inMusic plans open-source tools for Akai and Moog gear modding

In short: inMusic says it will share more of the software inside its music gear and provide tools that make it easier and safer for people to modify it.

What happened

inMusic, the parent company of brands like Akai, Moog, and Native Instruments, says it is leaning into the community that likes to customize and modify music devices. In an interview with The Verge, CEO Jack O’Donnell said the company plans to provide a “toolbox” and share the “inner workings” of devices so people can build their own changes.

One part of that plan is to make the code for certain devices open source. Open source means the instructions that run the device are published so others can read them and build on them, like sharing a recipe instead of keeping it secret. inMusic also plans to offer an SDK, which is a set of official building blocks (like a kit of parts and rules) that helps developers make add-ons without breaking the core system.

The company says it still wants its official software to be stable for performers on stage. O’Donnell said inMusic wants people to feel comfortable experimenting, and it may include a “reset button” approach so users can undo changes if something goes wrong.

inMusic also plans a “Creator Lab” at NAMM, a major music industry event in Anaheim. It says attendees will be able to try hacking 22 new products across its brands, including Moog products that are known for analog circuitry.

Why it matters

For musicians, this could mean gear that stays useful longer and can be shaped to personal workflows, instead of waiting for the manufacturer to add features. The risk is that modifications can still cause problems, including “bricking” a device, which means turning it into an expensive paperweight.

Source: The Verge AI