Artinoise, the Italian startup that created re.corder, a smart device that reimagines the traditional plastic recorder you played with in school, has announced its latest product, Zefiro.
Shaped like a recorder mouthpiece, this portable device can be connected to a smartphone, tablet, or PC with a USB-C port, effectively turning it into a musical instrument.
Zefiro's companion app offers around 32 sound options and can emulate almost any instrument, from soft-pitched flutes and violins to brass trumpets, saxophones, and even bagpipes. Once the smart mouthpiece is connected, it is recognized by MIDI input and the app displays an interface showing virtual buttons, keys, or wind holes. Equipped with a lip sensor and a highly sensitive miniature air pressure sensor, Zefiro sends breathing force data directly to the app to control volume and pitch.
The company on Tuesday announced a Kickstarter campaign to support the launch, which will cost backers 22 euros ($23 USD). Estimated retail price is 42 euros ($44).
Zefiro instruments are sold as MIDI breath controllers and digital instruments in one. This type of product serves a highly specialized and expensive market, where MIDI controllers for wind instruments are very expensive, sometimes costing up to $900. There are many digital devices available, but they are often expensive.
Image credit: Artinoise
Zefiro's companion app stands out by offering a variety of features, including built-in breathing exercises, sound layering, looper functionality, background noises, and the ability to record and share audio clips. This app can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play Store. However, to access that feature, users must purchase a Zefiro device.
The company plans to introduce new features every two months, including the option to allow users to upload images to customize the interface and choose where to press buttons and which notes to play.
“Maybe you could put buttons on someone you know's face, eyes, cheeks, mouth, etc. Or you could invent some other musical instrument and write down the notes you want to play.” CTO 's Davide Mancini told Crunch.
What's particularly appealing about Zefiro is that it's designed to allow people with physical disabilities, such as respiratory illnesses, to play music. Mancini explained that the sensor is easy to use and does not require much effort to breathe. Users with limited lung capacity can set the threshold low so they only need to take a light breath.
Image credit: Artinoise
Additionally, Artinoise plans to sell a separate headpiece to allow Zefiro to operate hands-free. It also serves as an auxiliary instrument for performers who play guitar or piano.
The company also hopes that by making Zefiro's technology open source, developers will build other applications with an emphasis on accessibility. For example, a disabled user could turn off a smart light by blowing into the device.
The first batch of products is expected to ship worldwide in late January to early February. Two patent applications are pending in the US and Italy.