Hornberg Research hb1 MIDI Breath Station from Hornberg Research

With the hb1 MIDI Breath Station you can regulate any electronic instrument or peripheral device with MIDI or a USB port. The specially designed wooden mouthpiece is a precision sensor as well as a MIDI merger and integrated MIDInterface. Its innovative parameter control enables high precision and sensitive performance of your ideas in live or studio environments.

Ten of the twelve parameters allow an adaption of various details and impulses in your music. For instance, the adjustable “Release” allows breathing in without a gap in the sound. The “Dynamic Attack” parameter allows for sensitive sound control even in the finest pianissimo. In dual mode you can control two independent MIDI CCs even simultaneously. Realtime data reduction, Inversion and Limitation of the signal and Drive and Offset are all a part of the setting options.

Each parameter can be saved in 25 presets. Additionally, the breath data is displayed constantly on the Breath Value Display. The hb1 approach is innovative and progresses far beyond the possibilities of a common breath controller. Through the integration of standard MIDI and USB-ports, the hb1 functions with or without a computer. The hb1 is hand-crafted in Germany with great attention to detail as well as with a focus on the aspect of sustainability.

The hb1 is composed of a controller unit and an extremely accurate pressure sensor unit which is connected to the mouthpiece by a silicon hose and to the controller unit by a sensor cable. Two mouthpieces are supplied in different sizes so that the most comfortable can be chosen for use.

The mouthpiece, made of precious wood from the wild service tree, is mounted onto a stainless steel tube in which the sliding adjustable air intake valve can be adjusted as needed. The pressure sensor unit may be worn hung by a leather cord around the neck with the mouthpiece between the lips. The hb1 includes a Neck Set, which enables the mouthpiece to be set in a fixed position in front of the mouth. This is particularly helpful for live performances. The hb1 Neck Set is made from a flexible but robust metal tube that can be easily shaped and adapted for the musician’s comfort and musical needs.