02/May/2025 Superbooth with the keyboard prototype
We have very important news about the Antonus Keyboard project. As soon as we reached the goal of the Patron program we started the development stage, we have been working a lot. The work was very intense! So much that we forgot a bit to make some publish, but really we don’t think in another thing that work during the development!
We filtered at Instagram last 9 April 2025, the new panel concept because during the design stage we added some interesting and useful features, for those who don’t follow us in Instagram they can see the picture and a summary of the new features here:
Added:
- 3 user memory for sequencer.
- 3 octaves modes for arpegiator
- Sequencer and Arpegiator reset input
- Triangle output became falling ramp output at LFO
- Split keyboard mode, lower area is Lower CV and upper is Upper CV. In Midi is N channel lower, and N+1 at upper
- Shift button for extra configuration sets. Shift is not used for performance control features, only configuration like Midi Channels, pitch bend ranges, etc.
- Transpose knob deleted, transpose feature will be done using shift and key press. We needed the resources for allow the new added features.
At same time we started the prototype panel and PBC’s manufacture. Also we started to make in our workshop the first tolex roadcase protype, our tolex case mistress worked hard for reach the deadline. During April we assembled the different parts for assembly the first Antonus Keyboard prototype looking to show in Superbooth 2025. Working against the clock for make it possible.
We are working to make at least some basic functions for the keyboard, at least the MIDI out notes. There is still lot of work to do, but we want that people can see how the thing are becoming reality. Next months we will have very important advances with the project. We are excited to test all the power and personality behind this design.
Here there are a few pictures taken before packing all the things we send to Superbooth place.
Next station, Berlin. See you there
30/April/2025 update end of Patron support program offer.
For those interested in the Antonus Keyboard units, out of the Patron program date, there is still opportunity to make a preorder for the regular production. The first batch is scheduled for delivery in first half of 2026. So the regular production for non Patron customers will be available for delivery during second half of 2026.
If you want to preorder one unit, you can do it through Enlo-1 store at this link:
Pre-Order for Antonus Keyboard (2027)
Or you can contact us by contact form or email and ask for a quotation with payment details for the preorder.
How it works this preorder?
First is to choose the Keyboard model among the different options of case and keyboard length. The final price will include the shipping cost and the EU VAT, (if destination is individual customer from EU country) . For countries outside EU, customer may pay their related country taxes, we can’t determine how much are the taxes in every country. Customer must be responsible to inform and pay their related country taxes. The initial payment for preorder is 300 euro and rest of payment is done when unit is ready for shipping. Customers will receive a notification when units are near to be finished, around one or two weeks before. Final invoice is generated at the final payment moment.
We take the preorder as purchase compromise. But of course, if for some reason at the end of the process the customer cannot complete the order we can cancel and refund. In order to make the refund we will need to assign the unit to the next at the cue. This means we will need to find the next customer that choose the same model of case finish and keybed length.
We are small familiar company and our resources are limited so please use this option with care and responsibility.
As you see we have a limited production of units x year, so as the cue of preorders are increasing the waiting time will be longer, so anything you need to know about more precise waiting time please write us. If we see that the second half of 2026 is completed with preorders will be announced. Important, if you are planning to purchase the unit trough one of our resellers don’t delay in ask them for preorder, because we will need the reseller confirmation for make effective the reservation.
As always any doubt contact us directly or contact your reseller.
THE ANTONUS KEYBOARD PROJECT
For a long time now, the question of when Antonus will release a keyboard usually appears from time to time…
One of the issues with doing this is the initial investment and also making sure it makes sense to make and sell it, because we are very small familiar company located in Europe, so we are not able to make big productions, and manufacture in Asia. With this handicaps is difficult to make keyboards and even more complicated to make “special” designs not made for massive demand.
