Today, Sensel announced API integration into the open source Pure Data visual programming environment for its Morph MIDI/MPE controller. Sensel partnered with Virginia Tech’s Linux Laptop Orchestra (L2Ork), founded and directed by Dr. Ivica Ico Bukvic.
The new software provides easy access to all of the multi-touch pressure data from the Sensel Morph. With up to 16 contacts and 20 parameters per contact, there is a rich data set for researchers, artists, and developers to create novel, expressive, accessible interfaces for sound, lighting, video, and 3D environments. The programming was led by the undergraduate student Rachel Hachem, a major in the new Creative Technologies in Music (CTM) program.
“The Linux Laptop Orchestra is continually exploring new interfaces for our ensemble, and for the research projects within the Digital Interactive Sound & Intermedia Studio. The Sensel Morph’s ability to implement any type of tap, stroke, press or punch into our rich programming environment is going to be a game changer,” says Dr. Bukvic. “This opportunity is exactly what we had in mind when developing the CTM program: student work focused on applied, industry-relevant projects. Rachel’s work will serve as an important contribution to the Pure Data community, and a powerful inspiration for her peers.”
Student lead Rachel Hachem adds, “In L2Ork, I am constantly seeing new ways to integrate music with technology through Purr Data. The Morph’s touch surface gives you an insane amount of data for every touch you make, so the opportunity to contribute to something new was an eye-opening experience. The work was challenging, and required me to apply and learn many different skills.”
The project was initially conceived at the 2018 New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME) international conference, hosted by Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT). Peter Nyboer, Product Strategist for the Morph, was impressed with their facility and student body. “Their studios and performance space are world-class, their students were easy to engage, and their commitment to extending and improving Pure Data made it really attractive to work with Ico and Rachel on this.” He continues, “Because it’s open source in an active community, we look forward to seeing how developers extend and implement new interfaces with the Morph and Pure Data.”
The Sensel Morph is available from the Sensel web store and retailers worldwide, starting at $249.