Akai and Moog Welcome Modding Community with Open Arms
inMusic is fostering creativity by embracing the modding community for Akai and Moog devices.
In a bold move to enhance user creativity, inMusic, the parent company of notable brands like Akai and Moog, is prioritizing the modding community. CEO Jack O’Donnell discussed this exciting direction in a recent interview, revealing plans to provide tools that empower users to modify and personalize their music gear.
Open Source Tools for Musicians
One of the significant initiatives involves making the code for various devices, including the new MPC Sample Key, available as open source. O'Donnell highlighted their goal to create a "toolbox" that allows musicians to explore and innovate effortlessly. Together with the open source initiative, developers will also receive an SDK (Software Development Kit) to facilitate modifications while minimizing the risk of mistakenly disabling their equipment.
Ensuring Reliability While Encouraging Creativity
While Akai is excited to unleash the potential of the modding community, O'Donnell assures users that the reliability of official software remains a top priority. He emphasized that they want artists, like popular producer Fred Again, to trust their equipment without the fear of encountering bugs during performances. To assist users in their experimentation, Akai is working on implementing a "reset button" function which would allow users to explore modifications without losing their original settings.
Showcasing Innovations at NAMM
InMusic is gearing up for a significant unveiling at the NAMM convention scheduled in Anaheim. Attendees can look forward to the company’s Creator Lab, where innovators and musicians will have the chance to interact with 22 new products from various inMusic brands. Notably, instruments from Moog, which is traditionally analog, will be featured. O'Donnell expresses confidence that with the right approach, even these analog designs can benefit from modding.
The Industry Shift and Community Reactions
The landscape of music technology is witnessing rapid changes as more companies are beginning to open their products to modifications. Noteworthy examples include Erica Synths, which made the source code for its LXR-02 drum machine available, and Polyend, who opened its Tracker groovebox line. Behringer has also jumped on the bandwagon, releasing several open-source models including a new affordable clone of the MPC One.
This momentum is not without its critics. Companies like Elektron have shown caution towards this trend, expressing concerns about potential risks associated with modding. They've implemented policies to limit discussions around hacked firmware on their forums. In their words, they prioritize user safety and the functionality of their devices. Nonetheless, they acknowledge the shifting tides and seem to understand that resisting the modding culture could be unwise.
O'Donnell encapsulated the sentiment towards the modding movement: "You can try to wall them off, which is just a losing battle," highlighting the importance of embracing a community that thrives on experimentation and creativity.
