Thoughtful Things, a music technology startup, has officially launched a Kickstarter campaign for its innovative device known as Engram. This groundbreaking sampler and groovebox utilizes artificial intelligence to manipulate incoming audio and even generate entirely new sounds. Unlike traditional music production tools, Engram is designed not for mainstream hits, but for experimental and unconventional sound exploration.
Engram operates without internet connectivity, relying instead on an integrated “tiny AI” that functions locally. The Kickstarter page outlines that the audio model is custom-made and internally developed. As the company states:
“We’ve trained our audio models on open datasets that only contain audio licensed for commercial use (CC-BY or similar). We have not trained and will never train our models on non-commercial, pirated, or otherwise stolen data.”
In a further step towards community engagement, the creators plan to open up Engram’s firmware, allowing users to modify it and even upload their own models. Demonstrating its capabilities, founder Evan King showcased his voice requesting the sound of a piano, resulting in a glitchy, abstract interpretation reminiscent of the instrument. King characterizes Engram as a “field recorder for latent space,” emphasizing its purpose in exploring AI-generated soundscapes and experimental design. Its concept takes cues from circuit bending, enabling users to manipulate and even disrupt its AI models.
The Kickstarter campaign features a limited batch of Engrams, available starting at $675. While the final retail price has yet to be announced, estimates suggest it will range between $850 and $900, indicating a 30 percent discount for early backers.
Editor’s Take
This launch is significant in the realm of music production, as it shifts focus from mainstream audio creation to experimental sound manipulation. Engram’s ability to encourage unique sound exploration could attract both established artists and newcomers alike. As more users engage with customizable tools like this, it paves the way for innovative collaborations and creative breakthroughs in the music industry.
Source: www.theverge.com
