NuRAD (EWI/Sax etc. fingering instrument)

So, it took me some time to develop, but now it is finally ready and I’ve started building it for people. At this point the firmware is also successfully adapted from the NuEVI, and the features are basically the same except for the fingerings. Some firmware additions are still planned for the future, like additional fingerings, but the most important ones are in there already. Also in the works now is a set of new polyphonic playing features with harmonizers and improved note rotator functionality.

I am just starting producing these new wind controllers, built to order in a small scale fashion. They are made available to interested parties on a first come, first serve basis. As you have contacted me previously, I am confirming that you are on my list of interested persons.

Please note that the NuRAD is handmade by me in small batches. I am making them available through my company – Berglund Instruments. The NuRADs are built on demand for each person that orders them in the order of payment received. Current cost for the standard version NuRAD is $1600 USD plus shipping/handling ($35 from Sweden). The version with wireless MIDI (pandaMidi midiBeam built in) is $1900 USD plus shipping/handling. Sales within the EU will also have VAT (25%) on top of that (unless valid EU VAT number is provided). Payment in advance will be required in order to get into the building queue. Payments are made through PayPal or IBAN bank transfer. Payment details will be in the order invitation email that goes out when I reach your place on the waiting list.

I will be contacting people in the order they contacted me, inviting them to place an order, through a separate “NuRAD order invitation” email, so keep your eye out for that one. At that time, you will have the opportunity to purchase a NuRAD and get into the current production queue. If you are no longer interested in obtaining a NuRAD, please let me know and I will remove you from the email list.

Technical information

So, what are the specs, etc.? Well, pretty much like the NuEVI. It comes in the same colors, has the same electronics (Teensy 3.2 microcontroller, MPR121 touch sensors) and lots of hardware and firmware in common. It does come standard with a breath CV jack and the pneuBite though, that is only optional in the NuEVI. The pneuBite is based on the bite sensor of the vintage Steiner product the “Masters Touch”. Instead of measuring the capacitance of two metal strips being flexed by biting, the pneuBite is a closed air pressure system. It gives a more immediate feeling when biting or bending the mouthpiece. An improvement from the Masters Touch system is the addition of a valve that serves for equalizing the pneuBite pressure to ambient pressure (needed when using bite for portamento). Fingerings available are standard EWI, extended range EWI, Saxophone and EVI fingerings. More may be added later. Chord play and midi rotator are features from the NuEVI that are present in the NuRAD too, as well as the nice OLED display and menu system with full manual control over all sensor adjustments and easy setup of CCs, MIDI channel, transposition, and much much more.

More geeky tech info:

Power source: 3xAAA alkaline batteries (6–7 hrs battery time), NiMH rechargeables (9-10 hrs battery time) or USB, alt. optional LiPo battery ($35 extra) with charging through USB port (15 hrs battery time)
Brains: PJRC Teensy 3.2 microcontroller dev board (Cortex M4)
USB: Micro USB jack, class compliant USB MIDI
Type of sensing: Capacitive, using built in Teensy cap touch sense and 3x the MPR121 chip
Sensors: Touch keys and rollers, pitch bend pads (proportional), vibrato/portamento lever, breath sensor, bite sensor (for vibrato or portamento) and lip sensor (extra controller)
Breath sensor system: Closed (like the Akai EWI1000 and the original Steiner EVIs and EWIs), NXP MP3V5004GP piezoresistive transducer, 0 to 3.92 kPa
Body: Main body from 3D printed PLA plastic, top and bottom sheets in transparent laser cut/etched acrylic
DIN MIDI: one MIDI OUT jack
CV output: Built-in 3.5 mm TS jack outputting breath CV 0 to 5V. Digitally generated, so output responds to breath adjustments in the menus. (In addition there is 0 to 3.3V breath CV through unused pin of DIN MIDI jack, or pitch+breath CV output for amplification by optional module or box.)
Length: 46cm (18″)
Weight: 635g (1.4lbs)
Accessories included: Removable handle and neck strap.

Here is a link to user guides and fingering charts

Other combinations can be provided on demand, with possible extra cost for material not in stock and extra waiting time for acquiring material. For example, a red/smoke NuRAD like pictured below would not be anything extra, as that’s standard materials used.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.