Haken Audio - Slim Continuum 46s8x

Slim Continuum 46s8x from Haken Audio — The revolutionary MPE instrument that redefined controller expression is back sleeker than ever.

The Slim Continuum from Haken Audio is a compact yet powerful evolution of the original Continuum Fingerboard. These instruments paved the way for the MPE standard and still stands tall as some of the most expressive controllers of such around. With their ultra-sensitive neoprene surface, the Slim Continuum controllers respond to touch in three dimensions: pitch (X), movement (Y), and pressure (Z) which allows for incredibly expressive performances. For instance, a vibrato can be generated by slight lateral movements of your fingers. It is  available in two sizes, the Slim70 spans nearly six octaves, while the more compact Slim46 covers almost four octaves. They have the ability to track up to 16 simultaneous inputs on their surface at once. Every little nuance of your finger movements are captured in detail. This is a unique controller of high standards that have been developed and fine-tuned over 20 years at this point. Calling these instruments revolutionary is not an exaggeration!

The Slim Continuum also has its own internal sound engine called the EaganMatrix. It was inspired by classical modular matrix patching synthesizers such as the ARP 2500 and the EMS Synthi 100. Instead of the pins used in those designs the EaganMatrix uses “formulas” instead. This is a way for you to connect the three-dimensional surface input to any of the engine’s numerous patch points which contributes to its extremely varied and dynamic sound palette. This software engine is DEEP to say the least and offers you an insane array of sound generation possibilities. To list a few: Subtractive Synthesis, Physical Modelling with Modal Filter Banks, FM, Spectral Sets with Micro Analysation, including Waveguide with Feedback and Feedback Delay Networks.

In combination with its unique electromechanical playing surface it has the ability to produce highly detailed sounds that feel “alive”, real, even if they are not - does that make sense? To put in another way, it’s extremely well suited for life-like simulations of strings and other sorts of atmospheric sounds that benefit from its detailed XYZ surface input. Sounds with multiple moving parts, timbres that shift, rich, dynamic, expressive sounds!

Physically, the Slim Continuum is about half the height of the original, making it much more portable. It features new buttons, a control knob, and a display for better navigation and access to its parameters. If you want to access the full sound design potential of the EaganMatrix a computer is still needed. Its software interface offers in-depth editing and an easier way for creating and managing your patches.

As for connectivity options on the continuum it features TRS MIDI and USB ports, expression pedal inputs as well as audio outputs. There are no direct CV outs from the Continuum. If you want to hook it up to your Eurorack-rig you can do so using the i2c port + a suitable converter that can fully exploit the fast data rates and ranges of these instruments. As an example there’s the Haken Continuum Voltage Converter or the µCVC from Evaton Technologies.

The Slim Continuum is an investment, priced higher than typical keyboards and synths but its unique capabilities and expressive potential offer a playing experience like no other, really. If you’re passionate about exploring the frontiers of new musical expression and have the budget it’s hard to go wrong with this one! This is controller excellence, It’s hard to express it in any other way - you should really try playing it to get a sense of what it means. This is simply one of the finest MPE+ capable instruments around, period.

Features:

• Revolutionary MPE+ controller & Instrument
• Expressive playing surface that simultaneously captures X (pitch). Y (movement) and Z (pressure) inputs for up to a maximum of 16 fingers.
• “EaganMatrix" a deep sound engine capable of a vast range of sound generation possibilities, edits are done via a software editor on your computer
• Can be used as MIDI controller, MPE+ controller or stand-alone synthesizer
• Playing surface spans almost 6 octaves (70 semitones) on the 70s8x and almost 4 octaves (46 semitones) on the 46s8x
• 2 stereo audio outputs: (6.3 mm jack)
• Stereo headphone output: (6.3 mm jack)
• S/PDIF input/output: RCA
• i2c Connector for optional Haken Continuum Voltage Converter (3.5 mm jack)
• MIDI In/Out (3.5 mm jack)
• 2 pedal inputs: (6.3 mm jack)
• Solid construction