Getting Started with LinnStrument

[@anthroberto100]

All of this blows my mind. The strum feature alone. Just received the Linnstrument and I am still wrapping my head around it, but what really got me was at the end you directly asked people watching a youtube video to call you personally with inquiries and questions about your product, and I have no doubt you would pick up and address things best you could. Amazing. Passion projects like this and the synthstrom deluge make me proud to be part of the synth community, and regret past purchases I made of half baked products that contained no love for creating, only a marketing scheme to vie for marketshare (artiphone chorda, anything from behringer).

[@hakonsoreide]

It is nice to see electronic music moving back towards its roots which were all about the expressiveness of instruments such as the Ondes Martenot and the Theremin. I've been sitting on the fence for a few years about getting a Linnstrument as it's quite a significant investment if you're on a tight hobbyist music budget, but once I got one and tried it for the first time, it's clear that this is probably the overall best MIDI controller ever and well worth the money. Whether your background is in playing keyboards, string or wind instruments, this is so intuitive to use, and the expression is easy and very natural as it simply uses the sensitivity and dexterity of your fingers, which is something everyone has been practising their entire lives regardless of what they've been doing with their hands. As a woodwind player, I was expecting to find it somewhat lacking in creating the same kind of expression I would usually get using my breath and a wind controller, but right away before practising it, I was already able to get almost as good control with finger pressure as I would with a breath controller, and attack is far easier to control than with a MIDI wind instrument. And the expression is just one aspect of it: it also has the most user friendly menus and set-up controls of any MIDI device I've ever used too, it is compact and light compared to a keyboard controller, in addition to having more "keys". The Linnstrument 128 is pretty much the same size as a normal computer keyboard, making it so much easier to keep both on my desk while playing, making control of my DAW far easier than it was when even my compact Korg MicroKey 61 got in the way. While there are other options for expressive control and MPE, I think this is definitely the one to get. Well done, Roger Linn!

[@rogerlinndesign]

Wow- thank you very much, Hakon!

[@Rebecca236]

Hello Roger, I am a long time Prince fan and I just wanted to say 'thank you' for enabling Prince to create such amazing music with the drum machine you created. I really feel it had such an impact on him and his music. It wasn't until recently that I learned the machine was created by one person! YOU!! That's amazing and I sincerely hope you get the recognition you deserve. PS I love this tutorial. 💜🎶

[@rogerlinndesign]

You’re very welcome, SH. I’m very grateful that Prince found my early drum machine interesting enough to use in his music.

[@iVardensphere]

My Linnstrument has redefined my workflow and stands as one of the best investments in my music I have made. Thanks Roger!

[@rogerlinndesign]

iVardensphere Thank you! What a nice surprise on a Monday morning.

[@tagama]

This is absolutely amazing! Amazing, I have to say it again. It's just genius. I love the fact that we can buy directly from the inventor. What a brilliant mind, and product. I'm going to give one to myself this Christmas not only to have fun, but also to show people. Sorry if I sound silly, but I 've never seen something like it and I honestly feel people should know more about that! Thanks for putting all the effort and congratulations on your product!!!

[@rogerlinndesign]

Thank you for your very kind comment, Thiago. I’m pleased to learn that the ideas that LinnStrument embodies resonate with you, and I look forward to welcoming you into the LinnStrument community.

[@auedpo]

This is an awesome video. Seeing you smile several times throughout the video while explaining just shows the joy and passion you have for the craft. Thank you for sharing this knowledge and this instrument with us. I found myself smiling and nodding in disbelief when you would show a feature just seconds after I wondered about it being a possibility. So excited to receive mine!

[@rogerlinndesign]

Thanks for the kind words, Austin, and for owning a LinnStrument. Yes, I’m a lucky guy, getting to make musical instruments for a living and helping musicians explore new musical territory.

[@gustavoelizondo2498]

My Linnstrument 128 has made my rethink being a keyboard player, now I think I am more of a synthesist. I also encourage everybody with a Linnstrument to experiment with different tunnings (fifths vs fourtha for example). For me, O have found putting it in fifths is much better and easier to grasp than fourths, not to mention it had a much greater range.

[@professorSchism]

I ended up settling on tritone/augmented fourth tuning myself. Having the octaves lined up vertically helps with doing fast arpeggiations, and the strangeness of the tuning actually makes it more likely that you will switch fingers instead of having to slide up between notes. It's also a great compromise between range and ease of reach.

[@pogchamp7983]

4ths make chords easier, 5ths make large interval melodies easier. They both have a purpose.

[@Bezowinz]

Contemplating a purchase now, primarily for guitar, bass & orchestral VIs. I'd want to get acquainted with a main setup, so I'm thinking 4ths make the most sense for me.

