DigitAize is a sensor-based digital mapping system for string musical instruments. The technology works using a special resistive foil attached to the fingerboard of the instrument.
The foil is a multi-layer construction consisting of a bottom layer with four (4) distinct conductive paths parallel to the strings and separated by a slightly thicker spacer. The top layer consists of a conductive membrane facing the bottom layer. The different layers of the foil are glued together to a single construction.
This innovative solution is object of an international PCT patent application. Alessandro is active in each stage of the development of this instruments, combining knowledge in CNC-machining, computer-aided 3D design softwares and graphic design (designing the final control GUI).
Some of the features possible with this technology are:
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Control virtual sounds – use your acoustic instrument to control virtual sounds on any common software for music-making
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Make live notation – use DigitAize fingerboard to do real-time notation directly with the acoustic instrument. Easy integration in the common softwares for digital music notation such as Finale and Sibelius.
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Track instrument motion in real-time – use the build-in gyroscope and the graphical visualization tool to track, visualize, capture and evaluate the 3D position and motion of the instrument while playing.
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Real-time pitch tracking and intonation feedback – the DigitAize sensor fingerboard allows to control intonation of the instrument at any moment, giving an insight on the current tuning status of the instrument.
Since 2016 Alessandro engaged in various projects focussing on the topic of digitalization of musical instruments. Together with viola-player and composer Rafal Zalech, he founded Nimikry Music OG, a start-up devoted to the development of various technologies for the digitalization of musical instruments, as well as controllers for live performances and mobile applications for musicians.