Haken ContinuuMini

My good friend Russ Hoffman, of Evaton Technologies, was off to ContinuuCon in Paris this week. He went to show off his new µCVC Eurorack module that allows Eurorack synth owners to connect their modular to their Continuum. As it happened, he was there for the release of the new, more affordable, more portable version of Haken Audio Continuum, called the  “ContinuuMini”.

The ContinuuMini is a smaller, less expensive version of the Haken Continuum, but containing the same powerful EaganMatrix synthesis engine. The ContinuuMini is duotactic (can track two fingers at once), and offers a three-dimensional playing surface with extremely tight coupling between performer and instrument. 

The internal EaganMatrix synth engine provides fantastic built-in sounds, but the ContinuuMini is also the perfect companion to Eurorack synthesizers, when coupled with the Evaton Technologies µCVC Eurorack module. One or two µCVC modules can be used in a Eurorack system to provide tracking of one or two fingers on the ContinuuMini surface (of course, also with the full size Continuums). 

The EaganMatrix synth engine is the Incredible Hulk of digital synth programs. Laid out in a way that will be familiar to fans of the EMS Synth/VCS3, it has far more connection options. And just to make things even more interesting, you don't simply connect THIS to THAT. You connect them with algorithms! So this smaller, more affordable Continuum will have all of that under the hood. As you can see below, There are a ton of possibilities.
​Find out more about the EaganMatrix here... ​

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EaganMatrix

​Right: Lippold Haken and Ed Eagan with the prototype.

Here are some specs and pricing information...

1. Temporal accuracy - 700 uSec (N.B. the mechanical feel of the Mini is quite different)
2. Pressure Sensitivity — Hall-effect sensors (uses only four; has lesser dynamic range)
3. Onset Fine Structure - Reports attack trajectory, not just a 7-bit “strike” value.
4. Pitch sensitivity - Can roll fingers for super-fine pitch adjustments
5. EaganMatrix Synthesis - Tight timbre feedback loop (ideally, customize presets for ContinuuMini)

The ContinuuMini’s polyphony and computation power is the same as L2x Continuum
The ContinuuMini provides duotactic play, with a pitch reference display for each note.
Narrow body allows multiple units (multiple manuals, as is done on Trautonium)

Standalone preset selection and parameter modification is possible via 4-button menu interface.
Standalone operating instructions are printed on the bottom of each unit. 

When connected to a computer, the Continuum Editor and EaganMatrix editing are supported.
 
MIDI over USB (no 5-pin DIN)
Only one pedal jack is provided (not two). Pedal jack doubles as i2c connection to CVC and µCVC.

The ContinuuMini is USB powered (rated at 500 mA, actual use ~210mA) and weighs 10oz.

A mailing tube holds the ContinuuMini, USB cable, and USB AC power adapter.

The next public viewing is at Superbooth18. We plan a Kickstarter launch for late summer, with initial price of $549USD; MSRP $899.

This is a very exciting development. Especially for those of us who have admired the sonic possibilities, but were stopped at the price tag. The Continuum is a deeply expressive instrument. They are lovingly hand-built,  like a fine violin. 

​I will need two of the little ones please.

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Russ Hoffman demonstrating a Continuum controlling a Eurorack modular with his µCVC Eurorack module. In addition to this module Russ is also bringing his Link Module to Berlin and a prototype of a sonar controller, Both in EuroRack format. 

The Link module Connects up to 18 signals, to another Link module over a single HDMI cable, 4 stereo jacks and 10 mono jacks.

http://www.evatontechnologies.com/cvc
http://www.hakenaudio.com