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# Glowing Sound Orbs
The AlphaSphere Instrument May Be the Future of Electronic Music

By Meghan Young | Published 2011-04-05 | Unique
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alphasphere-instrument
References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2011/04/musical-orb-cou.php) & [alphasphere](http://www.alphasphere.com/)

Looking at the AlphaSphere instrument, it would not be surprising to find that some may consider this funky device to be the future of [electronic music](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmoni). This [glowing sound orb](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/andr-terchanian) looks like something that belongs in Tron: Legacy or even Avatar, if you think of it as more organic that electronic.

Developed by the Nagoya University of Arts in Japan, the AlphaSphere instrument is covered with 48 pads, all of which are capable of manipulating sound, volume, oscillation and pitch. A tactile instrument, it uses MAX MSP software and has the ability to directly connect to [other MIDI instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3tonic).

A unique invention, the AlphaSphere instrument's futuristic look and electronic appeal will surely be popular in this dance-heavy music scene we are all in right now.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.0/10
- Popularity: 12% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Future of Electronic Music:** The AlphaSphere instrument is a glimpse into the future of electronic music, with its innovative design and capabilities for manipulating sound.
- **Tactile Instruments:** The AlphaSphere instrument showcases the rising trend of tactile instruments, providing a new way for musicians to interact with sound.
- **Connectivity in Music:** The AlphaSphere instrument's ability to directly connect to other MIDI instruments highlights the trend of enhanced connectivity in the music industry.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Music Production:** The AlphaSphere instrument presents disruptive innovation opportunities in music production, offering musicians a unique and immersive way to create electronic music.
- **Creative Technology:** The development of the AlphaSphere instrument showcases the potential for disruptive innovation in the creative technology industry, combining design and functionality in a futuristic device.
- **Entertainment Technology:** The AlphaSphere instrument's futuristic aesthetics and electronic appeal have the potential to disrupt the entertainment technology industry, introducing a new form of interactive musical performance.

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