In 2005, I produced SenS II with EboStudio (then called SmadSteck). SenS II was made for live performances primarily. It used an internal sequencer to control the show, but could also be controlled with Logic Pro (popular music software). The aim of my software is to create the ultimate audio-visual instrument that merges the creative processes of making music and making visuals into one, unified creative process. Ideal for audio-visual and visual music artists like me. SenS II was the successor of SenS I and was replaced by SenS III in 2006.

About

SenS II consists of an application (written in Max), controlled by two SenSorSuits or Logic Pro through MIDI and many editors to edit different aspects of a SenS II project.

A big difference between SenS II and the other versions of SenS is that SenS II worked with an internal sequencer and could be used without Logic Pro. With this sequencer rhythm/melody patterns (loops of two bars) could be mixed live. Similar to Ableton Live’s Session View, tracks were created by alternating between loops to create new, original rhythms and melodies. In combination with the AGT this created many creative ways to create tracks live, improvised.

Main features

Flexible video playback. SenS II is a creative instrument, so expressiveness is important. Therefore all creative features work in real-time and are very flexible. SenS II was able to play two videos at the same time. The flexible video players of SenS I were completely re-build to improve performance. Cutting, slicing, triggering, skrtZz-ing, scrubbing, stretching, pitching, speeding up/down can be done with MIDI controls and MIDI notes.

Audio-visual 3D effects. Audio-visual effects, that manipulate visuals and sounds at the same time, play an important role in my art. SenS II was equiped with a set of real-time audio-visual 3D effects.

3D video mixing. SenS II was capable of mixing and distorting two videos and a few graphics in a virtual 3D space in real-time. I invested a lot in this concept for SenS III, SenS IV and SenSei, which led to the Decor Builder, advanced 3D video mix and real-time motion graphic design software that I used for many projects.

Live video sampling. SenS II had the ability to record video live. The EboLyZzer and AGT made it easy to use live recordings in the show directly.

Interactive sequencer. SenS II included a sequencer to play and mix rhythmic/melodic sequences live.

SenSorSuit. I have been using a motion tracking suit (‘SenSorSuit‘) for my performances since 1999. This suit can also be used to control SenS III.

Projects

SenS II is used for the Verknipt shows, the Gurumatic project, performances for the Postbank, BUMA and Warchild and other Eboman performances.

Overview

I will add an overview of all SenS II editors in the future. I wrote extensively about SenS I, SenS III and SenSei. Most concepts of SenS II are similar to these applications, so please check those project pages to get a better understanding of SenS II.

History of SenS II

SenS II has a long history, starting in the 1980’s and is the result of many experiments and prototypes, like the 1995 video sampler, EboNaTor, SenSorSuit, Frame Drummer Pro, skrtZz pen, the DVJ mixer and SenS I.

SenS II was followed up SenS III, SenS IV, Senna, SenSei, Interactive Tracks, DVJ Mixer 3.0 and EboSuite.

The main purpose of starting EboStudio and the SenS project was to create the ideal audio-visual instrument, and to make that instrument available for everybody. This eventually led to the release of EboSuite in 2017.

Team

Produced and developed by Eboman and SmadSteck

  • Jeroen Hofs
  • Thijs Koerselman
  • Mattijs Kneppers
  • Aart Muis
  • Timo Rozendal