SOMA laboratory Enigma Metal Controlled Synthesizer

Full Description

Explore sound through physical interaction

Enigma replaces conventional controls with a sensing field that detects conductive metal objects placed on its surface or held up to 20 mm above it. The instrument responds to the shape, size, type and position of each object, creating a direct connection between physical movement and sound generation.

Everyday items such as coins, screws, gears and metal fragments become part of the synthesis process. The sensitivity is remarkably high, allowing even tiny positional changes to affect the sonic outcome. This creates an interactive experience where sound design feels tactile, immediate and deeply connected to physical space.

Built around experimentation

Rather than following a fixed synthesis workflow, Enigma is designed as a platform for exploration. Eight touch sensors switch between different operating states, presenting alternative ways of interacting with the same underlying sensing field. These modes reveal different sonic responses and behaviours, encouraging ongoing discovery during both performance and sound design.

The instrument is dedicated to experimentation and curiosity, making the process of uncovering new sounds an essential part of using it. Every session can lead to new interactions, textures and sonic structures shaped by the objects you choose to place on the surface.

Repeatable results from an unconventional instrument

Although Enigma encourages exploration, it is not based on random behaviour. Identical object placement, movement and touch sensor settings produce identical sonic responses, allowing you to revisit successful discoveries and develop them further.

The Enigma is designed to remain silent when no metallic objects are present, helping create a clear relationship between physical interaction and sound generation. A dedicated calibration process maintains sensitivity and stability over time, ensuring reliable operation across different environments. This balance of unpredictability and consistency makes Enigma equally suited to experimentation and purposeful composition.

Connect with modern electronic setups

Enigma integrates with external hardware through MIDI and clock synchronisation features available in supported operating modes. It can respond to MIDI clock, start, stop, continue messages, note data and pitch bend information. CV clock synchronisation is also supported, with CV taking priority when both clock sources are present.

These options make it easier to combine Enigma with sequencers, drum machines and modular systems while retaining its distinctive object-based control method. Stereo outputs and a headphone connection provide flexible monitoring and routing options for studio production, installation work and live performance.

Features

• Experimental synthesizer inspired by exploration discovery and hands-on interaction
• Sound is shaped by placing moving metallic objects across the responsive surface
• Compatible with coins screws gears tools fragments and other metal items
• Highly sensitive interface reacts to tiny object movements for detailed sound changes
• Sensors can detect metallic objects held up to 20mm above the surface
• Eight touch sensors provide access to multiple operating states and sound behaviors
• Designed for open-ended experimentation performance and sonic discovery
• Consistent object placement and gestures produce repeatable sonic results
• Supports MIDI clock start stop continue note input and pitch bend control
• Includes CV clock synchronization for modular integration
• Stereo outputs and dedicated headphone connection for flexible monitoring
• Geometric surface layout encourages tactile interaction and expressive modulation
• Movement across the surface creates evolving textures and nuanced modulation
• Combines synthesizer performance with a tactile interactive experience

Specifications

• Power:
  • Power Supply: DC +12 V, center positive
  • Current Consumption: 100 mA
• CV Clock Input:
  • Input Range: 3.3–20 V
• Audio Output:
  • Maximum Line Output Signal: 18 V peak-to-peak
• Dimensions:
  • Width: 340 mm
  • Depth: 320 mm
  • Height: 40 mm
• Weight: 2 kg (without power supply and packaging)
• Product Code: ENIGMA-SOMA