Extending the Organist's Gesture to Broaden Sonic Possibilities
Facilitate access to contemporary music repertoire
Combining tradition and innovation
The Modalio is an extension for transforming the sound of pipe organs. It offers the organist an extensive palette of sounds, supported by an intuitive interface.
The Modalio approach is one of a posteriori transformation of acoustic sound. Sound transformations are managed directly by the organist's gestures.
The sound of the organ is captured using microphones, then fed back into digital processing and immediately transmitted via loudspeakers.
Sound transformations can be fixed or modulated continuously and during the performance. In addition, it is possible to trigger audio files.

The Modalio is available in two versions

Mobile version
Integrated version
  • Independent extension modules
  • Easy to install
  • For occasional or long-term use
  • Available for rental
  • Manufactured by Alter Instruments
  • Transformations available immediately and at no extra cost
  • Custom-made modules
  • Optimized for playing comfort
  • Manufactured in collaboration with an organ builder
Le Modalio est fabriqué de façon artisanale et sur-mesure en fonction des demandes et du contexte :
  • Nombre et disposition de pédales
  • Nombre de microphones dans l’orgue
  • Diffusion stéréophonique ou spatialisée
  • Entrées supplémentaires
  • Autres demandes
    • Mobile version
    TOUCH SCREEN
    Configuration selection and management.
    Visual feedback.
    MONITOR LOUDSPEAKERS

    Optional.
    Allows the organist to hear the resulting sound from the room. Headphones possible.

    HEART OF THE MODALIO
    Audio processing hardware and electronic connections.
    Built-in or externalized depending on the project.
    PROCESSING PEDALS
    Real-time control of effects.
    May be freely allocated to one or more treatments.
    Integrated version
    Mobile version
    INTERNAL MICROPHONES
    Capture for sending to processing.
    Separate management of one or more sound planes.
    ROOM SPEAKERS
    Processed sound diffusion. Here in stereo.
    The sound blends naturally with the acoustic sound of the organ.
    EXTERNAL MICROPHONES
    Recording of performances from the venue.
    Integrated version

    Performers

    Jean-Christophe Revel
    Ansel Gross
    Joris Verdin
    Michel Bourcier
    Christophe d'Alessandro
    Katta
    Christophe Bouhier
    Luke Madams

    Examples & Operation

    Sound transformations can be accessed directly by the performer using two interfaces: a set of processing pedals and a touch screen.

    Here are some examples of the effects available:
    • rhythm - delays, loops, echo
    • pitch – harmonizer
    • timbre – filters, flanger
    • space – reverb, panning

    Modalio in Saint-Orens Church in Auch, France

    The Modalio adventure began in the Saint-Orens church in Auch, France, which served as the setting for prototyping as well as for the various stages of testing and experimentation.

    A fully integrated version of the Modalio was permanently installed there in 2024. This was realized in collaboration with organ builder Jean Daldosso, during the construction of a new console.

    Most of the Modalio's electronic components are built directly into the new console, while speakers are integrated into external modules.

    The Saint-Orens organ is thus the first permanently augmented organ with digital processing.

    The official inauguration is scheduled for May 2025.

    Modalio - Chronology

    Alter Instruments

    Creating tomorrow's music today

    Teresa Rosenberg

    From design to product finishing, Teresa is responsible for production and management.

    Founded in 2022 by Alexander Mihalič and Teresa Rosenberg, Alter Instruments is at the forefront of innovation in the field of augmented instruments. With flagship products such as Sampo and Modalio, and thanks to an approach focused on the harmonious fusion of tradition and technology, Alter Instruments offers musicians a new dimension of artistic expression.

    Alexander Mihalič

    Inventor of the Sampo, Alexander is in charge of product development and computer programming.

    Contact

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