Turn Your Movement Into Sound

US Instruments of Things announces Kickstarter campaign for SOMI-1 wearable motion sensor 20/09/21

Instruments of Things has been in touch to tell us about their SOMI-1 Kickstarter campaign. They describe SOMI-1 as a high precision sensor technology product that measures movement and transforms it into sound in real-time. The Bluetooth sensors can be worn as wearables on the wrists and ankles, turning the user into an instrument. Here's the details in their own words...

SOMI-1 is a highly precise sensor technology that provides performers, musicians and creators the opportunity of making music via movements. It consists of Bluetooth® motion sensors, a receiver hub and a smartphone app (as possible sound source). The sensors can be worn as wearables on the wrists and ankles, turning the user into an instrument.

The SOMI-1 motion sensors measure movements and accelerations in different directions and transform them into sound in real-time. The motion data of the SOMI-1 sensors is received wirelessly via Bluetooth® 5 by the SOMI-1 hub, that connects to your sound source via USB or TRS-MIDI (e.g. your phone). The sound can either be generated via the SOMI-1 smartphone app, which offers several different sound presets, or by any instrument or music software that is compatible with MIDI.

Features:

8 different movement parameters per sensor

Smartphone app as sound source

Connectivity to music software & hardware

as sound source

Hub with MIDI interface (USB & TRS)

Wireless via Bluetooth® 5

Up to 6 sensors simultaneously

Range up to 50 meters (164 feet)

Low latency under 10ms

THE SOMI-1 APP
Easy Usage, Unique Result – With the SOMI-1 app, sounds can be created and controlled directly from a mobile device (iOS and Android). By using the app's various sound plugins and corresponding presets, users can instantly and easily control sounds in combination with the SOMI-1 wearables without any pre-knowledge. If you want to go deeper into the settings, the app offers the opportunity to change movement mappings and add sounds.

MIDI CONTROL
Additionally, SOMI-1 can be used as a common MIDI controller with any MIDI compatible software or hardware. Each motion sensor parameter is sent as a (high resolution) MIDI Control Change message. Furthermore, each sensor can be used to trigger or play notes. You can either use the USB-MIDI ports or the TRS-MIDI port, making SOMI-1 compatible with traditional DIN-MIDI hardware as well.

FOR DANCERS, PERFORMERS AND CONSUMERS
Open up a new level of creativity and become a musician by using the instrument you know best: Yourself. SOMI-1 offers dancers, performers and consumers the opportunity to make their movement audible and create expressive performances. Furthermore, SOMI-1 is a great tool to deep dive into sound and movement research, letting you explore unknown layers of improvisation. The SOMI-1 app offers many
different sound presets for this, which can be used directly and easily, without anything having to be set by the user. Plug and play!

FOR MUSICIANS AND DJS
By using the MIDI ports of the SOMI-1 hub, the motion sensors can be easily integrated into your live setup. DJs can also use SOMI-1 while DJing, for example with Traktor by controlling effects via movements. This works not only for DJs, but also with all kinds of effect devices and synthesizers, such as teenage engineering's OP-Z. Attach the sensors to your instruments - You can also extend the use of your instruments by combining them with the SOMI-1 sensors. For example: attach a sensor to your
microphone, guitar, drumsticks ... and control effects by movement!

Pricing and Availability:
See Kickstarter page.
SOMI-1 will be offered in kits of two to six sensors.
The super early bird Kickstarter price starts at 439€ (40% from the retail price of 729€) and is limited to 50 kits.