QuNeo will be available in Liquid Rhythm version 1.2.1

A MIDI Device connected through MIDI mapping is to music software what the keyboard is to Microsoft Word.  For many, it is essential to get past the idea of software as a tool, and move towards thinking of it as an instrument, almost an extension of the artists in their creative process. MIDI was a standard initially developed in the 1970’s and has become the defacto way electronic devices communicate with current music software. The MIDI device allows the artist’s thoughts and ideas to quickly flow from their brain into the software. It offers a quick interface to perform this action, and we know the faster you are able to translate your thoughts into music, the faster you can get past the rough or bad ideas, and discover the gems. This idea is at the heart of the MIDI device, getting past the data entry, rifling through the mediocre, and polishing the best ideas into your art form.

Liquid Rhythm has had MIDI support since its first beta version and introduced the ability to MIDI map in version 1.1.5.  However, MIDI mapping alone is not useful without a flexible and obvious workflow. Therefore, now that we’ve moved past the technology hurdle of controlling aspects of Liquid Rhythm using MIDI messages, we’re tackling MIDI devices, one at a time.  We need to learn each device thoroughly and ensure that the music making experience is seamless. This is a new challenge, one that is critical for the user experience, so that we can be perceived and used as a real musical instrument.

Since we are a small company, and there are a lot of amazing MIDI devices out there, for us, it’s about getting focused, and both improving the MIDI mapping and ensuring the associated workflow is complete and helpful to the artist. Believe me when I say it is hard to choose which device, to begin with so many options. Recently, we were introduced by one of our own artists, Omar Riad, to Keith McMillen’s QuNeo. It has a very colourful and unique interface.  As Omar began to experiment and explore the device, he continued to demonstrate the amazing features to the development team. After reading the extensive manual and observing the companion QuNeo template building software, we were amazed by the creativity, flexibility, and depth of the QuNeo. Omar has pointed out on many occasions that, through sheer luck, many aspects of their unique design fit well with the Liquid Rhythm interface.

Omar Raid, a certified Ableton Instructor and amazing Liquid Rhythm artist, has taken it upon himself to master this device as he guides WaveDNA’s development team towards creating an even better user experience with Liquid Rhythm and QuNeo. While we will continue to cement the full MIDI mapping features in Liquid Rhythm over future releases, the very first MIDI mapping of QuNeo will be available in Liquid Rhythm version 1.2.1. We’re excited for this great first attempt and can clearly see aspects of QuNeo we would like to develop for future versions of Liquid Rhythm. QuNeo has advanced pressure sensitivity and a colorful interface to provide valuable feedback while someone is creating music. It can certainly get you up and running.

Click here to download a packaged zip file of the MIDI mapping file used by Liquid Rhythm  as well as the QuNeo Template file which can be edited and customized.

Below is a video of the demonstration of this first MIDI mapping using QuNeo.

 

Author – Adil Sardar, Lead Developer

MIDI Mapping and Video – Omar Riad, Application Specialist