CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (MuseWire) – Haken Audio has announced a new firmware and software update for the Continuum Fingerboard. The new version 5.01 includes additions to the innovative programmable synthesizer in the Continuum Fingerboard, the EaganMatrix.

The EaganMatrix design was inspired by classical modular matrix patching synthesizers such as the ARP 2500 and the EMS Synthi 100. However, unlike those analog predecessors, the EaganMatrix doesn’t use pins to make patch point connections. Instead, a dynamic formulaic equation can be placed inside a selected patch point, replacing that static pin, creating a simple to amazingly complex relationship between the Continuum playing surface and the flow of sound from patch point source to destination.

The EaganMatrix is a modular digital synthesizer, allowing the user to finely craft their musical sound by digitally connecting audio and control modules via a patching matrix. The EaganMatrix synthesizer is internal to the Continuum Fingerboard, utilizing the Continuum’s internal DSP engine. No external hardware is required. The synthesizer is edited by using an external cross platform editing program, the Continuum Editor. More information: http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/eaganmatrixoverv.html .

Modules: There are a number of source and destination modules available, everything from oscillators and filters to direct formulas. Here is a listing of currently available modules:

* Three flexible summation oscillators, each with controls for frequency, phase, and spectral balance. The oscillators can also act as wave shapers, creating rich harmonic variations to the oscillator input.

* A smooth organic-sounding noise source.

* Two versatile multimode filters, with these inputs: audio to be filtered, frequency, and bandwidth. Possible filters are LowPass, HighPass, BandPass, LowShelf and HighShelf, as well as unity gain BandPass, Notch, and AllPass.

* Two powerful biquad filter banks, which are banks of 8 related but independent biquad filters, with controls for audio input, frequency, frequency spread, bandwidth, bandwidth spread, spectral centre, and spectral weighting. These biquads are the same technology that are used in the current Continuum to create the physical models like the winds and strings. This filters can also act as granular synthesis modules, and a vocal mouth shapes.

* A time delay, with controls for audio input and time. The time delay is suitable for creating chorus and flanging effects, and can be used for echo delays as well.

* Four independent LFOs, each with controls for cycle mode, frequency, and trigger. Available LFO shapes are RampUp, RampDown, Pulse, Triangle, Hann, Square, Sine, and SampleAndHold. The LFOs have been integrated into the EaganMatrix a unique way, allowing each LFO to influence a formula result directly.

* 8 CVC (Continuum Voltage Convertor) outputs. This requires that a CVC be connected to the Continuum to be active.

* 3 independent Midi controller streams for sending formulas to a connected Midi device.

* Output level via formulas.

Also, there are common controls for all voices:
* Reverb control via formulas.
* Convolution body control via formulas.

The output stage incorporates a soft saturation capability, allowing the creation of distortion and overloading effects.

The download for version 5.01 is available in the downloads section of the Haken Audio site: http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/hakenaudiofirmwa.html .

Look for upcoming review on MusicIndustryNewswire.com, as MIN editor Christopher Simmons is a long time Haken Continuum owner.