[@andropolonsky]

@@javiermeza2557hello!..do you fond the answer ?

[@ChristopherOrth]

Thanks for this walkthrough! It helped me quickly understand a few things that were going on with a couple of my synths to get everything working well together.

[@blankspace0000]

Doing the lord's work right here.

[@chinmeysway]

someone has to! the lord won’t do their own work anymore, too old.

[@P4TCH5S]

Im so stoked! I been trying all sorta of instruments, and I am excited to put this knowledge to work :) Blessings

[@mcmike100]

Excellent video. It answered a lot of questions I had.

[@PASHKULI]

LinnStrument is great for solo playing and sound design. I find the "fourths" layout a bit challenging for chords with one hand. Another feature I am missing a lot is the ability to press two keys with one fingertip (quite useful in gospel and jazzy harmonies\chords). Pitch bend is also missing. Yes, you could glide and slide, but that is different (as if having a fretless guitar\bass).

[@shadowhenge7118]

Love the idea of this thing. maybe someday.

[@josephf7306]

Aftertouch = "Limited and fairly useless..." Haha so true! Once a person tries playing a Linnstrument they immediately realize how stupid aftertouch is and they will never again be satisfied with trying to squeeze character out of plastic on-off switches. There is no going back. Linnstrument is a game changer and the synth/keyboard world is *way* behind.

[@The.Pickle]

I'm 95% sure I'm going to get one of these but I'm nervous about doing so, as I don't know anything about "midi" or most of the things mentioned here. I was learning to play guitar but lost the use of my left arm a few years ago. My dad has played all his life, I showed him this and we're both astonished by the authentic sound quality of all the different instruments and the pressure control on the notes.

[@rogerlinndesign]

Hi Pickle- That’s a legitimate concern, given that most synths are catching up to MPE (MIDI polyphonic expression). However, the Recommended Sounds page on my site (accessed from the LinnStrument Support page) lists about 150 synths that are most compatible, but LinnStrument sends standard MIDI so it’s actually compatible with all synths. Also, I’d be happy to do an introductory video call with you to steer you toward the best sounds for your needs. Finally, you may have noticed that I offer a 20% discount (if purchased direct from my online store) for musicians with a disability like yours that limits their ability to play a traditional instrument. In fact, LinnStrument won the “most playable instrument” award (among all instruments, electronic or acoustic) in 2015 from the UK’s One Handed Musical Instrument Trust. If you have any questions, contact me at any email or phone number you find on my site, www.rogerlinndesign.com.

[@The.Pickle]

@@rogerlinndesign Oh wow, thank you. It was from an OHMI video that I found out about your invention. I've just been watching hours of people playing it on KZbin and learning about synths; I'm totally sold on this amazing device, I can't wait.

[@cloud9savagehenry]

I really appreciate tutorial HANDS ON videos. I taught myself how to program sequencer and I swear I only learned 15% of what it was capable of. Which is a shame as I'd be alot more powerful if I mastered it.

[@musicartgeek]

insanely cool

[@apricotdog]

So I can play straight into my DAW (BitWig)? If not I hope I can play it through my very basic Auturia MiniLAB. I found this instrument by accident. If I can program whatever mode I want it will truly be a game-changer for me! Thank you for such a clever instrument!

[@rogerlinndesign]

LinnStrument sends normal MIDI, so you can use it with any MIDI synth or DAW. If you also want polyphonic pitch bends and polyphonic Y-axis control, then you’ll want a synth or DAW that is MPE compatible, of which over a hundred exist. To learn more, visit my LinnStrument Support page and click the links for Getting Started, What is MIDI?, Recommended Sounds, Panel Settings, Free Bitwig 8-Track, Free Surge XT Synth, FAQs, Smart MIDI, and more: www.rogerlinndesign.com/support/support-linnstrument

[@apricotdog]

@@rogerlinndesign Thank you so much for the reply. I don't consider myself a pro musician by any means. I just dabble and the Linnstrument is a little intimidating to look at 😀 I will check out all your resources. Many thanks.

[@ehtcom]

You are the Bob Ross of musical expression.

[@rogerlinndesign]

Thank you. I used to watch him when I was a kid. :)

[@sujoybose77]

Hi Mr Linn, I am waiave been waiting for almost a year for price to come down a bit or for a deal... But likely it will not happen... So I need to make a decision should I go for the full version or 128 version.. Other than I will not be able to switch between a large range of melody and chords, will you be able to highlight any other difficulty I might face if I go for 128 version... I know both offer the same technical features.. Just want to know your experience in terms of musical expressivity (like hammer on, pull off etc possible)?

