Artiphon’s pleasant Orba handheld synthesizer will get a sequel – TechCrunch

I might like to see extra corporations like Artiphon on this planet. {Hardware} startups with intelligent concepts and a knack for bringing them to market. Again in November 2020, I spent a good bit of time with the corporate’s handheld synth/sampler/instrument. It didn’t flip me into Wendy Carlos, however it helped go a number of darkish pandemic hours by firing up some music-making neurons.

The machine’s power lies in its terribly low barrier of entry. No classes or musical aptitude are required — only a free hand or two and the need to noodle round with sound. As we speak the machine is getting a sequel, within the type of the fittingly named Orba 2. The product appears to be like an identical to its predecessor, with a spherical base and eight touch-sensitive pads organized in triangles like pizza slices.

Picture Credit: Artiphon

The machine largely capabilities the identical because the Orba 1, as effectively, however contains a revamped sound engine with new built-in audio samples. These are augmented by built-in sensors, which allow you to modify the sound by way of speaking, shaking and spinning the machine. There are 9 gestures in all. Customers can also pattern and loop instantly on the machine or with the linked Orba app.

“We wish individuals to specific themselves musically of their on a regular basis lives,” CEO Mike Butera says in a launch. “We’ve dreamed of permitting anybody to play any sound they’ll think about, wherever they go, with out worrying about historic instrument abilities or summary music idea. Orba 2 lastly makes that doable.”

All instructed, the sampler can document as much as 5 minutes/128 bars on machine, coupled with a brand new function that helps snap enjoying to a beat. Clearly the tip recreation is making the system as dummy proof as humanly doable. Although, for extra superior customers, it additionally doubles as a MIDI controller (by way of USB-C or Bluetooth) for apps together with GarageBand, Ableton Stay, Logic Professional and Professional Instruments.

Artiphon’s Orba handheld synthesizer. Picture Credit: Artiphon / mockups-design.com

The Orba 2 runs $150 — notably a $50 premium over its very accessible predecessor. Artiphon has additionally added a variety of new options for the reason that launch of the primary Orba, together with the power to make the most of the machine as a video editor.