Haken Continuum Mini worth it?

The Lounge Other Gear
44

Continuumini is great for monophonic oddities which you won’t be able to do easily with other synths. It is pretty cool for songwriting.

Duotactic is possible but very limited, even though the engine can be up to 8 voices polyphonic. Current firmware is 10.x and could probably further evolve. I think I last updated it in 2022. It has been my entry into the Hakenverse before Covid and got me to the Osmose as an early bird only a few months later (plus a few years waiting time).

There are a few things to consider:

  • power is via mini USB and pretty greedy, so forget about powering via a hub unless it is itself powered other than via USB;
  • MIDI is on the same USB plug as power, so a USB Y splitter cable might be useful;
  • as a controller the surface only works with an MPE synth or together with a computer for other kinds of MIDI connections;
  • If you want only the controller, use the same budget to get a Linnstrument. If you desire the engine, then the mini or the module provide the entry level, while Osmose and Continuum provide the full experience. Their sound depends on the controller;
  • EaganMatrix is a complex modular synth, not easily programmed;
  • the surface can’t be compared to Continuum’s.
4 Likes
45

I agree with everything here. I find the Eaganmatrix hard to program. The CM is also a good sound module for other MPE controllers. I’ve used the Linnstrument with it and it was good fun.

2 Likes
46

…it’s controler surface feels pretty impovised…totally different mechanical concept and feel as that neoprem surface of it’s big brother…stocksounds are pretty impressive but also quite esotheric in their vibes…not everyones cup of tea, especially if ur into universal and versatile sounds…since it’s quite a challenge to come up with ur very own and new ones…
roli once did a better job here…

for what it does and actually offers in handling and built quality, it’s quite expensive…
i hardly recommend, if ur into mpe controlers and outerworld sounds, buy the real thing, one of it’s bigger versions…and all in all, as much this sliding keybed surfaces, where guitar fretboards meet the classic keyboard can be tempting, for the average musician, those linn or push like squared soft button mpe controler surfaces do the better job…

2 Likes
47

I have owned my ContinuuMini for two years and enjoy it very much. I often play it by itself with earphones or with a drum machine. It takes some practice to get used to the sensitivity of the instrument and each sound is different. I use an expression pedal with the unit. I have been able to use the software through my PC and have messed around with some of the sound designs, but mostly I use the presets. I did learn how to use the onboard controls and menu which can help.

Mostly, I use the ContinuuMini for sound effects or slider sounds in my songs. However, here is a “song” I made using only the Haken ContinuuMini and a sustain pedal. I ran the output through a Walrus Slotva Pedal: https://youtu.be/HHH2aSAqO5E

It is a fun instrument and can add some interesting natural sounds to music or performances. It might not be for everyone, but I like it a lot.

4 Likes