Create and control music using your body with the SOMI-1 from Instruments of Things
Image Credit: Instruments of Things
German music-tech company Intruments of Things have launched their new Kickstarter for the SOMI-1 wearable motion sensors.
Turn your movements and dance moves into sound with this Kickstarter. The SOMI-1 provides performers, musicians and creators a way to make music via movements. The project aimed at casual consumers, comes from Instruments of Things, based on their successful 2.4SINK sensor for professional musicians, launched on Kickstarter in 2019.
SOMI-1 is comprised on three parts: the motion sensors, the hub and the app. The sensors talk to the receiver hub via Bluetooth 5, while the hub hooks up to a smartphone, MIDI instrument or music software, using a USB or TRS-MIDI cable.
The motion sensor can be worn on the wrist or ankle by clipping to the included bracelet, or to clothes or objects using optional clips. Each sensor measures 8 different movement parameters, such as acceleration and tilt in all directions. These movements are transformed into sound in real-time by the hub. You can hook up to six sensors to a single receiver hub. The hub processes the sensor data with under 10ms latency, at up to 50 metres of range. The sensor battery is rated at around 20 hours while active and is powered by coin cells.
The SOMI-1 app on iOS and Android offers several different sound presets to help users without an pre-knowledge of music production easily get started. Those interested can dive deeper into the settings to customize the movement mappings and add sounds. Alternatively, the SOMI-1 hub can be hooked up to a MIDI instrument such as Teenage Engineering OP-Z synthesizers or music software such as Ableton Live. Using the TRS-MIDI port, SOMI-1 is also compatible with traditional DIN-MIDI hardware. When used with a DAW, the sensors act as a regular controller. Each parameter can be mapped to any function within the software such as triggering notes.
This isn’t the first wearable sensor we’ve seen. We saw a similar concept from Sony, with their Motion Sonic that launched on Indiegogo, but failed to meet its goal. Just three days after launching on Kickstarter, Instruments of Things’ SOMI-1 has already raised more than Sony’s wearable. With 27 days to go, the project has around half of its $58,600 goal. The Kickstarter has sold out of Super Early Bird SOMI-1 Kits. Early bird kits are now selling for €469 (around $550), 30% off the retail price of €669. The kit lands you a receiver, 2 motion sensors, 2 wristbands, the app and a USB-C cable. Alternatively, large, extra large and academy kits are available for slightly more, with additional sensors. Shipping is currently estimated for August 2022. The video below shows off an impressive prototype.
