Soundbrenner
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music technology |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Florian Simmendinger, Julian Vogels, Vinh-Nghi Tiet |
| Headquarters | Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; Berlin, Germany , Hong Kong; Germany |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Florian Simmendinger (CEO) |
| Products | Wearable vibrating metronomes, music practice analytics software, tuning tools, sound level monitoring devices, decibel measurement tools |
| Website | soundbrenner |
Soundbrenner is an international music technology firm headquartered in both Hong Kong and Germany. The company focuses on developing wearable gadgets and software applications tailored to assist musicians during practice sessions and live performances. Their product lineup includes features such as a vibrating metronome, practice analytics, tuning tools, sound level monitoring, and decibel measurement.
As pioneers in creating the first wearable devices specifically for musicians, Soundbrenner operates globally, with its products distributed through music retailers in over 40 countries. Their Android and iOS applications enjoy widespread adoption among musicians around the world. The company has achieved revenues near US$10 million and is actively broadening its market presence by selling music electronics directly to consumers.
Established in 2014 by Florian Simmendinger (CEO), Julian Vogels, and Vinh-Nghi Tiet, Soundbrenner employs cutting-edge technology to improve musicians' timing accuracy and sound management, establishing itself as a prominent player within the music tech industry.
History
Founded in 2014 by Florian Simmendinger, Julian Vogels, and Vinh Nghi Tiet, Soundbrenner maintains its main office in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, while its European technical team operates out of Berlin, Germany. The company introduced its inaugural product, the Soundbrenner Pulse—a wearable vibrating metronome—through a crowdfunding initiative on Indiegogo. In 2017, Soundbrenner participated in Die Höhle der Löwen, Germany’s adaptation of Shark Tank, seeking an investment of US$1.5 million in exchange for 10% ownership. This appearance significantly boosted recognition for the Pulse as a groundbreaking wearable device that assists musicians by delivering rhythmic vibrations during both practice and performance.
Since its launch, Soundbrenner has secured several rounds of funding, including $500,000 in 2015 and $1.5 million from angel investors in 2017 aimed at advancing product innovation and scaling market reach. Their AI-powered haptic metronomes have gained international usage among distinguished artists such as Australian musicologist Zubin Kanga and Canadian multimedia artist Luke Nickel. Prominent investors backing Soundbrenner include Jaan Tallinn (co-founder of Skype), Sonny Vu (Misfit co-founder), Yat Siu (CEO of Animoca Brands), and Matthias Knobloch (CEO of Betatron).
Soundbrenner Pulse
Launched in 2015, the Soundbrenner Pulse is a tactile metronome worn on the body that aids musicians in maintaining precise timing through vibration feedback. The package includes a magnetic USB charging dock and two adjustable bands (short and long). Connectivity is established wirelessly via Bluetooth to companion mobile apps which offer tempo adjustments, synchronization features, setlist management, and access to rhythm libraries. This device can be positioned on various body parts such as the wrist, arm, ankle, thigh, shoulder, or chest, allowing performers to physically sense the beat without relying on sound—making it highly effective for both rehearsals and live shows.
Equipped with a 7G ERM motor, the Pulse comes complete with a magnetic charging station and USB cable. Industry outlets like Sound on Sound have lauded its inventive design while Gizmodo emphasized its tactile approach as an alternative to conventional metronomes. VentureBeat characterized it as a "wearable metronome combining practicality with aesthetic appeal."
Soundbrenner Core
Introduced in 2018, the Soundbrenner Core is a versatile gadget that integrates a vibrating metronome, tuner, decibel meter, and smartwatch capabilities. Launched through crowdfunding platforms Kickstarter and Indiegogo, it secured over US$1 million in pre-sales. Tailored for musicians, the Core can be worn on different parts of the body and delivers strong vibrations that adjust to various rhythms and time signatures. It has been recognized by Rolling Stone as an adaptable tool for musicians and featured in Hodinkee as a contemporary watch designed specifically for music professionals.
The Metronome by Soundbrenner
'The Metronome by Soundbrenner' is a feature-rich application accessible on iOS and Android devices, providing musicians with a customizable metronome, practice monitoring, and tuning functions. Garnering over 100,000 user reviews across platforms, it enjoys global popularity and has been acknowledged by Wired magazine as one of the premier apps for music education.
Awards and recognitions
In 2016, Soundbrenner Pulse along with the Soundbrenner Metronome (a wearable metronome smartwatch) received the "Best in Show" accolade at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) event, the largest yearly trade exhibition for the music products sector. This honor underscored the innovative design and practical features of the Soundbrenner Pulse as a wearable metronome.
By June 2020, Soundbrenner was highlighted by Wired as one of the top musical applications and tools available globally.