ECSTASEQUENCE is an intuitive instrument that improves the creative handling of samples in the studio as well as on stage or on the road. The main goal of the design is to meet the requirements of an agile and modern target group. The findings from twelve user interviews, equally gender weighted and with seven different nationalities, form the basis for the definition of this target group and define the framework and the respective focus for the design. Due to the growing popularity of electronic music and its production, there is the necessity to critically question existing concepts and innovations and to relate them to the requirements of today's musicians.

Design Team

Nicolai Toma

Vanessa Marino Portability Easy to carry in integral OFF state.

Vanessa Marino Play Playful and intuitive sampling everywhere you want.

Vanessa Marino Modes Sturdy and handy in OFF state. Ready to play in ON state.

Seamles connectivity All the ports you need to connect to other instruments.

Analog filter To add analog texture to digital samples with analog performance filter.

Colour detail High contrast for play/record controls.

Dynamic interface The interface can adapt to the requirements of the user and the pre-loaded instrument.

Prototyping Itterative design with user testing to get form and function right.

We live in the digital age. Despite all the benefits that this development brings to our way of life, the desire for physical electronic musical instruments to experience focus and limitation in a creative process is growing. The potential is to transform a concept from earlier developments and bring it closer to a generation of digital natives. Due to the small and handy form factor, the device can easily be carried in conventional bags or suitcases. In addition, the rotary knobs are protected for transport and cannot break off. Common connection options such as 3.5mm jack, MIDI, CV, GATE and USB-C enables seamless connectivity with conventional electronic musical instruments.

In order to make the handling of knobs even more intuitive, part of this work consists of the development of an innovative knob that automatically rises from the housing and aligns itself to stored positions. In contrast to the mechanical "push lock" knob, this version of a retractable knob works through electromagnetic fields. By alternating static electromagnetic fields, the positioning of a concentrically rotating magnetic field can be determined vertically. By switching the magnetic fields on and off, the knob is pulled out of the housing. This action is triggered by the human body's own resistance. One touch of the knob surface is sufficient.

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