MIGSI (Minimally Invasive Gesture Sensing Interface) is an open source device for electronically augmenting the trumpet. The interface attaches to any B-flat or C trumpet and requires no permanent modifications to the host-instrument. It was designed first and foremost with accessibility in mind and seeks to strike a balance between minimal design and robust control.
MIGSI uses sensor technology to capture gestural data such as valve displacement, hand tension, and instrument position, to offer extended control and expressivity to trumpet players. This data is transmitted wirelessly from MIGSI to the receiving computer, where it can be used in any number of ways: as an improvisational counterpart, for real-time effects processing, for control over computer generated visuals, and so on.
This project builds upon the deep history of hyperinstrument and augmented trumpet design, including EROSS, the Cook/Morrill trumpet, Electrumpet, Mutantrumpet, and the Meta-trumpet.
MIGSI is compatible with software programs that receive serial data such as Max/MSP, Pure Data, ChucK, SuperCollider, Processing, etc. We have also developed an application that makes MIGSI compatible with any program that accepts Open Sound Control (OSC).
MISGI was developed by Sarah Reid and Ryan Gaston at California Institute of the Arts, under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Kapur and Colin Honigman. For details regarding design considerations and hardware implementation see our contribution to the 2016 conference of New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME).
