If you’re into weird and wonderful instruments, then you may already be familiar with Warsaw-based SOMA Laboratory — if you’re not, then you should definitely take a look through their product range! The latest arrival upholds their reputation, and is said to be the first synthesizer in the world that is entirely controlled by the positioning and movement of metallic objects.
Unveiled at Superbooth 2026, the Enigma presents an entirely new, freeform approach to synthesis which the company say is rather like a game of chess. Its unique interface consists of a top-mounted metal plate, and not a whole lot else! Beneath the surface, the instrument houses a scanner that’s capable of detecting metal objects placed on (or up to 20mm above) its top panel, with the ‘sonic landscape’ that’s generated entirely dependent on the objects that are placed, and moved around on, on the surface.
Any metal object can be used: coins, screws, metallic fragments, gears, tools and so on, with the sound produced dependent on the shape, size and type of object used. The surface is extremely sensitive, and shifting objects by even a fraction of a millimetre will result in the sound being altered. Check out the video below to get an idea of what’s possible.
Connectivity
- 3.5mm headphone output.
- Left and right quarter-inch outputs (connecting just one results in a mono output).
- CV clock input (3.5mm Eurorack compatible).
- MIDI input (DIN5).
- Power input 5.5 × 2.1mm, centre-positive. Power supply: DC +12V.
- MIDI and Clock.
Pricing & Availability
The Enigma is available now, priced at €680.
