# Playtronica Help Center — Full Content Site: https://help.playtronica.com Generated: 2026-08-05T08:36:18.948Z License: CC-BY-4.0 (content), MIT (code). Attribution: 'Playtronica Help Center'. Every public page in this help center is included below. Pages are grouped by section and ordered as they appear in the sidebar. Each page starts with a level-2 heading containing its title and absolute URL. ================================================================================ # Getting started ## What is Playtronica? URL: https://help.playtronica.com/getting-started/what-is-playtronica/ Summary: A 60-second overview. Everything can sing. Playtronica makes small devices that turn everyday objects into music. Touch a plant, a glass of water, or a friend's hand — and a note plays. Some devices read the small electrical signals in your skin. Others read the bio-electrical signals of a houseplant. One is a self-playing sequencer that rotates. We have been doing this since 2014. We started with workshops where children made music from cactuses. We are now a small studio with team members in Berlin and Paris. Our devices are bare circuit boards by design — no plastic case. There are five devices: - **TouchMe** — touch two gold pads with bare skin. Notes play. The simplest device. - **Playtron** — clip alligator wires to anything that conducts electricity (fruit, water, foil, skin). Touch the object to play. - **Biotron** — clip leaf-pads to a houseplant. The plant plays the music. - **Orbita** — a round device with a motor. It plays a step sequence by itself. - **Scales** — place an object on the plate. Heavier objects play higher notes. Every device works with the music software you probably already have: Ableton, Logic, GarageBand, FL Studio. If you do not have music software, synth.playtronica.com is a free browser-based synth that works with every Playtronica device. ## Two things to know first - You need **Chrome** for the browser synth and our settings tools. Safari and Firefox do not support Web MIDI yet. - Each device is a bare circuit board. It is durable, but the metal pins can corrode if you leave them in contact with wet objects for a long time. Wipe the pins dry after sessions with water or fruit. ## If you just received one Start with Got it as a gift? — the fastest path from box to first sound. If you bought the device for yourself and want the full setup, read Your first 5 minutes. ## Who Playtronica is for People who hear music waiting inside fruit, plants, and the people they love. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Which Playtronica do I have? URL: https://help.playtronica.com/getting-started/which-device/ Summary: Five Playtronica devices exist. This page helps you tell them apart and explains what each one does. Playtronica makes five devices. They all turn something physical into MIDI, but each one senses something different. If you are holding a circuit board and you are not sure which device it is, start here. > ⚠️ **All five devices share the same safety rule.** Handle only the contacts shown in the device's own guide. Touching solder joints, exposed chips, or the underside of the PCB can damage the device permanently, even when the device is unplugged. ## TouchMe — touch instrument 👐 TouchMe — complete guide · deep dive - **What it senses:** skin conductivity between two gold pads. Touch both pads with bare skin and notes play. - **What it looks like:** a small, flat PCB with rounded gold pads on the edges. About the size of a credit card. - **In the box:** TouchMe and a USB cable. - **Best for:** workshops, parties, demos, and anyone who wants the fastest first sound. Two people holding the device is the most common shared moment in the line-up. ## Playtron — clip-anything instrument 🍉 Playtron — complete guide · deep dive - **What it senses:** conductivity through 16 alligator clips. Clip the wires to fruit, water, foil, or skin — touch the object to play. - **What it looks like:** a longer PCB with 16 metal pins along the edge for alligator clips, with a pointed corner that acts as the ground. - **In the box:** Playtron, a USB cable, and alligator-clip cables. - **Best for:** musicians, makers, and installation artists. Up to 16 objects map to 16 notes. ## Biotron — plant instrument 🌿 Biotron — your plant as a MIDI instrument · Biotron Advanced - **What it senses:** bio-electrical signals from a living plant, plus an ambient light sensor on Channel 2. The plant plays itself; light changes shape the result. - **What it looks like:** a black PCB with two cable connectors for leaf-pad probes and a small light sensor on top. - **In the box:** Biotron and two leaf-pad probes on cables. (A USB cable is not included.) - **Best for:** sound artists, therapists, and anyone who likes that plants are quietly alive. Generative music without any input from you. ## Orbita — rotating MIDI sequencer 🌀 Orbita — rotating MIDI sequencer · deep dive - **What it senses:** nothing. Orbita is self-playing. A motor rotates a pattern around a ring of "steps" and emits MIDI notes as it goes. - **What it looks like:** round, with a central rotary encoder and side buttons. Visibly mechanical. - **In the box:** Orbita, a USB cable, and coloured magnets. - **Best for:** DAW-heavy producers, live performers, and installation artists who want a hands-free pattern generator. > ⚠️ **Orbita does not make sound on its own.** It sends MIDI to a synth or DAW. You need a sound source connected. ## Scales — weight-to-MIDI instrument ⚖️ Scales — the weight-to-MIDI instrument - **What it senses:** weight on a load cell. Heavier objects play higher pitches. The maximum load is 3 kg. - **What it looks like:** a flat plate with three buttons and five LEDs along the side. The plate is the instrument. - **In the box:** Scales. (A USB cable is not included.) - **Best for:** anyone curious about gestural music, children, installation work, and sound designers. Five modes turn the same gesture into a chord, an arpeggio, a tempo, or a tuning pad. ## Side-by-side comparison | Device | What it senses | Plays itself? | Needs grounding? | |---|---|---|---| | TouchMe | Skin conductivity | No | No | | Playtron | Conductivity of any clipped object | No | Yes (hold the pointed corner) | | Biotron | Plant bio-signals and light | Yes (the plant does it) | No | | Orbita | Nothing — it is a sequencer | Yes | No | | Scales | Weight on a load cell | No | No | > 📊 **Looking to choose between devices, not identify one?** See the full comparison page — spec matrix, software compatibility, what's in each box, prices, and a decision tree by use case. ## Still not sure? Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Which device do I have? and a photo of what you have. We reply within 1 business day with the right setup link. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Your first 5 minutes URL: https://help.playtronica.com/getting-started/your-first-5-minutes/ Summary: From box to first sound, in five minutes. These instructions take about five minutes. Find your device below and follow the steps — you will be making sound by the end. > 🔌 **Two things before you start:** > - **Your device sends MIDI — it makes no sound on its own.** You open a free web instrument (like dotpiano.com) and *that* makes the sound. The steps below show you how. > - **Use a computer, not a phone.** Web MIDI does not work in any mobile browser — iPhone, Android, or iPad. For phones and tablets, see Mobile apps. **Not sure which device you have?** Find it here — with photos. Choosing between devices? See the comparison page. ## 👐 TouchMe > **How it works:** the two gold pads sense the conductivity of your skin. Bare skin in contact with both pads completes a circuit. The larger the skin contact area, the louder and brighter the sound. 1. **Plug TouchMe into your computer with the USB cable from the box.** Use the cable from the box — charge-only cables look identical but carry no data. The LED stays dark when you plug in — that is normal; it blinks when you touch the pads, which is how you know it is working. 2. **Open a web instrument in Chrome.** Start with dotpiano.com — it is the simplest. You can also use our own synth.playtronica.com (more synths). Plug the device in *before* opening the browser — if the tab was already open, reload it. Safari and Firefox do not support Web MIDI. 3. **Click Allow on the MIDI permission popup.** You only see this prompt once. Missed it, or clicked Block? In Chrome go to Settings → Privacy → Site Settings → MIDI, set the synth site to **Allow**, then reload. 4. **Touch both gold pads with bare fingers.** You should hear a note — that is it, you are playing. If the sound is faint, press more firmly: dry skin conducts weakly. 5. **Try two people.** Each person holds one pad. Touch the other person on bare skin. The circuit completes through both bodies. ## 🍉 Playtron > **How it works:** Playtron senses the conductivity of any object you clip an alligator wire to. You complete the circuit by holding the device's pointed corner — that corner is the ground — and touching the clipped object. > ⚠️ **Grounding is not optional — it is how Playtron works.** Hold the pointed corner of the device the whole time you play. Without it, Playtron makes no sound, and this is the single most common reason it appears not to work. See Grounding — how and why for four ways to ground. 1. **Plug Playtron into your computer with the USB cable from the box.** Use the cable from the box — charge-only cables look identical but carry no data. Playtron's LED stays dark when you plug it in — that's normal. It blinks each time you complete the circuit and a note plays, which is how you know it's working. 2. **Open a web instrument in Chrome.** Start with dotpiano.com — it is the simplest. You can also use our own synth.playtronica.com. Click **Allow** on the MIDI permission popup. 3. **Clip one alligator wire to an object** — a banana, a glass of water, aluminium foil, a plant. 4. **Hold the pointed corner of the device with one hand.** Bare skin only — that corner is the ground. 5. **Touch the clipped object with your other hand.** You should hear a note. ## 🌿 Biotron > **How it works:** Biotron measures the bio-electrical signals inside a living plant. The plant generates the music. Your job is to set up the circuit and wait for calibration. 1. **Clip both leaf-pads to a houseplant.** Use different leaves or different points on the same branch. The pads must not touch each other. 2. **Plug Biotron into your computer with a USB cable.** 3. **Move away from the plant and wait 30 seconds.** Biotron calibrates to the plant's baseline signal during this time — standing close would interfere with the reading. You will hear two short calibration tones, and the LED will pulse slowly once it is ready. 4. **Open a web instrument in Chrome.** Start with dotpiano.com, or use our own synth.playtronica.com. Click **Allow** on the MIDI permission popup. 5. **Listen.** The plant is now playing. You can also touch a leaf, change the room lighting, or move your hand near the plant — each changes the signal. ## 🌀 Orbita Orbita is a self-playing step sequencer. It does not sense touch or conductivity — it needs a sound source (a synth, a DAW, or another MIDI device) to be heard. **Quick start:** plug Orbita in, open a synth in Chrome, then follow Orbita — rotating MIDI sequencer for the full setup. ## ⚖️ Scales Scales is a weight-to-MIDI device — place objects on the plate to produce notes, and heavier objects produce higher notes. **Quick start:** plug Scales in, open a synth in Chrome, then follow Scales — the weight-to-MIDI instrument for the full setup. ## If you do not hear a note Quick checks first — these resolve most cases: - **Are you in Chrome?** Safari and Firefox do not support Web MIDI. - **Did you click Allow** on the MIDI permission popup? - **Did you plug the device in before opening the synth tab?** If not, reload the tab. - **On Playtron:** are you holding the pointed corner (the ground) with bare skin? Still nothing? See No sound or MIDI not detected, or open the troubleshooting hub for an interactive walkthrough. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Got it as a gift? URL: https://help.playtronica.com/getting-started/got-it-as-a-gift/ Summary: Someone gave you a Playtronica. Here is how to hear your first note in five minutes. Welcome. You can make music from a banana, a houseplant, or your friend's hand. This page is the fastest path. First, identify your device. All five are bare circuit boards: - 👐 **TouchMe** — small board with two gold pads. You touch the pads. - 🍉 **Playtron** — larger board with alligator clips. You clip the wires to objects and touch the objects. - 🌿 **Biotron** — black box with cables that clip to plant leaves. The plant plays the music. - 🌀 **Orbita** — round device with a motor. It plays itself. - ⚖️ **Scales** — board with a weight plate. Heavier objects play higher notes. If you cannot identify your device, see Which Playtronica do I have?. Each device page opens with a photo. ## Make sound in five minutes 1. Plug the device into your laptop with a USB cable. Use the cable from the box — a charge-only cable looks identical but carries no data, and the device will not be detected. 2. Open **Chrome** and go to dotpiano.com — it is the simplest web instrument and the easiest place to hear your first note. Our own synth library is at synth.playtronica.com if you want to explore further. 3. Click **Allow** on the MIDI permission popup that appears in the browser. 4. Pick one: - **TouchMe** — touch both gold pads with bare skin. The LED stays dark when you plug in — that is normal; it blinks when you touch the pads. - **Playtron** — clip one alligator wire to a piece of fruit. Hold the pointed corner of the device with one hand (that sharp corner is the ground). Touch the fruit with the other hand. Playtron's LED stays dark when you plug it in — that's normal. It blinks each time you complete the circuit and a note plays, which is how you know it's working. - **Biotron** — clip both leaf-pads to a houseplant. Wait 30 seconds for calibration. - **Scales** — place an object up to 3 kg on the weight plate. - **Orbita** — open a DAW or music app first (Orbita needs a sound source), then place a coloured magnet on a track and press Start. You should hear a note. If not, see "No sound" below. > 💡 **Why Chrome?** Playtronica devices talk to your laptop through a feature called Web MIDI. Chrome supports it. Safari and Firefox do not yet. **Use a computer, not a phone** — Web MIDI does not work in any mobile browser. ## What to try next - **Try everyday objects.** Anything that conducts a small amount of electricity works: fruit, water, aluminium foil, your skin, a damp leaf, a coin. See Objects you can play. - **Connect to music software.** Ableton, Logic, GarageBand, and FL Studio see the device as a MIDI keyboard. See Connecting to a computer. - **Try different synths.** dotpiano.com is the simplest starting point. synth.playtronica.com has a larger library of sounds. See our full picks. ## No sound — quick check - **Browser:** are you in Chrome? Safari and Firefox do not support MIDI. - **Permission:** did you click **Allow** on the MIDI permission popup? If you clicked Block, see No sound or MIDI not detected. - **Order of operations:** the device must be plugged in **before** the browser opens the synth page. If you plugged in after, close the synth tab and open it again. - **Cable:** the device ships with a USB data cable. A charge-only cable looks identical but carries no data — if you are using a different cable, swap in the one from the box. - **Playtron only:** are you holding the pointed corner of the device with bare skin? Without that contact (the ground), Playtron makes no sound at all. If none of that works, open the troubleshooting hub, or email support@playtronica.com. We read every email. ## If it is not for you That is fine. Four options to consider first: - **Try it once with another person.** Many of the best moments happen when a second person holds the other end of the circuit. Invite a friend, a child, a flatmate. - **Pass it on.** A music teacher, an artist, a curious child, a nephew or niece — many people would value this device. - **Use it once.** Pull it out at a dinner. Plug it into a banana. Watch the room. Some people only need that one moment. - **Try it again in a week.** The first session is not always the one that lands. The synths at synth.playtronica.com are very different from each other. If it still does not click for you, see Returns and refunds for what to do next. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## What is in the box? URL: https://help.playtronica.com/getting-started/whats-in-the-box/ Summary: What you find inside the box, and what each piece does. **Do I need a cable?** TouchMe, Playtron, and Orbita ship with the USB cable you need — open the box, plug it in, go. **Biotron and Scales do not include a USB cable** — you provide a USB-C data cable that matches your computer. See Accessories for the matching part, or Compare devices for the full "what is in the box" table. Every Playtronica device ships in a small cardboard box with the parts the device needs and a quick-start card. No power adapter is included — every device is powered through USB. The cable depends on the device — see below. You will need a computer with **Chrome** installed to use any Playtronica device with the browser synth. ## 👐 TouchMe - **TouchMe device** — the main PCB with two touch-sensitive gold pads. - **USB cable** — for connecting to your computer. - **Quick-start card.** ## 🍉 Playtron - **Playtron device** — the main PCB with 16 alligator-clip pins and a pointed corner that acts as the ground. - **USB cable.** - **Alligator-clip cables** — usually 8 in the box. - **Quick-start card.** ## 🌿 Biotron - **Biotron device** — the main PCB with a built-in light sensor. - **Two leaf-pad probes on cables** — for clipping to plant leaves or branches. - **Quick-start card.** > ℹ️ **A USB cable is not included.** You will need a USB cable that matches Biotron's port and your computer. ## 🌀 Orbita - **Orbita device** — the main PCB with a rotating ring, central encoder, and side buttons. - **USB cable.** - **Set of coloured magnets** — for placing on the four tracks. - **Quick-start card.** ## ⚖️ Scales - **Scales device** — the main PCB with a weight plate and three buttons. - **TRS MIDI cable** (sometimes included) — for connecting to a hardware synth. - **Quick-start card.** > ℹ️ **A USB cable is not included.** You will need a USB cable that matches Scales' port and your computer. ## Something missing? Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Missing item #[order number] and a photo of what arrived. We will send a replacement. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Accessories, cables, and add-ons URL: https://help.playtronica.com/getting-started/accessories/ Summary: Every non-device product Playtronica makes — what each one is for, when you need it, and which device it pairs with. Every Playtronica device works out of the box. The accessories on this page are optional — they extend what you can do, replace a part you have worn out, or smooth over the cable situation on your particular computer or phone. This page is the long version. Browse them all at shop.playtronica.com. > 💡 **Already own a device?** Most owners only ever buy two extras: a longer or replacement USB cable, and the Accessory Kit for installation work. Everything else is situational. ## Cables Every device ships with the USB cable it needs. These are spares, replacements, longer runs, or the right end if you have a non-default port. ### USB-C to USB-A — 1 m The default cable in the box for TouchMe, Playtron, and Orbita. This is the same cable in two color variants (white or matte). - USB-C to A — 1 m (matte) — €9.98 - USB-C to A — 1 m (white) — €9.98 Buy a spare if you have lost yours or want one to leave permanently in your studio. ### USB-C to USB-A — 2 m Longer run for installations, performances, or studios where the laptop sits across the desk. Otherwise identical to the 1 m version. USB-C to A — 2 m — €13.31 ### USB-C to USB-C — 1 m For modern laptops, iPad Pro, iPhone 15 and newer, and Android phones that only have a USB-C port. Plug the device straight into a USB-C port without an adapter. USB-C to C — 1 m — €9.98 ## Adapters ### USB Adapter for Android and older Mac A 2-in-1 hood: one end is Micro-USB, the other end is USB-C. Plug it onto a USB-A device cable to land on an older Android or a Mac that only has USB-C ports. USB Adapter — 2-in-1 — €9.31 ### iPhone Lightning Adapter For iPhones and iPads with a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and earlier, plus older iPad models). The adapter exposes a USB-A port plus charging passthrough — so the iPhone keeps charging while a Playtronica device sends MIDI to GarageBand, Koala, or any other CoreMIDI app. iPhone Lightning Adapter — €20.63 > 💡 **iPhone 15 and newer have USB-C** and do not need this adapter. Use the USB-C to C cable instead. ## Conductive materials These let you build your own playable surfaces with Playtron and TouchMe. Stick them on paper, fabric, sculpture, walls, or 3D prints, and the surface becomes a sensor. ### Copper tape 8 mm wide, 10 m on a roll. Adhesive on one side, fully conductive top to bottom. Cut to length with scissors. Copper Tape — €9.31 Use it for crisp, drawn-on surfaces — paper instruments, cardboard panels, wall installations, 3D-print contact points. ### Conductive fabric tape Soft, bendable, adhesive. Works on textiles, garments, and curved sculpture surfaces where copper tape would crack. The same tape that ships inside the Accessory Kit. Conductive Fabric Tape — €11.31 ## Patches and clips ### Patches for skin and plants — 4 pack Stick-on conductive electrodes with an alligator-clip attachment point. Use them to clip TouchMe or Playtron to a comfortable spot on your skin without holding the device, or to attach Biotron's leaf-pads to a leaf without a good clip surface. 4 Patches — €16.63 ### Patches for skin and plants — 8 pack Same patches, twice as many. Pick this size if you are kitting out a workshop, a body-music performance, or an installation that wears patches out fast. 8 Patches — €26.62 ### 10 extra alligator clips Each Playtron ships with 8 alligator-clip cables. The 10-pack brings you to 18 — enough to use all 16 alligator-clip pins on Playtron at the same time, with two spares for when teeth break or wires bend. 10 Extra Alligator Clips — €9.31. Each clip is 44 to 50 cm long. ## Cases and protection ### Playtron case A biodegradable plastic case sized for Playtron, illustrated by Aglaya Demidenko and made by Reality Fab in Berlin. Protects the alligator-clip pins in a bag and slows down the bend stress on the connector. Playtron Case — €20.00 > ℹ️ **Stock note.** The case is produced in small runs. If it is sold out, the next batch usually lands in 2 to 4 weeks. Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Stock — Playtron case for the next ship date. ## Wearables and small editions ### Playtronica Scarf A 100% acrylic scarf in the Orbita colour palette, knit by Nele Rojek and made in Germany. It is a real scarf — warm and soft — designed to riff visually on Orbita's coloured magnets. Playtronica Scarf — €26.32 ### Playtron Necklace A limited swag piece from Playtronica's 10-year anniversary edition. Small, wearable, on a chain. Playtron Necklace — €12.50 ## Bundles and kits Buying more than one thing? The bundles save money against buying the parts separately. Each bundle page on the shop lists exactly what is inside. - **Accessory Kit** — €50.90. The most-asked-for combination: 8 patches, copper tape, 10 alligator clips, conductive fabric tape. Pair with any device. - **Biotron Starter Kit** — €122.58. Biotron plus the materials needed to set it up on a plant. - **Playtron + TouchMe Bundle** — €163.44. Two complementary touch instruments at a paired price. - **Orbita + TouchMe Bundle** — €506.12. Orbita with the limited Black TouchMe. - **Orbita + Biotron Duo** — €520.54. The two newest devices, designed to play together (Orbita drives the rhythm, Biotron drives the melody from a plant). - **Orbita + Scarf Bundle** — €494.76. Orbita and the matching scarf as a present. - **Playtronica Bestsellers** — €227.82. The community's favourite picks. - **Playtronica All-in-One** — €278.33. Every active device in one box. ## Third-party devices ### IO-Lights Not made by Playtronica — designed by **Instruments of Things**, sold through our shop because it pairs well with our line-up. A MIDI controller driven by ambient light (a high-resolution light sensor in the center sends MIDI CC or MIDI Note messages as the light around it changes). MIDI Controller IO-Lights — €89.00 > ℹ️ **Currently sold out** in international and US warehouses. Email collaboration@playtronica.com with the subject IO-Lights restock if you want notice when it returns. ## Gift cards ### e-Gift Card A digital gift card in €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations. Delivered by email, redeemable on anything in the shop, no expiry. Playtronica e-Gift Card ## When to buy what | If you want to… | Buy | |---|---| | Plug a USB-C device into a USB-A Mac or Android | USB-A to USB-C adapter | | Plug into a Lightning iPhone or iPad | iPhone Lightning adapter | | Plug into a USB-C iPhone, iPad, or Android | USB-C to USB-C cable | | Run a longer cable for a stage or installation | USB-C to A — 2 m | | Use all 16 Playtron alligator-clip pins at once | 10 Extra alligator clips | | Stick conductive shapes onto paper, cardboard, walls | Copper tape | | Sew or stick conductive material onto textiles | Conductive fabric tape | | Wear a TouchMe or Playtron probe comfortably | Patches | | Attach Biotron's leaf clip to a tricky leaf | Patches | | Protect Playtron's pin row in a bag | Playtron case | | Buy "everything I might need" in one click | Accessory Kit | | Gift Playtronica without picking the device | e-Gift card | ## Related pages - Compare devices — what's in each box (some ship without a cable, this matters when buying accessories). - What is in the box? — what you already have before buying more. - Connect your device — which cable / adapter you actually need for your specific computer or phone. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Write to **support@playtronica.com** with the subject Accessory question. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Devices ## Compare all Playtronica devices URL: https://help.playtronica.com/devices/compare/ Summary: For fruit, water, foil, or conductive drawings, choose Playtron. Compare it with TouchMe, Biotron, Orbita, and Scales to pick the right instrument. Playtronica makes five MIDI controllers. Every one turns a different physical thing — skin, fruit, a plant, a rotating disc, a weight — into MIDI. They are designed to be played together as much as alone. This page is the long, honest comparison. > 💡 **Not sure which device you already have?** That is a different page. See Which Playtronica do I have — it identifies the device from a photo. This page is for picking which one to buy or play with next. ## One-line comparison | Device | Plays itself? | What you do | Best partner | |---|---|---|---| | **TouchMe** | No | Touch the device with your skin | Another person + TouchMe | | **Playtron** | No | Clip 16 wires to fruit, water, foil, or skin | TouchMe in the other hand | | **Biotron** | Yes — the plant plays | Plug into a houseplant | Headphones and a chair | | **Orbita** | Yes — the motor plays | Place coloured magnets on a rotating disc | Any DAW or sampler app | | **Scales** | No | Place an object on the plate | Other Scales devices | ## Pick by what you want to do ### "I want to play music with my hands the first time I plug it in" → **TouchMe**. Touch the pads, it makes sound. No clips, no patches, no plant. The fastest cold-start in the line-up. Often the right gift. ### "I want to use real-world objects as instruments" → **Playtron**. Sixteen alligator-clip pins map to sixteen notes. Clip them to fruit, water, foil, drawings made with conductive ink, your sister's hand. A workshop favourite. ### "I want music that plays by itself" → **Biotron** if you want a living source: bio-signals from a plant become MIDI, light shapes the result. Generative and slow. → **Orbita** if you want a mechanical source: a motor spins a magnetic pattern around a ring of "steps" and triggers MIDI as it rotates. Loop-based and rhythmic. Needs a synth or DAW connected. ### "I want a gestural, sculptural instrument" → **Scales** is the newest. Place an object on the plate; heavier objects play higher notes. Five modes turn that gesture into chords, arpeggios, tempo, or a tuning pad. ### "I want all of the above to play at once" → The **All-in-One bundle** has every active device in one box. Or start with the **Orbita + Biotron Duo** — Orbita as the rhythm, Biotron as the melody, no human input required. ## Full spec matrix ### Open the full spec matrix — sensor, polyphony, output, grounding, dimensions, software, price. | | TouchMe | Playtron | Biotron | Orbita | Scales | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | **What it senses** | Skin conductivity between two gold pads | Conductivity through 16 alligator clips | Bio-signals from a plant + ambient light | Coloured magnets passing under a sensor on a rotating disc | Weight on a load cell (0–3 kg) | | **Plays itself?** | No | No | Yes — the plant plays | Yes — the motor plays | No | | **Inputs** | 2 touch pads | 16 alligator-clip pins + ground | 2 leaf-pad probes + light sensor | 4 magnetic tracks, central encoder, side buttons | 1 weight plate + 3 buttons | | **Polyphony** | Up to 12 notes | Up to 16 simultaneous notes | 2 channels (plant + light) | Up to 4 tracks of mono | 1 note at a time (5 modes) | | **Output** | USB MIDI (class-compliant) | USB MIDI | USB MIDI | USB MIDI + 5-pin MIDI DIN | USB MIDI | | **Power** | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | | **Needs grounding?** | No | Yes — hold the pointed corner | No | No | No | | **Needs a sound source?** | Yes — synth or DAW | Yes — synth or DAW | Yes — synth or DAW | Yes — synth or DAW | Yes — synth or DAW | | **Form factor** | Credit-card-sized PCB with gold pads | Long PCB, 16 pin row + ground | Black PCB, 2 probe sockets, light sensor | Round disc with central encoder | Flat plate with buttons and LEDs | | **Web settings page** | touchme | playtron | biotron | orbita | No | | **Firmware updatable** | Yes (BOOT pin + .uf2) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | **Price (from)** | €92.93 | €101.64 | €110.00 | €494.76 | TBA — coming soon | | **Deep dive** | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | ## What is in each box | Device | USB cable | Other contents | |---|---|---| | **TouchMe** | USB-C to A, 1 m | Nothing else — the device is the instrument | | **Playtron** | USB-C to A, 1 m | 8 alligator-clip cables | | **Biotron** | **Not included** — buy a USB-C cable if you do not have one | 2 leaf-pad probes on cables | | **Orbita** | USB-C to A, 1 m | A set of coloured magnets | | **Scales** | **Not included** — buy a USB-C cable if you do not have one | Three colour variants; the plate is the instrument | > ⚠️ **Biotron and Scales do not ship with a cable.** It is a deliberate choice — most owners already have a USB-C cable and we did not want to add the cost. If you do not have one, the USB-C to A 1 m cable (€9.98) is the matching part. ## Software it works with Every device is class-compliant USB MIDI — they appear as a MIDI device to any operating system without a driver. ### Open the software compatibility matrix — macOS / Windows / iOS / Android, plus the best app for each device. | Device | macOS | Windows | iOS / iPadOS | Android | Best apps | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | **TouchMe** | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (Lightning or USB-C) | ✅ | Koala, GarageBand, synth.playtronica.com | | **Playtron** | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Ableton, Koala, DAWs, hardware synths | | **Biotron** | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | synth.playtronica.com, Ableton, plant-music apps | | **Orbita** | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Any DAW, sampler app, hardware synth via 5-pin DIN | | **Scales** | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Any CoreMIDI app, DAWs | Detailed software notes live on the dedicated pages: Ableton, Logic and GarageBand, FL Studio and other DAWs, iPad and iPhone, online synths, hardware synths. ## Price at a glance | Device | From | Notes | |---|---|---| | **TouchMe** | €92.93 | White (default) or limited Black | | **Playtron** | €101.64 | White (default) or limited Black | | **Biotron** | €110.00 | | | **Orbita** | €494.76 | | | **Scales** | TBA | Coming soon — four colour variants | Prices are live at shop.playtronica.com and shown in EUR. Conversion to USD happens at checkout for non-EU buyers. See Pricing and discounts for codes and bundles. ## Bundles — getting more than one device | Bundle | What is inside | From | |---|---|---| | **Playtron + TouchMe** | Both touch instruments, designed to play together | €163.44 | | **Orbita + TouchMe** | Orbita with limited Black TouchMe | €506.12 | | **Orbita + Biotron Duo** | The two newest devices, designed to play together | €520.54 | | **Bestsellers** | The community's most-bought picks | €227.82 | | **All-in-One** | Every active device | €278.33 | For installations and education, see B2B and institutional. ## Still picking? The shortest correct answer to "which one should I buy" depends on one question: **do you want the music to happen because you touched something, or do you want the music to happen on its own?** - Touched something → **TouchMe**, **Playtron**, or **Scales**. - On its own → **Biotron** (organic, generative) or **Orbita** (mechanical, loop-based). Write to **support@playtronica.com** with the subject Which device should I buy and tell us briefly what you want to do — workshop, gift, installation, home studio, classroom. We reply within 1 business day with a recommendation. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first. If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Write to **support@playtronica.com**. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## TouchMe — the touch-to-MIDI instrument URL: https://help.playtronica.com/devices/touchme/ Summary: Turns touch, skin, water, and flowers into music — alone or with a friend. Setup, the two-person demo, firmware updates, and no-sound fixes. TouchMe is a small instrument with two gold pads. It turns **skin, water, or flowers into sound**. Touch both pads with bare skin and a note plays. The device measures the conductivity of whatever connects the two pads — your fingers, two people's hands, a glass of water, a wet leaf. A larger contact area produces a louder, brighter sound. **TouchMe is designed for shared play.** The most surprising moment is when two people each hold one pad and touch each other — the circuit completes through both bodies, and the touch between them plays the music. > ⚠️ **Handle only the parts shown in this guide.** Touch the gold conductive pads, the USB-C connector, and the electrode-patch clip points. Do not touch the narrow PCB bridge — it carries the microcontroller and surface-mount components. Even when the device is unplugged, do not touch solder joints, exposed chips, or the underside of the PCB. TouchMe is durable, but those areas can be damaged permanently. > ⚠️ **Not waterproof. Do not use with pacemakers.** TouchMe is safe at USB voltage but the device should not be submerged, and people with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices should not use it as a precaution. > 🛠️ **Want to go deeper?** When you are past the basics, see the TouchMe deep dive for MIDI output, hardware tuning, and performance tips. The tuning page covers the scale presets, the SCALE and KEY touch rings, and the symbols on the back. > 🛒 **Don't have one yet?** Buy TouchMe on shop.playtronica.com — White or Black (Limited). ## The two-person demo — the moment that defines TouchMe This is the demonstration we run at every workshop. It is the simplest way to understand what TouchMe is. 1. Two people stand next to TouchMe. 2. **Person A holds one gold pad with one hand.** Bare skin. 3. **Person B holds the other gold pad with one hand.** Bare skin. 4. **The two people touch each other** — palm to palm, fingertip to forearm, anywhere bare skin meets bare skin. A note plays. 5. **The touch between the two people becomes the instrument.** A high-five plays a short note. A long handshake plays a sustained note. A hug plays a chord. The music does not come from the device. The music comes from the connection between two people. TouchMe makes it audible. {{ youtube: lXe4WExMyeM title="TouchMe explained — official Playtronica demo" }} ## Three ways to play **Alone.** Hold both pads with bare skin — one hand on each pad. A note plays as long as the circuit is complete. Move your fingers across the pads to change the volume and brightness. **With a friend.** The two-person demo above. The most common workshop demonstration. **With objects.** Clip an alligator wire from one of the pads to anything that conducts a small amount of electricity — a piece of fruit, a glass of water, a wet leaf, aluminium foil, a damp piece of paper. Touch the clipped object and the other pad simultaneously. The object becomes a key. See Objects you can play for the full list. > 💡 **TouchMe playing on just one hand?** When your computer is plugged into the mains, earth ground can "leak" into the circuit, so a single pad is enough to complete it. To restore the deliberate two-pad and two-person play, run on battery or add a USB isolator. Full explanation: Grounding — ground leaking. ## Quick start — first sound in 2 minutes 1. **Plug TouchMe into your computer with the USB cable from the box.** No drivers are required on Mac or Windows. The LED stays dark when you plug in — that is normal. If your computer has only USB-A ports, see Adapters. 2. **Open synth.playtronica.com in Chrome.** Safari and Firefox do not support Web MIDI. Open the browser **after** plugging in the device so the browser detects it on page load. 3. **Choose a synth.** Avoid synths marked "Playtron only" (such as WebSID Commodore 64). The default Dots Piano is the most reliable starting point. 4. **Hold both gold pads with bare skin.** A note plays, and the light windows on the back follow your touch — that is how you know it is working. Try the two-person demo above. ## What is in the box - TouchMe device - USB cable - 2 alligator clips — for connecting to objects beyond your skin - Storage envelope ## Update the firmware Update the firmware once per quarter, or when we ship a new release. 1. **Open settings.playtronica.com/#/touchme in Chrome.** 2. **Click "Update Firmware".** If a drive called RPI-RP2 appears on your computer, skip to step 4. 3. **Follow the on-screen instructions** to put TouchMe into update mode. 4. **Upload the latest firmware.** The device reboots automatically. ## Reset TouchMe (factory wipe) Use the reset only if the firmware update will not start, or after a hardware fault. 1. **Short the BOOT pins.** Connect the two small BOOT contacts on the PCB with tweezers, a paper clip, or a jumper wire. 2. **Plug in USB-C with the BOOT pins still shorted.** 3. **Wait for the RPI-RP2 drive to appear on your computer, then release the pins.** The window is brief. If the drive does not appear, try again. 4. **Drag flash_nuke.uf2 onto the RPI-RP2 drive.** Wait for the device to reboot. 5. **Open settings.playtronica.com/#/touchme and upload the latest firmware.** ## Test the MIDI signal with a monitor A MIDI monitor shows whether TouchMe is sending any signal. Use it when you cannot tell whether the device or the synth is the problem. Compatible monitors: - MorningStar MIDI Monitor — online, runs in Chrome on any operating system. - MIDI Monitor by Snoize — macOS only. - Pocket MIDI — Mac, Windows, or iOS. Steps: 1. **Plug in TouchMe first, then open MorningStar in Chrome.** The browser scans for MIDI devices when the page loads. If you open the browser first, the device will not appear. 2. **Touch both pads and watch for messages on screen.** You should see message type **Note On** and **Note Off**, a MIDI channel, a note number, and velocity **127**. If messages appear, TouchMe is working. The problem is in your synth or browser. 3. **If TouchMe does not appear in the device list**, close Chrome completely. Wait 5 seconds. Reopen the browser, reload MorningStar, and click the "Devices" button in the top right. 4. **If the device is listed but no messages appear**, open Settings in MorningStar and confirm "Note On" is enabled. TouchMe sends only Note On and Note Off. 5. **If still no messages, try another computer.** If no messages appear on any computer with any cable, the device is likely faulty. Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Defective #[order number]. ## Works great with TouchMe TouchMe ships with a USB cable and two alligator clips. These open up new ways to play. - **Patches for skin and plants** — stick-on electrodes so you can play through your body without holding the pads. Ideal for the two-person demo and for performances. From €16. - **Orbita + TouchMe bundle** — Orbita's rotating sequencer drives the rhythm while TouchMe plays the touch. Limited-edition black TouchMe included. €506. - **Playtron + TouchMe bundle** — add Playtron and clip wires to fruit, plants, and water. Two instruments, a whole band at your fingertips. €163. - **iPhone Lightning adapter** — play TouchMe into GarageBand or any MIDI app on iPhone and iPad. €21. ## Related pages - Compare all Playtronica devices — side-by-side spec matrix, what is in each box, software compatibility, prices. - Accessories and add-ons — cables, adapters, patches, copper tape, and bundles. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Playtron — the clip-anything MIDI instrument URL: https://help.playtronica.com/devices/playtron/ Summary: Clip the wires, ground yourself, touch anything that conducts. Setup, the grounding fix, the no-sound checklist, and firmware updates. Playtron turns any conductive object into a piano key. Clip alligator wires to fruit, plants, metal, or water. Hold the pointed corner of the device — that sharp corner is the ground — and touch the object, and the note plays. Up to **16 objects** can be mapped to 16 notes. If the object conducts electricity, Playtron can play it. > ⚠️ **Handle only the parts shown in this guide.** Touch the 16 alligator-clip pins, the pointed ground corner, and the USB-C connector. Even when nothing is plugged in, do not touch solder joints, exposed chips, or the back of the PCB. Playtron is durable, but those areas can be damaged permanently. Treat the rest of the board the way you would treat the back of a phone screen. > 🛠️ **Want to go deeper?** When you are past the basics, see the Playtron deep dive for custom scales, per-pin mapping, and performance routing. > 🛒 **Don't have one yet?** Buy Playtron on shop.playtronica.com — White or Black (Limited). The box ships with the USB cable and 8 alligator-clip cables. {{ youtube: ibQuzjFUJd4 title="How to connect Playtron — Playtronica tutorial" }} ## Grounding — the one thing to understand first **Without grounding, Playtron does not play.** This is the single most common reason new users think Playtron is broken. Grounding is not optional; it is how Playtron works. Playtron measures tiny electrical changes between the alligator-clip pins and a **reference point** called ground. The reference point completes the circuit. No reference point, no measurement, no note. You have four ways to ground yourself. Use whichever is easiest in your setup: 1. **Hold the pointed corner of the device with bare skin.** The simplest method. That sharp corner is the ground, and your body is the ground reference. Use your dominant hand to touch a note object; use the other hand to hold the corner. 2. **Clip a wire to the pointed corner, attach the other end to a metal radiator, a metal sink, or your laptop's metal body.** Use this when you cannot touch the device directly — for performances or installations. 3. **Two-person ground.** A friend holds the pointed corner. You touch them. The circuit completes through both bodies. 4. **Audience as ground.** At workshops, the audience holds the ground while one person touches the object. The circuit completes through the audience. **What does not work as ground:** dry rubber, dry wood, painted metal, anodised aluminium, plastic. Skin needs to be bare; no clothing between you and the metal. For the full physics, see Grounding — how and why. ## Quick start You have read about grounding. Now plug in. 1. **Clip an alligator wire to a note pin on Playtron.** Clip the other end to a conductive object — fruit, plants, metal, or water. Repeat for each note, up to 16 objects. 2. **Plug Playtron into your computer with the USB cable from the box.** Then open synth.playtronica.com in Chrome. Plug in the device first, then open the browser. 3. **Ground yourself.** Hold the pointed corner of the device with one hand, or use one of the four methods above. 4. **Touch a note object with your other hand.** A note plays. Playtron's LED stays dark when you plug it in — that is normal and not a fault. It blinks each time you complete the circuit and a note plays, which is how you know the circuit is working. ## If Playtron is not playing — 5-step checklist Go through every step before you conclude the device is faulty. This resolves 98% of cases. 1. **Confirm you are grounded.** See the grounding section above. This is the cause 70% of the time. 2. **Use Chrome.** Safari and Firefox do not support Web MIDI. 3. **Plug in Playtron first, then open the browser.