Native Instruments releases 'The Finger - Keyboard-Controlled Performance Effects Processor' by Tim Exile

Native Instruments has announced the release of The Finger, a unique keyboard-controlled performance effects processor developed together with forward-thinking electronic music artist Tim Exile of Warp Records. Based on advanced Reaktor technology, NI says that The Finger "provides musicians, producers and DJs with an inspirational and truly musical tool for intuitive sound mangling and live remixing in the studio and on stage".

"I've always been into the idea of playing electronics like you play acoustic instruments." says Tim Exile, designer of The Finger. "I used to sit at the back of class at school tapping out jungle breaks and edits. That's when I fell in love with my fingers. I want to go on sound adventures by finger alone. I love it when sounds end up somewhere completely different from where they start off. I want to be able to play these transitions with my fingers and keep wandering with the sound."

The Finger draws upon more than 40 high-quality effects algorithms, including real-time samplers, transformers, filters, gaters, delays, reverbs, distortion, wave shapers, ring modulation and many others, complete with advanced tempo-sync functionality. The performance capabilities of The Finger result from the unique control concept, with every key on a connected MIDI keyboard representing a different effect type and setting. By playing the keyboard, individual effect algorithms are activated and consecutively combined into custom chains of up to six effect units at a time, similar to a continuously changing array of interconnected stomp box units. This intuitive concept makes it possible to play The Finger like an instrument, with potential for improvisation and experimentation. When used in a sequencer host, controlling The Finger from a MIDI track allows for intricate and precisely fine-tuned effects sequences.

The Finger utilizes the free Kore Player to operate both as a standalone effects software and as a plug-in within any host sequencer, and can also be used within the full-featured Kore 2 system. With two parameters per effect being controlled by velocity and modulation wheel, the eight Macro Controls of the Kore interface provide further sound tweaking options. Owners of Reaktor 5 can also access an advanced user interface to set additional parameters and set up individual custom effects.

The introduction of The Finger is complemented with the release of Tim Exile's "The Finger EP", a four-track album derived from live performances that utilize the software. The tracks are available for free download via "The Now Wave", a new blog established by Tim Exile and dedicated to live electronic music performance.

The introduction of The Finger is also accompanied by a demonstration video featuring Tim Exile and Taylor Savvy, available on Youtube.

The Finger is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for $79 / €69.