SPECS & MANUAL / ENIGMA

ENIGMA is dedicated to the spirit of exploration and discovery, and to the courage and passion that drive us toward uncharted territories and mysterious phenomena.

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. Any conductive metal object may be used. The shape, size, and type of object are entirely up to you. Coins, screws, fragments, gears, tools, and any other metallic artifacts will work. 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.

1. Volume control.
2. 3.5 mm headphone output.
3. Left and right 6.3 mm outputs. If only one jack is connected, ENIGMA automatically outputs a mono signal.
4. CV clock input (3.5 mm Eurorack compatible). ENIGMA recognizes CV clock signals with amplitudes from 3.3V to 20V.
5. MIDI input (DIN5).
6. Power input 5.5 × 2.1 mm, center positive. Power supply: DC +12V. A high-quality power adapter is included with ENIGMA. If replacement is required, use a modern high-quality switching power supply with 100–240V input range, 12V DC output, and a minimum current rating of 0.3A.
7. Power switch.

MIDI and Clock

In certain modes, ENIGMA recognizes: MIDI Clock, MIDI Start, MIDI Stop, MIDI Continue, MIDI Notes (velocity is ignored), MIDI Pitch Bend.

The MIDI receive channel is automatically set to the channel of the first MIDI note received after powering on ENIGMA. The selected channel is not stored after power-off.

In modes where MIDI Clock is recognized, ENIGMA also recognizes CV clock. If both are present simultaneously, CV clock has priority.

Silence as Zero

ENIGMA’s interface is a highly sensitive sensor system. Factory calibration ensures stable operation. However, environmental factors may require occasional recalibration. The instrument is designed to remain silent when no metallic objects are present on its surface. If, with an empty surface, ENIGMA produces static or repeating sound, perform zero calibration.
To perform zero calibration:

• Place ENIGMA on a flat, non-metallic surface away from powerful electrical devices and sources of electromagnetic radiation.
• Disconnect all cables except the power supply cable.
• Remove all objects from the surface.
• Power on the instrument.
• Simultaneously press and hold the indicated touch sensors for 5 seconds:

• The LEDs on both sides of the ENIGMA logo will begin blinking.
• Remove your hands and do not touch the interface while the LEDs are blinking.
• When the LEDs stop blinking, calibration is complete, and the synthesizer is ready for normal operation.
• Preventive calibration is recommended once every 4–12 months.

Memory and Sound

After power-off, ENIGMA retains the state of the touch sensors that control operating modes for several days. After that, all sensors return to the off state. To the right of the ENIGMA logo is the SOUND ON sensor. While this sensor is off (LED unlit), the synthesizer will produce no sound regardless of the presence of objects on its surface. Upon power-on, SOUND ON is always off.

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This is all we will explain.
Everything else — how the field responds, how materials interact, how gestures translate into structure, what internal mechanisms awaken— is meant to be discovered. We invite you to become an explorer of sonic landscapes concealed inside ENIGMA! Let discovery itself become part of the experience and the performance. In return, you will gain a unique instrument that can be played in a unique way. Different musicians may arrive at entirely different interpretations of its functions and capabilities — and may uncover entirely different ENIGMAs. And that is beautiful! For every explorer of the unknown, reality reveals itself in a singular way…

A few hints before you begin:

• In some modes, ENIGMA may trace and memorize gestures in time.
• ENIGMA contains no randomness in its interface. Identical object placement and movement, under identical touch sensor states, will produce identical sonic behavior.

Enjoy the discovery of ENIGMA.

Specifications

Power adapter included.
Artefacts for performance are not included.