What is it?
The Eigenharp is the most expressive electronic instrument ever made. There are 3 instruments in the Eigenharp range; the Eigenharp Pico, Eigenharp Tau and Eigenharp Alpha.
The Pico is our entry level instrument, the Tau in the mid-range and the custom built Alpha for the professional musician
What does the Eigenharp do?
The Eigenharp brings the performance experience to a whole new level. Instead of being in the background pushing buttons or keys, the Eigenharp brings the electronic musician centre stage. It plays a limitless range of sounds, all of which can be expressed using the highly sensitive keys, strip controllers and breathpipe. The keys themselves have around 10 times the touch sensitivity of a conventional keyboard.
You can switch and layer multiple sounds, change key, scale and tempo, all while playing live. You can also build percussion and beat arrangements live, or record and loop as you play. The Eigenharp can play back most sampler and software instruments, apple loops, midi instruments and soundfonts. It can even be used to control video playback and lighting.
What is new about the Eigenharp?
The Eigenharp has lots of great features combined in one instrument. First and foremost is the 3D technology used in the keys. The keys are not only incredibly sensitive, down to the width of a micron, but also detect movement in 5 directions - pressure for volume, side to side for effects and up down for pitch. This not only means no more modulation wheel but also allows you to control each note individually.
Other hardware features in the Eigenharp range includes strip controller(s) which can be used for pitch and effects and a breath pipe with a really fast sensor. This can be used by drawing and exhaling breath to articulate notes, much like a conventional wind instrument, but can also be used to control a wide variety of effects or filters.
The Eigenharp works in conjunction with our powerful software system called EigenD. This software not only contains drum loops, samples, effects and over 80 scales but also allows the musician to create their own loops using the 'Arranger', our step sequencer. The software also allows the user to customise the keyboard how they want for a truly unique playing experience.
Why is the Eigenharp different from other electronic instruments?
The main difference you will find when playing the Eigenharp to other electronic instruments is how expressive it is - you can really feel part of the performance. There is a more organic, human quality to playing the keys, with a subtlety of expression that is more what would normally expect from a traditional instrument. The Eigenharp is also the only electronic instrument to combine keys, strip controller and a breath pipe for a truly flexible playing experience.
What is so special about the keys?
The Eigenharp keys use a unique 3D technology which is not only incredibly sensitive, down to the width of a micron, but also detects movement in 5 directions - pressure for volume, side to side for effects and up down for pitch. In addition, these effects are fully polyphonic. This not only means no more modulation wheel but also allows you to control each note individually!
Is the Eigenharp a standalone instrument - I do not have a Mac or a PC can I still use it?
You will need an Apple Mac computer to play any model of the Eigenharp.
The instruments need to be connected to a Mac (or once the software is available a PC) in order to run the EigenD software. EigenD is the software that manages the behaviour of the instrument and generates sound.
The actual sound output of the Eigenharp is your computer's audio headphone output or computer audio interface. For more details in terms of hardware specification please refer to our products page here
You can not play the Eigenharp without a computer running EigenD.
Where can I see it played?
We have a number of well known artists currently learning the Eigenharp and you will be seeing some great performances soon! One of the best places to see the Eigenharp being played is to check out the hundreds of Youtube performances, most of them by our customers. Just go to Youtube and search on 'Eigenharp'.
Are there any famous people playing the Eigenharp?
We have a number of artists learning the Eigenharp at the moment, these include Hanz Zimmer, Courtney Pine, Imogen Heap and Jordan Rudess. And there are others we can't mention.
Is it an electric bassoon?
Although the Eigenharp does have a similar visual appearance to a Bassoon and could indeed sound like one that is where the similarity ends. The Eigenharp went through a long design process (8 years) to develop the optimum aesthetic and ergonomic design.
Was it inspired by Star Wars?
No, although the Eigenharp does look ahead of it's time and from a galaxy far far away, it was actually developed and created in Exeter, England. The Eigenharp went through a long design process (8 years) to develop the optimum aesthetic and ergonomic design. Aliens weren't involved, as far as we know.