Nonlinear Labs has shared some new teaser photos of their upcoming C15 (aka Emphase) synthesizer:

Nonlinear Labs C15 concepts:

Standalone systems. Self-contained synths, based on Linux systems & ARM processors. Optionally, software GUIs can be used by connecting external devices via Wi-Fi.

Self-contained synths, based on Linux systems & ARM processors. Optionally, software GUIs can be used by connecting external devices via Wi-Fi. Full control. They have developed the TCD musical control protocol which they say overcomes many limitations of MIDI. TCD stands for “Time, Curve, Destination” and implements a high-resolution control over all aspects of a dynamic and expressive live musical performance.

They have developed the TCD musical control protocol which they say overcomes many limitations of MIDI. TCD stands for “Time, Curve, Destination” and implements a high-resolution control over all aspects of a dynamic and expressive live musical performance. Software-based digital sound synthesis. “Software-based” means that the durable instruments can evolve without falling into obsolescence.

“Software-based” means that the durable instruments can evolve without falling into obsolescence. Top-quality hardware

Open source

Local production. Prototyping and production is carried out as locally as possible.

Features:

61-key Fatar keybed with semi-weighted long-arm keys; two-way (note-on and note-off) velocity sensitivity; global aftertouch

Two high-resolution touch strips (ribbons). They can be assigned to pitchbend, macro controls, or single parameters and offer both relative and absolute modes.

Indicator bar of LED dots in each ribbon

Spring-loaded lever (not in current version) for pitchbending and similar applications

Small control panel with an OLED display (128 x 32). In connection with the ribbons it can be used for: preset selection octave shift up/down, note shift, tuning assigning ribbons, lever, and pedals preferences: velocity curves, ribbon modes, etc. selecting and editing parameters headphone jack and level knob master volume knob audio outputs four inputs for analog controls, such as pedals USB connector for updates and service (not in current version)

The modular design is open for variable user interface concepts. The current configuration: Four Selection Panels, each with 24 buttons with corresponding state-indicating LEDs. The software-defined functions of the buttons are indicated by interchangeable magnetic foils. Edit Panel with 18 buttons, an incremental encoder, and a 256 x 64 OLED display

Functions: Parameter editing: selecting parameters displaying labels and values of parameters changing value

Presets: browsing, selecting and recalling presets storing the current edit buffer as new preset overwriting, deleting, moving and sorting of presets

Morphing: between two presets between the current state and a preset Unlimited Undo for all sound editing interactions



Here’s a video preview of the user interface:

Nonlinear Labs has also shared some information on the Empase sound engine, saying that it will build on work on they did for NI”s Kontour.

Official details and audio demos of the C15 are to come. See the company’s site for more info.