LeafAudio - Microphonic Soundbox mk2

The Microphonic Soundbox is an instrument for experimental sound creation. It features a resonant wooden body equipped with contact microphones, battery-powered low-noise preamps and a variety of sound-generating surfaces, including springs, rods, textured panels and a kalimba. Use it standalone to create textures and samples or pair it with delay and loop-based effects for evolving soundscapes.

The Instrument features a range of playable surfaces and objects that allow the creation of unheard sounds and textures. The main components are:

• Two metal rods – you can excite them with a stick or similar to get bell-like sounds, or play them with a bow to create ethereal–metallic tones. Pitching recordings down reveals deep metallic drones.
• Three metal springs – pluck, pull or whip them to produce vintage reverb-like spring sounds.
• Sandpaper surface – scratch it with different objects and materials to create sounds ranging from soft whispering to harsh scraping noises.
• Kalimba with 5 strips – play harmonic melodies or use the freely tunable mechanism to explore microtonal tunings. Transposing these recordings down can create low bass patterns.

The Soundbox is designed to be modular, featuring M3 threaded strips that allow additional objects to be attached using thumb screws.

To pick up the vibrations created by the surfaces and objects, two contact microphones are built into the instrument. One is placed at the centre for the kalimba, rods, springs and sandpaper. The second is positioned at the side to capture sounds from attached objects.

The internal preamp is specially designed to amplify contact microphones, delivering low-noise amplification with precise detail – allowing you to boost even the smallest and quietest objects and turn them into cinematic, gigantic soundscape.
Two Channels, One Input, Two Outputs

The Microphonic Soundbox offers two independent amplifier channels and a 1/4″ input for external contact microphones, enabling extended routing options. The Microphonic Playground can serve as an extension as well to multiply your sonic possibilities.

Output 1 provides a mono mix of both channels. Using Output 2 alongside Output 1 splits the channels, allowing the Soundbox to be played on one output while the second one functions as an amplifier for an external contact microphone.
Expand the Soundbox with Add-ons for New Sonic Dimensions

The Microphonic Soundbox is designed for experimentation and for playing with different objects, materials and surfaces. You are free to use whatever you like to develop your own signature sounds. To help you get started, we’ve developed several Add-on Packs that create interesting sounds straight out of the box.

Features:
• Two channels with internal contact microphones
• Battery powered low noise pre-amps (~100x / ~40dB Gain)
• Two outputs: mixed mono or channels separated
• Channel one can act as pre-amp for external input
• Multifunctional holder, based on M3 threaded strips (left side & under Kalimba)
• Removable Kalimba
• Soundbox is a hub for external contact mics: use channel 1 as pre-amp on out 1 while play the actual Soundbox on out 2
• Output features an attenuator switch
• Power management switches the LED from blue to red when battery goes under 7 volt
• Soft grip rubber feet for acoustic decoupling
• Removable metal rods which come in a plastic tube which is great for transpor