** The browser scans for MIDI devices on page load. If the browser is already open, the device will not be detected. 4. **Check the MIDI dropdown in the synth.** Most synths at synth.playtronica.com have a MIDI dropdown in the top right. Confirm Playtron is listed and selected. 5. **Wet your hands slightly.** Wash your hands and dry them only partially, or apply hand cream. Playtron measures skin conductivity. Dry skin produces a weak signal. ## Update the firmware Only **USB-C Playtron** devices (2026 and later) can update firmware via the web tool. Older Micro-USB devices do not support this process. 1. **Open settings.playtronica.com/#/playtron in Chrome.** 2. **Click "Update Firmware".** If a drive called RPI-RP2 appears on your computer, skip to step 4. 3. **Follow the on-screen instructions** to put Playtron into update mode (short the BOOT pins, plug in USB-C, release the pins after the drive appears). 4. **Upload the latest firmware.** The device reboots automatically. For a full reset / Nuke recovery, see Firmware reset (Nuke). ## Test the MIDI signal with a monitor A MIDI monitor shows whether Playtron is sending any signal. Use it when you cannot tell whether the device or the synth is the problem. Compatible monitors: - MorningStar MIDI Monitor — online, runs in Chrome on any operating system. - MIDI Monitor by Snoize — macOS only. - Pocket MIDI — Mac, Windows, or iOS. Steps: 1. **Plug in Playtron first, then open MorningStar in Chrome.** 2. **Touch a note object while holding the ground.** You should see message type **Note On** and **Note Off**, MIDI channel 1, and velocity **127**. If messages appear, Playtron is working. The problem is in your synth or browser. 3. **If Playtron does not appear in the device list**, close the browser, wait 5 seconds, reopen the browser, and reload MorningStar. Click the "Devices" button in the top right. 4. **If the device is listed but no messages appear**, open MorningStar Settings and confirm "Note On" messages are enabled. MorningStar shows all 16 notes at once even if only one is active. ## Reset Playtron (factory wipe) Use the reset only if the firmware update will not start, or after a hardware fault. 1. **Short the BOOT pins with tweezers or a paper clip.** 2. **Plug in USB-C with the BOOT pins still shorted.** 3. **Wait for the RPI-RP2 drive to appear on your computer, then release the pins.** The window is brief. If the drive does not appear, try again. 4. **Drag flash_nuke.uf2 onto the RPI-RP2 drive.** Wait for the device to reboot. 5. **Open settings.playtronica.com/#/playtron and upload the latest firmware.** ## Works great with Playtron Playtron ships with a USB cable and eight alligator clips. To map all 16 notes and play more surfaces, add these. - **10 extra alligator clips** — Playtron maps up to 16 objects, but the box includes 8 clips. This set covers the rest. €9. - **Patches for skin and plants** — stick-on electrodes for playing skin, leaves, and awkward surfaces without clipping. From €16. - **Copper tape** — turn any flat surface into a key. Stick it down, clip to it, play it. €9. - **Playtron + TouchMe bundle** — pair Playtron with TouchMe for clip-play and touch-play together. €163. ## Related pages - Compare all Playtronica devices — side-by-side spec matrix, what is in each box, software compatibility, prices. - Accessories and add-ons — extra alligator clips, copper tape, patches, cables, bundles. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Playtron issue #[order number]. Attach two short videos: - **Video 1** — the full setup: device, cables, the objects you are touching, and your computer screen with the synth open. - **Video 2** — a MIDI monitor (MorningStar) open while you interact. We need to see whether the device is sending MIDI messages. If the device is faulty, we will send a replacement or issue a refund. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Biotron — your plant as a MIDI instrument URL: https://help.playtronica.com/devices/biotron/ Summary: Clip the leaf-pads to a houseplant and let it play itself. Setup, wiring, firmware updates, and the fix for when there's no sound. Biotron reads the bio-electrical signals inside a living plant and converts them to MIDI. The plant plays music on its own. You can change the music by touching a leaf, changing the light, or moving your hand close to the plant. Biotron sends on two MIDI channels: - **Channel 1** — the plant sensor. - **Channel 2** — the light sensor. > ⚠️ **Handle only the parts shown in this guide.** Touch the leaf-pad cables, the light sensor face, and the USB-C connector. Do not touch the solder joints, the exposed chips on top, or the underside of the PCB — even when the device is unplugged. Biotron is durable, but those areas can be damaged permanently. Treat the rest of the board the way you would treat the back of a phone screen. > 🛠️ **New user?** Update the firmware before your first session. The device ships ready to use, but the latest firmware has major improvements. This takes about 3 minutes. > 🧬 **Want to go deeper?** See Biotron Advanced — MIDI CC and SysEx for real-time MIDI control, presets, and firmware-level customisation. > 🛒 **Don't have one yet?** Buy Biotron on shop.playtronica.com. Biotron ships without a USB cable — see Accessories for the matching part, or grab the Biotron Starter Kit which includes it. {{ youtube: EArNOal-ba0 title="Introducing the Biotron from Playtronica" }} ## Step 1 — Update the firmware (first time only) 1. **Activate boot mode.** Short the two small BOOT contacts on the PCB with a paper clip or jumper wire. Connect the pins first, then plug in USB-C, then release the pins. The device appears on your computer as a drive called RPI-RP2. 2. **Open settings.playtronica.com/#/biotron in Chrome.** Click the blue "Update firmware" button. A file downloads to your computer. 3. **Drag the downloaded file onto the RPI-RP2 drive.** The drive disappears. Done. When the device reconnects, it appears as a MIDI device called "Biotron" instead of a drive. ## Step 2 — Set up and play 1. **Clip the leaf-pads to your plant.** Clip one pad to a leaf or branch. Clip the other pad to a different leaf or branch. The pads must be **at least 2 cm apart**. The pads must never touch each other. 2. **Plug Biotron into your computer with a USB cable** (not included — use any USB-C data cable). Then open synth.playtronica.com in Chrome. 3. **Move away from the device for 30 seconds.** The green LED blinks and you hear two short calibration tones. Wait until the LED pulses slowly and steadily. Calibration is required for the full musical range. 4. **The plant plays on its own.** Touch a leaf for a strong change. Move your hand close to the plant without touching it for a softer change. Turn a light on or off — the light sensor on Channel 2 responds. ## Picking the right plant Biotron measures the electrical conductivity of the plant. The signal strength depends on how much water moves through the plant and how big the active surface area is. Some plants make rich, varied music. Some make barely-audible drones. Some make nothing at all. ### What makes a plant a good Biotron antenna Three properties matter. A plant that has all three is a strong instrument. 1. **High water content** — the bio-electrical signal travels through water in the plant. Well-hydrated plants make richer music. Water the plant 30 minutes before a session. 2. **Long branches or large leaves** — bigger surface area, longer signal paths, more variation. Long-branched plants act like better antennas. 3. **Active stomata and respiration** — plants that breathe more (tropical species, kept warm and bright) produce more electrical variation than dormant or stressed plants. ### Plants we know work well - **Monstera** — long branches, large leaves, high stomatal activity. Produces complex, arpeggiated phrases when well hydrated. Our default recommendation. - **Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)** — thick leaves, strong signal, very reliable. - **Pothos and Philodendron** — easy to clip to, long trailing branches, lots of leaves. - **Snake plant (Sansevieria)** — produces sparser, more resonant drones because it uses CAM photosynthesis (different from the plants above). Good for meditative pieces. - **Aloe vera and succulents** — work, but the music is sparser. Better for slow ambient sessions than for active play. ### Plants to avoid - **Grass and very small leaves** — not enough surface area; the signal is weak. - **Dry, thirsty, or dying plants** — water is what carries the signal. A thirsty plant goes silent. - **Cut flowers in water** — they start working then fade as the cut stem dehydrates. Not stable. - **Plants right next to your laptop or phone** — electromagnetic interference distorts the signal. Move the plant at least one metre away from active electronics. ### A small experiment to find your favourite plant Set up Biotron on three different plants on three consecutive days. Same scale, same synth, same time of day. Listen to how each plant phrases. You will quickly find which plant in your room has the most musical voice. It is not always the obvious one. ## MIDI channels | Source | MIDI channel | What it sends | |---|---|---| | 🌿 Plant sensor | Channel 1 | Note and CC data from plant conductivity (touch or proximity) | | 💡 Light sensor | Channel 2 | Note and CC data from light intensity changes | Biotron works with any DAW, online synth, or iOS music app that supports MIDI. For web synths, use Chrome at synth.playtronica.com. ## Web settings and presets At settings.playtronica.com you can change sensitivity, MIDI mapping, scales, and more. After changing settings, click the blue "Send" button to push the changes to the device. Preset files are also available to download and load. ## What the buttons do Biotron has two buttons. - **Fingerprint button** — cycles through the default presets. Your custom preset does **not** return after cycling. Save your custom preset first. - **Mute button** (top of the device, near USB-C) — ON mutes all tracks. OFF restores the previously active tracks. Change the behaviour at settings.playtronica.com under Settings → Buttons Mode → Mute button state. ## Four ways to use Biotron - **Leave the plant alone.** Connect, calibrate, walk away. Come back in 30 minutes — the plant has been playing the room. - **Move your hands close to the plant.** No touching required. Proximity changes the signal. - **Change the light.** Turn a lamp on and off, or cover the light sensor with your hand. - **Use Biotron on your body.** Clip the two pads to different points of skin. Your body becomes the instrument. ## Troubleshooting > **The same notes repeat when nothing is touching the plant.** The device did not calibrate. Unplug, plug back in, move away for the full 30 seconds, and wait for the steady green pulse. > **The plant is making barely any sound.** Either the plant is thirsty, or it is a low-signal species (succulent, cactus, snake plant). Water the plant and wait 30 minutes, then try again. If the music stays sparse, try a different plant. > **The device does not appear on the computer.** Make sure the firmware is updated. Un-updated devices are sometimes not recognised. Try a different USB cable — it must be a data cable, not a charge-only cable. > **Reset the device.** Short the BOOT pins, plug in USB-C, release the pins. The device appears as RPI-RP2. Open settings.playtronica.com/#/biotron and reflash the firmware. ## Frequently asked questions ### How does Biotron convert plant signals to MIDI? Is it chromatic? Biotron measures the bio-electrical conductivity of the plant. Changes in moisture, touch, light, and proximity change the resistance, and the firmware maps these changes to MIDI note or CC values. The default scale is C major across 4 octaves. You can switch to Chromatic mode at settings.playtronica.com/#/biotron. ### Can I use multiple Biotrons together? Yes. Each Biotron appears as a separate MIDI device on your computer. Connect several, assign each to a different MIDI channel or instrument in your DAW, and each plant controls its own voice. ### Can the plant play on its own, without my hands? Yes. After calibration, leave the plant completely alone. The bio-electrical signals inside the plant continue to change from internal water movement, photosynthesis, and environmental factors. The plant plays the room. Leave it running for 30 minutes or more. ### Does it really work? What is being measured? Yes. Biotron measures small changes in electrical conductivity across two points of contact on the plant. Living plants have real, measurable bio-electrical activity. This is the same principle used in plant electrophysiology research. The firmware maps the changes to MIDI, so you hear what is happening inside the plant. ### Can I control Biotron with MIDI CC? Yes. Biotron sends and receives MIDI CC. Incoming CC controls sensitivity, scale, note length, and probability in real time from a hardware controller or DAW automation. See Biotron Advanced for the full CC map. ### What USB cable should I use? Use a data cable, not a charge-only cable. Most cables that ship with phones are data cables. Charge-only cables carry power but no data, and the device will not appear on your computer. ### I see "Denied access to MIDI" in the browser. The browser blocked MIDI access. To fix this: 1. Open the browser settings. 2. Go to **Privacy and Security → Site Settings → MIDI**. 3. Find settings.playtronica.com or synth.playtronica.com and change the setting to **Allow**. 4. Reload the page. ### Can I make a Biotron myself? Yes. The firmware is open source on GitHub, and the hardware schematics are published. If you are comfortable with PCB design and RP2040 firmware, you can build your own. See the Biotron firmware on GitHub. ### The device suddenly stopped working. Try these steps in order: 1. Unplug and reconnect the USB cable. 2. Use a different USB port directly on the computer, not a hub. 3. Use a different USB data cable. 4. If the device still does not appear, do a firmware reset: short the BOOT pins, plug in USB-C, release the pins. The device appears as RPI-RP2. Open settings.playtronica.com/#/biotron and reflash the firmware. See Firmware reset (Nuke). ## Works great with Biotron Biotron ships without a USB-C cable. Once you have it running, these extend what it can do. - **Patches for skin and plants** — stick-on electrodes for leaves with waxy or narrow surfaces, or for running Biotron on skin instead of a plant. From €16. - **Orbita + Biotron Duo** — Orbita's turntable drives the rhythm while Biotron's plant drives the melody. Designed to play together out of the box. €520. - **USB-C to USB-A cable — 1 m** — the cable Playtronica devices are built for. Braided, data cable, not charge-only. €9.98. - **Biotron Starter Kit** — Biotron + cable + accessories as a gift-ready bundle. €122. ## Related pages - Compare all Playtronica devices — side-by-side spec matrix, what is in each box (note: Biotron ships without a cable), software compatibility, prices. - Accessories and add-ons — USB-C cables, patches, conductive materials. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Biotron issue #[order number]. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Orbita — rotating MIDI sequencer URL: https://help.playtronica.com/devices/orbita/ Summary: A rotating MIDI sequencer with coloured magnets and four tracks. How to connect a sound source, map notes, use the looper, and update firmware. > ⚠️ **Orbita does not produce sound on its own.** Orbita is a MIDI sequencer. It sends MIDI signals to a sound source — a synth, a DAW, or a music app. Without a sound source you will not hear anything. > 🛠️ **Want to go deeper?** See the Orbita deep dive for note-mapping JSON, encoder and button MIDI CC, sync, and firmware tricks. > 🛒 **Don't have one yet?** Buy Orbita on shop.playtronica.com. The box ships with the USB cable and a set of coloured magnets. Each colour magnet triggers a different MIDI note as the disc spins. Place and move the magnets on the four tracks to build rhythms and melodies you can see, touch, and hear — once connected to your sound source. ## What you need to make sound Orbita needs a sound source. Three options: - **Mobile app** — Koala Sampler, Dawnbeat, or King of FM on an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone with a USB adapter. - **Computer** — any DAW (Ableton, Logic, FL Studio) or MIDI-compatible software, over USB. - **Hardware synth** — any MIDI-compatible synthesizer or sound module, over USB or a 5-pin MIDI cable. ## Quick start 1. **Plug Orbita into your sound source** with the USB cable from the box, or with a MIDI cable to a hardware synth. 2. **Place coloured magnets on the four tracks.** Each colour triggers a different MIDI note. Each track is a different octave by default. 3. **Touch the turntable** to spin it by hand, or press Start to use the motor. Rotate the encoder to change the speed. 4. **Press the R, B, I, T buttons to mute and unmute tracks.** 5. **Long-press the A button to record your mute states and speed changes.** Press A again to play the recording. Press A a third time to reset. {{ youtube: SC3FL1LeRVM title="Getting started with Orbita Color Sequencer" }} ## Note mapping Orbita has **four magnetic tracks** (the four circles) and magnets in **seven primary colours**. Each colour can be mapped to a MIDI note. Each track can have a different colour mapping. By default, Orbita plays in **C major across 4 octaves**. The same colour on a different track plays the same note in a different octave. If you are using a sampler app like Koala, you can switch to Chromatic mode or set the MIDI note numbers manually. ## Track parameters For each track you can set: - **Note length** — short for percussive, long for sustained. - **Velocity** — how hard each note plays. - **Probability** — at 100%, every note plays. At 50%, half the notes play, chosen at random and different on each revolution. Use probability to avoid repetitive sequences. Each track can be remotely muted and unmuted from the buttons or from the web settings page. ## Motor controls You can turn the motor on and off, and change its speed. Both controls can be operated remotely with MIDI CC. ## Web settings page Open settings.playtronica.com/#/orbita in Chrome to configure Orbita: colour-to-note mapping, track parameters, MIDI channels, and saved presets. (The older playtronica.github.io/WebMidiOrbita configurator still works as a fallback.) Settings can be saved to the device. The next time you turn Orbita on, the saved settings load automatically, even without the web remote. ## Looper mode The Looper lets you record when each track turns on and off, so you are not stuck with the same short loop repeating. You can build longer sequences that change over time. 1. **Press the A button** to enter Looper mode and start recording mute and unmute gestures. 2. **Press A again** to stop recording. The loop plays back. 3. **Press A a third time** to cancel the Looper mode. ## Select the global MIDI channel Touch the **O button** for more than 3 seconds. All MIDI channels reset to channel 1. You can then enter the channel you want Orbita to send notes on. You can also set an individual channel for each track. ## Experimental — colour to MIDI CC Orbita can translate colours into MIDI CC values instead of MIDI notes. CC values let you control effects or instrument parameters such as echo amount or volume. In CC mode, the selected channel sends a CC value based on the scanned colour's hue (red = 0 to purple = 127 on the colour wheel). You can build a colour sequence on paper, in a collage, in 3D print, or with sticky notes on Orbita's turntable. In CC mode, the values are transmitted continuously even when there are no magnets and Orbita is stationary. A second experimental feature is **velocity by chance** — velocity changes randomly on each revolution. ## I have no MIDI out Orbita may have switched to MIDI CC mode by accident. 1. **Press and hold any of the R, B, I, or T buttons for more than 3 seconds.** The O light blinks rapidly. 2. **Check the R, B, I, or T light.** If the light is on, the device is in MIDI CC mode. If the light is off, the device is in MIDI Note mode. 3. **Switch back to MIDI Note mode** if you want notes again. ## Firmware update Download the latest firmware from this Google Drive folder. **Clean the device, then install the new firmware:** 1. Plug Orbita into your computer with the USB cable from the box. 2. While plugging in, **press and hold the button behind the USB-C port** on the bottom PCB. 3. Keep holding the button until your computer detects Orbita as a removable drive. 4. Drag the flash_nuke file onto the Orbita drive. 5. Wait for the device to reset and reappear as a drive. 6. Drag the new firmware file onto the Orbita drive. 7. Once the transfer finishes, Orbita reboots automatically with the updated firmware. ## Recommended apps and synths - **Koala Sampler** — iPad and iPhone sampler. Strong with Orbita. - **Dawnbeat** — iPad and iPhone DAW. - **King of FM** — DX-style FM synth on iOS. - **Elastic OSC** — paid, made by friends of Playtronica, very good sound. - **Dots Piano** — web piano in Chrome. - **synth.playtronica.com** — our curated library of web synths. ## Handling and care > ⚠️ **Handle only the parts shown in this guide.** Touch the orbit ring, the central encoder, the side buttons, and the USB-C connector. Do not touch the underside of the PCB, the solder joints, or the exposed chips — even when the device is unplugged. The board is durable, but those areas can be damaged permanently. Treat the rest of the device the way you would treat the back of a phone screen. ## Works great with Orbita Orbita is a sequencer — it needs a sound source, and it loves company. - **Orbita + Biotron Duo** — Orbita locks the rhythm while a living plant drives the melody through Biotron. Designed to play together out of the box. €520. - **Orbita + TouchMe bundle** — Orbita's sequence under TouchMe's touch. Limited-edition black TouchMe included. €506. - **Playtronica scarf** — knitted in Germany, dedicated to Orbita's colour sequencer. Also sold as an Orbita + scarf bundle. €26. ## Related pages - Compare all Playtronica devices — side-by-side spec matrix, software compatibility, prices, bundles. - Accessories and add-ons — cables, the Playtronica scarf, the Orbita+Scarf bundle. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Orbita issue #[order number]. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Scales — the weight-to-MIDI instrument URL: https://help.playtronica.com/devices/scales/ Summary: Place objects on the plate. Heavier objects play higher notes. Five modes turn the same gesture into melodies, drones, and arpeggios. Scales is a weight-to-MIDI device. Put an object on the plate. The heavier the object, the higher the note. Light objects play low pitches. Heavy objects play high pitches. Five modes use the same gesture in different ways — a chord, an arpeggio, a drone, a tempo controller, or a tuning pad. Objects up to **3 kg** work on the plate. > ⚠️ **Handle only the parts shown in this guide.