The DM48 [Chromatic Midi player]

[ErikL]

Hi everyone!

Lately I've spent some spare hours developing what I call the DM48: a compact [Chromatic Midi player].

It's a pure controller instrument without onboard synthesis. With proper peripherals it puts an harmonica player in control of basically any electronic instrument (software or hardware) through USB midi.

It's very playable and functional already, but more work remains on the firmware (I have very limited time for this).

Have done just a single quick demo - basically my own first test, recorded using an iPhone. You can check it out here, together with pictures and more info:

www.eriklekholm.com/dm48

Hope to make some proper demos soon!

Note that this is just a hobby project so far - I heard about the 1980's Millioniser 2000 and immediately wanted one, but they are impossible to find. So I decided to make my own. The result really exceeds my expectations, and unlike the Millioniser the DM48 is a true multichannel instrument. The only other similar thing I know of (as someone mentioned) is the "Xharp".

Let me know what you think!

[Norm]

I just looked at your website, I think this is an astonishing invention.  Wow, Erik, that's really something.  From what I can see, it also looks like you did a beautiful job with the harmonica/controller -- mouthpiece, button, ergonomics -- the whole thing.  It looks like a lot of fun to play.  I'd love to play some of the Bach pieces through the various sound settings -- violin, cello, etc., or some of the jazz pieces with the settings for the different horn sounds.

I look forward to hearing more.  Cheers,

Norm

[jazmaan]

Will it be configurable to alternate tunings? Even better would be quick change preset on-the-fly altered tunings.

[Norm]

Will it be configurable to alternate tunings? Even better would be quick change preset on-the-fly altered tunings.

Or how about a setting that you could quickly toggle that would make the button raise a whole step instead of a half step, for whole tone trills.  It sounds like the only limitation is the imagination.

Norm

[mozharp]

Will it be configurable to alternate tunings? Even better would be quick change preset on-the-fly altered tunings.

Oh man that would provider players a quick and easy way to try out different tunings.

[Grizzly]

How about wireless/bluetooth connection?

Tom

[Crawforde]

I'm normally a bit of a Luddite (but one with a smartphone, lol) and just recently started using a power drill and sander instead of my Yankee push drill and Potato power.
But I can see myself wanting one of these if they ever do into production!
Especially if wireless.
Nice work!

[wolfman]

   What would a DM 48 cost?


    Roman

[SlideMeister]

Okay kids!
Interesting item indeed! And though it IS pretty slick, I'm afraid that's as far as we're gunna go with this on this forum. :'(  Any other questions for Erik or discussion will have to go by private email or through www.eriklekholm.com/dm48

SM