Contakt Events
Contakt events explore themes of Identification, Connectivity and Security in our ever-changing
technology dependant world. Through interactions with the Cube, the audience and performers
are brought together in new and exciting ways, allowing direct contact and deeper connectivity
than is normally available at this type of event.

A Contakt event is a different experience than a regular Minus showcase. Richie Hawtin,
Magda, Troy Pierce, Marc Houle, Gaiser and Heartthrob each showcase their unique style while
working together to create an integrated mix and overall musical journey. Rather than a typical
schedule of one set after another there is an integration of performances, smooth transitions
and live collaborations resulting in a musical experience born out of improvisation and
spontaneity.

The visual experience of a Contakt event brings together exclusive, unique and highly
specialized event production that differs from regular Minus events and showcases. Custom
lighting and innovative LED technology enhances the musical performances of the artists. Ali
Demirel, working alongside Richie Hawtin and the other artists, delivers a visual performance
with the same type of improvisation and integration as the musical experience. Using wireless
technology to connect the performers onstage with Aliʼs visuals and the Member Cube
interactions, allowing further integration between all elements of the show. Each Contakt event
is unique and the experience will continue to grow and evolve as new technologies are
explored.

The Cube & the Contakt Experience
The Cube is a custom-built LED device that combines various off-the-shelf technologies to
heighten the experience of the audience and strengthen their connection to the performing
artists. Many of these technologies are ʻunseenʼ (i.e. Wireless, Cellular, Bluetooth), therefore we
have created the Cube as a physical access point for members to unlock the full potential of
their Contakt experience. Contakt offers a unique and fun experience while the Cube provokes
interaction and participation, “Approach, Identify, Contakt!”

The Cube is only present at Contakt events in a place close to the stage, with easy but secure
access for members throughout the entire performance. Contakt Members can physically
interact with the Cube by using their Contakt Membership card for identification. Each card is
embedded with a unique RFID (radio frequency identification) microchip that can be read by the
Cube when it is passed over the Cubeʼs LCD (liquid crystal display). Upon identification the
display identifies each card and member by name, and once the member is validated they are
added to the list of names collected at each event for the contest and sweepstakes. The Cube
audibly and visually responds according to the memberʼs status (e.g. member identified,
invalid/expired card or already identified). Verification also unlocks the Cubeʼs private SMS
gateway allowing members to receive SMS (short text message) updates* from the onstage
artists throughout the Contakt event direct to their mobile phones.

Everyone can interact with The Cube - not just Contakt members - via its open WLAN (wireless
local area network) and Bluetooth connectivity. The Cubeʼs WLAN allows anyone with a
portable wireless device (such as a mobile phone, iPhone or iPod Touch) to access live feeds
from the stage, further connecting the audience and onstage performers. The Cubeʼs WLAN can
also be used to download exclusive content and media, including unreleased tracks. The public
can also upload files (such as music demos, photos, video and other digital content) to a special
drop box on the Cube. Additionally the Cubeʼs Bluetooth network continually searches for
accessible Bluetooth-enabled devices within its range and automatically pushes exclusive
content to these devices.

Throughout the duration of each Contakt event the Cube is also in wireless communication with
Richie Hawtinʼs live performance setup, allowing interactions between the audio, the Cubeʼs
dynamic LED configuration and Member identifications. The Cube also communicates the
presence and interaction of identified members to Ali Demirel - the live visual and video artist –
for inclusion into the Contakt event stage visuals. The wireless connection between Hawtinʼs
audio and Demirelʼs visual setups also offers the audience visual feedback from the performers
onstage digital music controllers.

For members who are not present physically at a Contakt event, we will be hosting a special live
members area on www.contakt-events.com offering member-only feeds of the visual content
live from the show.

We are continually experimenting and testing new technologies and concepts for the Cube, and
we will continue to expand the possibilities with connectivity and communication at Contakt
events.

The Membership
In conjunction with the Contakt events Minus has introduced a yearly-renewable Contakt
membership that entitles the member to certain privileges.

Contakt membership entitlements include:
- Access to the m-nus.com members area
- Access to Contakt Event SMS gateway system*
- Access to Contakt Contests & Sweepstakes
- Guest-list privileges for select Minus & Richie Hawtin events around the world
- 10% off all m-nus.com online orders
- a Minus jewelry pin
- a unique Contakt RFID membership card

Contakt members are welcome and encouraged to leave comments on releases and other
content on m-nus.com, to engage and communicate with Minus and other Contakt members.

The Contakt membership card contains a unique RFID microchip that allows the member to
make Contakt with the Cube at any of the Contakt events and enables the member to
participate in the Contakt Contest and Sweepstakes (for more information see “Contest”).

Membership cards are not event tickets and unfortunately cannot guarantee entry, but every
effort is made to prioritize members for entry into Contakt events.

The Contest
The contest has been organized with some of the most innovative names in audio technology
including Native Instruments, Allen & Heath and Tonium. Contakt members can use their
membership card at each Contakt event to approach, identify and make CONTAKT with the
Cube. Once members have identified themselves at a Contakt event, they have a chance to win
a Native Instruments Traktor Scratch System. The winner is picked randomly after each event.

After the final Contakt event in December all active members who have interacted with the Cube
at any of the events will have the chance to win one of three fantastic grand prizes. The Grand
Prize winner will receive a Native Instruments package including the NI Komplete Software
Instruments, an NI Traktor Scratch System and an NI Kore System.  The 2nd prize winner will
receive an Allen & Heath Xone:92 mixer and the 3rd prize is a € 200 m-nus.com online gift
certificate.

For further information about the Contakt events & contest, please visit: www.contakt-
events.com/rules.

*For the SMS feature to function, members must enter their international mobile phone number
into their m-nus.com membership online profile.