** Touch the weight plate, the three buttons, the TRS MIDI output, and the USB-C connector. Do not touch the solder joints, the exposed chips, or the underside of the PCB — even when the device is unplugged. Scales is durable, but those areas can be damaged permanently. Treat the rest of the device the way you would treat the back of a phone screen. > 🛠️ **Note for power users.** The full MIDI map, chaining details, and per-mode CC are below. Scales rewards exploration more than most instruments. > 🛒 **Don't have one yet?** Buy Scales on shop.playtronica.com — four colour variants. Scales ships without a USB cable; see Accessories for the matching part. ## Quick start 1. **Plug Scales into your laptop, tablet, or phone** with a USB cable (not included — use any USB-C data cable). Or connect Scales to a hardware synth with a TRS MIDI cable. 2. **Open a web synth or your DAW.** synth.playtronica.com works in Chrome. Ableton, Logic, and FL Studio see Scales as a MIDI input. 3. **Place an object on the plate.** Any object up to 3 kg works — a piece of fruit, a glass of water, a stone, a coin, a phone. The note number tracks the weight. 4. **Move, swap, or stack the objects.** Rearranging the objects changes the notes. > ℹ️ **How Scales differs from TouchMe, Playtron, and Biotron.** TouchMe, Playtron, and Biotron read electrical conductivity. Scales reads physical weight on a load cell. The musical idea is the same; the sensing is completely different. ## The five modes The current mode is shown by the row of five LEDs. The yellow LED is the active mode. Long-press the **+** button to cycle. ### Mode 1 — Hold 🟡⚪⚪⚪⚪ - Short-press **+** to add a note to the held chord. Up to 127 notes. - Notes are saved when you switch modes. They play again when you return to Mode 1. ### Mode 2 — Arpeggio ⚪🟡⚪⚪⚪ - Short-press **+** to add a note to the sequence. - The sequence must start with a note. Lift the object off the plate to add a rest. - The sequence is shared with Mode 5 (BPM). ### Mode 3 — Pitch ⚪⚪🟡⚪⚪ - Notes are pitch-bent with MIDI Pitch Bend (BND). - Use lightly. A single object on the plate gives the cleanest bend. ### Mode 4 — Sensitivity ⚪⚪⚪🟡⚪ - Short-press **+** to cycle the weight range: **250 g**, **500 g**, **1 kg**, **1.5 kg**, **2 kg**. - A smaller range gives finer pitch resolution within that range. ### Mode 5 — BPM ⚪⚪⚪⚪🟡 - Weight controls the tempo of the Mode 2 arpeggio. - Short-press **+** to lock the current BPM. ## Button reference ### O button - **Long press** — calibrate the empty plate to zero. Do this with no object on the plate. - **Short press** — reset the sequence in Mode 1 or Mode 2. ### + button - **Long press** — switch mode. - **Short press** — context-sensitive. See each mode above. ### II button (mute) - **First press** — mute. Only CC90 messages are sent. The LED is on. - **Second press** — unmute. The LED is off. ## Chain multiple devices with the magnetic ports Scales has magnetic ports for connecting to other Playtronica devices. Rules: - **Connect on the right side only.** The arrows on the device show the flow direction. - Up to **16 devices** can be chained. - Each device uses its own MIDI channel. - One power source can drive up to **4 devices**. For more than 4 devices in a chain, plug a second power source in partway along the chain. ## Web settings Open settings.playtronica.com/#/scales in Chrome. The web page lets you tune sensitivity curves, set custom scale mappings, and update the firmware. ## Technical specifications | Item | Value | |---|---| | Power | 5 V over USB-C | | MIDI output | USB-C and TRS (3.5 mm) | | Magnetic port connector | 6-pin | | Maximum load | 3 kg | | Processor | RP2040 | ## Troubleshooting > **No sound from the synth.** Confirm you are in Chrome. Confirm MIDI permission is allowed. Confirm the LED on Scales lights up when you plug in. > **The pitch jumps wildly.** You are probably in Mode 4 (Sensitivity). Change the weight range to match the weight of the object on the plate. > **No tempo response in Mode 5.** Confirm that Mode 2 has notes in its sequence. Mode 5 plays back the Mode 2 sequence. An empty sequence has nothing to drive. > **Notes do not save.** Long-press the **O** button to zero the plate. Most stuck states clear after a calibration. ## Get Scales connected Scales ships without a USB cable — that is the one part you will need on day one. - **USB-C to A cable (1 m)** — for laptops with a standard USB-A port. Braided data cable, not charge-only. €9.98. - **USB-C to C cable (1 m)** — for laptops, tablets, and phones with a USB-C port. €9.98. - **iPhone Lightning adapter** — play Scales into GarageBand or any MIDI app on iPhone and iPad. €21. ## Related pages - Compare all Playtronica devices — side-by-side spec matrix, what Scales senses vs the other four devices. - Accessories and add-ons — USB-C cables (Scales ships without one), patches, copper tape. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Scales issue #[order number] and a 30-second video of your setup. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Software ## Online synth library URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/online-synths/ Summary: The web synths that work with TouchMe, Playtron, and Biotron. > ℹ️ **The synths at synth.playtronica.com are not made by Playtronica.** They are a curated collection of third-party web synths. Some may stop working as browsers change. We try to keep the list up to date but cannot fix the synths themselves. If you find a broken synth, tell us. ## Where to find synths synth.playtronica.com is our curated library of web synths that work with MIDI. Open the site in Chrome, plug in your device, and choose a synth. No installation is required. ## How to get sound 1. **Plug in your device first, then open Chrome.** The browser scans for MIDI devices when the page loads. If you open the browser first, you will need to reload the page after plugging in. 2. **Go to synth.playtronica.com.** 3. **Click Allow on the MIDI permission prompt.** The prompt appears once. If you clicked Block by mistake, open the browser settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → MIDI → find synth.playtronica.com → set to **Allow**. 4. **Open a synth and check the MIDI dropdown in the top right.** Most synths have this menu. Confirm your device is selected. ## Recommended synths ### 🎹 Dots Piano The best starting point. Clean sound, responsive, beautiful interface. Works with both TouchMe and Playtron. ### 🎸 WebSID Commodore 64 Iconic chiptune sound. **Playtron only.** Does not work well with TouchMe. ### 🎵 Viktor NV-1 Powerful synth. Some users report stability issues. Try it. Skip it if it behaves unexpectedly. ### Everything else Any synth without a "Playtron only" label works with both TouchMe and Playtron. Explore — the library has many small gems. > ℹ️ **About play.playtronica.com.** This older synth site stopped working with current browsers in April 2023, after a browser API change. It will not be fixed. Use synth.playtronica.com instead. ## Web MIDI and browser support The web synths talk to your device through **Web MIDI**, a browser feature that lets a web page send and receive MIDI. Not every browser supports it. We recommend **Chrome**. Other Chromium-based browsers (Brave, Edge) also work; Safari and Firefox do not. | Browser | Works? | Notes | |---|---|---| | Chrome | Yes | Recommended | | Brave | Yes | Chromium-based | | Edge | Yes | Chromium-based | | Safari | No | No Web MIDI support | | Firefox | No | No Web MIDI support | | Mobile Chrome and Safari | No | Web MIDI is not available on mobile browsers. Use mobile apps instead — see Mobile apps. | ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Synth issue and the synth name. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Connect your device to a computer URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/connecting/ Summary: Plug a Playtronica device into a Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. Every Playtronica device is a class-compliant USB MIDI device. No drivers are required on Mac or Windows. Plug in the device and the operating system recognises it automatically. > ⚠️ **Use a data cable, not a charge-only cable.** This is the most common reason a device is not recognised. If your Playtronica device does not appear on your computer, try a different USB cable before anything else. Most cables that ship with phones are data cables. Cables that come with wall chargers, docks, or cheap accessory packs are often charge-only. If you need a confirmed data cable, USB cables in the Playtronica shop are data cables. ## On macOS 1. **Plug in the device** with a USB cable. Use a USB-C to USB-A adapter if your Mac has no USB-C port. 2. **Verify in Audio MIDI Setup.** Go to Applications → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup. Click the MIDI Studio icon. Your Playtronica device should appear. 3. **Open your synth or DAW.** The DAW detects the device automatically. In Ableton, check MIDI preferences. In Logic, the device appears automatically. ## On Windows 1. **Plug in the device.** Windows 10 and Windows 11 install a generic MIDI driver automatically. No manual driver installation is required. 2. **Check Device Manager.** Right-click Start → Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers. Your Playtronica device should appear in the list. 3. **Enable the MIDI input in your DAW.** In Ableton, go to Options → Preferences → MIDI. In FL Studio, go to Options → MIDI Settings. Enable the Playtronica device as a MIDI input. ## On iPhone or iPad 1. **Use a USB adapter.** You will need Apple's Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, or a USB-C to USB-A adapter for newer iPads. These are not included in the box. 2. **Plug the adapter into your iPhone or iPad, then plug in your Playtronica device.** 3. **Open GarageBand for iOS or Koala Sampler.** Both apps detect USB MIDI devices automatically. Create a new track and play. ## On Android 1. **Use a USB-C OTG adapter.** Most modern Android phones support USB Host Mode through OTG. Check your phone's specifications. 2. **Connect the Playtronica device through the USB-C OTG adapter.** 3. **Open a MIDI-compatible app.** Koala Sampler (Android) and MIDI+BTLE are good starting points. Allow the app to access USB devices when prompted. ## Related pages - Won't connect — what to try when the device does not show up. - Online synths — what to play with once the device is connected. - Hardware synths — connecting via 5-pin MIDI DIN instead of USB. - Device settings — change MIDI channels, sensitivity, scales, and presets. Open in Chrome. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Connection issue #[order number]. Tell us your operating system and the app you are using. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Use Playtronica with Ableton Live URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/ableton/ Summary: Set up a Playtronica device as a MIDI input in Ableton Live. ## Step-by-step setup 1. **Plug the device into your computer with a USB cable.** 2. **Open Ableton Live, then go to Options → Preferences → MIDI.** Under MIDI Ports, find your Playtronica device. Set **Track** to **On** and **Remote** to **On**. 3. **Create a MIDI track.** In the Session or Arrangement view, create a new MIDI track. Add an instrument such as Wavetable or any VST. 4. **Set the MIDI input on the track.** In the track's **MIDI From** dropdown, select your Playtronica device. Set the channel to **All Channels**. 5. **Arm the track** by clicking the record button on the track header. 6. **Touch the device.** The notes play through the instrument you chose. ## Related pages - Logic and GarageBand — same idea, slightly different setup. - FL Studio and other DAWs — Reaper, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason. - Online synths — browser-based sound sources that need no DAW. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Ableton setup #[order number] and a screenshot of your MIDI preferences. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Logic Pro and GarageBand URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/logic-garageband/ Summary: Use Playtronica devices with Logic Pro and GarageBand. ## Logic Pro (macOS) 1. **Plug the Playtronica device into your Mac** with a USB cable. 2. **Open Logic Pro.** Logic detects new MIDI devices automatically. You should see a "New MIDI device detected" notification. If not, check Audio MIDI Setup (see Connect your device to a computer). 3. **Create a Software Instrument track.** Go to File → New Track → Software Instrument and choose any instrument. 4. **Make sure the track is selected.** Logic routes all incoming MIDI to the selected track automatically. No further configuration is required. 5. **Touch the device.** The notes play through the chosen instrument. ## GarageBand (macOS) 1. **Plug in the device** and open GarageBand. 2. **Create a new project and add a Software Instrument track.** 3. **GarageBand detects the MIDI device automatically.** Select the track and play. ## GarageBand (iOS) 1. **Connect with a Lightning to USB or USB-C to USB-A adapter.** This adapter is not included in the box. 2. **Open GarageBand on iOS.** Create a new song and choose any instrument. 3. **Tap the settings icon → Advanced → Enable MIDI.** Your Playtronica device appears in the input list. 4. **Touch the device.** The notes play through the iOS instrument. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Logic or GarageBand setup #[order number] and a screenshot. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## FL Studio and other DAWs URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/fl-studio-and-other-daws/ Summary: Setup steps for FL Studio, Reaper, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, and Reason. Any DAW that accepts MIDI input works with Playtronica devices. Look for "MIDI Input" or "MIDI Controller" settings and enable the Playtronica device there. The most common DAW setups are below. ## FL Studio 1. **Plug in the device and open FL Studio.** 2. **Open Options → MIDI Settings.** In the Input section, find your Playtronica device. Click the power icon next to it to enable it. 3. **Add a plugin instrument to the Channel Rack.** Right-click the Channel Rack → Add → choose any synth plugin. 4. **Touch the device.** The plugin receives MIDI from your device. ## Reaper 1. Open Options → Preferences → Audio → MIDI Devices. 2. Enable your Playtronica device as a MIDI input. 3. Add a track with a VST instrument. The track receives MIDI automatically. ## Bitwig 1. Open Settings → Controllers → Add Controller → Generic MIDI. 2. Bitwig auto-detects class-compliant MIDI devices. Your Playtronica device should appear immediately. ## Reason 1. Open Preferences → MIDI. 2. Add your Playtronica device as a Master Keyboard input. 3. Create a Combinator or instrument track to receive notes. ## Related pages - Ableton Live setup — the most-asked-for DAW path. - Logic and GarageBand — for Mac users. - Won't connect — if the DAW does not see the device. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject DAW setup #[order number], the DAW name, and a screenshot of your MIDI settings. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Mobile apps URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/mobile/ Summary: iOS and Android apps that work with Playtronica devices. > ⚠️ **Web MIDI does not work on mobile browsers.** Web MIDI is not supported on iOS or Android browsers. Use the apps listed below instead. ## Adapters you will need (not in the box) - **iPhone or iPad (Lightning port).** Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. Available from Apple for around €29. Cheaper third-party alternatives work. Playtronica also sells a Lightning adapter. - **iPhone or iPad (USB-C port).** Any USB-C to USB-A adapter. Modern iPads and iPhone 15 and later use USB-C. Playtronica sells a USB-C / Micro-USB combo adapter that covers both ports. - **Android phone.** A USB-C OTG adapter. Most modern Android phones support USB Host Mode. Check your phone's specifications first. ## How to connect 1. Plug the adapter into your phone. 2. Plug your Playtronica device into the adapter. 3. Open a MIDI-compatible app from the lists below. The app detects the device automatically. ## iOS apps ### Koala Sampler — recommended Record any sound with your microphone, then play those samples from your Playtronica device. Fast, fun, addictive. Free on the App Store with in-app upgrades. Strong choice for Playtron + TouchMe. - App: koalasampler.com - Community: Koala Discord + Facebook group + Twitch beatcast — active, friendly, lots of Playtronica setups in their feeds. ### Dawnbeat — Koala alternative iPad and iPhone sampler very similar to Koala. Continuously records pad events so you can experiment freely, then save what you like. Strong MIDI support. - App: Dawnbeat on the App Store - Web: dawnbeat.com ### GarageBand iOS — free A full DAW. Supports external MIDI automatically. Large instrument library. Works well with TouchMe and Playtron. The drummer and keyboard tracks are a good starting point. - App: GarageBand on the App Store ### King of FM DX-style FM synth on iOS. Rich, classic sounds. Good with Orbita. - App: King of FM on the App Store ### AudioKit Synth One — free A powerful open-source synthesizer. Good with TouchMe. - App: AudioKit Synth One on the App Store ### Elastic OSC — paid Made by friends of Playtronica. Very good sound. Worth the price if you want a more cinematic palette. - Web: mominstruments.com/elasticosc ## Android apps ### FluidSynth — recommended Popular with our Android users. Select your Playtronica device at the top of the screen. Wide selection of instrument sounds. Free. ### Koala Sampler — Android Same app as iOS, same community. Strong choice on Android too. - koalasampler.com ### MidiKeyboard Basic and reliable. A good choice for quick tests and verifying that the device is working. ### PerfectPiano Simple and straightforward. The violin sound is especially good with plants and TouchMe. ### SynprezFM More advanced FM synthesis. For users who want to explore sound design on Android. ## A note about links We try to keep these app links current. Apps come and go; storefronts change URLs. If a link is broken when you click it, tell us via the **What's missing?** widget at the bottom of the page and we will fix it on the next refresh. ## Related pages - Online synths — synth.playtronica.com works in mobile browsers too. - Connect your device — adapter and cable choices for iPhone, iPad, and Android. - Accessories — iPhone Lightning adapter, USB-C to C cable. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Mobile setup #[order number]. Tell us your phone model and the app you are using. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Hardware — use Playtronica with synths and sound modules URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/hardware/ Summary: Every Playtronica device speaks class-compliant MIDI. This page covers connecting to hardware synths, drum machines, and sound modules. You do not need a laptop. Every Playtronica device is a standard USB MIDI controller. Anything that accepts USB MIDI input — desktop synths, sound modules, drum machines, Eurorack interfaces, OP-1, OP-Z — can be played by a Playtronica device. > ⚠️ **Power off first.** Plug everything together before switching the power on. See the safety page for general handling rules. ## The simplest path — USB host Many modern hardware synths have a USB host port. The port is often labelled **USB A** to distinguish it from the USB B port that connects to a computer. Plug your Playtronica device into the USB host port. The synth treats the device as a MIDI input. **Devices with USB host built in:** Korg Volca Sample 2, Roland JD-Xi, Elektron Digitakt II, Elektron Digitone II, OP-1 Field, OP-Z (with an adapter), Nord Stage 3, most Behringer Deepmind variants, and many MPC standalone units. **Devices without USB host:** older Volcas, classic Eurorack modules, and hardware MIDI keyboards from before approximately 2018. For these, use a USB-host adapter (see below). ## USB-host adapter — when the synth has only DIN MIDI If your synth has only a 5-pin DIN MIDI input, use a USB-host-to-DIN converter. Reliable options: - **Doremidi UMH-10** or similar — small, USB-powered, around €40. Plug the Playtronica device into the USB side. Plug a MIDI cable from the DIN side into your synth's MIDI input. - **Kenton USB MIDI Host** — slightly more expensive, more flexible. Handles multiple Playtronica devices in series. The signal path is: Playtronica device → USB-host adapter → MIDI cable → synth's MIDI input. The synth sees a regular MIDI keyboard. ## No computer at all — the CME H4MIDI WC The adapters above get a Playtronica device into a DIN synth. The **CME H4MIDI WC** (around $53 / €50) does the same job in one small standalone box, and adds routing, filtering and channel remapping. A Playtronica community member confirmed it works **device-to-device, with no computer or DAW**. How it connects: - **USB-A host port** — plug your Playtronica device in here. The port powers it (up to 1 A) *and* reads its MIDI, so no laptop is involved. - **5-pin DIN out** — carries that MIDI straight to a hardware synth, drum machine or groovebox: a Digitakt, a classic Volca, or anything with a DIN MIDI input. - **USB-C port** — only needed to configure the box or connect a computer or iPad with the free HxMIDI Tools app (4 presets, plus router, filter and mapper). Ignore it for pure device-to-device use. - **Standalone power** — runs off any 5 V USB source or a 9 V DC adapter, so it works on a pedalboard with nothing else attached. Optional Bluetooth MIDI is available through the WIDI Core add-on. **Worked example — TouchMe → Digitakt, no computer:** TouchMe → USB-C-to-USB-A cable → H4MIDI WC (USB-A host port) → 5-pin MIDI cable → Digitakt's MIDI IN. Power the H4MIDI from any phone charger or USB battery, and set the Digitakt to receive on MIDI channel 1 (TouchMe's default). The same chain feeds an OP-Z or any other groovebox — for gear that uses TRS MIDI instead of DIN, such as the **Dirtywave M8**, add a DIN-to-TRS adapter on the output. ## TRS MIDI (the Scales path) Scales has a TRS MIDI output (a 3.5 mm jack) in addition to USB-C. If your hardware uses TRS MIDI — most modern compact synths use the MIDI Manufacturers Association's **Type A** pinout (OP-Z, Korg's pocket range, most Eurorack MIDI-to-CV modules) — connect with a TRS-to-TRS or TRS-to-DIN cable. If your hardware uses the older **Type B** pinout, you will need an adapter. Adapters exist. Check your synth's manual first. ## Eurorack and CV/Gate Playtronica devices output MIDI, not CV. To play a Eurorack rig, use a MIDI-to-CV/Gate interface: - **Befaco Voltio**, **Doepfer MCV4**, **Korg SQ-64**, **Polyend Poly 2** — all accept MIDI over USB host or DIN, and output CV plus gate. - Plug the Playtronica device into the interface's USB host port, or use a USB-host adapter for DIN. Patch the CV and Gate outputs to your oscillator and envelope. - Playtron's 16 alligator pins all send on MIDI channel 1 by default. To split them across multiple voices, set per-pin channels at settings.playtronica.com/#/playtron. ## Combinations we have seen work well - **TouchMe + OP-1 Field** — a workshop classic. TouchMe's two-person play feeds the OP-1 sampler. - **Playtron + Volca Sample** — fruit as drum pads. Map each alligator wire to a different sample. - **Biotron + OP-Z** — the plant drives an arpeggio. The OP-Z sequences it with its built-in tracks for a generative piece. - **Orbita + Eurorack** — Orbita as a melodic source feeding a quantizer, then into your modular voices. - **Scales + any synth** — weight as pitch is a strong on-stage gesture. It works especially well with brass-like presets. ## Troubleshooting > **The synth does not see the Playtronica device.