So last July 12 of 2024 I started collecting feedback in Instagram and Facebook to finally see if at least there is enough initial interest for make something and the feedback was so good! Received lot of interest and happiness by social media and direct contacts. Some special people contacted me and make good feedback sharing ideas of how the Antonus Keyboard can be. The initial premises were:
Keyboard versions for Antonus small factor line of 37 keys, and another version of 49 keys for the original size version. Preserving the look and feeling of the classic keyboards.
Based, inspired in the ARP 3620 but looking to add many useful features because I want to do it more than the 2600 keyboard, I want that this keyboard can be interesting by itself.
Of course being 3620 inspired I want that the keyboard can be fully compatible with the vintage ARP 2600 and the reissue from Korg.
Must be also independent and stand-alone for use of course with Antonus 2600, and with any modular setup, or analog synthesizer with CV/GATE connectivity looking for be independent CV/GATE controller.
Also must be a nice MIDI controller with MIDI out, and both analog and digital connections can work simultaneously.
With this initial premises we started conversations, sharing ideas, making drawings, evaluating… many days with different people. Is not easy to keep a balance with all the ideas and suggestions received! Lot of times we find limits of dimensions, playability or cost of parts and resources and is the most difficult part to decline some ideas because we need to fit in some parameters. When you share the initial concept stage with many different people one important thing is to control the design to avoid to create the Homer Simpson car adding more and more things!
Near two months drawing different drafts the things are getting form, and more or less can be something like this. Is still a draft drawing but I love to share it so people can see the form that is getting the thing. Soon we will make a nice better graphics and also make some more renders of the keyboard case options. But by the moment I want to explain the functions while someone can see the panel preview.
FEATURES AND DETAILS ABOUT THE ANTONUS KEYBOARD
The detailed features at this moment are:
-Interface multipin connector for connect directly with vintage ARP 2600 or with KARP 2600. With this connector the keyboard can be powered by the 2600, no need to use external power supply and will transmit the signals for the synths as were designed. Is a Din-8 connector that can be used also as MIDI OUT, just connecting an standard DIN-5 cable.
-12v DC power input with on/off switch for stand alone operation.
-Upper and Lower voice CV / GATE outs for each voice
-LFO direct outputs: classic outputs triangle, square, sine delayed, and added the random 1 as classic stepped and the random 2 is slew random waveform.
– Classic control of LFO speed but with lower and higher frequencies available (up to 100hz) Classic control of delay time, and classic control of the vibrato amount and the external vibrato input. The vibrato input with the slider at full will offer volt/octave input for use as transpose input too.
-Aftertouch direct CV output
-Aftertouch level knob for amount of control the sine LFO to pitch vibrato modulation
– Velocity CV output
– LFO Sync input, for reset the LFO waveform.
– Clock input for external control of the Arpeggiator/Sequencer. By default is controlled by LFO until jack insertion breaks the prepatch.
-Classic portamento control input, in mini jack socket.
-Classic interval latch control input, adding the manual switch for easily block the intervals without external devices.
– Key hold switch selector, very useful for keep the Arpeggio/Sequence running without keep pressing keys.
-Rotary switch selector for different Arpeggio/Sequencer modes.
-Classic gate mode switch for single or retrigger modes.
-Classic Portamento permanent switch selector
-Classic Portamento time slider
-Classic momentary pushbutton for Portamento
-Classic octaver switch.
-Transposer potentiometer, in steps of semitones
-Pitch Bend potentiometer, for default range is +/-2 semitones can also be used as main fine tune adjust. Can be set up to +/- Octave by user.
This is most of the things that can be shown at the draft drawing, but here is a bit of more details of functions.
– Keyboard works polyphonically via MIDI.
– Interval latch via MIDI can work as chord memory as can store more than 2 notes.
– If interval latch is set ON with no more than one key pressed it makes works in Mono mode.
– Pitch Bend control transmits MIDI Pitch Bend
– All controls transmit CC via MIDI, modulation wheel is transmitted by vibrato amount slider.
– For set special features keyboard can be used for set different certain configurations, like MIDI Channel or Pitch Bend ranges and other features.
