This allows one to program different instrumental responses for each mallet, or to implement musical structures in which one mallet selects a course of action while others modify or implement it. Marimba Lumina contains a particularly friendly user interface, with an extended 80-character display, and a mallet activated editing facility. Advanced software allows complex relationships between performance gestures and musical responses to be readily defined. Pitch wheels, pan pots, level sliders and modulation wheels are easily implemented. User definable keymaps and tuning tables provide for alternate tunings and ancillary drumkits.
Memory cards facilitate storage,backup, and exchange of programs.
Living up to its namesake, the Marimba Lumina has LED illumination built into every bar, strip, and pad. These LED's can show key status, edit configuration, controller status or pad selection. Used pedagogically, they can help a player follow a MIDI sequence or the actions of another player. A special gold edition has been previously announced and will be available from Buchla and Associates 'till the end of the 2nd millenium.