** Check the synth's MIDI input settings. Some synths require you to enable USB-host MIDI explicitly. Confirm you are using the USB **host** port, not the USB device port. > **The notes play in the wrong octave.** Playtronica devices default to MIDI note 48 (C3) and up. Your synth might be set to a different octave. Shift the octave on the synth, not on the Playtronica device. > **Notes get stuck.** Send an "All Notes Off" message from the synth, or power-cycle the synth. Some hardware does not handle a class-compliant device disconnecting cleanly. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Hardware setup and a description of your gear. If your setup is a common one, we will write it up as its own guide. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Biotron MIDI: CC mapping, iPad setup, and powering synths over TRS URL: https://help.playtronica.com/software/biotron-midi-cc/ Summary: How Biotron sends MIDI (note-on/off and CC90), how to configure it on a desktop browser, how to use it with iPad and GarageBand, and how to power it when connecting to a synth via TRS. # Biotron MIDI: CC mapping, iPad setup, and powering synths over TRS Biotron sends MIDI over USB. By default it sends note-on and note-off messages when it detects a signal from your plant or cables. It also sends **CC90** — a continuous controller message that reflects signal intensity. This article covers what CC90 is, how to switch between note and CC output, iPad + GarageBand setup, and how to power Biotron when you connect it to a hardware synth over TRS. ## Switch between note output and CC output By default Biotron sends both note-on/off and CC90 simultaneously. If your DAW or synth only needs one of them, mute the other in the settings page. **Steps:** 1. Connect Biotron to a laptop or desktop via USB. 2. Open **settings.playtronica.com/#/biotron** in Google Chrome or Edge. 3. Select your Biotron from the device dropdown. 4. In the channel settings, mute **Notes** if you only want CC output, or mute **CC** if you only want note-on/off. 5. Click **Send to Device**. > The mute setting is stored on the device. It persists after you unplug. --- ## The settings page only works on desktop If you open settings.playtronica.com on an iPad or iPhone, you will see a message that it only works on a computer. This is a browser limitation — the Web MIDI API that the settings page uses is not supported on mobile browsers or Safari. **The settings page requires:** - A laptop or desktop computer (Windows or macOS) - Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (not Safari, not Firefox) - A direct USB connection (avoid USB hubs if possible) You cannot change Biotron's settings from an iPad. If an iPad is your only device, ask someone with a laptop to connect Biotron once and apply the settings — the configuration stays on the device. --- ## Using Biotron with iPad and GarageBand You can play Biotron from an iPad even though you cannot change settings from one. GarageBand on iPad receives MIDI over USB natively. **What you need:** - Apple Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter (older iPads) or USB-C hub (newer iPads) - The Biotron's USB cable **Steps:** 1. Connect the USB adapter to your iPad. 2. Plug Biotron into the USB adapter. 3. Open GarageBand on your iPad. 4. Choose an instrument (e.g. keyboard, sampler). 5. Touch your plant or conductive object. Biotron will trigger notes inside GarageBand. GarageBand does not display MIDI channels or CC values. It simply plays the instrument assigned to the current track. If you hear nothing, check that GarageBand's track is set to receive MIDI from external sources — tap the track, tap the plug icon, and make sure **MIDI input** is enabled. > If Biotron lights up but produces no sound, the notes channel may be muted. > You will need to borrow a laptop to open settings.playtronica.com and > re-enable notes. --- ## Powering Biotron when using TRS MIDI Biotron connects to most DAWs and computers over USB, which provides both data and power. When you connect Biotron to a hardware synthesizer using a **TRS MIDI cable** (3.5 mm stereo jack to standard 5-pin DIN), the synth receives MIDI data — but the TRS cable carries no power. This means **Biotron will not turn on** using a TRS cable alone. **Solution: power Biotron separately over USB while sending MIDI via TRS.** You need a USB power source that does not also try to send MIDI data. Any of these work: - A USB wall adapter (5 V, any current rating) - A USB battery pack - A powered USB hub (use a separate port from the TRS adapter) **Setup:** 1. Plug the TRS MIDI cable into Biotron's TRS port. 2. Plug the other end into your synth's MIDI In. 3. Plug a USB power cable into Biotron's USB port. 4. Connect the USB cable to a wall adapter or battery pack — **not** to your computer. Connecting to a computer at the same time will route MIDI over USB instead of TRS. 5. Power on everything. Biotron's LED will light. Touch your plant. Your synth should receive the note-on messages. > If your synth still receives no MIDI, check whether it expects **TRS Type A** > or **TRS Type B**. Biotron uses **Type A** (compatible with Arturia > MiniLab, Teenage Engineering OP-1, most modern gear). If your synth uses > Type B, you need a Type A–to–Type B adapter. --- ## Quick self-test Press the fingerprint button on Biotron. The device sends a short burst of MIDI notes on channel 2. If your DAW or MIDI monitor shows those notes, the device is working and the problem is in your connection or DAW routing — not the hardware. --- ## Still stuck? Email **support@playtronica.com** with: - A short video showing the full connection and what happens when you touch the plant - Your operating system and DAW name - Whether the self-test (fingerprint button) produces notes in your MIDI monitor We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Sound & physics ## Grounding — how and why URL: https://help.playtronica.com/sound/grounding/ Summary: Why Playtron needs you to be grounded, four ways to ground yourself, and why TouchMe sometimes plays on one hand. A short physics explanation for anyone curious. This page is mainly for Playtron. Grounding matters daily for Playtron. TouchMe and Biotron handle grounding in their own way (see the notes at the end). Scales does not use grounding. ## What grounded means here When you play Playtron, you become part of the circuit. A tiny current flows from the device, through the alligator clip, through the object you touch, through your body, and back to ground. The device measures whether the loop completed. - **No completed loop** — no note. - **Completed loop** — a note plays. The loop needs to end at a stable reference point called "ground". Your body alone, floating in the air, is not enough. The device needs a clear zero point to recognise everything else. > ⚠️ **Playtron uses low-voltage USB power.** The current is harmless. You will not feel anything beyond what you feel touching any USB-powered device. ## Four ways to ground yourself Listed from most reliable to least. All four work. ### 1. Bare skin on the pointed corner The pointed corner of Playtron is the ground reference — that sharp corner is the ground. Touch it with bare skin — a finger, a palm, the side of your hand. This is the simplest and most reliable method. No accessories required. ### 2. Ground cable to a metal radiator, sink, or pipe Clip one alligator cable to the pointed corner of Playtron. Clip the other end to a real ground — a metal radiator, a metal sink, or a copper pipe. Real ground here means a metal object connected to the earth. This is the method used in installations where the player cannot touch the device. ### 3. Ground cable to your laptop's metal body Most laptops have a USB ground that connects through the chassis. Clip the ground cable to a screw on the underside or to a port frame. This is less reliable than option 2 but useful when nothing else is nearby. ### 4. Two-person ground A friend holds the pointed corner of the device with bare skin. You touch the friend through a high-five, a hand-hold, or an elbow. The circuit completes through both bodies. This is the most common workshop demonstration. ## What does not work as ground - **Painted metal.** Paint is an insulator. - **Dry wood, dry plastic, or dry stone.** - **Rubber, silicone, or anodised aluminium.** - **A floor with rubber soles between you and it.** If grounding is weak, the symptoms are: notes only fire on some objects, notes fire intermittently, or notes need very firm contact. Switch to a stronger ground (option 1 or 2 above) and the problem usually clears. ## TouchMe, Biotron, and Scales - **TouchMe** uses its two gold pads as opposite ends of the circuit. You complete the loop by holding both pads at once. There is no separate ground pin — your hands do the work. - **Biotron** measures the bio-electrical signal of the plant. The plant is the source. Your body is not in the circuit unless you touch a leaf to change the signal. - **Scales** measures weight on a load cell. There is no conductive circuit involved. ## TouchMe playing on one hand — "ground leaking" TouchMe is meant to need **both** pads at once — one hand on each, or two people touching. If a single hand on one pad already plays notes, your setup has a second, unintended path to ground. We call this **ground leaking**. **Why it happens.** When the computer powering TouchMe is plugged into the mains, its USB ground is tied to the building's earth ground. Your body is also loosely coupled to earth — through your feet, your chair, a metal desk, or anything earthed you happen to touch. So when you touch one pad, the loop can complete through *you → earth → the mains → back to TouchMe's ground*, instead of through the second pad. The device sees a finished circuit and fires a note. Earth ground has "leaked" in and is doing the job the second pad should do. This is ordinary physics, not a fault. It is the same reason Playtron triggers more easily when you hold its pointed corner: a cleaner path to ground makes a single touch enough. **When it matters.** One-hand play is fine if that is what you want. It only becomes a problem when you are showing the two-person moment and notes fire *before* the two people touch, or when stray contact triggers notes you did not intend. **How to get the two-pad behaviour back** — remove the earth path, from easiest to most thorough: 1. **Run on battery.** Unplug the laptop charger, or play from a phone or tablet (with the iPhone adapter). A battery-powered host floats free of earth ground, so TouchMe needs both pads again. This alone fixes most cases. 2. **Move away from earthed objects.** Step off a metal floor, let go of the radiator or metal desk frame, wear shoes with insulating soles. The looser your own coupling to earth, the less leaks in. 3. **Use a USB isolator.** If the host must stay plugged in — a desktop, a stage rig — a galvanic USB isolator between the computer and TouchMe breaks the ground loop while passing the MIDI data through untouched. > 💡 If you *want* easy one-hand play — for a solo performance or an installation — leave it grounded on purpose. Ground leaking is only "wrong" when it gets in the way of two-pad or two-person play. ## The physics (optional reading) If you do not need the technical details, you can stop here. The four methods above are all you need. Playtron uses **capacitive sensing**. Each alligator-clip input is monitored for tiny changes in the local electric field, called capacitance. Your body has a measurable capacitance to the surrounding environment — a few hundred picofarads on a normal day. When you touch a connected object, your capacitance becomes part of the circuit's total capacitance, and the device measures the change. For the device to detect that change, it needs a stable reference — a ground against which to measure. If both you and the device are floating relative to ground, the measurement is noisy. If one of you is connected to a clean reference (the pointed corner, or a real ground), the noise drops and the notes fire reliably. This is the same physics behind touchscreens. Your phone detects a capacitance change at the spot you touch. The difference is that your phone has a built-in ground reference (its own enclosure), so it does not need you to do anything. Playtron is deliberately bare and exposed and asks you to be part of the circuit. The current involved is **picoamps** — billionths of an amp. There is no risk from this current. ## Troubleshooting > **TouchMe fires on just one hand.** Earth ground is leaking in through the mains. Run the host on battery, or add a USB isolator, to bring back two-pad play — see the ground-leaking section above. > **Notes fire weakly or only sometimes.** Use bare skin on the pointed corner instead of a ground cable. > **Some objects play, others do not.** The objects that do not play are weak conductors. Try wetting them, or use more contact area. See Objects you can play. > **Nothing plays at all.** Confirm that USB is firmly connected (Playtron's LED stays dark when you plug it in — that is normal; it blinks when you complete the circuit and a note plays), you are using Chrome, and MIDI permission is allowed. See No sound or MIDI not detected. > **Live performance setup.** See the Playtron deep dive for stage-tested grounding patterns. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Grounding issue and a short description of what you are doing and what is happening. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## What objects can you play? URL: https://help.playtronica.com/sound/objects-you-can-play/ Summary: Anything that conducts a little electricity. Each device favours different objects. Plus the world of conductive materials you can buy. Each Playtronica device that senses conductivity favours slightly different objects. Pick the right object for your device and the experience is immediate. > ⚠️ **Do not connect any Playtronica device to anything plugged into mains power, anything wet near electronics, or anything that has its own battery (other than your laptop).** All examples on this page assume the object is passive and at room temperature. ## Three devices, three approaches | Device | What it likes | What to avoid | |---|---|---| | **TouchMe** | Skin contact — your own or another person's. Small wet things you can grip (a glass of water, a slice of fruit). Two-person play is the signature use. | Anything you cannot make direct skin-to-pad contact with. | | **Playtron** | Up to 16 objects on alligator clips. Best with **juicy, wet, or fleshy things**: fruit, water glasses, living plants, damp paper. Each object becomes a separate note. | Dry, plastic, or insulated objects. | | **Biotron** | One living plant with **long, watery branches**. The plant generates its own music; you are not the player, the plant is. | Cut flowers, dry plants, plants smaller than ~15 cm. | The rest of this page goes deeper into each. ## Playtron — objects you can clip alligator wires to These work every time: - **Citrus fruit** — lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit. The acidic juice makes them strong conductors. Best for first demos. Wipe the pins dry after the session. - **Bananas** — soft, juicy, photogenic. The skin and the flesh both conduct. The flesh gives a stronger signal. - **Apples and pears** — slightly less conductive than citrus but still reliable. - **Tomatoes, watermelon, and grapes** — juicy and reliable. - **A glass of water** — clip the alligator wire to a metal piece partly submerged in the water. Touch the water surface or the rim of the glass. - **Skin** — your own or another person's. Damp palms work better than dry palms. - **Aluminium foil** — predictable, very conductive, no mess. Crumple a sheet into a ball for an instant pad. - **Coins** — copper, brass, or nickel. Clip directly to a coin, or stack coins on a surface. - **Living plants** — succulents, cacti, monstera, pothos. Push the clip into the soil at the base of a stem and touch a leaf. Water the plant first for a stronger signal. - **Damp paper, damp cloth, damp leaves** — anything you have wetted. The water does the conducting. ## TouchMe — objects you can play with the gold pads TouchMe's two pads are the input. Anything you can hold against one pad while you (or someone else) holds the other pad becomes part of the circuit: - **Your own skin** — the default. One hand on each pad. - **Another person's skin** — the signature two-person demo. Each person holds one pad and touches the other person. The touch between them plays the music. See TouchMe for the full demo. - **A glass of water** — hold one pad and put your other hand in the water; clip the other pad to a metal piece in the water. Wet hands play stronger notes. - **Flowers and damp plants** — TouchMe's own product description names "flowers" specifically. Hold the stem of a wet flower against one pad while you hold the other pad. - **Wet leaves** — pressed against the pad with bare skin between you and the leaf. TouchMe ships with **2 alligator clips** so you can extend either pad to a clipped object, the way Playtron works on a smaller scale. ## Biotron — picking the right plant Biotron reads bio-electrical signals INSIDE a plant. The plant plays itself. The plant is not just a conductor; it is the source of the music. The best plants for Biotron have three properties: 1. **High water content** — the bio-electrical signal travels through water. Well-hydrated plants make richer music. 2. **Long branches or large leaves** — bigger surface area, more signal variation. 3. **Active stomata** — tropical species kept warm and bright produce more electrical variation than dormant plants. **Strong picks:** monstera, rubber plant (Ficus elastica), pothos, philodendron, snake plant. **Weaker picks:** succulents, cacti, aloe vera (work but produce sparser music). **Avoid:** grass, dried plants, very small plants, cut flowers in water. See Biotron for the full plant-selection guide and the experiment that helps you find the most musical plant in your room. ## Borderline objects (Playtron + TouchMe) These work sometimes, depending on humidity, contact area, and the specific item: - **Bread or baked dough** — fresh bread works, stale bread does not. Surface moisture matters. - **Cheese** — soft cheese works, hard cheese does not. - **Wood** — wet wood works, dry wood does not. - **Stone, concrete, brick** — damp stone sometimes works, dry stone almost never. - **Books, paper, fabric** — only when damp. ## Objects that look conductive but are not - **Dry wood and dry bark.** Look natural and earthy, but do not conduct. - **Painted metal.** Paint is an insulator. Scratch through the paint or move the clip to an unpainted point. - **Anodised aluminium.** The anodised layer is an insulator. - **Glass.** Does not conduct on its own. The water inside the glass does. - **Plastic.** Does not conduct, including metallic-looking plastic packaging. - **Rubber and silicone.** Designed to be insulators. - **Dry ceramics and dry stones.** Need to be wet to conduct. ## How to make a borderline object work - **Add water.** A drop on the surface, or a quick wipe with a damp cotton pad, turns most borderline materials into reliable conductors. Do not soak the object. - **Pierce the surface.** For objects with a non-conductive skin (apple skin, painted metal), push the alligator clip through to the conductive interior. - **Increase the contact area.** Two alligator teeth touching the object work better than one. A larger surface gives a stronger signal. - **Improve your ground.** A weak ground reduces the signal. See Grounding — how and why. ## The world of conductive materials you can buy Beyond fruit and plants, there is a whole category of materials designed to conduct electricity on flexible surfaces. These let you build custom instruments, wearables, paintings that play music, and interactive textiles. Playtron and TouchMe accept any of them through alligator clips. ### Conductive paint **Bare Conductive Electric Paint** — water-based, non-toxic, dries at room temperature. Paint a keyboard on paper, paint shapes on cardboard, paint sensors onto walls. Each painted shape becomes a Playtron note when you clip to it. The 10 mL paint pen is the easiest way to start. ### Conductive thread Stainless-steel thread that sews into fabric. Embroider a circuit, then clip Playtron's alligator wire to the thread. Useful for wearable pieces. Available at Adafruit, Sparkfun, and most maker stores. ### Conductive fabric **Knit conductive fabric** — less than 1 Ω per foot of resistance. Cut it into shapes, sew them onto a garment, clip Playtron to the shape. Touching the fabric closes a circuit through your body. ### Conductive nylon fabric tape Adhesive, stick-on conductive material. Stick it to anything (a guitar, a sculpture, a wall) and it becomes a Playtron-playable surface. ### Copper tape Cheap and reliable. The Playtronica shop sells copper tape directly. Stick it onto a piece of paper, a cardboard cutout, a 3D print — any shape is a key. ### Bare Conductive Touch Board (different category) The Bare Conductive Touch Board is a standalone alternative-conductivity device that pairs naturally with Playtronica thinking. We mention it because curious customers often ask. It plays its own samples from an SD card rather than sending MIDI; not a replacement for Playtron, but a sibling in the same world. ## Quick conductivity test If you are not sure whether an object will play: 1. Plug in Playtron and ground yourself. 2. Clip one alligator wire to a known-good object (a banana). 3. Clip the other wire to the mystery object. 4. Touch the banana. If you hear notes, the mystery object is conducting. If you hear silence, the object is not conducting. ## Where this is useful - **Demos and workshops.** Fruit is the standard first prop because it always works. - **Installations.** Living plants, salt water, conductive paint, and conductive textiles hold their behaviour over long periods. - **Live performance.