Play & Create Music with Joué, the Modular MIDI Controller
Whether you're just starting out or a pro, you can create digital music anywhere, even without a full studio setup.
Invented by a team of French musicians and developers, Joué has recently won the CES 2020 Innovation Awards. The instrument allows amatuer artists and producers to make music even without a full studio setup, and let the pros express their creativity anywhere, anytime.
Joué is one part digital instrument and one part MIDI Controller, featuring streamlined modern design, light weight, and compact size. It also plays and feels like an actual acoustic instrument.
The setup comprises only two main parts; the Joué Board is a rectangular pad made of wood and metal. The pad is equipped with touch-sensitive sensors, which responds to the second part of the set.
The Magic Modules are essentially silicone mats designed to create acoustic-like and synthetic sound. Some interfaces, like the piano keys, guitar fretboards, and drum pads, allow the user to play in the same way as they would traditional instruments.
What sets Joué apart is the fact that you can hot swap the modules anytime, even mid-performance. The board can detect which pads are placed on it and automatically send the input to the MIDI software. You can strum out lines on the guitar and bass, then switch to keyboards and heavy beats.
Getting started is super simple, too. Joué works with any software that interacts with MIDI Controller, including Ableton Live, Apple Logic, Native Instruments plugins, and GarageBand on iPad and Macbook.
If you’re thinking about creating your original music, but can’t decide which instruments you should get, Joué offers a nifty starter’s set, Joué Essential Pack (479 EUR / 16,200 THB). With this, you’ll get a Joué Board, five modules (Scaler, Fretboard, Pads, Area, and Strips), and two softwares (Bitwig Studio and Arturia Analog Lab Lite).
Should you need more options in your collection, they’re available for 19-38 EUR (640-1,320 THB) each. And with the worldwide shipping the company provides, Thai instrumentalists can easily get their hands on these modules.
All things considered, Joué is a fantastic tool for all levels of artists and producers; from beginners to masters. The instrument allows you to freely create, perform, and even practice on-the-go while you travel. Anything is possible!