Moog unveils LEV-96 sensoriactuator concept for acoustic guitars

Moog, the company that pioneered commercial manufacturing of analog synthesizers, has shown off a cool new piece of tech. They call it the LEV-96, and it’s a new “sensoriactuator” prototype that “activates and controls naturally occurring harmonics and resonant frequencies on any medium.” Images posted by Moog show the concept device being used on an acoustic guitar.

The LEV-96 places two pickups under each string, which totals 12 pickups. The company says that each “pickup channel is capable of controlling any combination of 8 harmonics within each string simultaneously.” So, in this case, there are a total of 96 individual control systems handling up to 96 harmonics.

The whole system is powered by a processor and is controlled through touch-based sliders by the guitar player. This allows adjustments of intensity, harmonics, and note duration. There’s also other settings that allow you to change the arpeggio, tremolo, and other random harmonics. During playing, the system constantly evaluates “each string’s harmonic content and vibrational behavior.”

Sadly, Moog has only released photos of the device, so we don’t know what this thing sounds like, nor do we get to see it in action. However, the company’s annual Moogfest is coming up, so we’ll possibly be able to finally the see thing work its magic. However, Moog says that it’s only a rough concept so far and that there will be a lot more to come in the future.

[via Engadget]


Moog unveils LEV-96 sensoriactuator concept for acoustic guitars is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
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Moog LEV-96: Forget Synths, Moog Is Making a Batshit Acoustic Guitar or Something

Moog just showed the world a prototype of a component that could be used to make the world’s next wonder instrument. Here we see LEV-96 “sensoriactuator” concept installed on a acoustic guitar. Now what the hell does it do? More »

Moog shows off LEV-96 sensoriactuator prototype on an acoustic guitar

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Moogfest isn’t happening for another week, but the synth-maker couldn’t wait to take the wraps off of its latest bit of technology. Still in the early days of beta-testing ,the LEV-96 is a far cry from the classic analog instruments we’ve come to associate with Moog. The company is showing off the sensoriactuator in its early stages by affixing it to a guitar, with two pickup channels beneath each of the acoustic’s strings. The strings’ vibrations trigger the sound, with the device “bring[ing] out hidden modes of vibration that have always been there, but were never energized in a direct manner,” according to the company — in all, the system is capable of managing up to 96 simultaneous harmonics. On the LEV-96, you’ll find touch-based control sliders, which let the player adjust intensity, harmonics and note duration. Additional triggers let you change arpeggio presets and modulation (tremolo and random harmonics), while a lock button makes sure you don’t adjust anything by accident.

Moog is careful to point out that the LEV-96 we’re seeing (still being referred to as a “concept project”) is just the tip of the iceberg, and “could easily be affixed to any surface or material.” The company has promised to show the concept in action soon, including an appearance at Moogfest on October 26th and 27th in the company’s home of Asheville, North Carolina. For more info consult the source link below.

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Moog shows off LEV-96 sensoriactuator prototype on an acoustic guitar originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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