Specialist synth maker Instruō has launched a new, portable device that captures biofeedback data from plants, fungi, and other living organisms and turns it into sound.

The device, called Pocket SCÍON, has been designed in collaboration with Modern Biology (real name Tarun Nayar) – an artist who makes music with plants and mushrooms, best known for his popular ‘mushroom music’ videos that often go viral online.

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This mini synth is a scaled-down, transportable version of Instruō’s Eurorack SCÍON module, of which Modern Biology is a prolific user. It’s designed to be super user-friendly, so anyone can experiment with it regardless of musical knowledge or experience.

The biofeedback data captured by the Pocket SCÍON is used by the onboard sound engine to generate evolving soundscapes and a range of MIDI messages, according to Instruō. It has a stand-alone, plug-and-play interface, but users can also utilise its MIDI and OSC outputs to integrate Pocket SCÍON and biofeedback into their studios.

The synth offers four custom instrument sounds that are inspired by nature, and operates with a capacitive touch pad and sensor clips. It also offers five note polyphony. Take a closer look in the video below:

“I’ve been hosting events around the world for almost five years, using Instruō’s SCÍON device as the heart of a system that uses small changes in the bioelectricity of organisms to trigger note and rhythm changes on a modular synthesiser. I believe that this practice is a powerful way to help us reconnect with the natural world,” says Modern Biology.

“I’m asked almost every day, both online and in real life, ‘How can I do this myself?’ Just over a year ago I got in touch with Kian and Jason at Instruō and asked them if they’d like to work on a device together. Something affordable, portable, non-dependent on modular synths and simple enough for beginners, yet deep enough for serious musicians. After numerous in-person meetings, Zoom calls between Vancouver and Instruo’s HQ in Glasgow, and the hard work of the entire Instruō team, the Pocket SCÍON is here!”

The Pocket SCÍON is available now for £129. Find out more about the synth via Instruō, or learn more about Modern Biology.

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