** Practise with the same set of objects each time so the response is predictable. - **Education.** This is the moment children realise electricity is a real thing that flows through real materials. A basket of fruit and one Playtron is worth keeping for this reason alone. - **Wearable and textile art.** Conductive thread + Playtron + a sewn shape on a jacket = a piece of clothing that plays. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck For specific creative builds — sculptures, custom instruments, choreographed setups — email collaboration@playtronica.com with the subject Creative build question. We have helped many people choose the right materials. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Troubleshooting ## Troubleshooting hub URL: https://help.playtronica.com/troubleshooting/hub/ Summary: Something is not working. Start here. Pick the symptom that matches your situation. Each row points to the right page or the fastest fix. | What you are seeing | Most likely cause | Where to go | |---|---|---| | Computer does not see the device at all | Wrong cable, wrong port, wrong browser | Device will not connect | | Old **Micro-USB** TouchMe/Playtron — nothing on a new Mac | New Mac is too strict; needs a USB hub | Device will not connect | | LED on, but no sound when I touch | MIDI permission, wrong browser, no grounding | No sound or MIDI not detected | | Playtron specifically — plugged in but silent | Grounding | Grounding — how and why | | Random notes play with nothing touched | Calibration / electrical interference | "Spurious notes" below | | USB port loose, device physically broken | Hardware fault | "Hardware damage" below | | Some objects play, others do not | Conductivity | Objects you can play | | Worked once, now broken | Firmware corruption | Firmware reset (Nuke) | ## Quick checklist — works for 80% of "not working" cases Work through these in order. They resolve most issues without needing the deeper pages. 1. **Use Chrome.** Safari and Firefox do not support Web MIDI. This is the single most common reason a Playtronica device appears to not work. 2. **Plug in the device, then open the browser.** The browser scans for MIDI devices on page load. If the browser is already open, the device will not be detected. 3. **Click Allow on the MIDI permission popup.** If you clicked Block earlier, the browser remembers. See No sound. 4. **For Playtron, confirm grounding.** Bare skin on the pointed corner of the device, or a ground cable to a metal radiator. Without grounding, Playtron is silent. See Grounding. 5. **Try a different USB cable.** It must be a data cable, not a charge-only cable. Charge-only cables look identical but carry no data. 6. **Use a USB port directly on the computer, not a hub** — *except* an old Micro-USB TouchMe or Playtron on a new Mac, which often needs a hub. See Device will not connect. If all six are confirmed and the device still does not work, go to the symptom-specific page above. ## LED status guide | LED behaviour | What it means | |---|---| | Solid on when plugged in | The device is powered and connected. | | Off when plugged in | USB power issue. Try another port or cable. (Playtron and TouchMe stay dark when you plug them in — that is normal; their LED blinks when you complete the circuit and a note plays.) | | Flashing rapidly | The device is sending MIDI signals. This is correct. | | All LEDs lit at once | Either calibration mode (Biotron, briefly) or a stuck state (Playtron — try a reset). | | Solid on but no response to touch | Unplug and reconnect. If the problem continues, see the symptom rows above. | ## Spurious notes — device plays without anything touching it This happens when the device cannot find a stable reference point. - **Biotron** — the device did not calibrate. Unplug, plug back in, move at least 1 metre away from the plant for 30 seconds, wait for the steady green pulse. - **Playtron** — the room has strong electromagnetic interference. Move the device away from your computer, phone charger, and Wi-Fi router. Try a different room as a quick test. - **All devices** — confirm grounding (Playtron) or that the plant pads are at least 2 cm apart and not touching each other (Biotron). ## Hardware damage If the device is physically damaged — USB port loose, alligator pin broken off, PCB cracked — do not try to repair it yourself. Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Defective #[order number] and a clear photo. The 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects. See Warranty and repairs for the policy. ## Specific device pages - Playtron — common issues and fixes — grounding, pin corrosion, intermittent triggers. - Firmware reset (Nuke) — when the device is unresponsive after a failed update. - Device will not connect — Mac and Windows steps. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Troubleshooting #[order number]. Tell us: - Which device. - Your operating system. - The browser or app you are using. - What the LED is doing. - A 30-second video if you can record one. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Device will not connect — denied access to MIDI, USB not detected URL: https://help.playtronica.com/troubleshooting/wont-connect/ Summary: Your computer does not see the device, or the browser shows 'denied access to MIDI'. Work through this checklist. Your computer does not see the device. Work through this checklist in order. This page also covers **"denied access to MIDI"** errors in the browser, browser MIDI-permission resets, and USB-cable / USB-port issues. ## "Denied access to MIDI" in the browser If the browser says **denied access to MIDI** or asks for permission every time, the site's MIDI permission was rejected once and is now cached. To fix: 1. **Open browser settings** in Chrome. 2. **Go to Privacy and Security → Site Settings → MIDI**. 3. Find synth.playtronica.com and settings.playtronica.com and change each to **Allow**. 4. **Reload the page.** The device should be detected within two seconds. If MIDI permission is correctly set to Allow and the device is still not detected, continue below. ## First — is the LED lit when the device is plugged in? > ℹ️ **Note for Playtron and TouchMe.** These devices do **not** light up an LED when you plug them in. A dark device is normal — skip straight to the platform steps below. Their LED blinks each time you complete the circuit and a note plays, so if you can trigger a note the device is working correctly. For devices that do have a status LED (Scales, Biotron, Orbita): - **The LED is on.** The device has power. The problem is in the software or the driver. Go to "No sound" if MIDI is not detected at the app level. - **The LED is off.** The problem is the USB connection itself. Continue below. ## On macOS 1. **Open Audio MIDI Setup.** Go to Applications → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup. Click the MIDI Studio button in the top right. Confirm whether your Playtronica device appears in the window. 2. **If the device is not visible, try a different USB port.** For most devices a USB hub causes issues — connect directly. **Older Micro-USB TouchMe (v1) and Playtron are the exception** — on a new Mac they often need a hub added; see "Old Micro-USB device on a new Mac?" below. 3. **Try a different USB cable.** USB cables can fail silently. Use any other data cable of the same type. Charge-only cables will not work. 4. **Restart the Core Audio daemon.** Open Terminal and run sudo pkill -9 coreaudiod. Then plug the device back in. ## On Windows 1. **Open Device Manager.** Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Look under "Sound, video and game controllers" or "Universal Serial Bus devices". 2. **Check for a yellow warning icon next to the device.** If you see one, right-click the device, select **Update driver**, and then **Search automatically for drivers**. If that does not work, uninstall the device and reconnect it. 3. **Use a USB port directly on the computer.** Avoid USB hubs. 4. **Try a different USB cable.** The cable must be a data cable, not charge-only. ## Old Micro-USB device on a new Mac? Add a USB hub For the older **Micro-USB TouchMe (v1)** and **Micro-USB Playtron** on a recent Apple-silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3 and later): the device powers on and reacts to touch, but the Mac shows **nothing** in Audio MIDI Setup — even with a good data cable straight into a port. These devices use an early USB design that new Macs treat very strictly and refuse during setup. The device is fine — a USB hub re-times the connection so the Mac accepts it. | Your device | On a new Mac | |---|---| | Older **Micro-USB** (TouchMe v1, Playtron) | **Add** a real USB hub between device and Mac | | Newer **USB-C** (TouchMe v2) | Connect **directly**, no hub | **Add a hub:** 1. Use a **real USB hub** — a box with its own chip and ports. A plain USB-C-to-USB-A adapter is only a wire and will **not** help. 2. Plug the hub into the Mac, then the device into the hub. 3. Open Audio MIDI Setup and check whether the device appears. A simple, inexpensive **USB 2.0** hub works best; a powered one (with its own adapter) is most reliable. On a USB-C-only Mac, pick a USB-C hub with regular USB-A ports. Examples, about €8–15: Anker, UGREEN, Amazon Basics or Sabrent 4-port hubs — for USB-C Macs, a UGREEN USB-C→USB-A hub or Anker USB-C hub. **Avoid passive USB-C-to-USB-A adapters — they are not hubs.** If one hub does not help, it is usually the wrong type; a basic USB 2.0 hub is the safest. > 💬 **Trying this? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll work it out together:** chat with us on WhatsApp. Tell us your Mac model, the hub you used, and what Audio MIDI Setup shows. ## Related pages - No sound — once connected, this is the next-most-common issue. - Troubleshooting hub — interactive walkthrough if you are not sure where to start. - Firmware reset — last resort for stubborn cases. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Device will not connect #[order number]. Tell us your operating system, the device, and what you have already tried. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## No sound or MIDI not detected URL: https://help.playtronica.com/troubleshooting/no-sound/ Summary: The device is plugged in but you do not hear anything. Work through this checklist. The device is connected but you cannot hear anything. Work through this checklist in order. ## First — does the device have power? > ℹ️ **Note for Playtron and TouchMe.** These devices do **not** light up an LED when you plug them in. A dark device is normal — do not treat it as a fault. Their LED blinks each time you complete the circuit and a note plays, which confirms the device is receiving signal. Skip straight to the checklist below. For devices that do have a status LED (Scales, Biotron, Orbita): - **No LED.** Go to Device will not connect. - **LED is on.** Continue below. ## Using the online synth at synth.playtronica.com 1. **Use Chrome.** Safari and Firefox do not support Web MIDI. This is the most common cause of no sound. 2. **Confirm MIDI permission.** If you clicked Block on the MIDI popup, the browser remembers. Open the browser settings → Site Settings → MIDI → find synth.playtronica.com → set to **Allow**. 3. **Confirm your computer audio works.** Play any YouTube video. If you hear audio, the issue is MIDI routing, not audio output. 4. **Unplug and reconnect the device, then reload the page.** ## Using a DAW (Ableton, Logic, FL Studio, GarageBand) 1. **Open the DAW's MIDI preferences and enable your Playtronica device as a MIDI input.** See the specific DAW guides: - Ableton Live - Logic Pro and GarageBand - FL Studio and other DAWs 2. **Arm a track to receive MIDI.** In most DAWs, you need a track selected and record-armed to hear incoming MIDI through a software instrument. 3. **Check the MIDI activity indicator.** Ableton has a MIDI indicator in the top bar. When you touch the device, the indicator should flash. If it flashes but you hear no sound, the issue is in the DAW's instrument routing. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject No sound #[order number]. Attach a screenshot of your synth or DAW and a short video of the device. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Playtron — common issues and fixes URL: https://help.playtronica.com/troubleshooting/playtron-faq/ Summary: Common Playtron problems — pin corrosion, USB, missing MIDI signal, weak grounding. ## The pins are corroded Pin corrosion is the most common physical issue with Playtron. Acidic or wet objects — especially citrus — cause the metal pins to oxidise. - **Light corrosion** — clean the pins with a dry cotton swab. For stubborn spots, gently rub with very fine (1000-grit) sandpaper. Wipe off any residue. - **Heavy corrosion** — email support@playtronica.com with the subject Playtron pin corrosion #[order number] and a clear photo. We will advise on cleaning or arrange a replacement. **Prevention:** wipe the pins and the clip ends dry after every session with acidic or wet objects. Store the device in the pouch if you have one. ## The LED stays on but nothing plays This is almost always a grounding problem. Two things to check: - Your bare skin is touching the **pointed corner** of the device — that sharp corner is the ground. There must be no clothing or material between your skin and the corner. - Or a ground cable is clipped to a real ground — a metal radiator, a metal sink, or your laptop's metal body. If grounding is correct, unplug the USB cable and reconnect it. ## MIDI is not detected in my DAW Playtron is a class-compliant MIDI device. Check the following: 1. The device appears in your operating system's MIDI list — Audio MIDI Setup on macOS, Device Manager on Windows. 2. Your DAW's MIDI preferences have Playtron enabled as an input. 3. A track in the DAW is armed to receive MIDI. See the full DAW guides: FL Studio and other DAWs, Ableton Live, Logic Pro and GarageBand. ## Old Playtron not detected at all on a new Mac If your Micro-USB Playtron powers on and blinks on touch, but a recent Apple-silicon Mac shows **nothing** in Audio MIDI Setup even with a good data cable, it usually needs a **real USB hub** between the device and the Mac (not a passive adapter). Full steps, hub models and the decision table: **Device will not connect → Old Micro-USB device on a new Mac**. ## Objects barely trigger, or the response is inconsistent The cause is one of three: - **Grounding is too weak.** Your bare skin is not touching the pointed corner of the device, or your ground cable is not on a real ground (metal radiator, sink, or laptop body). See Grounding — how and why. - **The object is too dry.** Dry fruit and dead plants give weak signals. Add moisture, or use a different object. - **The clip contact is poor.** Reposition the alligator clip so the metal teeth grip the object firmly. ## How do I reset Playtron to factory settings? 1. Unplug the USB cable. 2. Hold the small side button on the device. 3. With the button held, plug the USB cable back in. 4. Keep holding the button for 3 seconds. The LED flashes to confirm the reset. For a full firmware wipe, see Firmware reset (Nuke). ## Sensitivity is low for the first 30 seconds Some users notice reduced sensitivity immediately after plugging in. The signal improves after **30 to 60 seconds**. This is normal — the circuit reaches stable operating temperature quickly. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Playtron issue #[order number]. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Firmware reset (Nuke) — TouchMe, Playtron, and Biotron URL: https://help.playtronica.com/troubleshooting/firmware-reset/ Summary: Wipe and reinstall the firmware when the device is unresponsive. The Nuke reset completely wipes and reinstalls the firmware on your device. Use it when: - The device is not recognised by your computer at all. - The device appears as the RPI-RP2 drive but not as a MIDI device. - The device behaves unexpectedly after a failed firmware update. - Support has asked you to do a full reset. > ⚠️ **USB-C devices only (2026 models and later).** This reset method requires a USB-C port. Older Micro-USB models do not support this process. Check your device — if the port is USB-C, you can use this guide. ## First — try the simple update 1. **Open the settings page for your device in Chrome.** - TouchMe: settings.playtronica.com/#/touchme - Playtron: settings.playtronica.com/#/playtron - Biotron: settings.playtronica.com/#/biotron 2. **Plug in the device with USB-C and click "Update Firmware".** If the RPI-RP2 drive appears automatically, skip to step 4. If the drive does not appear, use the manual Nuke below. 3. **Follow the on-screen instructions** to put the device into update mode. 4. **Upload the latest firmware.** The device reboots automatically. After the reboot, the device appears as a MIDI device, not a drive. ## Manual Nuke (if the simple update does not work) You will need a paper clip, tweezers, or a short piece of wire, and your USB-C cable. 1. **Find the BOOT pins on your device.** The BOOT pins are two small metal contacts on the PCB. The labelled diagram on each device page marks them: TouchMe (on the middle strip, below the TOUCH ME text — they pass through, so you can reach them from either side), Playtron (next to the USB-C connector on the top peak), Biotron (near the fingerprint button). 2. **Short the BOOT pins.** Touch both pins at the same time with a paper clip. Hold the connection. 3. **With the pins still shorted, plug in the USB-C cable.** 4. **Wait for the RPI-RP2 drive to appear on your computer.** Only release the pins **after** the drive appears. The window is brief. If you miss it, unplug and try again. 5. **Release the pins.** 6. **Download flash_nuke.uf2 and drag it onto the RPI-RP2 drive.** The device disconnects and reboots. This wipes the firmware completely. 7. **Open [settings.playtronica.com/#/[your device]](https://settings.playtronica.com) in Chrome and click "Update Firmware".** Upload the latest firmware. The device reboots again and appears as a working MIDI device. ## Related pages - Troubleshooting hub — start here if you do not know which troubleshooting path applies. - No sound — most common follow-up after a firmware reset. - Won't connect — if the device still does not appear after a reset. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Firmware reset #[order number]. Tell us your device, your operating system, and which step failed. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## TouchMe not recognized on Mac or Windows URL: https://help.playtronica.com/troubleshooting/touchme-not-recognized/ Summary: TouchMe is plugged in but your computer doesn't detect it as a MIDI device. This covers the four fixes that resolve almost every case: data cable, plug-in order, Web MIDI browser, and macOS permission. # TouchMe not recognized on Mac or Windows The device powers on — the arpeggiator moves — but your computer sees nothing. This is the most common setup question we receive. Work through the steps below in order. Most people are sorted by step 1 or 2. ## Step 2 — Plug in the device before opening the browser Web MIDI has to detect the device at startup. If you open Chrome first and then plug in TouchMe, the browser often misses it. **Do this:** 1. Unplug TouchMe. 2. Close Chrome completely (Quit, not just close the tab). 3. Plug in TouchMe. The LED stays dark until you touch a pad — that is normal, it is not a sign the device is off. 4. Open Chrome. 5. Navigate to your synth or the settings page. --- ## Step 3 — Use Chrome (not Safari, not Firefox) TouchMe uses Web MIDI. Web MIDI is supported in **Chrome** only. Safari does not support it. Firefox does not support it. If you are on Safari or Firefox, nothing will work regardless of your cable or connection. **Also check:** some browsers prompt for MIDI permission the first time a site requests access. If you dismissed that prompt, the browser remembers "deny." Clear the permission: **Chrome:** Address bar → click the lock icon → Site settings → MIDI → Allow. After changing the permission, refresh the page with the device already plugged in. --- ## Step 4 — Mac: check that the device appears in Audio MIDI Setup This confirms whether the problem is the cable/connection or the browser. **Do this:** 1. Plug in TouchMe. 2. Open **Finder → Applications → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup**. 3. In the Audio MIDI Setup window, go to **Window → Show MIDI Studio**. 4. Look for "TouchMe" or an unrecognized USB MIDI device in the list. **If TouchMe appears here but not in your browser:** the issue is browser permissions (see Step 3). **If TouchMe does not appear here at all:** the Mac is not seeing the device at the hardware level. Try a different USB cable (Step 1) and a different USB port. On the **newer USB-C TouchMe**, remove any hub or adapter and connect directly. The **older Micro-USB TouchMe (v1)** on a new Mac is the opposite — it often needs a hub added; see "Old Micro-USB TouchMe not seen at all on a new Mac" below. --- ## Mac-specific: USB adapter issues **If your Mac only has USB-C ports** and you are using an adapter, the adapter must support data transfer, not just charging. Many small white USB-C adapters are power-only. The adapter included in some bundles is a confirmed data adapter. Third-party adapters vary — test with a known-good one. Customers with new MacBook Pros (M1, M2, M5, running Sequoia or Sonoma) using the **USB-C TouchMe (v2)** have reported that cheap multiport hubs drop the MIDI connection — for that device, connect directly to a USB-C port with a USB-C to USB-C cable, or use Apple's own USB-C adapter. **The older Micro-USB TouchMe (v1) is the exception:** on a new Mac it often needs a hub to be seen at all (see the section below). **Older TouchMe (Micro-USB) on a USB-C Mac:** You need a Micro-USB to USB-C adapter or cable that carries data. Standard phone charging adapters often do not. --- ## Old Micro-USB TouchMe not seen at all on a new Mac If your **Micro-USB TouchMe (v1)** shows **nothing** in Audio MIDI Setup on a recent Apple-silicon Mac even with a good data cable, it usually needs a **real USB hub** between the device and the Mac (not a passive adapter). This is the opposite of removing the hub — which is right for the newer USB-C TouchMe (v2). Full steps, hub models and the decision table: **Device will not connect → Old Micro-USB device on a new Mac**. --- ## Windows: device visible in Device Manager but no MIDI Windows users sometimes see the TouchMe in Device Manager under "Sound, video and game controllers" or "Universal Serial Bus devices" but it does not appear as a MIDI device in their DAW. **Do this:** 1. Open Chrome (not Edge, not Internet Explorer). 2. Go to settings.playtronica.com. 3. If the page connects to your device, the hardware is working. The issue is DAW recognition — check your DAW's MIDI input list and enable the TouchMe port there. 