SOMA LABORATORY Enigma

Synthesis vs. form & movement in 2D

With Enigma Soma introduces an extraordinary synthesiser that is completely controlled by the position and movement of metal objects. Soma has developed a unique interface whose surface transforms placed metal objects into sound. The sound generation itself is purely digital and algorithm-based. Different modes and functional states are called up via the eight touch sensors. The sound is shaped and played entirely by the position and movement of the metal objects.

The size, type and shape of the metal object can be chosen freely: coins, screws, fragments, gears, tools, wristwatches and all other metal objects work. The sensitivity of the interface is extremely high; even moving an object by one millimetre can change the sound. Depending on the mode, MIDI commands such as clock, start/stop, continue, notes (without velocity) and pitch bend are processed.

The user interface contains no randomisation. Identical object placements and movements under identical touch sensor states produce identical sound behaviour. Enigma is therefore able to deliver reproducible results. As metallic objects are to be used for the performance, it is particularly important that the playing surface lasts a long time. To ensure maximum durability, Soma uses a high-quality, scratch-resistant film in industrial quality.