Instruo Pocket Scion

1. Power Switch
2. Sensitivity display graphic
3. Capacitive touchpad
4. Sensor Input
5. [Voices] Sensitivity adjustment button
6. Instrument [Shift] button
7. Audio output
8. Volume [ #/b ] button
9. TRS MIDI Output
10. Micro USB port

How it works

Pocket SCÍON uses sensors to monitor and track changes in resistance measured by sensor inputs and capacitive touchpads.Analog Pulse Oscillatorusing.

When the sensor is connected to an organism or touched on the touchpad, a circuit is completed. The capacitor then begins to charge, and when the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, the oscillator output goes HIGH.Then the capacitor is discharged and the outputReturning to LOW** restarts the cycle and the output repeats like a pulse waveform.

このCharge/discharge cycle frequencyThe sensor clip is connected between the plant and the soil.ResistanceIt depends on:

This oscillator can measure the change in resistance with high precision by analyzing the frequency of the pulse waveform.timestamp in microsecondsA window of 10 measurements is used to assess the resistance variation over time,Minimum, maximum, average, delta, standard variance, standard deviationis calculated.

this house,Ratio of standard deviation to deltaBut,Threshold set by Sensitivity ButtonsWhen exceeded, a new note event (sound production) is triggered.

How to stimulate the sensor

The Pocket SCÍON biofeedback sensor can be stimulated and activated in multiple ways:

1. Touch the capacitive touchpad
Touching the capacitive touch panel completes a circuit that affects the internal biofeedback sensors, stimulating them.

2. Connect a biofeedback source to the sensor input
Connecting a sensor cable to the sensor input and then connecting the other end to a biofeedback source (plants, fungi, human skin, etc.) stimulates the internal biofeedback sensor. These biological sources can be used to generate data for playing Pocket SCÍON's instruments or for sonification (converting data into sound) using MIDI and OSC signals. Response is affected by factors such as humidity, sunlight, and contact area, and varies depending on the biological source.

3. Stimulation by connecting an audio or control voltage signal to the sensor input
You can stimulate the internal biofeedback sensors by connecting an audio or CV (control voltage) signal to the sensor input. Signals with rising edges are particularly effective, but continuous signals such as white noise will also produce constant stimulation.

4. Stimulation via sham connection using a standard 3.5 mm TS patch cable
Connect a 3.5mm TS patch cable to the sensor input, and simultaneously touch the tip and sleeve of the unconnected end of the cable with your fingertip to complete the circuit and stimulate the internal biofeedback sensor.

Configuration

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the Pocket SCÍON can be adjusted via the basic function of the Voices Sensitivity button on the device. This setting determines how much electrical activity is needed to detect changes from your biofeedback source.

• Short presses on the [Voices] sensitivity button adjust the sensitivity in larger increments.
• Press and hold the [Voices] Sensitivity button to adjust the sensitivity in fine increments.
• Changes in sensitivity are visually indicated by five ring-shaped green LED segments on the Sensitivity Display Graphic.

Voice (Instrument)

Pocket SCÍON features four instruments playable via the capacitive touchpad and sensor input. Instrument selection can be cycled through using the basic functionality of the Instrument [Shift] button.

• Secret Garden When stimulated,redThe LED animation will be displayed.
• Fungal Waves When stimulated,blueThe LED animation will be displayed.
• Treebeard's Koto When stimulated,greenThe LED animation will be displayed.
• Soil Circuits When stimulated,purpleThe LED animation will be displayed.

Voice count

Users can set the number of notes (voices) played simultaneously in an instrument using the secondary function of the Instrument [Shift] button and the [Voices] sensitivity button.

• You can adjust the number of active voices by holding down the Instrument [Shift] button and pressing the [Voices] sensitivity buttons up or down.
• Changes in the number of voices are indicated by blue LED segments appearing in five rings on the display.
• The minimum number of voices is 1 and the maximum is 5.

Volume

The audio output volume can be adjusted using the basic function of the Volume [♯/b ] button.

• Volume changes are indicated by five yellow LED segments appearing in a ring on the display.
• Press the upper Volume [♯/b] button to increase the volume.
• Press the bottom Volume [♯/b] button to decrease the volume.

Global Pitch Shift

You can apply a global pitch shift in semitone steps to notes played by all instruments, via the secondary functions of the Instrument [Shift] and Volume [♯/b] buttons.

• You can shift the pitch up or down in semitone increments by holding down the Shift button and pressing the up or down Volume [♯/b] buttons.
• Pitch can be shifted up to ±12 semitones (1 octave).
• Pitch shift changes are indicated by red LED segments appearing in five rings on the display.
• If only the yellow LED is displayed, it indicates -12 semitones (lowest pitch).
• Red and white LEDs lit indicate +12 semitones (highest pitch).

Raw Output Mode

Instead of audio output for each instrument, Pocket SCÍON can also output a chaotic raw pulse waveform (Raw Output) generated from the analog circuit used in the internal biofeedback sensor.

You can enable/disable Raw Output mode by pressing and holding both [Voices] sensitivity buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

When stimulated in this mode, a white LED animation will be displayed. The greater the stimulation, the higher the frequency of the pulses produced.

 The Raw Output mode is ideal for use as a gestural harsh noise synth.

MIDI output

Pocket SCÍON can send up to five simultaneous MIDI notes with velocity-sensitive and variable assignable CCs (Control Changes) via the TRS-MIDI output or USB port.

Multi-Channel MIDI mode allows these MIDI messages to be sent across five separate MIDI channels, allowing for separate routing to multiple MIDI tracks within your DAW or to external hardware devices.

MIDI Mode

Pocket SCÍON has two MIDI modes:

You can switch between MIDI modes by holding down both Volume [♯ / ] buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

• Single-Channel MIDI Mode
  When activated, a green LED animation will briefly appear. In this mode, the Pocket SCÍON will send up to 5 note ons, note number, velocity and MIDI CC to one MIDI track (or external device).
• Multi-Channel MIDI Mode
  When activated, a red LED animation will briefly appear. In this mode, Pocket SCÍON sends up to 5 separate Note Ons, Gate, Velocity and CC to up to 5 MIDI tracks or external devices.

Detailed settings for MIDI messages can be made through the Pocket SCÍON application.

*Please note that MIDI data is not transmitted in Raw Output mode.
*Using the Pocket SCÍON in combination with MIDI effects in your DAW will further expand its expressive capabilities.

Pocket Scion Application

When you connect Pocket SCÍON to your computer via USB, you can launch a dedicated desktop application that lets you customize the instrument, voice, and MIDI behavior, as well as configure the sending of Open Sound Control (OSC) messages. The settings are as follows: