Enigma Experimental Performance Synthesizer

SOMA Laboratory Enigma

The SOMA Laboratory Enigma is an experimental synthesizer controlled entirely by metal objects which get detected by a highly sensitive field that can detect metal up to 20mm (about 3/4") away. Eschewing keys, knobs, and patch points, the playing surface simply beckons for metal. There are also eight touch sensors that shift between operating modes but there is no randomness allowing for repeatable, predictable results. The sonic landscape—and aesthetic landscape—is shaped by the shape, size, material, and arrangement of whatever conductive objects you choose to work with. So sensitive this sensor field is that fractional millimeter movements produce audible changes.

SOMA has intentionally left most of the Enigma's behavior undocumented, encouraging active practice and exploration so that the device molds to your existence, not t'other way round. As previously mentioned, the system contains no randomness, meaning identical placement and movement will always produce identical results, giving the instrument a reproducible logic to balance out the, well, enigmatic nature of the beast. Connectivity is more straightforward: stereo 1/4" outputs, 1/8" headphone out, CV clock input, and a full-size MIDI port with support for Clock, Notes, and Pitch Bend depending on the active mode.

The SOMA Enigma is a wonderfully weird device that will allow you to generate sounds intuitively and intentionally while divorcing you from the trappings of classic musical input devices.

Enigma Features

• Metal controlled synthesizer
• High-sensitivity scanning field detects metallic objects placed on or up to 20mm above the surface
• Works with coins, screws, gears, tools, fragments, and more
• Eight touch sensors switch between operating modes for different sonic behaviors
• Fractional millimeter object movement produces audible changes in sound
• Stereo 1/4" outputs with automatic mono switching, plus 3.5mm headphone output
• Eurorack-compatible CV clock input and DIN5 MIDI with support for Clock, Notes, Start, Stop, and Pitch BendDeterministic engine with no randomness: identical placement always produces identical results