Following its premier at SUPERBOOTH26 in May, ENIGMA features a novel interface, fully controlled by the position and movement of metallic objects
Warsaw, Poland, August 25, 2026 — SOMA Laboratory, maker of synthesizers and experimental sound machines, announces that its highly anticipated Enigma synthesizer is now shipping. ENIGMA represents a milestone in tactile, electronic musical interfaces and is the first synthesizer in the world that is entirely controlled by the positioning and movement of metallic objects.
Initially introduced at SUPERBOOTH26, ENIGMA presents an entirely new, freeform synthesis possibilities—akin to a game of ‘go’ or ‘chess’. Through a unique interface developed by SOMA, every metal object placed on the surface is transformed into sound. The shape, size, and type of object each produce a different result, and anything can be used: coins, screws, metallic fragments, gears, tools, or other metallic artifacts. The interface sensitivity is extremely high — even a fractional millimeter shift of an object can alter the sound. The device includes MIDI and CV clock sync, as well as MIDI note control.
Since ENIGMA is meant to be played by having metallic objects touching the instrument, it was very important for SOMA to design a durable playing surface will last a long time. Therefore, a high-quality industrial grade film that is scratch-resistant was chosen for maximum durability. This surface has already been tested at SUPERBOOTH26 over the course of three days, nine hours per-day, using a wide variety of metallic objects.
Dedicated to the spirit of exploration and discovery
ENIGMA is an experimental synthesizer based on unconventional synthesis and control algorithms. The interface of ENIGMA is a sensing field — a scanner that detects the presence of metallic objects placed on its surface or within a short distance (up to 20 mm) above it. The sonic landscape generated by the instrument depends on the objects placed on its surface and their spatial arrangement. The interface sensitivity is extremely high — even a fractional millimeter shift of an object can alter the sound. Eight touch sensors allow switching between operating states—different perceptual modes of the same underlying field.
Every interaction with ENIGMA—how the field responds, how materials interact, how gestures translate into structure, what internal mechanisms awaken— is meant to be discovered buy the user. There are many hidden sonic landscapes concealed inside ENIGMA waiting to be discovered and explored—let this experience and discovery become part of the performance. There is no prescribed way to use ENIGMA: Different musicians may arrive at entirely different interpretations of its functions and capabilities. For every explorer of the unknown, reality reveals itself in a very personalized way.
Specifications:
Rear panel
- Volume control
- 3.5 mm headphone output
- Left and right 6.3 mm outputs (If only one jack is connected, ENIGMA outputs mono).
- CV clock input (3.5 mm Eurorack compatible)
- MIDI input (DIN5)
- Power input 5.5 × 2.1 mm, center positive. Power supply: DC +12V
- Power switch
- MIDI and Clock
To learn more about ENIGMA, please visit somasynths.com/enigma.
About SOMA Laboratory
SOMA Laboratory was founded by Vlad Kreimer in 2016 after success with the LYRA-8 synthesizer. It is a small boutique company of like-minded people who are in love with expressive high-quality sound. The company’s developments combine an experimental innovative approach with the simultaneous use of the best technologies of the golden age of analog synthesizer manufacturing. In addition, SOMA Laboratory provides not only unique design and production qualities but also a personal, attentive approach with each client, making the entire process from the first soldering to shipping warmed with human heart and hands.
