inMusic Opens Akai and Moog Code
The parent company of major music brands will release open-source code and development tools to allow musicians to modify their hardware.
By Beatriz Soto ·
inMusic, the corporate owner of Akai, Moog, and Native Instruments, has decided to open its product lines to external modification. Jack O’Donnell, the company’s CEO, stated that inMusic will provide a toolbox to the community. This initiative includes releasing the internal workings of devices like the MPC and Sample Key.
The new strategy involves making code for hardware such as the MPC Sample Key open source. inMusic will also offer developers a Software Development Kit to facilitate changes. This approach aims to reduce the risk of damaging equipment during the modification process.
The company is balancing this openness with a focus on reliability. O’Donnell said the official software must remain stable for professional use. He noted that artists performing on stage cannot deal with buggy equipment. He cited the artist Fred Again as an example of a performer who needs consistent hardware performance.
To support tinkering, inMusic will include a reset feature in its devices. O’Donnell explained that this allows users to experiment without losing their original configurations. The goal is to make the process of modifying music gear safer for both hobbyists and professionals.
inMusic plans to debut Creator Lab at the NAMM convention in Anaheim. This event will allow musicians to test 22 new products from the company’s various brands. The lineup includes items from Moog, which utilizes analog circuitry. O’Donnell believes analog instruments can be modified if the company opens the platform correctly for developers.
Other manufacturers have recently adopted similar strategies. Erica Synths released the source code for its LXR-02 drum machine. Polyend made its Tracker grooveboxes open source. Behringer announced several new devices, including a $150 clone of the MPC One called Kick, a replica of the E-mu SP-1200, and the Anima DJ controller.
The shift in the industry has occurred rapidly. O’Donnell admitted that providing tools for developers was not on the company’s agenda five weeks prior. He stated that the need for these tools has now become a priority. He described the effort to block modifications as a losing battle, adding that the company wants to embrace the community instead.
Not all companies share this view. Elektron has expressed mixed feelings about modified firmware. The company banned links to hacks on its official forums due to concerns about damage. A statement on those forums warned that modifications could render machines unusable or affect warranty coverage. However, Elektron is not actively preventing the practice, and many in the industry agree the trend is now irreversible.
