This is a demo of a project that’s actually been kicking around for a few years, but is currently on the back-burner. But I figured it at least deserves a demo video. This is an Optigan® (actually the first one I ever owned) that’s been converted to a MIDI controller (aka the Midigan) for the purpose of controlling Optigan® emulation software developed in Reaktor (aka the Reaktigan). Braden Diotte did the Optigan® midi mod for me (using guts from an M-audio midi controller keyboard) and Patrick Keller wrote the Reaktor Optigan® emulation.

Essentially, for live shows, I needed something more reliable and flexible than a real Optigan®, but didn’t want to give up the unique interface, so that’s why this exists. The software is still a work in progress. You can load any sounds you want into it, as demonstrated in the video. Sorry for the audio quality- I tried to sync up a direct recording of the audio with the audio from the video camera, but it didn’t really work out, so I just stuck with the audio from the video camera. I could have just re-shot the whole video but I was lazy so there ya go.

At some point we plan to make this software available (probably converted to a stand-alone app) as well as basic instructions for making a midi controller out of an Optigan® (hopefully a dead one!). Stay tuned…