LinnStrument sends standard MIDI messages over its USB or MIDI output jacks, and is configured by default to work out-of-the-box over a single MIDI channel for compatibility with every MIDI sound generator in existence, but with the advantages over a MIDI keyboard of performed vibrato, note-to-note pitch slides, polyphonic pressure sensing, and forward/backward touch control. And LinnStrument gets around MIDI's one-channel Pitch Bend limitations by automatically quantizing polyphonic pitch slides to semitones, while leaving solo pitch slides continuous.
To also perform fully polyphonic pitch slides and Y-axis gestures, you'll need a synth that's compatible with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), a new MIDI standard that uses a separate MIDI channel for each touch. It's already supported in a long list of major software and hardware instruments.
LinnStrument's official synth is the excellent and free Surge XT, which includes a library of sounds optimized for LinnStrument. We also provide a free MPE sound library for Apple's MainStage and Logic, plus a free license for the excellent MPE-compatible DAW Bitwig 8-Track.
More: More About LinnStrument's Smart MIDI
Extraordinarily Versatile
Step Sequencer - Use LinnStrument's RGB note pads as a powerful 2-track step sequencer with per-note velocity/duration/bend/y-axis values, any time signature, independent track step sizes and loop lengths, scales/drums/notes views, reverse play, live play while sequence plays, swing timing and more. The large LinnStrument model displays 16 steps at a time of 32, whereas the smaller LinnStrument 128 displays 8 steps at a time of 32.
Expressive Swing Arpeggiator - LinnStrument's built-in Arpeggiator responds to all dimensions of movement for entirely new ways of beat-synced play. The Replay All mode creates chordal rhythms merely by varying chord pressure, and gives finger drummers entirely new ways to perform beats live.
Split Keyboard / Strum / CC Faders- You can split the keyboard to play two different sounds, and adjust the split point as you like. You can use one split to strum notes fingered on the other split as on a guitar. Or use either split as eight horizontal Control Change Faders to adjust 8 sound parameters in real time as you play.
Low Row - The lowest row of note pads can be reassigned to act as a Sustain Pedal, a Modulation or Bend strip, to momentarily enable the Arpeggiator (sliding your thumb to vary its rate), to restrike a fingered chord, or even as a 3D control strip, modulating three parameters at once.
ounds (large model) and 1" thin, you can also use the included guitar strap pins to play it standing up like a guitar.
Single or Dual Foot Switch Input - Connect a standard single or dual foot switch for foot control of sustain, Arpeggiator, octaves, Tap Tempo, Control Change messages and more.
All Settings on front panel / Open Source software - All of LinnStrument's settings are available on the front panel so there's no need to fumble with computer editing software. And even with all of LinnStrument's versatility, we didn't want to limit how people would use it. So we released the software as open source, allowing you to customize everything.
Specifications
Models
LinnStrument
200 note pads (25 columns, 8 rows)
Pitch range: 5 octaves (60 overlapping pitches, F#0 to F5, in default Fourths tuning)
Size/weight: 22.4” (570 mm) x 8.22” (209 mm) x 1” (25.4 mm), 5 lbs. (2.3 kg)
Jacks: USB B (data & power), MIDI in/out, single/dual foot switch, power input (DC- or DC+ at 7.5 to 15v; AC at 9 to 15 volts, 300+ mA minimum)
Included: padded folding soft case, 4 guitar strap buttons, USB A-to-B cable, introduction letter
LinnStrument 128
128 note pads (16 columns, 8 rows)
Pitch range: 4 octaves (51 overlapping pitches, F#0 to G#4, in default Fourths tuning)
Size/weight: 15.7” (399 mm) x 8.22” (209 mm) x 1” (25.4 mm), 3 lbs, 10 oz (1.65 kg)
Jacks: USB B (data & power), MIDI in/out, single/dual foot switch
Included: neoprene sleeve case, 4 guitar strap buttons, USB A-to-B cable, introduction letter
Both models
Note pads: 17 mm square, spaced 19mm center-to-center with 2 mm wide, .5 mm deep trough between pads, slightly compressible silicone rubber, and Braille-size tactile bumps on all "C" note pads (in the default row tuning and transposition).
Minimum touch sensitivity: 50 grams, about the weight of two vertically stacked AA batteries with the positive end placed on the center of a pad.
Typical latency: 2 ms
Maximum simultaneous touches: about 50, 15 in MPE mode due to 15-channel limitation of MPE
Body: steel top panel, aluminum chassis, cherry wood sides
Warranty: 3 years if you buy direct from my online store. If you buy from a dealer, it's 3 years if you register your purchase within 60 days, or 2 years if not.