Iron Musical Instruments Design · 2024
Hex Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer
by Anze Sekelj
- A' Design Award 2024 Iron Winner in Musical Instruments Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Hex Haus
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,246
- Verification code 0FE52DF424 · Verify this award
About Hex Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer
Hex cor is a digital polyphonic synthesizer with a capacitive keyboard, potentiometers for signal modulation and an adaptable looper. The instruments design, also available as Diy kit, is optimized for use in diverse contexts focusing on educational and performative aspects. Components comprising the instrument are 100 percent replaceable, prioritizing the right to repair, ease of assembly and sustainable long-term use. With this approach we try to introduce broader audiences to electronic music.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- HEX cor is a digital polyphonic synthesizer with a capacitive keyboard, potentiometers for signal modulation and an adaptable looper. The instruments design, also available as DIY kit, is optimized for use in diverse contexts focusing on educational and performative aspects. Components comprising the instrument are 100% replaceable, prioritizing the right to repair, ease of assembly and sustainable long-term use. With this approach we try to introduce broader audiences to electronic music.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Product dimensions : Width: 130 mm / Length: 130 mm / Height: 35 mm / Weight: 170g
Packaging dimensions (DIY kit): Width: 180 mm / Length: 260 mm / Height 10 mm
Packaging dimensions (assembled): Width: 180 mm / Length: 260 mm / Height 35 mm - Tags
- Synthesizer, polyphonic, electronic, instrument, portable, touch, experimental, educational, DIY
- Production Technology
- Products interface is designed in a tidy minimalist fashion, considering the users tactile experience which also suits visually and motorically impaired individuals. HEX cor is supported by a thin CNC engraved wooden base, attached to the bottom of the printed circuit board, protecting the sensitive electronic components. Instruments UI consists of concisely annotated interactive components and capacitive touch-sensitive keyboard located on the PCB. The latter omits the addition of mechanical keys, reducing the product's size, enhancing mobility and lowering the final cost.
- Project Duration
- The development of the project started in 2020 in Ljubljana, Slovenia and was finalized and released in early 2023. Since then it was showcased across numerous venues and used as tools for various educational workshops.
- Operation Flow
- described in the attached pdf file (manual)
- Inspiration
- HEX cor stems from authors concepts and experiences in developing didactic tools and media art installations, aiming at creating an affordable, portable and intuitive electronic instrument that crosses the boundaries of music-making, play and education. Our objective was to address the problem of affordability with a boldly designed printed circuit board that carries both interactive user elements and functional parts.
- Image Credits
- Photo: Hex Haus
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to Anže Sekelj & Staš Vrenko, 2024