Hello everyone in GP community.
This is project of mine on which I dreamed about for around 20 years, and after 8 years of experimenting, learning and various prototype-phases, this is the final version of prototype II. Prototype I is called just Trans-Audio Avenger. On this one, M+ means mini plus, although it’s not mini at all.
For the curious ones: why the name Avenger?
Because its in a way, my rebelion to the limited possibilites and endless sound-recycling present in all brands for almost 3 decades.
As a professional keyboard player, I used a lot of different synths and midi controllers, from M1 to Studiologic 88 hammer keys. For most of my gigs, I am used to 5 octaves, and any time I would play on the 76 or 73 keys, I would get a bit lost regarding placement of my split-points. And thats one of main reasons why I chose this exact keybed - it finishes with C, giving me standard feel of 5 octaves, with additional octave till A on the bottom. Keybed itself (as everything else) is heavily modified to suit my needs, as the default velocity curve. Of course, velocity curve is later processed even more, for different sounds.
Touchscreen is big enough to be used without retracting, although I prefer to have it in front of me.
I designed the slider system myself - made of beefy 2 mm steel, strong enough to hold the weight of the whole workstation.
The heart is 14 core/64 GB ram/8 TB machine with canibalized Windows 11. In idle, it stays on 1% of usage and below 85 active processes, with everything else what is not needed, completely disabled and removed. Tested in 24/7 scenarios for months, and got it loaded way more than it would ever be in a live scenario.
Presonus interface gives me freedom for using backing tracks and click sent on various outputs, with fully independent processing and lossless tempo change for audio if needed.
And it can be extended to 16 in/16 out - handy for production.
Elgato stream deck extension gave me freedom to assign anything however I want - in my case, 32 buttons next to the screen are triggers for backing tracks, fx audio, and Cubase shortcuts.
15 on the left is for lower hold, transpose, tap tempo, and triggering different chords per song if needed.Although, any button can do anything, thats just how I use it at the moment.
Main software I use for live is Gig performer, although I own a few another - not time and place to mention them, and I am most comfortable with Gig.
Choosing sounds is done via Advanced Song Chooser by Dave Boulden, which gives me more than enough room to never have need to ‘‘change pages’’. Everything is under the fingers, up to 70 sounds right away.
The Leds for back logo are independent from the ones under the keys, of course RGB and remotely controlled. The one under the keys are always on - so I never, ever again come in situation not be able to see the keys on pitch black stages.
The 4 shiny small towers on the sides are there for gooseneck mic, tablet or phone holders, and stuff like that.
Main and only pedal is Roland FC -300. Controlls sustain, expression, superknob, and various another stuff.
Long story short - all my experience and my own needs from the ‘‘battlefield’’ are translated into this.
At the same time, its my goodbye from the corporative outdated hardware and limitations.
Simply said - a studio powerhouse which is turned into a keyboard.
Also everything is in the final stage for the main Avenger prototype, and I am so looking forward to it.
Regards, and have a nice day!
Are you running Gig Performer on this hardware?
Looks really nice! Well made 
Reminds me of Open Labs Neko a lot which used to be my dream machine many years back. Unfortunately they weren‘t able to make it a profitable product back then although they had some big names using it.
Regarding the name, don‘t you fear using the same name as a popular VSTi?
He says,
Main software I use for live is Gig performer
Choosing sounds is done via Advanced Song Chooser by Dave Boulden
Thank you!
Open Labs were on a good path - in my opinion, they entered the market too early, and, compared to competition, they were a bit pricey. Similar story as Music Computing. But it was genious idea and concept overall.
Regarding the name - I don’t plan to make and sell neither this or the other one I am working on - they are my personall projects. If I ever decide to manufacture it for wider auditorium, it would definitely be with different naming to prevent legal issues.
And the vst you mentioned - I bought it a few months ago, and it’s awesome.
This is awesome. Totally love it. Indeed it does remind me of the open labs system. I always wanted one of those and the capabilities that they brought.
You could literally shift out different parts of it and change to whether it controllers or keyboards to type on etc. It was an amazing idea but I do understand it might not be profitable as it might be unique to one taste.
There was also the muse receptor.
I’m also of the opinion that many times old sounds are rehashed in flagship keyboards, and they do very miniature improvements so that they can keep customers attention and keep them upgrading on a yearly basis. Especially in a time where memory is much larger and hard drive space is much larger and probably much cheaper but they refuse to expand the boards to suit.
This looks like a breath of fresh air and has a total amount of class to it that I can definitely appreciate.
About 4 months ago I decided to go on a similar adventure. Mine is not as classy but carries some similar function.
I have innovation SLMK3 that seem best fit for me to adopt a computer inside. I started with a wind GPD max laptop but I had issues with it wanting to have its screen as it’s main output.
I decided to breakdown a mac mini m4 and adopt it to work from 12 volts. After installed a power bank so that it can be powered even without being connected to a wall outlet.
I love the Mac systems as they work as flawlessly and Couple this with the extremely stable gig performer and you literally feel as if you’re running a hardware keyboard.
This is further enhanced by using the extension for the sl mk3 that vindes made for gig performer. Totally amazing!
I had to do a lot of drilling and cutting and of course my iteration is not as classy as yours but gets similar functions done. I don’t include a monitor but I use duet display along with my phone or an iPad and it works fine.
And as you said I can add any amount of sounde, any VSt, any software of my choice with a lot more than 256 polyphony.
Later I might take some pictures and put in the chat.
Any way great looking work.
Hey Bevburn!
I am happy that your system is working for you - it doesnt matter if it is made of plastic, fiberglass, 3d printed or aluminium - as long as you are happy and it works - thats all what matters.
I took slightly different route, and went all the smallest details - for sake of myself and my own pursuit of perfection. It turned out that properly planned, anything can be achieved.
Between 100 and 150 people (talking about musicians) had a close look at the M + since I started touring with it - nobody was able to figure out that it is ‘‘custom made’’. From the paint, screws, connectors - everything is top notch and, I dare to say - made with ultra building standards. You wouldnt believe how many keyboards I took apart, only to understand how it is made, and how it is overall done in the industry. But it paid off.
I agree with you - when I play and perform, I completely forget that it is not something with corporative bagde. Except the sounds - it always gets me stunned, over and over again.