Koma ElektronikChromaplane Electromagnetic Instrument

Koma Elektronik Chromaplane

Created in collaboration with the dynamic Passepartout percussion-piano duo, the Chromaplane from Koma Elektronik is an adventurous instrument which uses tunable electromagnetic fields to derive lush synthesized tones. The playing interface for Chromaplane is along the top surface of the instrument, where users can employ the included electromagnetic pickups to listen in on the mysterious magnetic fields underneath. Generated by fully analog square wave oscillators, the sound character of these fields offers a rich foundation for cultivating complex timbres.

Each of the ten fields are nested along the surface, allowing you to blend between them polyphonically or perform single tones with proper placement. Fully tunable with a screw for each field, the three rows of oscillators may also be dropped one octave using the switch for each row. Shape tones further with the onboard, four-pole low pass filter, exploring a world of colors from biting brightness to soothingly softened timbres. Adding a sense of space and rhythmic repeats to your sound, Chromaplane also includes a lo-fi delay effect with CV control over time.

External signals can be injected into one of Chromaplane's fields with the onboard external input, while an envelope output creates control voltage that follows Chromaplane's output amplitude, perfect for modulating the delay effect or any other CV enabled instrument. A landscape of creative potential for any audio experimentalist, Chromaplane from Koma Elektronik offers a rare example of electronic instrument design forged in close contact with human performers, offering a uniquely expressive interface for musical innovation.

Chromaplane Features

• Electromagnetic instrument played with electromagnetic pickups
• 10x analog square wave oscillators generate electromagnetic fields that can be played polyphonically with pickups
• Fields are tunable with corresponding tuning screws for each field
• Fields are divided into three rows under the playing surface
• Octave down tuning switches for each row
• Internal 4-pole low pass filter modulated by internal audio signal shapes and expands tones
• Lo-fi delay effect with CV control over time parameter
• External audio input
• Envelope output follows output amplitude to control onboard or external CV inputs