SOMI-1 Turn Movement Into Music

If you ever wish the music would respond to your movement instead of the other way around, the new SOMI-1 by Instruments of Things is a nice new controller to put your money towards. While certainly not the first motion controller for music, this Kickstarter project looks to be more mature than its predecessors, which is great for dancers, DJs and music producers.

Who do I need this?

The SOMI-1 is a Bluetooth motion sensor for controlling music and midi commands. You can clip the sensor to the wristband and it will communicate with a hub that you connect to your phone or computer.

The sensor captures velocity or tilt movements in an X-, Y-, or Z-direction. This translates into changing sounds on the associated SOMI-1 app or specific parameter changes for your (digital) instruments or music software.

A quick glance at the SOMI-1 app where you can map your movements

The hub is very simple and straightforward. You can turn the motion controls on and off by pressing the big button or dial in the sensitivity by turning the same button. The hub connects to your computer via USB, but also has MIDI Din for connecting it to synthesizers, grooveboxes or other MIDI-enabled products.

a closer look at the components that make up the SOMI-1

Combining the ease of use with a bespoke tech that allows for very low-latency transmission of your movemements, the SOMI-1 promises to be very capable for live music performers such as dancers and DJs. A hub also supports up to six sensors at the same time.

Features

  • 8 different movement parameters per sensor
  • Easy usage, no need of musical or technical pre-knowledge
  • 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
  • Small and lightweight sensors (9.4g/0.33oz with battery)

Check out this dance performance to see the SOMI-1 in action.

Where can I buy a SOMI-1?

You can help bring the SOMI-1 project alive, by backing it on Kickstarter. At the time of writing an Early Bird kit with a hub and a few sensors is scheduled to ship in August 2022.

Get a SOMI-1 here

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