controller with high standards, developed and refined over more than 20 years. Calling these instruments revolutionary is no exaggeration!

The Slim Continuum features its own internal sound engine called the EaganMatrix, inspired by classic modular matrix-patching synthesizers like the ARP 2500 and EMS Synthi 100. Instead of pins, the EaganMatrix uses “formulas” to connect the three-dimensional inputs from the playing surface to any of the engine’s numerous patch points, contributing to its extremely diverse and dynamic sonic palette. This software engine is, to put it mildly, deep, offering an insane variety of sound generation possibilities. To name just a few: subtractive synthesis, physical modeling with modal filter banks, FM, spectral sets with micro analysis, including waveguide with feedback and feedback delay networks. Combined with the unique electromechanical playing surface, it is possible to create highly detailed sounds that feel “alive” and real, even when they are not. In other words, it excels at realistic simulations of strings and other atmospheric sounds that benefit from its detailed XYZ surface—sounds with multiple dynamic details, timbres that shift, rich, dynamic, expressive tones!

The Slim Continuum is about half the height of the original, making it much more portable. It features new buttons, a rotary knob, and a display for better navigation and access to parameters. To fully unlock the sound design potential of the EaganMatrix, a computer is required. The software interface provides deep editing capabilities and makes it easier to create and manage your patches.

In terms of connectivity, the Continuum offers TRS MIDI and USB ports, expression pedal inputs, and audio outputs. There are no direct CV outputs on the Continuum. If you want to connect it to your Eurorack setup, you can do so via the i2c port and a suitable converter that can handle the fast data rates of these instruments. Examples include the Haken Continuum Voltage Converter or the µCVC from Evaton Technologies.

Features:

• 21 semitones (nearly 2 octaves) for melodic freedom
• Revolutionary MPE+ controller & instrument
• Expressive playing surface that simultaneously captures X (pitch), Y (movement), and Z (pressure) inputs for up to 16 fingers
• “EaganMatrix,” a deep sound engine offering a wide range of sound generation possibilities; editing via software editor on computer
• Can be used as a MIDI controller, MPE+ controller, or standalone synthesizer
• Robust, portable housing
• USB-C port
• 2 stereo audio outputs: (6.3 mm jack)
• Stereo headphone output: (6.3 mm jack)
• S/PDIF input/output: RCA
• i2c port for optional Haken Continuum Voltage Converter (3.5 mm jack)
• MIDI input/output (3.5 mm jack)
• 2 pedal inputs: (6.3 mm jack)
• Compact dimensions: 45 x 19 x 3 cm
• Lightweight: 1.6 kg