Haken Musical Instruments Inc.

What Haken Musical Instruments Inc. does

Haken Audio (Haken Musical Instruments Inc.) designs and manufactures electronic musical instruments and sound engines for multidimensional expressive performance, operating as a privately held, family-run business out of a basement workshop in Champaign, Illinois. The company's core technology is the EaganMatrix Sound Engine — a proprietary modular digital synthesizer invented by Edmund Eagan and running on a purpose-built DSP engine by Lippold Haken (Analog Devices SHARC) — combined with the MPE+ (MIDI Polyphonic Expression+) standard and a Hall Effect sensor playing surface capable of sub-millisecond response and ~3 kHz internal Z sampling.

The product portfolio spans the flagship Continuum Fingerboard (Slim46 and Slim70 configurations), the more affordable ContinuuMini ($999), the EaganMatrix Eurorack Module ($799), the compact EaganMatrix Micro ($449) for wind-controller use, the Control Voltage Converter (CVC), and the TriOctave Pedal ($89), plus the Haken Editor desktop application and a growing library of free overlays (Ratio, Jenny, Ishango Bone) and Loris additive resynthesis tools. All products are sold as one-time hardware purchases (no subscription).

Haken Audio serves a niche of professional musicians, composers, sound designers, modular-synthesizer enthusiasts, and wind-controller players, including notable performers such as Jordan Rudess, A.R. Rahman, Eric Mouquet, and Rob Schwimmer. Revenue is generated via direct-to-consumer web sales in the US and through four specialty distributors in Berlin, Paris, London, and Melbourne; the company does not sell direct to Europe. The EaganMatrix is also licensed internally to Expressive E's Osmose keyboard via a strategic co-development partnership that includes coordinated firmware releases. No external institutional investment, no funding rounds, and no public revenue disclosure are indicated in available sources.

Name

Haken Musical Instruments Inc.

Legal name

Haken Musical Instruments Inc.

Website

https://hakenaudio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Haken Audio (Haken Musical Instruments Inc.) designs and manufactures proprietary MPE+ electronic musical instruments and the EaganMatrix Sound Engine for professional musicians, composers, and modular-synthesizer enthusiasts, selling direct and through specialty distributors worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Expressive Electronic Musical Instruments

NAICS

Musical Instrument Manufacturing (339992), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)

SIC

Musical Instruments (3931)

akta.pro primary industry

Music Production Hardware (Synthesizers, Drum Machines, Samplers, MIDI Controllers) (MPAIAJAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Musical Instruments (Acoustic & Electric) (MPAIAJAA), Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB), Audio Plugins & Virtual Instruments (VST/AU/AAX) (MPAIAIAB)

Keywords

• Expressive MIDI controllers
• Digital synthesizer instruments
• Control voltage converters
• Modular synthesis hardware
• MPE musical instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Champaign

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Haken Audio generates revenue primarily through the sale of proprietary musical instruments and hardware modules. Products include the Continuum Fingerboard (Slim46/Slim70), ContinuuMini, EaganMatrix Eurorack Module, EaganMatrix Micro, Control Voltage Converter (CVC), and TriOctave Pedal. All products feature the proprietary EaganMatrix Sound Engine internally.
2. Accessories and Cases: Sale of dedicated accessories including hard plastic travel cases for Slim46 and Slim70 Continuum Fingerboards, the TriOctave Pedal, and other peripherals. Cases priced at $840-$860.
3. Software (Haken Editor): The Haken Editor desktop application is included with hardware purchase. While not sold separately as a standalone product, it serves as a critical enabler of the hardware revenue stream by allowing users to create and edit EaganMatrix presets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Haken Audio manufactures electronic musical instruments and sound engines that deliver acoustic-instrument-level expressivity. The product portfolio includes the Continuum Fingerboard (Slim46 and Slim70), the ContinuuMini, the EaganMatrix Eurorack Module, the EaganMatrix Micro, the Control Voltage Converter (CVC), the TriOctave Pedal, and dedicated hard plastic cases. Each instrument embeds the proprietary EaganMatrix Sound Engine (a modular digital synthesizer with a formula-driven patching matrix), supports the MPE+ MIDI extension, and ships with 500+ system presets plus the Haken Editor for preset design.

