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We can (and will) talk about what the literal Organelle device
is
, but we'd do better to start
with what it
can be
.
Organelle is an instrument.
As you may have already noticed in the getting-started section, the Organelle can be
connected quickly and is ready for sound. Other than the Organelle itself, no additional
peripherals are needed for performance.
Organelle is an e
ff
ects processor.
In addition to audio output ports, the Organelle also has an audio input port. Accordingly,
patches can access and make use of incoming audio in various ways. This can range from
a simple e
ff
ect processor (like a filter or basic delay) to something more elaborate (like a
sampler or vocoder or something else entirely).
Organelle is a generator.
There is no requirement that the patches you load into the Organelle are triggered by
playing notes on the device. There are patches that simply drone and/or create evolving
textures on their own over time. The audio input might be used as a source. As this
definition is starting to become circular, let's cut to the chase...
Organelle is whatever you want it to be.
In truth, the Organelle is a vessel for your musical ideas, connecting your own desires for
musical expression with customizable technology and portability. You may use the
Organelle in a completely di
ff
erent way than someone else, and that is not just okay: it's
the entire point.
So is it hardware or software?
In short, yes. The Organelle is a hardware device that comprises both controller elements
(the ports, knobs, keys, etc.) and a modern microcomputer housed inside the case. The
microcomputer itself is running a version of the Linux operating system, and one use of
the USB ports is to connect a USB drive that contains your software patches. (The microSD