Sonify
Transforms data into engaging audio for intuitive interpretation.. [Free Trial]
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What is Sonify?
Sonify is a pioneering company that operates at the intersection of audio, data, and emerging technologies. They specialize in designing and developing audio-first products and data-driven solutions, transforming complex data into meaningful auditory experiences through data sonification. Their flagship product TwoTone is a free and open-source web app that allows users to turn data into music without writing any code, funded by the Google News Initiative.
Key features include data sonification that transforms datasets into auditory experiences, AI-driven audio solutions, open-source tools like TwoTone, MIDI Out support for connecting to electronic instruments, and the ability to upload datasets or choose from samples to automatically generate audio tracks. Users can change instruments, add multiple columns, customize sound mappings, and export music for creative projects. The platform runs 100% in the browser with no downloads required.
Sonify serves a diverse audience including data scientists, educators, creative technologists, musicians, artists, businesses seeking innovative data presentation methods, and particularly visually impaired communities who benefit from accessible data interpretation. Their solutions span scientific research, education and training, art creation, corporate data presentation, and data-driven storytelling through podcasts and reports.
The company provides training, production, and R&D&I services including sonifications from custom data, audiovisual interactive experiences, masterclasses, and collaborative projects with institutions. Their work combines data sonification, sound design, interaction design, spatial audio, VR/AR, AI, and Voice technologies to complement visualization methods by adding the option of listening to amplify understanding.
Sonify pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
TwoTone is completely free and open-source with no subscription required. The web app is available to try for free directly in the browser with no payment needed. Sonify offers free open-source tools like TwoTone for public use. Custom solutions, training programs, production services, and R&D&I services require contacting the company for a quote. The company was a recipient of the Knight Foundation's Data For Civic Engagement award supporting their accessibility initiatives.
Sonify pros
- Free open-source TwoTone web app available
- No coding or programming knowledge required
- Runs 100% in browser, no downloads needed
- Accessible for visually impaired users
- MIDI Out feature for electronic instrument integration
- 16 channels of MIDI simultaneously supported
- Upload custom datasets or use provided samples
- Change instruments and customize sound mappings
- Export generated music for creative projects
- Supports multiple data columns for complex compositions
- Works on desktop and tablet devices
- Compatible with Firefox, Chrome, and Safari browsers
- Innovative approach to data interaction
- Strong focus on accessibility and inclusion
- Google News Initiative funded project
Sonify cons
- MIDI Out feature only available in Chrome browser
- Desktop or tablet recommended over mobile
- Limited advanced features in free tools
- Custom solutions require quote and significant investment
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with sonification
- Primarily focused on data sonification niche
- No dedicated mobile app available
- Custom solutions may have long development timelines
Frequently asked questions about Sonify
What is data sonification?
Data sonification is the process of converting data into sound, making it accessible and interpretable through auditory means. It adds the option of listening to data to amplify understanding and expands the possibilities for human-computer interaction by augmenting visualization with another dimension.
Do I need musical or programming knowledge to use TwoTone?
No prior musical or programming knowledge is required. TwoTone is designed to be fun and intuitive, allowing users to sonify data without writing a single line of code. The algorithm automatically makes an audio track from your data column.
What types of data can be sonified?
TwoTone accepts dataset uploads and can sonify various data types. Users upload a data set or choose from provided samples, and the algorithm creates audio from one column automatically. Multiple columns can be added for more complex compositions.
Is TwoTone free to use?
Yes, TwoTone is completely free and open-source. It is a Sonify project built with support from the Google News Initiative, accessible to all users without any subscription or payment required.
What browsers does TwoTone support?
TwoTone is tested on the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Safari browsers. The MIDI Out feature is only available in Chrome browser. Desktop or tablet is recommended for the best experience.
Can I export the music I create?
Yes, music created in TwoTone can be exported for use in creative projects. The platform is designed for rapid prototyping of ideas in production and training contexts.
How does MIDI Out work in TwoTone?
The MIDI Out feature allows TwoTone to send notes derived from the data source to electronic instruments. It can use 16 channels of MIDI simultaneously, providing more experienced music creators the ability to connect to external MIDI devices.
Who is TwoTone suitable for?
TwoTone is suitable for educators, data scientists, visually impaired individuals, musicians, artists, creative technologists, and anyone interested in data-driven music. It serves novices and experts alike, from students learning sonification concepts to professionals creating data-driven compositions.
What services does Sonify offer beyond TwoTone?
Sonify provides training (masterclasses to in-depth programs), production (sonifications and interactive audiovisual experiences), and R&D&I services. They create custom sonifications from client data, collaborate with audio innovators, and develop audiovisual experiences using machine learning, generative art, and emerging media.
Can Sonify integrate with other software or tools?
Yes, Sonify provides APIs and integration options to work seamlessly with other software and data analysis tools. The MIDI Out feature enables integration with electronic instruments, and custom solutions can be tailored to integrate with various applications.