Control Software Effects From Your Guitar
FreePlayer combines hardware and software to control VSTs on your computer 17-May-10
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What is FreePlayer?
It's an expression module – a new kind of effect controller that allows you to shape sounds using digital effects directly from the instrument itself.
Use the built-in joystick, move it, shake it - the guitar even responds to the motion of your hands near the strings!
How does it work?
No more footpedals! You can control everything directly using the motion of the instrument (and the player!), plus the built-in Virtual Whammy control surface (joystick or touchpad) and buttons. With thousands of digital effect possibilities, you can create sounds never heard before and redefine the instrument!
What do I need?
FreePlayer consists of the SoundBoard hardware controller – an easy-fit kit ("two screws, and you're done"), plus the SoundBench software which hosts VST digital effects and generates MIDI codes to control external effects. SoundBench links to the SoundStore so you can explore new sounds – or share your sounds with the world!
In addition, you'll need a PC running Microsoft Windows, and if you want to use VSTs, it should have an ASIO-capable sound card. You'll need an internet connection if you want to connect to the SoundStore.
How do I get started?
- 1) Install the SoundBoard controller
- a. On LP-style instruments the SoundBoard is an easy-fit kit: simply remove the existing pickguard (two screws) and attach the SoundBoard in its place.
- b. On ST-style instruments the SoundBoard is an easy-fit kit: simply remove four existing pickguard screws (see diagram), place the SoundBoard so the holes lineup, and secure with the existing screws.
- c. On other instruments, the SoundBoard assembly can be mounted behind the pickguard. This can be done by a suitably qualified luthier (guitar tech), and is equivalent to mounting a pre-amp on most guitars. We expect to ship more easy-fit kits for popular guitars soon, and if you've got something unusual, we'll have the FreePlayer Custom Shop available to meet your needs ... watch this space!
- 2) Connect the SoundBoard USB connector into a free USB port on your computer. The green 'power' LED on the SoundBoard will be illuminated, and other LEDs may flash. Windows will think for a while before recognizing SoundBoard as a 'generic human interface device' and popping up a small message announcing that the new hardware is ready to use. No special driver installation is required.
- 3) Install the SoundBench software. The installation process is as simple as we could make it. You will be asked to choose where to install the software (the suggested location is usually good).
- 4) Run the software. The first time you run SoundBench, it will attempt to choose an ASIO driver. If there is only one ASIO driver installed, it will choose that one. If more than one are found, it will display them in a list an ask you to choose the one you want.
- 5) To begin with, SoundBench will load a default Sound Bank, which contains some amazing sounds to help you to get started.
With FreePlayer, you're no longer switching effects on and off with a button on the floor. You're playing them! The way the instrument moves when you play it, the motion of your hands near the strings. Use the touchpad. Move the onboard Virtual Whammy joystick or touchpad. Press buttons. All of these, in any combination, can directly affect the sound in real time.
FreePlayer means: totally integrated, organic control of digital effects.
Pricing and Availability:
The first FreePlayer products will be available for pre-order towards the end of May. The standard price for FreePlayer will be 399EUR, but you can pre-order FreePlayer for just 299EUR More information:
More From: FREEPLAYER
- Freeplayer Ships 10-Nov-10
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