SOMA Laboratory ENIGMA Now Available

SOMA Laboratory, maker of synthesizers and experimental sound machines, announces that its highly anticipated Enigma synthesizer is now shipping. ENIGMA represents a milestone in tactile, electronic musical interfaces and is the first synthesizer in the world that is entirely controlled by the positioning and movement of metallic objects. Initially introduced at SUPERBOOTH26, ENIGMA presents an entirely new, freeform synthesis possibilities - akin to a game of 'go' or 'chess'. Through a unique interface developed by SOMA, every metal object placed on the surface is transformed into sound. The shape, size, and type of object each produce a different result, and anything can be used: coins, screws, metallic fragments, gears, tools, or other metallic artifacts. The interface sensitivity is extremely high - even a fractional millimeter shift of an object can alter the sound. The device includes MIDI and CV clock sync, as well as MIDI note control.

Since ENIGMA is meant to be played by having metallic objects touching the instrument, it was very important for SOMA to design a durable playing surface will last a long time. Therefore, a high-quality industrial grade film that is scratch-resistant was chosen for maximum durability. This surface has already been tested at SUPERBOOTH26 over the course of three days, nine hours per-day, using a wide variety of metallic objects.

ENIGMA is an experimental synthesizer based on unconventional synthesis and control algorithms. The interface of ENIGMA is a sensing field - a scanner that detects the presence of metallic objects placed on its surface or within a short distance (up to 20mm) above it. The sonic landscape generated by the instrument depends on the objects placed on its surface and their spatial arrangement. The interface sensitivity is extremely high - even a fractional millimeter shift of an object can alter the sound. Eight touch sensors allow switching between operating states - different perceptual modes of the same underlying field.

Every interaction with ENIGMA - how the field responds, how materials interact, how gestures translate into structure, what internal mechanisms awaken - is meant to be discovered buy the user. There are many hidden sonic landscapes concealed inside ENIGMA waiting to be discovered and explored - let this experience and discovery become part of the performance. There is no prescribed way to use ENIGMA: Different musicians may arrive at entirely different interpretations of its functions and capabilities. For every explorer of the unknown, reality reveals itself in a very personalized way.

Specifications:

• Volume control
• 3.5mm headphone output
• Left and right 6.3mm outputs (If only one jack is connected, ENIGMA outputs mono).
• CV clock input (3.5mm Eurorack compatible)
• MIDI input (DIN5)
• Power input 5.5 × 2.1mm, center positive. Power supply: DC +12V
• Power switch
• MIDI and Clock

www.somasynths.com