Nonlinear Labs C25 Boosts Polyphonic Expression with Lever

The Nonlinear Labs C25 is a premium instrument designed for performance and physical interaction. It is manufactured in Europe, down to most components, and uses the original continuous sensors from Nonlinear Labs alongside a TP/8S keybed supplied by Fatar. The instrument is compatible with the full C15 preset library and includes MIDI connectivity and a large display, with its ribbon controller positioned in a corner of the main panel. A Special Edition or Signature Edition has been discussed that could reintegrate wood elements and an angled case shape.

The C25 features the new Phase 22 Synthesis Engine, which adds phase modulation/FM, waveshaping, and physical modeling to extend beyond subtractive synthesis. It delivers polyphonic expression, including poly aftertouch and poly modulation, with parameters that can be morphed continuously. Performance controls have been updated with a new Lever that provides magnetic return force and refreshed ribbons that incorporate 33 LEDs for visual feedback. The instrument is presented alongside references to Stephan Schmitt’s work and in the context of industry developments involving Native Instruments and InMusic.

The Nonlinear Labs C25 features a combination of sophisticated hardware components engineered for superior performance and interaction. At its heart are the original continuous sensors unique to Nonlinear Labs, ensuring precision and responsiveness vital for expressive playing. Complementing these sensors is the TP/8S keybed manufactured by Fatar, renowned for its high-quality construction and performance. For connectivity, the C25 supports MIDI, facilitating integration with other digital instruments and recording equipment.

One of the standout features of the C25 is its large display, designed to provide clear visual feedback to the performer. This display, paired with intuitive navigation, enhances user control over complex settings and performance parameters. Additionally, the instrument’s ribbon controller is strategically located in a corner of the main panel, allowing for fluid and dynamic on-the-fly adjustments during live performances.

Proudly manufactured in Europe, the C25 comprises “most” of its components originating from European sources. This dedication to local manufacture underscores the company’s commitment to quality and precision in engineering. Overall, the C25 is a testament to Nonlinear Labs’ dedication to crafting an instrument that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of discerning musicians and performers.

The C25 incorporates the Phase 22 Synthesis Engine as its primary sound-generation architecture. Phase 22 includes phase modulation/FM, waveshaping, and physical modeling as named components of the engine. The specification lists these techniques together to indicate that the engine extends the instrument’s synthesis capabilities beyond conventional subtractive approaches. The implementation of Phase 22 is presented as a deliberate extension of the C25’s sonic toolkit rather than a strict reliance on filter-and-envelope subtractive paradigms.

By combining phase modulation/FM, waveshaping, and physical modeling within a single synthesis engine, Phase 22 expands the palette available to the C25 beyond what is typically described as subtractive synthesis. This expansion is presented as an explicit broadening of synthesis methods rather than a replacement of existing techniques. The description positions the C25’s Phase 22 engine as offering additional timbral and behavioral options for sound design. No further technical parameters, signal-flow diagrams, or implementation details are provided.

The C25 supports polyphonic expression across its voice architecture, enabling per-note dynamics and modulation for nuanced performance. The instrument specifically includes poly aftertouch and poly modulation as named capabilities, allowing individual notes to send continuous expressive data. Parameters within the C25’s expressive framework can be morphed continuously, enabling gradual and uninterrupted changes to modulation targets during performance.

Continuous morphing of parameters is implemented as a core part of the instrument’s control scheme, permitting smooth transitions between assigned modulation states. Polyphonic modulation sources can affect timbral and dynamic behaviors on a per-note basis, with the C25 designed to handle these continuous control inputs across multiple voices. The design places emphasis on tactile interaction to make these continuous parameter changes accessible to performers in real time.

Performance hardware updates include a new Lever that provides magnetic return force and refreshed ribbons that feature 33 LEDs for visual feedback. The Lever’s magnetic return force is cited as a specific mechanical characteristic of the control, while the ribbons’ LED array is described as a visual feedback element incorporated into the instrument. These control features are presented as part of the C25’s overall approach to responsive, physically interactive performance.

The C25 is compatible with the full C15 preset library. The reporting states this compatibility without providing technical details on implementation, file formats, or transfer methods. No further elaboration on the nature or limits of that compatibility is provided. The available sources do not provide this information.

There is discussion of a Special Edition or Signature Edition that could reintroduce wood elements and an angled case shape. The mention is presented as talk rather than a confirmed product announcement within the available reporting. No specifications, release timing, pricing, or production details for such an edition are provided. The available sources do not provide this information.

CONCLUSION

The Nonlinear Labs C25 combines advanced synthesis and expressive controls as part of its performance-oriented design. Its Phase 22 Synthesis Engine includes phase modulation/FM, waveshaping, and physical modeling, extending the instrument’s capabilities beyond subtractive synthesis. The C25 provides polyphonic expression, including poly aftertouch and poly modulation, and supports continuous morphing of parameters for uninterrupted modulation changes during performance. These synthesis and expression features are presented as core elements of the instrument’s approach to tactile musical interaction.

Hardware and interface elements of the C25 include the original continuous sensors from Nonlinear Labs, a TP/8S keybed from Fatar, a large display, MIDI connectivity, and a ribbon controller positioned in a corner of the main panel. Performance hardware updates cited for the instrument include a new Lever with magnetic return force and ribbons with 33 LEDs for visual feedback. The C25 is manufactured in Europe with “most” of its components produced there, and it is compatible with the full C15 preset library. There is also discussion of a Special Edition or Signature Edition that could reintroduce wood elements and an angled case shape.