Teenage Engineering Synthesizer Gadget CH-8 hatsheput

What you see are eight wooden dolls, made to serenade you with a repertoire of choral classics as well as perform your own original compositions through MIDI over Bluetooth. Each member has their own characteristic vocal range. Individually, one can sing a dynamic solo; together, they perform an immersive a cappella concert. The choir is inspired by the original Absolut choir, our very first project.

Behind the curtain, the pre-programmed repertoire of classic songs has been created and performed using an algorithm based on counterpoint melody, a compositional technique that refers to the independent but complementary relationship between two or more lines of melody played at the same time.

To get the choir started, they need a helping hand. A sensor inside the speaker module reacts to vibration and movement, so controlling the choir is a playful experience in itself. Gently tap the doll on its head or on the table to trigger play or pause, or tilt the doll left or right to decrease or increase the volume accordingly. If it gets annoying, it can handle a little smack to turn it off.

Let us present the ensemble. Based on cultures and characters from across the world, every doll is unique and has its own vocal tonality. While each is given their own voice type, a single doll can customize their vocal range to sing a dynamic solo performance. When more than one member of the choir is placed together, in any combination, they communicate with each other and recognize the choral members in range, joining in for a full choral experience.

The choir's MIDI compatibility is where the magic really happens. Conduct your choir with OP–1 Field, OP–Z, or any MIDI keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity. Connecting one doll pairs the whole choir, instantly singing the notes in your composition. As with any live performance, each set will be unique.