It's like a theremin, but not -- Omer Yosha of Kesem Design is now shipping the Airpiano, a MIDI and OSC controller that allows you to trigger invisible keys and faders in mid-air. When using the Airpiano, you move your hands above the unit's surface in order to control elements on the screen.

At the Airpiano Web site (www.airpiano.de), the manufacturer writes: "The Airpiano is the first musical interface to introduce an intuitive and simple touch-free interaction. Many touch-free interfaces require users to stare at a display. The user’s hand gestures in 3D space then control elements on the screen. However, musicians and performers need to be able to play their instruments in a more free and intuitive way. The Airpiano’s keys and faders are therefore not on the screen, but exactly there above the Airpiano surface. The performer knows the position of each controller in the air, so no display is needed. Just like with a multitouch interface, the user triggers a virtual button exactly where it is, and the interaction becomes much more natural."

As with a theremin, the Airpiano requires that you know precisely where to put your hands and what gestures to use, to get the desired results. That will likely take some getting used to.

Yosha explains that the Airpiano is actually easier to play than a theremin: "The Theremin is a wonderful instrument which is quite difficult to play. One reason for this is that it provides only continuous control. The Airpiano has a matrix of 24 discrete keys and 8 faders, which makes it very simple to trigger MIDI and OSC messages. Actually, the Airpiano software makes the device so versatile that there is no real reason for this comparison."

The Airpiano comes with custom Airpiano software (Mac / Win), which can send MIDI and Open Sound Control (OSC) messages to other software or hardware. When you trigger a key or a fader in the air, the software registers your actions and sends messages out accordingly. According to the manufacturer, you can create numerous arrangement presets combining keys and faders, assigned with different properties and message types.

Airpiano features:

• 8 Infrared proximity sensors create up to 24 virtual keys and 8 virtual faders
• 40 LEDs provide easy orientation and visual feedback
• 1 Momentary button allows switching between presets directly from the device
• 1/4" Connector for using an expression pedal or a foot switch
• Power 9VDC
• USB 2.0 connectivity
• Dimensions (in mm): 960 x 160 x 26
• Constructed with walnut wood, dark red acrylic glass, and RoHS compliant components
• Includes custom Airpiano software for PC and Mac, which can send MIDI and OSC messages to other software or hardware
• Create and save arrangement presets
• Assign keys and faders with MIDI messages (OSC messages are sent automatically)
• Assign keys with preset-load messages (allows loading presets directly from the device)
• Set momentary button functionality
• Set pedal / foot switch functionality (MIDI CC, Global Velocity, or Preset Loader)

The Airpiano is now shipping in limited quantities for 1,149 EUR (approximately $1,694). To learn more, visit www.airpiano.de.