Product overview

Haken Audio is a synthesizer manufacturer offering a portfolio of MPE+ (MIDI Polyphonic Expression Plus) instruments built around the proprietary EaganMatrix Sound Engine. The core product line consists of the Continuum Fingerboard (available in Slim46 and Slim70 configurations) and the more affordable ContinuuMini, both featuring three-dimensional playing surfaces that capture finger position (X), front-to-back pressure (Y), and vertical pressure (Z) for highly expressive performance. The EaganMatrix Eurorack Module and EaganMatrix Micro bring the sound engine to Eurorack and compact USB-C form factors respectively. The Control Voltage Converter (CVC) bridges EaganMatrix devices with analog synthesizers using high-resolution 16-bit control voltages. All products are edited via the Haken Editor desktop application, and work with third-party controllers like the Warbl Wind Controller and Electra One. The company also offers free overlays including Ratio (FM), Jenny (Ondioline-inspired), and Ishango Bone (percussive modal), plus paid Loris Synth for additive resynthesis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Continuum Fingerboard: The most advanced MPE+ instruments - continuous pitch fingerboard controllers with built-in EaganMatrix sound engine.
• ContinuuMini
• EaganMatrix
• CVC (Control Voltage Converter)
• EaganMatrix Eurorack Module
• EaganMatrix Micro

Products and services

• Continuum Fingerboard Continuum Fingerboard is the most advanced MPE+ instrument featuring a three-dimensional playing surface with Hall Effect sensors that polyphonically track small finger movements (X pitch, Y timbre, Z pressure) at sub-millisecond response with ~3 kHz internal Z sampling rate. Each Continuum embeds the EaganMatrix Sound Engine (with 2x, 6x, or 8x engine configurations) and ships with 500+ system presets. Available in Slim46 (46 half steps) and Slim70 (70 half steps) configurations, it is targeted at professional performing musicians and composers.
• ContinuuMini ContinuuMini is Haken Audio's most affordable MPE+ instrument featuring a unique hybrid Hall Effect sensor and strip playing surface with a self-contained 2-octave (2750 cents) playing range and up to 8-voice polyphony. It ships with 500+ EaganMatrix system presets and targets performing musicians and producers seeking portability. Priced at $999.
• EaganMatrix Eurorack Module EaganMatrix Eurorack Module is a full-featured EaganMatrix Sound Engine in Eurorack format (22HP, 3cm depth) that acts as a sound source, sound processor, CV source, and MIDI source within modular synthesizer systems. It supports nominal 1 to maximum 8 polyphony and includes a menu system for standalone operation. Priced at $799.
• EaganMatrix Micro EaganMatrix Micro is the smallest EaganMatrix product ever manufactured, a compact sound engine powered and controlled via USB-C, with nominal 1-3 polyphony for Warbl wind-controller use (maximum 8 polyphony). It is specifically sold for use with the Warbl Wind Controller and CME-Widi Uhost wireless MIDI adapter. Priced at $449.
• Control Voltage Converter (CVC) Control Voltage Converter (CVC) is a high-resolution module providing 16-bit DAC control voltages (256x the precision of standard 8-bit converters) from -9.9V to +10V to fully exploit fast MPE+ data rates of EaganMatrix devices. Each CVC provides 16 control voltage outputs (4 voices x 4 CV outputs); two CVCs together provide 32 outputs (8 voices). Configurations include Eurorack-ready, Stand-alone Single, Stand-alone Dual, and Classic 1/4" TRS, with a Dual CVC Interconnect Kit also available. Pricing starts at $19.
• TriOctave Pedal TriOctave Pedal is a pair of switch pedals in a custom 3D-printed no-slip enclosure that allows performers to play a three-octave range on Continuum playing surfaces without moving their hands. It enables fast passages with accurate continuous-pitch finger placement and ships with HOSA YMP-137 and YPP-117 adapters for connection to Haken Audio devices. Priced at $89.00.
• Hard Plastic Cases for Continuum Fingerboards Hard plastic cases designed as checked-luggage style protective travel cases for Slim46 and Slim70 Continuum Fingerboards, featuring wheels, internal pockets, and feet for horizontal or upright positioning. Slim46 case (92 x 25 x 15 cm, 8 kg) fits 46s6x/8x models and is priced at $840; Slim70 case (122 x 25 x 15 cm, 11 kg) fits 70s6x/8x models and is priced at $860.
• Loris Synth / Loris Lite Loris Synth is an additive analysis and resynthesis tool that analyzes audio samples and extracts information to drive the EaganMatrix Additive Bank, available on Apple Store and Microsoft Store. Loris Lite is the free variant without sample analysis capability. Loris Synth requires an EaganMatrix device (Continuum, ContinuuMini, EaganMatrix Module, or Osmose).

