May 2010 :

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The 2nd edition Manta is now available! It has been made in a limited edition of 100. Order on the "order" page of this website. The 2nd edition Mantas will ship around June 1st.

Changes from the first edition Manta include the following:

** the LEDs are now bi-color (amber/red). The red LEDs can be controlled from the computer, in the default (locally-controlled) mode, only the amber LEDs are active.

** there are now inset rubber feet on the bottom of the Manta.

** a Max for Live patch written by Damon Holzborn will be released soon.
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In other news, I am working on a new product, called the MantaMate. It's scheduled for release around late August. It will allow for the Manta to be used without a computer, outputting CV, MIDI and OSC. It will also recieve MIDI and OSC for LED control. CV outputs include 4 16-bit outputs, 4 12-bit outputs, and 8 digital outs. Default configuration allows for 4-voice polyphony with polyphonic aftertouch.

February 2010 :


The first edition of the Manta is SOLD OUT.

October, 2009 :


The Manta just received a nice review from Future
Music Magazine. They also ran an interview with Jeff Snyder in the previous issue. Computer Music Magazine also just did a review, and gave the manta both the "Computer Music Innovation Award" and the "Computer Music Performance Award".

There are still some of the first edition mantas left. In addition, I
produced two special edition Northwoods Wildlife Pyrography Mantas,
which feature a laser-engraved white-tailed deer image on the back
instead of the manta logo. Very classy! I'm selling those for $950.
Send me an email at jeff@snyderphonics.com if you're interested. I've
also added a "scratch and dent" sale, where you can buy some mantas
with cosmetic problems from the manufacturing process for $475 - a
super deal if you really want to have the functionality of a manta but
can't afford the full price.

May, 2009 : The Manta is a touch-sensitive controller for audio and video with a hexagonal layout and programmable LED feedback.  The Manta has been released, as of May 4th, 2009. The first production run is a limited edition of 50, at $675 each.

You order one on the order page.

You can read the specs for the Manta on the products page.

You can download the software required to use the Manta (and post your own patches) in the forums.

You can also contract me for custom electronic instrument design, and view some past custom projects on the custom shop page.

Here are some blog links that talk about the manta:
Darwin Grosse's blog
Vlad Spears' blog
Jan Trutzschler's blog
NYC-Resistor
Synthtopia
MatrixSynth
Music Radar
Musformation