Create Beats on the Go with Artiphon’s Chorda ‘Band in a Box’

Artiphon, a specialized manufacturer of music gadgets, has returned with a fresh creation known as the Chorda. This innovative device combines the design elements of the Instrument 1 with the independent capabilities and looping feature of the Orba 2. The Chorda expands upon the multi-instrument technology found in the Instrument 1, granting users access to a wide range of instruments including guitar, drums, and piano.

However, the Instrument 1 was tethered to a phone or tablet, while the Chorda is completely self-contained, making it an attractive entrant in the emerging field of DAWless recording devices. There are “hundreds” of built-in sounds and corresponding control methods that actually resemble an analog version of the player. The device plays with microgestures that contain a set of control parameters. It features 12 pads, each responding to control methods such as tapping, tilting, flapping, vibrato and more using capacitive sensing technology and Midi Polyphonic Expression (MPE) technology.

There’s also a new bridge section that allows non-musicians to play chords automatically, allowing people to play their favorite songs. This bridge integrates with a built-in arpeggiator to change tempo and key. With the help of the integrated looper, you can layer songs as you like. While the device itself doesn’t have much sound design, you can use the accompanying app to access the inner workings of the sound engine.

In terms of connectivity, Chorda can control any MIDI-based software and hardware via USB-C or Bluetooth. The device also automatically integrates with most DAWs, including GarageBand, Ableton, Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase and FL Studio. It also supports any standard MIDI and MPE compatible mobile application or device. However, battery life won’t win any awards at four hours of use on a single charge.

The Artiphon Chorda is available for pre-order via Kickstarter and is available in three colors: black, white and blue. Early bird pricing is locked at around $200, but as tiers sell out, the cost will increase. The devices will be delivered in November.