The C15 is a digital synth designed for live performers.

Nonlinear Labs – a company owned by Native Instruments founder Stephan Schmitt – has opened pre-orders for its new premium hardware synth, the C15.

Schmitt left the music software company in 2011 to start Nonlinear Labs, aiming to develop high-end instruments, effects and controllers with a focus on live performance rather than the studio.

Schmitt has decided to take a “puristic” approach with the striking new synth, using a digital synthesis engine to create a new sound rather than replicating classic analog instruments.

According to the company website, the C15 uses mathematical algorithms that allow the audio signals to be modulated and shaped in real time. This allows live performers to get more nuanced sounds out of it.

“Based on elementary mathematic algorithms, the signals are generated, modulated, shaped, and filtered in realtime,” the company explains on its website. “Therefore the sound can be dramatically influenced by the dynamic playing of a musician.”

As well as featuring a five-octave keyboard, the C15 has an ergonomic pitch bend and two long touch strips for controlling parameters along with connections for four pedals.

There’s also a graphical interface that can be accessed via any device with Wi-FI, allowing you to edit presets without having to squint at the smaller built-in display.

The C15 is available for pre-order now, and is expected to ship in May 2017. It’ll set you back a lot though – it costs €4,000 ($4,296). Check out a video of the synth below. (via Synthtopia)

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