-Arpeggio and Sequences are MIDI transmitted
– Interval Latch or MIDI Chords can work in Arpeggio/Sequence modes.
– Transpositions done with octaver switch or transposer pot will be also MIDI transmitted.
PRICES AND DATE ESTIMATION
Now in that point we can know with more precision what it means this project, in investment, time and estimated price. This project will take around 8/9 months to have a functional prototype and 12 months to make the first production units.
Basically will be two models 37 key (Antonus small size) and 49 key (Classic ARP format) both are Fatar TP/9S full size keybed. And each model can have two finishes: Tolex finish for the most stylish and classic feeling and the metal cases for cheaper price but sturdy look. You can see how are designed the Antonus in Tolex and also check how is done the metal cases for take an idea of the style.
The estimated prices (tax excluded) for the different models are:
Tolex Finish (include top lid) 37 key: 1450 euro
Tolex Finish (include top lid) 49 Key: 1500 euro
Metal finish 37 key: 1050 euro
Metal finish 49 key: 1100 euro
Metal cases will be done in textured black paint. If you take a look to our 2600 metal case you can see the style and look to be used in this design.
Tolex cases will be done by default in black tolex but customer can ask for custom tolex color by request.
With that we want to create an special very playable keyboard for both worlds, the CV modular and the MIDI devices and also combining both, that can work with much more than the ARP/ANTONUS 2600 and other clones, also work with most modular synths and patchable synths, with lot of musical playability, intuitive, with fast use, with many things for interaction and creativity.
DETAILS FOR THE PATRON DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN (closed on April 2025)
Now we will ask for people that with their support can make possible this project, looking for patrons. What are the benefits of be Patron for the Antonus Keyboard project?
– Support the development and first batch release with the advance preorder. Without this support is impossible to make this project.
– Have an special 25% discount at the final price of the model selected.
– Receive the units from the first batch, it means that will have the units in around 12 months instead wait for the regular production that will be around 4/6 months more.
– Patron name list will be published at the web site and the user manual.
– Patron name list will be printed in the PCB’s
For make possible the development we will need to complete 20 support preorders. The list will be opened for 60 days. If at the end of 60 days we don’t reach at least 20 preorders the project will be cancelled and all the preorders will be completely refunded using the same payment option.
If we reach 30 preordes the development will be done faster.
The delivery dates will be filled in the same order as payments are received. The estimated date for delivery will be 12 months since development start with around of 10 units x month, so last preorders will take one month more for delivery.
Very important, Patron customer must be sure to be part of this project and support once the developent is started. This means that if we reach the numbers to start the development will be impossible to cancel and refund during the process, so the order will be finished and keyboard will be sent to each customer when build process is completed.
For make the Patron preorder you can use Enlo-1 store for make the payments selecting the key model and finish model. Use this this direct link for Enlo-1 payment item:
Pre-Order for Patron Campaign Antonus Keyboard
Or you can contact directly to our email for a dedicated quotation proforma with all details and direct payment details or if you need some special instruction or you have questions, like for example and estimation for shipping charges or customs if proceed. Anything write us.
In every preorder a Proforma with shipping cost will be done and sent, so customer can know how much the shipping cost and if proceed with taxes (only for individual EU customers) The Patron preorder amount is only for the cost of the keyboard (-25%) with no taxes. In this stage proforma receipt is generated.
The remaining amount for the shipping cost and taxes will be paid when unit is ready for shipping and the full and final invoice will be emitted.
The evolution of the Patron campaign will be published and updated at the Antonus blog and social medias so anyone can see how goes the objective list for reach the development. And of course if the project goes on updates will be published as long as the project advances
This is a very exciting project, hope to see many friends supporting this, as many friends that were asking for it since long time. Hope that with the help of all we can make possible this special design. This kind of designs, the inspiration, the look, the handcrafted work is something that is not usual to see today, is something that is hard to be made in commercial or industrial scale, so we need the support and push of the interested people to make this possible.
And as always the feedback and interaction is welcome during the project.
