SOMA Laboratory Flux
Flux is an innovative electronic instrument from SOMA Laboratories that uses a unique magnetic interface to control many synthesizer parameters simultaneously, providing new expressive possibilities for live electronic performance. Inspired by the legacy of the Theremin, which bravely showed the world a new frontier for electronic sound performance, Flux pushes the boundaries of gestural control to offer a professional instrument that is practicable, precise, and capable of complex sounds. While SOMA built Flux as a modern instrument for academic electronic music, its unwritten history will surely be in the hands of musicians as they shape a bespoke musical practice all their own.
Arranged into two main interface sections, Flux features a long magnetic keyboard on the right side and timbre control section on the left. Control parameters of the synth engine with two magnetic bows held between the fingers, which allow the magnetic interface to register your hand movements in three axes as well as registering tilt position of each magnet, deriving up to five parameter controls for the right hand and twelve for the left. For example, pitch is controlled in the right hand, with each vertical orientation of the magnetic bow providing three octaves for six continuously playable octaves. Simultaneously adjust timbre and effects with both hands while performing, offering a vast timbral range. With this depth of parametric control, Flux feels like playing an acoustic instrument, with every subtle movement affecting sound production for a highly organic and emotive connection between movement and sound.
Despite the complex sound generation possible with Flux, the interface is remarkably minimal and intuitive. The keyboard section features clearly delineated and evenly spaced markers for notes in 12 -one, even-tempered tuning, with continuous pitch control so you can explore space between notes. Thanks to its minimal interface which can be entirely controlled through the magnetic sensors, Flux provides a reliable instrument for touring that sets up quickly. Built with premium audio converters, the sound of Flux is similarly professional, offering a high quality experience connecting to live and studio systems.
The synth engines in Flux are DSP-based, and can be switched quickly in performance, letting you instantly recall presets with all saved settings ready for direct control. The standard set up for flux is monophonic with amplitude controlled continuously based on the distance of the magnets from its control surface. Customize to your needs with options for duophonic and polyphonic playing, as well as staccato and pitch-quantized modes. Using a connected expression pedal you can control either playing area with your foot, freeing up the hands for additional notes or timbral changes. Finally, with an additional break-out box planned from SOMA, Flux works as a powerful MIDI MPE and CV controller for external instruments, extending its possibilities to virtually infinite creative combinations.
Flux signals a new era for expressive electronic instruments and interfaces, empowering creative performances and the development of new musical interactions through dedicated practice. For performers and composers alike, Flux from SOMA Laboratories offers new modes of musical expression with electronic sound, illuminating a bright future of creative possibilities.
Flux Features
- Expressive digital synth instrument with innovative magnetic control interface
- Uses "magnetic bows" to control many synth parameters simultaneously without physical touch
- Keyboard and timbre control sections register proximity, XY position, and tilt of magnets for up to 17 simultaneous parameter controls
- Keyboard section with clear, 12-tone pitch markers
- No mechanical controls for a robust and reliable device
- High-quality audio converters ensure professional sound
- Multiple DSP synth engines with spatial FX designed for complete control of engine parameters
- Synth algorithms include: virtual analog, FM, physical modeling, 8-bit integer math, bit-bending, and more
- Save up to 37 presets for instant recall and patch changes
- Monophonic, duophonic, and polyphonic modes up to 12 voices
- Staccato articulation mode
- Expression pedal input for additional control
- Stereo 1/4" TRS outputs and TRS headphone output
