Five Music Tech Standouts for 2016

Jan. 29, 2016

1. Bragi Dash

You’re running, listening to your motivational tunes, and that cord just keeps getting in the way or you just don’t want to be tethered to anything in the first place. Then grab a pair of the Dash by Bragi, ambitious earbuds that are actually a combo media player and fitness tracker – and they’re wireless. They’re not Bluetooth, though; they’re NFMI or nearfield magnetic induction, which works even better for this particular purpose and keeps the Dash small enough to stay in your ears, not sticking out like something Frankenstein’s monster might wear. The Dash (which includes "FitSleeves" for different sized ears), works with gesture controls; you tap or swipe to call up menu options or change volume. $299. More information: bragi.com

2. Prizm Streaming Music Player

Streaming audio players are ubiquitous, available in a wide range of prices and in an equally vast range of colors and styles, but the new Prizm player is both a whole new shape and arrives with a whole new brain. Accessing playlists from the major streaming services, this coffee cup-sized, triangular unit finds, learns and remembers what music you like as you utilize the "heart" and "x" symbols to vote songs yea or nay, whether you’re into Interpol’s post-punk rock or prefer Portishead’s trip-hop. The gadget’s goal is to make itself your everyday music player because it’s the one that "knows" you best. Available soon. More information: meetprizm.com.

3. PS-HX500 Turntable

Analog to digital turntables are everywhere, too, but not one like this. The latest effort from the folks at Sony, this one records direct to DSC, Sony’s high-quality digital audio format that’s said to capture analog music in its highest form. Hook it up to your computer via USB, play a record and capture every groove of the vinyl, converting it into sharp, dimensional audio that you can listen to on any digital player, essentially making your entire vinyl collection completely portable. The turntable’s sleek, streamlined design fits with just about any decor. Available soon. More information: sony.com

4. Seaboard Rise

You’ve never seen a keyboard, nor a standard synthesizer, like this one. For starters, instead of keys you’ll find what’s called a "keywave surface" that you can play much like a keyboard, but with very different results. Team it up with the included Equator software and you can call upon an eclectic collection of virtual instruments; piano is included, of course, but also flutes, oboes, strings and brass. The unique keyboard surface means you’ll be able to replicate the sound of those instruments far more accurately than ever before, with rolls, trills, accents, light or heavy strikes, plus an impressive range of dynamics. Starts at $799. More information: roli.com.

5. Phonotonic

Put a smart sensor into a lightweight polygon orb and what do you get? A very unusual musical instrument, in that the real instrument is you. The Phonotonic translates your dancing into beats and tones and was the subject of many a zany photo op at this year’s CES (Consumer Electronics Show). Sensors inside the orb send movement data to an app on your phone and you can change up the music just with your moves, be they jazzy, free-form or pop n’ lock. Two are even more fun than one because you can assign rhythm to one and melody to the other; you can also pop out the sensors and attach them to things like sleeves or shoestrings. Since you’re the one making the beats, you’ll never be out of step. $85. More information: phonotonic.net.