Artiphon, a niche music gadget manufacturer, has introduced a new instrument called the Chorda. Combining elements of their previous devices, the Instrument 1 and the Orba 2, the Chorda offers a unique and standalone experience. Unlike its predecessor, the Instrument 1, which relied on a connected phone or tablet, the Chorda operates independently, appealing to the growing market of DAWless recording gadgets.
The Chorda inherits the multi-instrument technology of the Instrument 1, allowing users to access a wide range of instruments, including guitar, drums, and piano. The device boasts “hundreds” of built-in sounds and offers various control methods that mimic playing the analog versions of the instruments. With 12 responsive pads, users can employ tapping, tilting, strumming, vibrato, and other micro-gestures through capacitive sensing technology and Midi Polyphonic Expression (MPE).
A notable addition to the Chorda is the bridge section, which enables non-musicians to play chords effortlessly, facilitating jamming along with favorite songs. This bridge integrates with the built-in arpeggiator for tempo and key adjustments. The Chorda also features a built-in looper, allowing users to layer tracks as desired. While sound design options on the device itself are limited, an accompanying app grants access to the inner workings of the sound engine.
In terms of connectivity, the Chorda can control MIDI-based software and hardware instruments via USB-C or Bluetooth. It seamlessly integrates with most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs), including GarageBand, Ableton, Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase, and FL Studio. The instrument supports standard MIDI and MPE-compatible mobile apps or hardware. However, the Chorda’s battery life is relatively modest, providing approximately four hours of use per charge.
The Artiphon Chorda is available for pre-order through Kickstarter and comes in three colors: black, white, and blue. Early bird pricing starts at around $200, but as tiers sell out, the cost will increase. Shipping of the instruments is expected to begin in November.