Quantifiable outcome

• Sub-millisecond response time with ~3 kHz internal Z sampling rate (processed to ~500 Hz effective MIDI sample rate)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Expressive EcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHaken Audio participated in creating the Osmose synthesizer with Expressive E. The EaganMatrix Sound Engine is internal to the Expressive E Osmose keyboard. The two companies co-developed the MPE+ standard. The Osmose keyboard includes the EaganMatrix sound engine, making it the same sonic powerhouse as the Continuum Fingerboard but in a keyboard form factor. Haken Audio coordinates firmware releases with Expressive E for the Osmose.
• CME (WIDI Uhost)coreTechnology or IntegrationCME's WIDI Uhost wireless MIDI adapter is used with the EaganMatrix Micro for wireless MIDI connectivity to the Warbl wind controller. The Micro is specifically sold for use with the CME-Widi Uhost and Warbl at this time. Also supports CME H12MIDI PRO.
• La Voix du LuthierminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristophe Duquesne (Haken Audio team member) is co-inventor of La Voix du Luthier's Onde and Pyramid acoustic resonators, which are designed for use with Continuum Fingerboards and ContinuuMinis.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lumatone: Lumatone produces an isomorphic expressive MIDI controller aimed at microtonal and alternative-tuning performance. It shares Haken's positioning as a niche professional controller for non-standard playing techniques and microtonal music.
• Expressive E: Expressive E's Osmose keyboard is an MPE+ expressive controller that runs Haken's EaganMatrix sound engine internally. The two companies co-developed the MPE+ standard and align firmware releases. They share the same engine and target users, making Osmose a directly comparable platform — though Osmose uses a keyboard form factor while Continuum uses a 2D playing surface.
• ASM (Ashun Sound Machines): ASM's Hydrasynth is a polyphonic aftertouch/MPE keyboard synthesizer with a deep sound-design engine. It overlaps with Haken in combining expressive controller hardware with a proprietary synthesis engine aimed at professional keyboardists and producers.
• ROLI: ROLI invented the original MPE MIDI specification and produces the Seaboard and Piano M, the most widely recognized MPE expressive controllers. ROLI competes head-to-head with Haken for the same professional player and composer customer base, and is the most directly comparable competitor in the MPE controller category.
• Sensel: Sensel produces the Morph, a high-resolution pressure-sensitive touch controller that supports MPE and integrates with software synths. Like Haken, Sensel targets professional expressive-performance use cases with a multi-touch/pressure playing surface, competing for similar buyers seeking alternative MIDI control paradigms.
• Roger Linn Design: Roger Linn Design created the LinnStrument, an early and influential MPE expressive controller offering 3D finger control. It targets the same expressive-performance niche as Continuum, with a strong following among professional players and educators.

Broad incumbents

• Korg: Korg is a major keyboard/synth maker that has adopted MPE in products like the Keystage and instruments such as the prologue and wavestate series. It competes at the broader MPE-aware market rather than Haken's boutique niche.

Others

• Make Noise: Make Noise is a leading Eurorack modular synthesizer maker whose customers overlap with the EaganMatrix Eurorack Module's addressable market. Not a direct competitor for Haken's flagship controllers, but an adjacent ecosystem player where Haken's Eurorack module is integrated.

Emerging players

• Warbl (Jon Byland / Tech Quirk): Warbl is a wind controller with continuous fingering that is sold bundled with Haken's EaganMatrix Micro. It targets the same breath-controller community and is a tightly coupled ecosystem partner that expands Micro's reach.
• Modal Electronics: Modal Electronics produces MPE-capable compact synthesizers (e.g., Argon8, MolyPoly) aimed at the same producer/keyboardist audience. It is a smaller player than Korg but a relevant adjacent competitor for Haken's MPE-equipped offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/results?search_query=Haken+Audio
• Facebookfacebook.com/groups/ContinuumUsers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/haken-audio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Haken Musical Instruments Inc.