Klavis Developer Talk And New Modules (Tweakers Plus 1U, Compair) | Superbooth 24
TLDRIn this Superbooth 24 interview, Eric from Clavis discusses the Belgian modular synthesizer community and the unique approach of his company. Focusing on hybrid designs that merge digital control with analog paths, Clavis offers innovative modules like the Granity, a granular filter with no digitalization of sound. Eric shares insights into the development process, customer feedback's influence on product evolution, and the challenges of a saturated modular market. He also teases upcoming 1U format modules and a versatile dual comparator, emphasizing long-term value and utility in Clavis' designs.
Takeaways
- 🎤 Eric from Klavis discusses their new modules at Superbooth 24.
- 🇧🇪 Klavis is based in Belgium but mainly operates in the US and Germany.
- 🎹 Belgium has a strong Eurorack community with many manufacturers relative to its population.
- 🔄 Eric has a background in both music and electronics, previously running a music shop and recording studios.
- ⚙️ Klavis focuses on hybrid designs, combining digital control with analog circuitry for innovative solutions.
- 🌐 Klavis products aim to fill unique niches in the market, offering distinctive functionalities.
- 🔧 The Twin Waves module is noted for its versatility and compact size, now in its second version due to customer feedback.
- 🕒 Module development at Klavis can take years, with significant time spent on refining concepts and designs.
- 📈 Eric observes that the Eurorack market is highly competitive with many brands, and emphasizes long-term value in Klavis products.
- 🔍 Klavis is also exploring new form factors, like the Tweakers Plus 1U module, based on user requests.
Q & A
Where is Klavis located?
-Klavis is located in Belgium, in the heart of Europe.
What is Klavis' main business market?
-Klavis' main business market is in the US, with Germany being the second largest market.
How does the Belgian Eurorack community interact?
-The Belgian Eurorack community is very strong, with developers meeting up for special events and dinners together.
What is Eric's background before starting Klavis?
-Eric has a background in both music-related and electronics-related jobs, including owning a music shop, running recording studios, and working in semiconductor distribution and manufacturing.
What is the primary concept behind Klavis' product designs?
-Klavis focuses on hybrid designs that combine digital control with analog paths, aiming to create unique and innovative products that offer something different from purely digital or purely analog designs.
How does Klavis approach product development?
-Klavis develops products based on customer feedback and requests, constantly iterating and improving their designs. For example, their Twin Waves product went through multiple versions based on user feedback.
What is the typical development time for a Klavis module?
-The development time for a Klavis module can be quite long, sometimes taking several years from the initial concept to the final version, as seen with their Grainity filter.
How does Klavis view the Eurorack market?
-Klavis views the Eurorack market as challenging due to its wide range of offerings. They believe in creating longstanding designs with long-term value, rather than chasing trends.
What is unique about Klavis' Grainity filter?
-The Grainity filter is unique because it is the first granular filter, manipulating slices of sound without digitizing the audio, offering a novel approach to sound manipulation.
What new products is Klavis working on?
-Klavis is expanding their product range with new modules like the Tweakers Plus in 1U format and a dual voltage comparator module. They also plan to continue developing innovative and unique modules.
Outlines
🎶 Introduction and Background of Clavis
Eric from Clavis discusses his background and the company's operations. Clavis is based in Belgium but primarily does business in the US and Germany. Eric has a long history in music and electronics, having run a music shop and recording studios, and worked in semiconductor distribution. He explains how Clavis was formed to merge his expertise in music and electronics, with a focus on hybrid design.
🔄 Unique Approach to Eurorack Modules
Eric highlights Clavis's philosophy of creating unique Eurorack modules that occupy their own niche in the market. He emphasizes the importance of hybrid designs, combining analog and digital elements in innovative ways. Clavis aims to offer something different from traditional analog and digital modules, focusing on system design and functionality.
🛠️ Innovation and Market Trends in Eurorack
Clavis's approach is to fill gaps in the Eurorack market by creating advanced and unique modules, such as the granular filter, which was the first of its kind. Eric discusses the importance of long-term value and utility in their designs, ensuring they remain relevant and useful over time. He also mentions the challenges of the wide Eurorack market and the necessity of innovation.
📏 Development and Design Challenges
Eric talks about the development process of Clavis modules, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and feedback before finalizing designs. He shares the example of the CV recorder module, which was shelved due to dissatisfaction with its feature set. Clavis prioritizes creating modules that meet the needs and expectations of users.
🔧 Future Plans and Manufacturing Insights
Clavis is focused on expanding its range of Eurorack modules, with a commitment to European manufacturing. Eric explains the decision to test the market with a 1U format module and the company's strategy of using familiar subcontractors to ensure quality. Clavis aims to continue innovating within the Eurorack ecosystem while maintaining a high standard of production.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Klavis
💡Eurorack
💡Hybrid Design
💡Granular Filter
💡Twin Waves
💡Modular Synthesizer
💡Digital Control
💡Community Feedback
💡Comparator
💡Belgian Synth Community
Highlights
Eric from Klavis discusses the company's roots in Belgium and its primary business markets in the US and Germany.
Belgium has a strong community of Eurorack manufacturers with seven or eight different brands.
Eric's background includes music-related jobs and electronics, leading to the creation of Klavis.
Klavis aims to create hybrid designs, combining digital and analog elements in innovative ways.
The philosophy behind Klavis products is to offer unique designs that fill specific niches in the Eurorack market.
Klavis's Granity module is an example of their hybrid approach, using digital control over an analog signal path.
The company prefers to create compact and efficient designs, which has been well received by their customers.
Feedback from customers plays a significant role in the development and iteration of Klavis products.
The Eurorack market is saturated, making it crucial for new products to offer long-term value and uniqueness.
Eric notes the lack of standardization in Eurorack, leading to a 'Wild West' environment for new designs.
Digital advancements have made it easier and more affordable to integrate powerful processors into Eurorack modules.
The Granity filter by Klavis is a unique innovation, being the first granular filter in the market.
Klavis collaborates with other brands like Shakmat to cross-evaluate and improve their designs.
The company's approach includes thorough testing and feedback before finalizing a product for the market.
Klavis is introducing new modules like the Tweakers Plus 1U and a dual comparator, expanding their range of offerings.
The future of Klavis includes continuous innovation within their expertise, avoiding broader synthesizer projects.
All Klavis products are manufactured in Europe, ensuring high quality and consistency.
The name 'Klavis' is derived from Latin and French words related to 'keyboard', reflecting their musical focus.