The PUC Crowdfunding Project Comes To A Close, Bringing MIDI To All The Things

20131031101302-__89_Podsta_tier_graphic

The PUC by Zivix is a clever little device that converts older MIDI systems into wireless powerhouses, allowing you to connect to iPads and the like with one small disc of electronics. Zivix, the maker of the Jamstik, is closing their crowdfunding campaign with $28,000 in the bank.

The company has been working on unique musical devices for the iPad for most of the year and are very close to production with both their products. The Jamstik, for example, is nearing production and should begin shipping in a month. The PUC will ship to backers in January.

I saw both products today and I’m impressed with how diligently the team has reduced latency in these experiences. As a semi-competent musician I’m well aware of the problems raised by messy wireless connections and Zivix has done their darnedest to work around the new limitations in MIDI connections imposed by iOS 7.

The Zivix PUC Connects Any MIDI Device To Your iOS Device

20130909114208-10_PUC_keyboard_ipad_drawing

Believe it or not, people still use MIDI. That said, wouldn’t it be cool if you could connect your MIDI keyboards and drum machines to your iPad so you can add some serious breaks to your latest musical production? With the PUC, an Indiegogo project from the creators of portable guitar called the Jamstik, now you can.

Zivix makes wireless instruments for the information age, and this is their latest creation. The PUC connects 5-pin DIN-based devices to WiFi and is powered by two AA batteries or micro USB. It is about as big as a real hockey puck and is IN/OUT switchable. Any CoreMIDI over WiFi compatible app will work with the PUC.

Why is this cool? Well, it makes almost every older (and newer) MIDI device iOS-compatible. It also makes it a bit easier to do cool onstage and in-studio stuff with instrument placement.

The company will build the first PUCs in the U.S., an interesting choice that should speed up development of the product. They are looking for a total of $50,000 and have just passed $5,000 in pledges. They are offering a special Disrupt price of $69 right now, about $30 off the final MSRP.

While the PUC may not make you a red-hot studio musician overnight it’s nice to know that someone out there is still thinking of the MIDI-heads.



Zivix PUC gets MIDI instruments talking wirelessly to iOS and PCs (video)

Zivix PUC gets MIDI instruments talking to iOS through WiFi video

Zivix promised wireless freedom to iOS-loving guitarists when it unveiled the JamStik; today, it’s extending that liberty to a much wider range of musicians. Its just-announced PUC peripheral connects most any MIDI instrument to iOS devices, Macs and Windows PCs through a direct WiFi link. The device works with many CoreMIDI-capable apps, and it takes power through either a micro-USB source or a pair of AA batteries. Zivix plans to sell the PUC for $129 in December, although you’ll get a price break if you reserve early — the company is running a crowdfunding campaign that lets early adopters pay between $69 to $99 for a regular model.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Source: Indiegogo

The Puc Is A Kickstarted Steel “Ice Cube” That Won’t Wet Your Whiskey

6d8e55c780ddd2d0cb77d7a64aaf0884_large

Designers Dave and Calvin Laituri have joined forces to kickstart Pucs, small, stainless-steel icecube replacements that promise to chill your drink without wetting it down. The Pucs are milled of solid steel and come in a handsome wooden tray that you can place right into the freezer.

The Pucs are rechargeable in that they will not degrade and hold their temperature for quite a while – the creators suggest adding and removing them as you see fit – and the will even reduce the temperature of hot beverages.

Pucs are an excellent heat absorber as well. A room-temperature Puc will take the edge off of blazing hot coffee, quickly bringing it to a more drinkable temperature. Take them on the road, you’ll be glad you did.

The team is looking for $2,500 to ship the first batch and they’re nearly at $2,000.

While the Pucs aren’t that amazingly new – similar rocks and metal cubes have been available for years – the process that the creators are going through is particularly interesting. Hardware startups don’t all have to be making smart watches or robotic arms. A cool, fun project like this is what makes crowdfunding so unique. First, the lads don’t have to make thousands of these, ship them, and hope they sell through a distributor. Whereas household goods are traditionally sold at big box stores and discounters, this process allows the creators to build just as many as they need and, when they’re ready to make more, they have a solid word-of-mouth list that they can approach for updates and further orders.