[@rogerlinndesign]

Sorry, I never offer discounts, though sometimes dealers do. Regarding large vs. small model, there’s a good answer on my FAQ page, 4th FAQ: www.rogerlinndesign.com/support/support-linnstrument-faqs For your information, the large LinnStrument model is twice as popular as the LinnStrument 128.

[@wavesequencer]

I'm adding MPE support to Hyperion Synth (each of 16 modular synth layers will be MPE compatible). Debating on whether or not to get a full size or the Linnstrument 128 for demo at the Tracktion booth at the NAMM show in June.. as a keyboard player used to playing 88 note keyboards I wonder if the pitch range of the 128 would be frustrating?

[@rogerlinndesign]

There’s a helpful FAQ on my site, “Can you help me decide between the larger LinnStrument model or the smaller LinnStrument 128 model?”: www.rogerlinndesign.com/support/support-linnstrument-faqs

[@joyusone]

Roger that!

[@whoawazzam]

Hi Mr. Linn! Is it possible to arrange layout into 4th vertically in a scale like the default settings of Ableton push? Hope I worded that correctly lol, thanks!

[@rogerlinndesign]

Yes, that is how LinnStrument is set up by default. You can learn more on my web site, rogerlinndesign.com.

[@applegarden2448]

yeah, looks like that you are right, this doesn't make any sound, i think you have one more deal :) I can practice all the time. A noise test without sound would also be nice for all kinds of these innovations, because there are people that need something quiet to practice.

[@FunkTree]

Roger, I'm not sure if it's a bug but the midi Channel settings (left 6 top settings) does not get saved with the linnstrument presets, I'm on the latest firmware

[@rogerlinndesign]

Hi Funk Tree, That’s odd. It works here. Are you aware that the status of the View column is not saved? Given that it merely determines which of the 3 printed settings is displayed in columns 3 through 6, there’s no reason to save it. Could that be the problem? By the way, given KZbin’s limited interface, it’s better to email my support address for support questions.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

love it!!

[@MicrotonalMaverick]

I tried changing the pitch bend value on the linnstrument but I still can't get the bends to land on the correct note. Is there a way to change the settings to correct this?

[@rogerlinndesign]

There is only one reason that pitch slides won’t land on the correct pitch: the Bend Range of your synth and LinnStrument are not set to be equal. Tips: 1) To set LinnStrument to any bend range from 1 to 96, HOLD the “+24” button. If you can’t find how to adjust Bend Range in your synth, then keep adjusting this value until the problem is solved. 2) If you’re using MPE, your synth may have different bend ranges for One Channel and MPE use. Be sure to adjust the current one. You can find more information on Bend Range on the FAQ page, Problems tab; and the Panel Settings page, Per-Split Settings tab.

[@MicrotonalMaverick]

@@rogerlinndesign Thanks for your response. That’s odd I did actually do this but I’ll try again. It doesn’t make any difference if I’m using non standard tunings?

[@rogerlinndesign]

@@MicrotonalMaverick I don’t know what you mean by “non standard tunings”. If you mean “just” intonation or other slight pitch adjustments to the notes of the 12 tone scale, or non 12-EDO scales that are equal tempered then no difference but you must work out exactly what the pitch change must be. If you mean that you are externally remapping the consecutive semitones that LinnStrument sends to other non-chromatic scales in your computer, then of course it makes a difference.

[@MicrotonalMaverick]

@@rogerlinndesign yes I’m using different equal temperament tunings with more than 12 notes. Do I need to change the settings on the linnstrument? I’m getting the microtones from the microtuner in Ableton and I’m using Benjamin Soma’s plugin to change the lights. I thought that was all I needed to do…

[@rogerlinndesign]

@@MicrotonalMaverick LinnStrument is sending standard MIDI Pitch Bend messages, just like the Bend Wheel on a MIDI piano keyboard. LinnStrument’s Bend Range setting determines how many pads you must slide across in order to send the equivalent of pushing a Bend Wheel all the way forward. If you can’t figure out how to set LinnStrument’s Bend Range to equal the Bend Range setting in your synth, then do what I suggested: keep adjusting LinnStrument’s Bend Range until pitch slides land on the correct pitch.

[@jloiben12]

Could this be tuned to DADFAD (along with the leftovers)? If so, how?

[@rogerlinndesign]

Each row, like a string, can be tuned however you like. Open the Panel Settings page, Global Settings tab, then search for “independent row tunings”: www.rogerlinndesign.com/support/linnstrument-support-panel-settings

[@lauramiller7418]

I have it hooked up and I can hear it, but some suggestions on how to get started PLAYING would be helpful. For example, what would be a good "starter" setup? I'd like to improve sensitivity so I don't need to whack it to get sound out!