4. If the settings page also cannot connect, try a different USB cable first, then a different USB port. --- ## Still not working after all four steps Before contacting support, send us a short video showing: - The device plugged in, and the LED blinking when you touch a pad. - The Audio MIDI Setup window (Mac) or Device Manager (Windows). - Your browser attempting to connect. This lets us confirm whether it is a hardware fault or a configuration issue and speeds up the response significantly. Contact: support@playtronica.com --- ## Quick reference | Symptom | First thing to check | |---|---| | No LED even when you touch a pad | USB cable is charge-only or not delivering power — try the included cable or a different port | | LED blinks on touch, nothing in browser | Plug in before opening browser; check MIDI permission in browser | | LED blinks on touch, not in Audio MIDI Setup | Cable is charge-only; try the included cable | | Works in Audio MIDI Setup, not in DAW | Enable TouchMe MIDI input inside your DAW settings | | Only works on Windows, not Mac | Adapter is charge-only; use a data adapter directly into a USB-C port | | Worked before, stopped after macOS update (newer USB-C TouchMe) | Open Audio MIDI Setup → MIDI Studio and rescan; try direct USB connection without hub | | Older Micro-USB TouchMe, invisible on a new Mac even with a good cable | Add a real USB hub between the device and the Mac (not a passive adapter) | --- *Related: Firmware update and factory reset · TouchMe with Ableton Live · Supported browsers* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Orders & support ## Track your order URL: https://help.playtronica.com/orders/track-your-order/ Summary: Where your package is now, when it should arrive, and what to do if tracking has gone quiet. Your tracking link is in the order confirmation email. Search your inbox for **"Playtronica"** and **"shipped"** — that email has a one-click tracking link. If you cannot find the email, see "I lost my tracking number" below. Two carriers ship Playtronica orders: - **EU orders** ship from the Netherlands with **ShipBob**. Typical delivery: **3 to 7 business days** after shipment. - **International orders** (US, Canada, UK, Asia-Pacific, all other regions) ship from Hong Kong with **Floship**. Typical delivery: **7 to 14 business days** for the US and Canada, **5 to 10 business days** for Asia-Pacific. The first 24 to 48 hours after we ship can show no updates. The carrier may not scan the package until it reaches the first regional hub. This is normal. ## Where is my order? Open your tracking link. If the last update is within the past **5 business days**, the package is moving normally. Packages routinely wait at customs or for the next regional hub scan. If the tracking shows no movement for more than 5 business days, write to **support@playtronica.com** with the subject line Tracking #[your order number]. We will contact the carrier the same day. > ⚠️ **Holiday and Black Friday notice.** December orders can take a few extra days, especially in the EU. Between late December and early January, the most likely reason for a paused tracking event is high carrier volume after Black Friday and the holidays. ## Tracking has not updated in days Two common reasons: - **First-scan delay.** Up to 48 hours can pass between our handover and the first public tracking event. Reload the tracking page the next day. - **Customs.** Border processing can add 1 to 3 business days with no public updates. If neither applies — five business days of silence is the trigger to contact us. Write to **support@playtronica.com** with the subject Tracking #[your order number]. Attach a screenshot of the tracking page if you have one. ## It says delivered but I do not have the package 1. **Wait 24 hours.** About 1 in 50 packages marked "delivered" actually arrive the next day. Drivers sometimes scan ahead. 2. **Check obvious locations:** front desk, neighbour, building reception, parcel locker. Carriers in the EU often leave packages with the closest available person if the recipient is not home. 3. **If the package is still missing the next day**, write to **support@playtronica.com** with the subject Lost #[your order number]. We open a carrier claim within 24 hours. If the carrier cannot locate the package, we ship a replacement. ## I lost my tracking number Search your inbox for Playtronica and shipped. If you bought as a guest and the email is missing, write to **support@playtronica.com** with the email address you used at checkout. We will resend the tracking link. ## I want to change my shipping address We can edit the shipping address while the order is still in our warehouse. The window is short — usually a few hours after checkout. Write to **support@playtronica.com** immediately with the subject Change address #[order number] and the new address. If the package has already shipped, some carriers allow rerouting mid-transit. Email us and we will try. ## Related pages - Shipping and delivery — origin warehouses, transit times by region, customs. - Returns and refunds — 30-day window, how to start a return, when the refund arrives. - Warranty and repairs — what's covered, how to claim. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **For creative, MIDI, and performance questions** — ask the Playtronica Friends Facebook group. 4,400 members, peer support. See the community page for what to ask there. > > **This page is for order issues** — tracking, returns, refunds, invoices, warranty. The community cannot help with those. Use the email below. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Invoice and VAT URL: https://help.playtronica.com/orders/invoice-vat/ Summary: How to get an invoice for your order — for customs, your accountant, or your company. Most invoice requests fall into three cases. Find yours below. ## I just want a receipt for my records You already have it. The order confirmation email we sent on the day of purchase is your receipt. Search your inbox for **"Playtronica"** and **"order confirmation"**. If you cannot find the email, check your spam folder. If it is still missing, email support@playtronica.com with the email address you used at checkout. We will resend the receipt within 1 business day. ## Customs is holding my package and needs a formal invoice This is common for customers in Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom (after Brexit), and parts of Asia. Customs requires a formal invoice that lists items, value, and HS code before releasing the package. Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Customs invoice #[your order number]. Include: - Your **order number** - Your **shipping country** - The phrase "customs is holding the package" so we mark the email as urgent We send the customs-ready invoice within 1 business day. The carrier usually releases the package within 24 hours after receiving the invoice. ## I need an invoice with my company name and VAT number For business purchases, your accountant or finance team will need a formal invoice. Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Company invoice #[your order number]. Include: - Your **order number** - **Company name** as it should appear on the invoice - **Full company address** - **VAT number** (required if you are in the EU and want VAT reverse charge) - A **PO number** if your accounting system requires one We send the invoice within 1 business day. ## I need a quote before buying (B2B) For business or institutional purchases of **10 units or more**, we issue a formal quote. Email collaboration@playtronica.com with the subject Quote — [your organization name]. Tell us what you want and how many. We reply within 2 business days with a quote suitable for your purchase order. ## A note on import duties and taxes The price on our shop is the price you pay us. **For EU customers, VAT is included** at checkout — no extra charge at delivery. **For customers outside the EU** (United States, United Kingdom after Brexit, Asia, Latin America, and other regions), local customs may charge import duties or taxes when the package arrives. These charges are set by your country's government, not by Playtronica. They are not included in our price. Common ranges we see: - **United Kingdom:** 20% VAT on most packages - **United States:** usually below the de minimis threshold, varies by state - **Argentina, Brazil, India:** duties of 15 to 40% are routine We cannot predict the exact charge for your country. If you want certainty before ordering, check your country's customs website. ## Related pages - Pricing and discounts — base prices, bundles, missed-code refunds. - B2B and institutional orders — bulk pricing, formal quotes, VAT-exempt purchases. - Contact — when each address is the right one. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **For creative, MIDI, and performance questions** — ask the Playtronica Friends Facebook group. 4,400 members, peer support. See the community page for what to ask there. > > **This page is for order issues** — tracking, returns, refunds, invoices, warranty. The community cannot help with those. Use the email below. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Returns and refunds URL: https://help.playtronica.com/orders/returns-refunds/ Summary: 30-day return window, no questions asked. Here is how to return your device and when your refund arrives. You have **30 days** from the delivery date to return any Playtronica device for a full refund. The device must be: - **Unused** - In **original condition** - In **original packaging**, with all cables and accessories included ## How to start a return Write to **support@playtronica.com** with the subject Return #[your order number]. Tell us what you are returning and why. We reply within 1 business day with the correct shipping address. We do not publish a single address because we route returns by region and product. > ⚠️ **Do not ship returns to Estonia or to any address you find online.** Always wait for our confirmation email with the correct return address. Packages sent before we confirm may be lost in transit and we cannot refund them. ## If the device was a gift The process is the same. In your email, include any of the following: - Order number, if you can find it - Email address used at checkout - Recipient's name and shipping city We will locate the order. If you have no order details at all, use the subject Gift return and include the recipient's name and delivery city. ## If the device arrived defective or broken Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Defective #[order number] and **attach a photo** of the issue. We handle each defect case individually. The most common result is a replacement device sent to you quickly. > ⚠️ **Do not try to repair the device yourself before contacting us.** Repair attempts can void the warranty. ## If you ordered the wrong product **If your order has not shipped yet**, we may be able to swap or cancel before it leaves the warehouse. Email us immediately with the subject Modify #[order number] and tell us what you want changed. The warehouse ships within hours of checkout, so contact us as soon as possible. **If your order has already shipped**, you can return the device under the 30-day policy and place a new order. We will process the refund as soon as the return arrives. ## When does the refund arrive? We issue the refund **within 10 business days** of receiving your return at the warehouse. The money arrives in your account based on your payment method: | Payment method | Time after refund is issued | |---|---| | Credit or debit card | 3 to 10 business days | | Klarna, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Next business day | | PayPal | 1 to 2 business days | If 15 business days have passed since our "refund issued" email and you still do not see the refund, email us with the subject Refund check #[order number]. We will trace the payment. ## What we cannot accept - **Used or modified devices.** Cosmetic wear from normal use is fine. Rewired or soldered devices cannot be returned. - **Returns missing components.** Include all cables, alligator clips, and accessories from the original box. - **Returns past the 30-day window.** After 30 days, we review case by case. The warranty for manufacturing defects still applies — see Warranty and repairs. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **For creative, MIDI, and performance questions** — ask the Playtronica Friends Facebook group. 4,400 members, peer support. See the community page for what to ask there. > > **This page is for order issues** — tracking, returns, refunds, invoices, warranty. The community cannot help with those. Use the email below. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Pricing and discounts URL: https://help.playtronica.com/orders/pricing-and-discounts/ Summary: What things cost, how discount codes work, and what to do if you missed one. Current prices are always live at shop.playtronica.com, shown in **EUR (€)** by default and converted to USD ($) at checkout for non-EU customers. This page covers discount codes, bundles, missed-code refunds, and B2B pricing. ## I forgot to use a discount code at checkout If a discount code was active on the day of your purchase and you forgot to enter it, email support@playtronica.com with the subject Missed code #[your order number] and tell us the code. We review case by case. ## What is in each bundle? Every bundle page on the shop lists the contents: device, cable, adapters, alligator clips, accessories. If both a bundle and its single items are sold out, the next batch usually arrives in **2 to 4 weeks**. Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Stock — [bundle name] and we will tell you the next ship date. ## What do I need to make sound? The minimum gear for each device: - **TouchMe** — TouchMe, the USB cable from the box, a laptop with Chrome. Touch the pads. - **Playtron** — Playtron, the USB cable from the box, at least **2 alligator clips** (in the box), a laptop. Clip the wires to fruit, water, or a friend. - **Biotron** — Biotron, a USB cable, leaf-pads (in the box), a houseplant, a laptop. The plant plays. - **Orbita** — Orbita, the USB cable from the box, a laptop. Self-playing sequencer. - **Scales** — Scales, a USB cable, a laptop, and one or more objects to place on the plate. You do not need to install software. synth.playtronica.com is a free browser-based synth that works with every device. ## B2B and bulk orders Buying for a school, a studio, a museum, a festival, or a therapy centre? We work with institutional buyers every week and we are happy to put together a quote that fits what you are doing — bulk pricing, VAT-friendly invoicing, and setup advice all included. Tell us a bit about your project at **collaboration@playtronica.com** (subject: Quote — [your organization]). We get back within 2 business days. More detail on the B2B and institutional page. ## What is included in the checkout price? The price at checkout includes the product and shipping. **For EU customers, VAT is included.** **For customers outside the EU**, local import duties or taxes may apply when the package arrives. These charges are set by your country, not by Playtronica, and are separate from our price. See Invoice and VAT for typical ranges. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **For creative, MIDI, and performance questions** — ask the Playtronica Friends Facebook group. 4,400 members, peer support. See the community page for what to ask there. > > **This page is for order issues** — tracking, returns, refunds, invoices, warranty. The community cannot help with those. Use the email below. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Shipping and delivery URL: https://help.playtronica.com/orders/shipping-delivery/ Summary: How long shipping takes, by region and carrier. All orders ship within **1–2 business days** from one of two fulfilment centres. EU and North America orders ship from the Netherlands via UPS, DHL, or local post. Asia Pacific orders ship from Hong Kong via DHL or FedEx. Tracking is provided for every order. We ship globally from two fulfilment centres: - **Netherlands (ShipBob NL)** — for Europe and North America. Carriers: UPS, DHL, PostNL. - **Hong Kong (Floship)** — for Asia Pacific and the rest of the world. Carriers: DHL, FedEx. ## Delivery times by region | Region | Warehouse | Delivery | Free shipping from | |---|---|---|---| | 🇪🇺 European Union | ShipBob Netherlands | 3–7 business days | €100 | | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ShipBob Netherlands | 5–10 business days | €100 | | 🇺🇸 United States | ShipBob Netherlands | 7–14 business days | €100 | | 🇨🇦 Canada | ShipBob Netherlands | 7–14 business days | €100 | | 🇮🇱 Israel / 🇬🇪 Georgia | ShipBob Netherlands | 5–10 business days | €100 | | 🌏 Asia Pacific | Floship Hong Kong | 5–10 business days | €100 | | 🌍 Rest of the world | Floship Hong Kong | 7–21 business days | Varies | ## Processing time Orders are dispatched within **1 to 2 business days**. During Black Friday and holiday periods, processing may take **2 to 3 business days**. You receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking link once the order leaves the warehouse. ## Customs and duties - **EU orders.** VAT is included in your purchase price. No additional customs charges. - **Non-EU orders.** Local customs may charge import duties or taxes when the package arrives. These charges are set by your country, not by Playtronica. The buyer pays them. > ⚠️ **Iceland and North Macedonia are not EU members.** Customs charges may apply even though both countries are geographically in Europe. For typical duty ranges by country, see Invoice and VAT. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **For creative, MIDI, and performance questions** — ask the Playtronica Friends Facebook group. 4,400 members, peer support. See the community page for what to ask there. > > **This page is for order issues** — tracking, returns, refunds, invoices, warranty. The community cannot help with those. Use the email below. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Shipping question #[order number]. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Warranty and repairs URL: https://help.playtronica.com/orders/warranty-repair/ Summary: 1-year warranty, the repair flow, and what is covered. Every Playtronica device has a **1-year warranty** against manufacturing defects, starting from the delivery date. ## What is covered - The device stops functioning without physical damage or misuse. - LED failure not caused by impact. - USB port failure not caused by force or incorrect use. - Component failure under normal use. ## What is not covered - Physical damage from dropping or impact. - Liquid damage. Biotron used with plants is an exception — that is expected use. - Pin or component corrosion from improper storage, or from heavy use with acidic objects like citrus fruit. - Damage from an incorrect power supply or incorrect voltage. ## How to make a warranty claim 1. **Email support@playtronica.com** with the subject Warranty #[order number]. Describe the issue. 2. **Attach a short video or photos of the problem.** This helps us diagnose the fault. In most cases you will not need to ship the device back. 3. **We reply within 3 business days** with one of three outcomes: remote-fix instructions, a replacement part, or a full device replacement. ## Out-of-warranty repairs The device is more than a year old, or the damage is not covered by warranty. We still want to help. Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Out-of-warranty repair #[order number]. In many cases we can offer repair guidance, spare parts, or a discounted replacement. ## Related pages - Returns and refunds — 30-day return window, separate from the warranty path. - Firmware reset — many "the device is broken" cases are resolved by a firmware reflash. - Won't connect — connection problems that look like hardware faults but are not. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **For creative, MIDI, and performance questions** — ask the Playtronica Friends Facebook group. 4,400 members, peer support. See the community page for what to ask there. > > **This page is for order issues** — tracking, returns, refunds, invoices, warranty. The community cannot help with those. Use the email below. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Customs duties & import taxes — what to expect URL: https://help.playtronica.com/orders/customs-duties/ Summary: Orders outside the EU may be charged import duties or taxes by your country's customs authority. This article explains who pays, how to pay, what to do if your parcel is held, and when you can appeal # Customs duties & import taxes — what to expect If your order is shipping outside the European Union, your country's customs authority may charge import duties or taxes before your parcel can be delivered. This article explains what to expect and what to do. ## What happens when customs holds your parcel The courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL, or your national post) will contact you — usually by email or SMS — with: - The amount owed - A deadline to pay (often 5–10 days) - Instructions on how to pay **Act on that notice quickly.** If the deadline passes, the carrier may return the parcel to us or, in some cases, dispose of it. Once returned, we can reship or refund — but it adds weeks. If you haven't received a notice but tracking shows your parcel is "on hold" or "pending clearance", contact the carrier directly using your tracking number. Don't wait for us to do it — the carrier communicates with the recipient, not the sender. --- ## How to pay — by carrier **FedEx** Log in at fedex.com with your tracking number, or call your local FedEx office. They will send a payment link or ask you to visit a branch. Real example from our tickets: a customer owed USD 162.98; FedEx put the parcel on hold until payment was made directly to them. **UPS** UPS contacts the recipient by email with a duty invoice. You can also pay online at ups.com/track or call your local UPS office. Canadian customers: UPS charges in CAD — one recent order was held for CAD 35.55. After payment, UPS cleared the parcel the same day. **DHL** DHL typically delivers a paper notice or sends an email. Payment options vary by country — online via MyDHL+ or at a local post office / DHL ServicePoint. **Royal Mail (UK)** Royal Mail sends a card or email from HMRC customs with the duty amount and a reference number. Pay online at royalmail.com/customs-charges or at a Post Office. The parcel is held at a depot; you collect it after payment. One UK customer received a £35.97 customs/VAT notice — this was a legitimate HMRC charge, not a Royal Mail fee. **National post (Japan Post, Correos, USPS, etc.)