Monome

Lore & Background

The Monome's core design principle is that it is not intended for any one specific application. The function of each button and which lights are lit are entirely determined by the software communicating with the device over the Open Sound Control protocol. The creators stated: 'The wonderful thing about this device is that is doesn't do anything really... It wasn't intended for any specific application. We'll make several applications, and others will make more. We hope to share as many of these as possible.'

Since 2006, several models have been produced with typical sizes ranging from 64 to 256 buttons, plus a very limited run of 512-button devices. In 2011, the first non-grid controller in the Monome family was introduced: the Monome Arc, which consists of two aluminum knobs mounted on a rectangular walnut box, each knob surrounded by a ring of 64 LED lights. Like the Monome, it affords function only by USB connection to an application.

In September 2013, Monome introduced another open-sourced music device called Aleph, described as a music computer. Aleph contains four digital inputs and outputs, four control voltage inputs and outputs, multiple optical encoders, a display screen, and USB—all of which can be completely reprogrammed at the software level. Full release and distribution was planned for late Fall 2013.

Reader's Guide

The Monome's significance lies in its deliberate lack of predefined function, making it a blank canvas for musicians and developers. By relying entirely on software communicated via the Open Sound Control protocol, the device empowers users to assign any meaning to its grid of back-lit buttons. This philosophy has attracted notable users such as Pretty Lights, Flying Lotus, Imogen Heap (who used it on the Late Show with David Letterman), and Daedelus. The Monome family expanded beyond the grid with the Arc controller in 2011 and the Aleph music computer in 2013, both continuing the open-ended, reprogrammable approach. The company's commitment to open-source hardware and software has influenced the broader controllerism and music technology communities, as reflected in its inclusion in lists of open source hardware projects and music software. The Monome's legacy is that of a tool that does nothing by itself but can be made to do almost anything through user-defined applications.

Did You Know?

• The Monome has no labels or icons on its buttons.
• A very limited run of 512-button Monome devices was produced.
• The Monome Arc, introduced in 2011, uses two aluminum knobs on a walnut box.
• The Aleph music computer was announced in September 2013.