[@rogerlinndesign]

Laura Miller Hi Laura, Thank you for owning a LinnStrument. On the Getting Started page, it explains how to immediately play sounds optimized for LinnStrument, either my Logic/MainStage sounds or the included Bigwig sounds. And if you take your new LinnStrument out of the box and connect it via USB to any sound on your computer, it will immediately work with every MIDI synthesizer. Regarding sensitivity to light touches, this is not a problem. Here is a video that demonstrates LinnStrument’s light touch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooOlpaepjJyjZtU It may be that you’ve accidentally changed a setting incorrectly and this is affecting touch sensitivity. If you wish to reset all settings to factory defaults, this is explained near the top of the Getting Started page, under item 3 of “a few tips”. Or it may be that the sound you’re using requires unusually high force. You could try other sounds, or the Logic/MainStage sound I provide on the Getting Started page, or the Sounds in the free Bitwig software included with your purchase. If this doesn’t help, please email me at the support address with a brief video demonstrating the problem you’re experiencing and which sound generator you’re using, so I’ll better understand how to help you. Unfortunately I’m currently on vacation so my response may take a day. Best, Roger Linn

[@lauramiller7418]

I was being impatient! Once I got Bitwig working, I was able to hear much better and the touch sensitivity seems to be perfect. Enjoy your vacation! Thank you for checking in!

[@rogerlinndesign]

Laura Miller It’s my pleasure, Laura.

[@chinmeysway]

that’s crazy complex!

[@shane864]

Lots of old comments here so just in case anyone is wondering: in 2020, stuck in quarantine, the Linnstrument is just as ahead of its time now as it was 2 years ago. It is hard to overstate how immediately MPE makes non equipped synths feel lame. Want to have a bad time with a Jupiter 8 or OB6? Control them with a Linnstrument. MPE is a game changer and all we are all waiting for is one popular song to highlight it and then every synth company is going to go OH YEAH TOATS and add it. Poly aftertouch is a joke compared to full MPE. It literally brings synthesis into the fully expressive analog domain in terms of interface. It's a full fledged game changer. I cannot understand why right now in 2020 it's still a rarity in hardware. Hey DSI/Sequential. Why in the eff aren't the P6/OB6 MPE compliant now?? You're all working from home right? WHAT BETTER TIME THAN NOW

[@rogerlinndesign]

Thanks, Shane. Yes, change takes time it eventually people will begin to realize how limiting it is to play music with on/off switches.

[@kennethsalter9998]

Hi Brother pleasure to meet you ! I was wondering where to get one of these? I am sold!

[@kennethsalter9998]

Nevermind-I should have patience! Geez! Found it ! Thanks!

[@spookylaundry3326]

Vers 2 when?

[@rogerlinndesign]

I have no current plans for a version 2. I’m not sure anything’s missing to add.

[@spookylaundry3326]

@@rogerlinndesign That's all I need to hear, it's a big investment. I'll be picking one of these up! Thanks for everything!

[@therealdjsephiroth]

Excellent video, but the constant loud lip smacking and tongue clicking is so distracting, I have to keep stopping and starting the video and going back and re-watching parts.

[@rogerlinndesign]

May I suggest that you not watch it?

[@Rockhopper1]

what a rude person, I know its a year ago, but still very rude thing to say to you Roger, @@rogerlinndesign

[@hakonsoreide]

It is nice to see electronic music moving back towards its roots which were all about the expressiveness of instruments such as the Ondes Martenot and the Theremin. I've been sitting on the fence for a few years about getting a Linnstrument as it's quite a significant investment if you're on a tight hobbyist music budget, but once I got one and tried it for the first time, it's clear that this is probably the overall best MIDI controller ever and well worth the money. Whether your background is in playing keyboards, string or wind instruments, this is so intuitive to use, and the expression is easy and very natural as it simply uses the sensitivity and dexterity of your fingers, which is something everyone has been practising their entire lives regardless of what they've been doing with their hands. As a woodwind player, I was expecting to find it somewhat lacking in creating the same kind of expression I would usually get using my breath and a wind controller, but right away before practising it, I was already able to get almost as good control with finger pressure as I would with a breath controller, and attack is far easier to control than with a MIDI wind instrument. And the expression is just one aspect of it: it also has the most user friendly menus and set-up controls of any MIDI device I've ever used too, it is compact and light compared to a keyboard controller, in addition to having more "keys". The Linnstrument 128 is pretty much the same size as a normal computer keyboard, making it so much easier to keep both on my desk while playing, making control of my DAW far easier than it was when even my compact Korg MicroKey 61 got in the way. While there are other options for expressive control and MPE, I think this is definitely the one to get. Well done, Roger Linn!