Sonic Geometry makes geometrically intuitive audiovisual controllers and have started a Kickstarter campaign for OTO.

A spokesperson told us, "Our aim is to make products that tactilize the relationship between tonal and geometric structures in a way that is both intuitive and profound. OTO comes from the Japanese oto-no-katachi, which translates roughly in English to shape of sound. Though an apparent oxymoron, we feel this perfectly captures our product, as with OTO, sound is no longer only wavelengths: it has a tangible physical form."

Here's the story in the company's own words...

OTO began as a masters' thesis project at Berklee College of Music. Unsatisfied with any of the two-dimensional control interfaces already available on the market, we sought to create a new, three-dimensional paradigm that physicalized the relationship between form and sound in a novel and exciting way: we wanted to give a shape to the sounds we produced.

OTO is a geometrically intuitive musical instrument and controller that lets users "touch the shape of sound".

Each OTO controller houses an IMU that communicates with a host computer via Bluetooth. The host computer translates the raw physical data into the musicalized output that users experience. MIDI notes, CC data, frequency bands and filter-sweeps... with OTO the possibilities are endless.

With OTO you can play synths, DJ, perform live electronic music, and even control your favorite Digital Audio Workstations such as Ableton and Traktor. Each set of OTO controllers will ship with a suite of both standalone and DAW controller software, meaning both novice and experienced artists, musicians, DJs alike can use OTO exactly how they want.

Whether you want OTO because you are an experienced DJ looking for a new way to take your audience's breath away, someone with a long-time interest in electronic music who has yet to take the plunge, or even a parent seeking a way to introduce your child to musical composition and control through an exciting and novel tool, there is an OTO configuration for you. The modular nature of the system, and its flexible inter-compatibility with popular audio software means anyone can use OTO.

Pricing and Availability:
See Kickstarter page for pledge amounts.

More information:

• Kickstarter