Harmonic Table Keyboard Brings Old Idea Back to Life

A new project called Midihex has revived the concept of the harmonic table keyboard, originally introduced by C-Thru Music with the Axis-49 and Axis-64 keyboards. The Midihex features 98 playable keys and five function keys, utilizing Cherry MX keys with Hall-effect sensors for continuous key position information. This design allows for enhanced control using the MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) protocol. Powered by a Teensy 4.1, the Midihex offers musicians easier chord and scale patterns with a shallower learning curve compared to traditional instruments. The layout of the harmonic table keyboard enables logical note arrangements, making it a unique and potentially valuable tool for musicians. Despite similarities to other instruments like accordions, the harmonic table layout offers distinct advantages in musical expression. The Midihex project aims to provide an improved version of the original concept, catering to musicians interested in exploring innovative musical interfaces.