Make music with plants using Pocket Scion
Fancy going forest bathing at the same time as working on your next music project? Modern Biology has the answer.
Imagine creating music using the electrical signals of plants or mushrooms. That’s exactly what the Pocket Scion allows. Developed in collaboration with the viral musician Modern Biology, this handheld synthesizer transforms tiny electrical changes in living organisms into music.
Modern Biology gained attention online for making modular synths react to mushrooms. With the Pocket Scion, anyone can achieve a similar experience without needing a costly Eurorack setup, as The Verge points out. The device brings biofeedback into music-making in a simple and portable form.
At the heart of the Pocket Scion is technology derived from Instruo’s SCÍON module, a biofeedback sensor integrated into a quad random voltage generator. Instruo, a Glasgow-based company renowned for its handcrafted modular synthesizers, developed the SCÍON to translate bioelectric signals from living organisms – such as plants or human skin – into control voltage (CV). This allows musicians to manipulate sounds or effects within a synthesizer setup by detecting subtle electrical fluctuations. By attaching sensors to a living organism, these fluctuations can trigger notes, adjust filter cutoffs, or modulate other sound parameters.
The Pocket Scion is designed to be small, portable, and budget-friendly, retailing at $149. It features four built-in sound engines to create melodies, textures, and soundscapes directly from the signals it receives.
It also supports MIDI output, so you can use it to control external instruments. Additionally, a companion app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This app allows for advanced sound design, custom patches, and sending data over Open Sound Control (OSC) to applications like Max/MSP, Pure Data, and Unreal Engine. These features open up possibilities for interactive visuals or complex creative setups.
The first batch of Pocket Scions has already shipped, and the device has generated plenty of excitement. Retailer Control Voltage confirms that preorders are still open for the next shipment. Modern Biology highlights its versatility, saying, “It’s small enough to take anywhere. Battery powered, portable, and affordable. You can make music in the garden, at your desk, or even out in the forest.”
This collaboration between Modern Biology and Instruo offers musicians a unique way to connect with nature while making music. It’s a fun, innovative tool that encourages experimentation and creativity in everyday environments. If you’re a creative artist looking to spend more time in nature, the Pocket Scion could be the perfect thing to help you do that.