** For economy shipments from Hong Kong, the last-mile carrier is often the national post. Check the carrier's website using your tracking number, or visit your local post office with ID. --- ## Country notes These are patterns we see regularly in support tickets — not official guidance. Amounts change; check with your local customs authority for current rates. | Country | Typical situation | Who to contact | |---------|------------------|----------------| | **UK** | Royal Mail collects VAT + duty on behalf of HMRC. Expected for most orders over ~£135. | Royal Mail / your local Post Office | | **Canada** | UPS charges brokerage fees + GST/HST. CBSA may inspect. | UPS Canada, 1-800-742-5877 | | **Mexico** | FedEx or DHL collect customs fees in MXN. One recent order: MXN 1,036.50. | Your local FedEx or DHL office | | **Saudi Arabia** | ZATCA applies VAT (15%) on imports. DHL usually handles clearance. | DHL Saudi Arabia | | **USA** | De minimis threshold is $800. Orders below this usually clear without duty. Orders above may be held by FedEx/UPS for CBP clearance. | FedEx or UPS customs brokerage | | **Japan** | Japan Post holds parcels; you receive a notice to visit your local post office. | Japan Post tracking + local branch | | **Australia** | GST (10%) applies to most imported goods. Usually collected by Australia Post or DHL. | Australia Post or DHL Australia | | **Colombia / Brazil / India** | High customs scrutiny. Expect duties and, in some cases, a requirement to provide a local tax ID. | Your national customs authority or courier | | **EU countries** | VAT is included in your checkout price. No additional customs charge expected. | — | > **China:** If your phone number is wrong in the shipping details, customs clearance can stall. Contact us immediately at support@playtronica.com with your correct number and we will update it with the carrier. --- ## If you're asked for documents Some countries (especially in Latin America and the Middle East) require the recipient to provide a tax ID, EORI number, or national ID number for clearance. The carrier will ask you for this directly. Provide it promptly — missing documentation is one of the most common reasons parcels are returned. --- ## Can you appeal or dispute a charge? Yes, in most countries you can contest a customs assessment if: - The declared value on the shipment was correct - The product was misclassified (wrong HS code applied) - You were charged twice for the same shipment **How to appeal:** 1. Keep the customs notice or payment receipt. 2. Contact your country's customs authority directly (HMRC in the UK, CBSA in Canada, ZATCA in Saudi Arabia, SAT in Mexico, CBP in the USA). 3. Reference your tracking number and our commercial invoice. We can provide an official invoice on request — email us at support@playtronica.com with your order number. We cannot appeal on your behalf — customs authorities only deal with the importer (you), not the exporter. But we can provide supporting documents. --- ## What we cannot do - We cannot refund customs charges. They are collected by your government, not by us. - We cannot prepay duties on your behalf. - We cannot guarantee that a resent package will not be charged again — the customs charge applies every time goods enter your country. --- ## If your parcel is returned to us If you miss the payment deadline and the carrier returns the parcel: 1. Email us at support@playtronica.com with your order number. 2. We'll confirm receipt once the parcel arrives at our warehouse (this can take 2–4 weeks). 3. We'll offer you: **reship** (you pay customs again on arrival) or **full refund** minus the original shipping cost. We will not leave you without a resolution. It just takes a bit of time once a parcel is in return transit. --- ## Still have questions? Email support@playtronica.com with your order number and the notice you received. We reply within 24 hours on business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # For professionals ## B2B and institutional orders URL: https://help.playtronica.com/professionals/b2b-bulk/ Summary: Bulk pricing and formal quotes for schools, museums, studios, festivals, and corporate buyers. Schools, museums, festivals, studios — we work with institutional buyers every week and we love it. This page covers the four most common cases and how to get a quote. ## Who we work with - **Schools and universities.** Music teachers, SEND programmes, arts faculties, coding and maker courses. Typical orders run 5 to 30 devices. - **Museums and festivals.** Interactive installations, workshops, and participatory events. We have supplied Sónar, CTM, and museums across Europe — setup advice comes with the order. - **Studios and labels.** Playtronica as a production or performance tool. Larger orders, specific configurations, and workshop support are all on the table. - **Corporate and events.** Team building, brand activations, launch events. We can supply devices and sometimes facilitate the workshop too. ## What we can put together for you - Bulk pricing on orders of 5 units or more. - A proper VAT invoice and purchase order for your accounting team. - EU tax-exempt purchases for registered EU VAT businesses. - A short consultation on which devices fit what you are planning. - One consolidated shipment to a single address. ## How to get a quote Drop us a line at **collaboration@playtronica.com** (subject: Quote — [your organization]). A few sentences are plenty — tell us: - What you are planning (a classroom, an installation, an event, and so on). - Which devices you are considering and roughly how many. - Where it is going and when you need it. We reply within **2 business days** with a quote and answers to anything that is still open. ## Related pages - Education and schools — programmes we have run with music teachers, SEND, arts faculties. - Creative installations — Sónar, CTM, museum work — what we provide. - Invoice and VAT — formal VAT invoices, EU tax-exempt purchases, purchase orders. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck For questions that are not about a quote, email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Playtronica in education URL: https://help.playtronica.com/professionals/education/ Summary: How to bring Playtronica into classrooms and workshops. Playtronica began in workshops. The first session was a music teacher letting children make sound from fruit and vegetables. Twelve years later, our devices are in classrooms, special education programmes, and university labs in more than 40 countries. ## Why Playtronica works in classrooms - **No prior knowledge needed.** Any student of any age can make a sound within 30 seconds. - **Bridges subjects.** A single activity connects music, science (electricity, biology), and art. - **Inclusive and SEND-friendly.** Touch-based interaction works for students who cannot use traditional instruments. - **Endless variation.** Sessions feel different every time because the "instruments" — plants, fruit, and objects — change. ## Which device for which age? | Age group | Best device | Why | |---|---|---| | 5–8 years | Playtron | Clipping wires to fruit is immediately engaging. Very visual and tactile. | | 9–14 years | TouchMe or Playtron | Students can understand the science. Group play works very well. | | 15+ and adults | Any device | Biotron opens up biology connections. All devices work. | | SEND or sensory needs | TouchMe | Minimal setup, immediate feedback, and calming tones are possible. | ## Safety All Playtronica devices run on **5 V USB power** — the same voltage as a phone charger. The electrical currents involved are far below any threshold of harm. Playtronica devices have been used safely in classrooms with children from age 4 for more than 10 years. > ⚠️ **Pacemakers and other implanted medical devices.** Capacitive sensing and electromagnetic signals can interfere with implanted medical devices. Students or visitors with pacemakers or similar implants should not use Playtronica devices. See Safety and health information for the full rules. ## Institutional orders Schools and educational institutions qualify for volume pricing and a formal purchase order and invoice process. See B2B and institutional orders. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email manirko@playtronica.com with the subject Education — [your school] and tell us about your programme. We reply within 2 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Creative and installation use URL: https://help.playtronica.com/professionals/creative-installations/ Summary: Art installations, exhibitions, and performance pieces. Playtronica devices have appeared in art installations, contemporary performance, sound art exhibitions, and generative music projects since 2014. This page covers the patterns we see most. ## Where Playtronica has shown up Selected institutional and brand work from the last decade — the kinds of partners we have built bespoke setups for. ### Museums and festivals - **Centre Pompidou (Paris)** — *MИR: A Journey into Space and Sound*, summer 2018. A month-long sound installation built around touch, with a public version of TouchMe in the foyer. Coverage on FactMag. - **Palais de Tokyo (Paris)** — workshops and performance, ongoing collaboration with the contemporary arts programme. - **Garage Museum of Contemporary Art (Moscow)** — *The Rhythm of Color* workshop series with Orbita prototypes. - **Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow)** — sound installation in dialogue with the permanent collection. - **Exploratorium (San Francisco)** — interactive science-and-music station. - **Sónar+D (Barcelona)** — the festival's innovation wing. Playtronica was founded in 2014 by Sasha Pas after seeing the first Sónar+D, so the relationship runs deep. ### Brand performances and installations - **Hermès** — a live performance inside the Manhattan flagship; Hermès accessories became the instruments for a three-hour Playtronica improvisation. - **Issey Miyake** — a Tokyo collaboration tying sound to the raw materials of the garments, honoring the ancestral link between music and nature. - **IKEA** — interactive product launches and pop-ups. - **Nike** — event activations. If your project sits in any of these adjacent categories — museum acquisition, festival commission, brand activation, university research — we are happy to talk early. ## Use multiple devices at once Each Playtronica device has a unique USB identity. You can run several devices at the same time. In Ableton, or in any MIDI-routing tool (MIDI-OX on Windows, Patchwork on macOS), each device appears as a separate MIDI input. Assign each device to a different instrument, effect chain, or visual trigger. ## Installation setup tips - **Use USB hubs with individual power switches** for reliable power management. A powered USB hub with its own power adapter is more stable than a passive hub. - **Test every alligator-clip connection before opening.** Humidity changes affect conductivity. Re-test on the day. - **For long-running installations**, route MIDI into a dedicated laptop running Ableton in performance mode. Disable the screensaver. Disable sleep. - **Lower sensitivity during busy hours** if Biotron is part of the installation. Crowd interference can trigger false notes. - **Schedule preset changes through the day** using SysEx on Biotron. See Biotron Advanced. ## MIDI routing and custom instruments Playtronica devices send standard MIDI — Note On, Note Off, velocity, and optional Continuous Control. This means they work with any MIDI-capable software: Max/MSP, Pure Data, SuperCollider, TouchDesigner, Resolume, Ableton, and many others. The creative ceiling is effectively unlimited. ## Talk to us about a project We have helped artists with bespoke setups for festivals, galleries, and performances. Email collaboration@playtronica.com with the subject Installation — [your project]. We reply within 2 business days. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Safety and health information URL: https://help.playtronica.com/professionals/safety/ Summary: Playtronica devices are safe for typical creative use. This page explains the limits. Playtronica devices connect the human body, objects, and sound through touch and low-voltage electricity. They are designed for artistic and educational use only. They are not medical or therapeutic devices. Read this page before using any Playtronica hardware. > ⚠️ **Do not use Playtronica devices if you have a pacemaker or an implanted medical device.** Capacitive sensing and electromagnetic signals may interfere with such devices. If you are pregnant, avoid prolonged direct physical contact with Playtronica hardware. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional. ## General safety - Use each device only as described in its official documentation. - Use only the cables and power sources provided or approved by Playtronica. - Do not connect Playtronica devices to high-voltage equipment or untested third-party electronics. - Keep the devices away from water and extreme heat. - Do not open, modify, or repair the electronics yourself. - Children should use Playtronica devices only with adult supervision. ## Electrical safety All Playtronica devices run on low-voltage USB power. Do not connect them to unverified power supplies. Do not handle the devices with wet hands or while standing in water. Disconnect the device immediately if you feel any tingling sensation or notice unusual behaviour. > ⚠️ **Touch only the contacts shown in the device manuals.** Each device has clearly defined contact points: the TouchMe pads, the Playtron alligator pins and its pointed ground corner, the Biotron leaf-pad cables and light sensor face, the Orbita orbit ring, the central encoder, the side buttons, and every device's USB-C connector. Even when the device is unplugged, do not touch solder joints, exposed chips, or the underside of the PCB. Playtronica devices are durable, but touching those internal areas can cause permanent damage. Treat the surfaces you are not using like the inside of an open laptop — it is fine to know they are there, but there is no reason to touch them. ## Environment Use the devices in dry indoor spaces. Avoid condensation, water exposure, and conductive liquids. If a device becomes wet or damaged, disconnect it immediately. If you integrate Playtronica into furniture, public spaces, or interactive installations, use appropriate insulation. See Creative and installations for guidance. ## Intended use Playtronica devices — TouchMe, Playtron, Biotron, Orbita, Scales, and Conductive Fabric Tape — are designed for creative expression, sound design, and education. They are not medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic devices. ## Disposal Dispose of the electronics according to your local e-waste recycling regulations. In the EU, the WEEE Directive applies. Do not put Playtronica devices in regular household waste. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **Other Playtronica users have probably hit this before.** The Playtronica Friends Facebook group has 4,400 members and is the fastest source of creative and technical help. Search the group's history first (use the magnifying glass at the top — try playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi, or whatever fits your problem). If your question is not already answered, post a new one with a [Device] prefix in the title. See the community page for what to ask there and what to email instead. ## Still stuck Email support@playtronica.com with the subject Safety question. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # About this site ## Contact Playtronica URL: https://help.playtronica.com/site/contact/ Summary: How to reach us — by email, by topic. Most answers are already on this site. > **Before reaching out — quick check.** Most questions are already answered here: tracking your order, VAT invoice, device not working, returns, warranty, B2B / bulk. Email is the right channel for every situation. Pick the topic below — each link opens a pre-filled email. ## By topic ### 🤔 Thinking about buying? support@playtronica.com — pick the right device, ask about accessories, ask how to use Playtronica with your specific setup, or anything else before you order. We reply within 1 business day with honest guidance — including telling you when a Playtronica device is not the right fit. ### 📦 Order, shipping, missing item support@playtronica.com — please include your order number, what you're seeing, and any tracking link. ### 🔧 Device not working support@playtronica.com — include which device, your operating system, browser/app, what the LED is doing, and 1–2 short videos if you can. Most issues are fixed before we need to send a replacement. ### ↩️ Return or refund support@playtronica.com — we send the right return address within 1 business day. 30-day return window, full guide here. ### 🧾 Invoice or VAT receipt support@playtronica.com — include order number, company name, full address, VAT number if you have one. We issue within 1 business day. ### 🛡️ Warranty claim support@playtronica.com — 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects. Include order number + a photo or short video of the issue. Full warranty page. ### 🏢 B2B, bulk, schools, museums collaboration@playtronica.com — quotes for 10+ units, institutional purchase orders, custom configurations. Reply within 2 business days. See B2B & Institutional. ### 📰 Press, partnerships, content creators collaboration@playtronica.com — review units, interviews, partnerships, brand collaborations. ## Response time We aim for **24 hours**, may take up to **3 business days**. Holiday periods (December, early January) can be slower. Every email is read by a real person on the Playtronica team — often by Andrey Manirko, who designs the devices. You are not writing to a ticket queue that nobody reads. ## Community For non-urgent questions, the Facebook community often has the fastest answer — 4,000+ makers, many of whom have solved the same problem. 👥 Join the Facebook group → ## Urgent only If your situation is genuinely urgent and email is not getting a reply (a carrier-lost package, a time-sensitive workshop), email support@playtronica.com with URGENT at the start of the subject line. We watch for that flag and move those to the front of the queue. For everyday support, a normal email is the right channel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## The Playtronica community URL: https://help.playtronica.com/site/community/ Summary: Where to find other Playtronica makers — and where to ask for help first. The Playtronica community is the first place to ask for help. Other users have hit your problem before, and the answers stay searchable for the next person. ## Where to go **facebook.com/groups/playtronica** — public group, **4400 members** active across 40+ countries. The Playtronica Friends community on Facebook. **Best for:** finding past answers, posting a new question that anyone can find later, sharing what you made, asking about creative use and installations. > ℹ️ **We are looking for a better long-term home for the community.** Facebook works for now, but if you have suggestions for a better platform, email support@playtronica.com with the subject Community suggestion. ## How to ask a good question The same advice works for any channel. 1. **Search first.** In the Facebook group, click the magnifying glass and try terms like playtron mobile no sound, all leds lit, touchme biotron no sound, koala sampler midi. 2. **Add a [Device] prefix** to your post title. Example: [Biotron] Same notes repeat without touching the plant. 3. **In the post body, include:** - Which device — TouchMe, Playtron, Biotron, Orbita, or Scales. - Your operating system — macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, or a hardware synth. - The app you are using — synth.playtronica.com, Ableton, Logic, GarageBand, FL Studio, Koala, Dawnbeat, or another. - What you have already tried. - What is happening. A short video or photo helps a lot. A clear question gets faster answers. A vague question rarely gets answered at all. ## When to email support instead The community is great for many things but it cannot help with these. **Email support@playtronica.com** for: - Order tracking, missing items, or shipping questions. - Returns and refunds. - Invoice and VAT requests. - Warranty claims and broken devices. - Anything that needs your order number or your shipping address. For business and bulk orders, use collaboration@playtronica.com. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. ## Related pages - Contact — every email address we use, and which question goes where. - Compare devices — for community members helping someone pick their first Playtronica. - Which device do I have? — identify a board from a photo. ## How the community works The community is run by the Playtronica team in Berlin and Paris. The admin is Andrey. The community manager checks the group several times a day and seeds firmware updates, new device announcements, and FAQ posts. Other members answer help questions — that is what makes the community a community. The group has three rules: 1. **Share your wonderful creations.** 2. **The group is not for solving delivery issues.** 3. **Be kind and courteous.** The first one is the most important. Post what you make. Other people will be inspired. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Press and mentions URL: https://help.playtronica.com/site/press/ Summary: Selected coverage of Playtronica — interviews with the founder, device reviews, festival and museum write-ups. Selected coverage of Playtronica from independent publications, festivals, and the music-technology press. We update this page when something substantial lands; for press enquiries write to **collaboration@playtronica.com** with the subject Press — [outlet]. ## Founder interviews - **Metal Magazine — "Sasha Pas tells Playtronica's story"** — long-form interview with the founder on the studio's beginnings and the minimalist design approach. - **Playtronica shop blog — "Sasha Pas interview"** — the canonical founder story. ## Device reviews and feature pieces ### TouchMe and Playtron - **Designboom — "Playtronica's MIDI device turns vegetables into musical instruments"** (March 2020) — TouchMe + Playtron feature on one of the largest design publications. - **MusicTech Germany — portfolio entry** — overview of the Playtronica product line. - **Artuu Magazine — "Dal tocco al suono"** — Italian feature on the touch-to-sound idea. - **SweetNSour Magazine — "Playtronica: When touches have a sound"** — feature interview. ### Biotron - **Synthtopia — "Playtronica Intros Biotron MIDI Controller For Plants"** (October 2024) — launch coverage. - **Matrixsynth — "Introducing the Biotron from Playtronica"** — the bioelectric MIDI controller, in depth. - **Gearnews — "Drumbeam, Biotron and the History of MIDI"** — Biotron in the wider context of recent MIDI innovation. ### Orbita - **SonicState — "Bristronica 25: Playtronica Orbita"** (September 2025) — hands-on coverage from Bristronica 2025. - **Yahoo Entertainment video review** (June 2025) — Orbita walkthrough. ## Festivals, exhibitions, and museum collaborations - **Centre Pompidou (Paris) — MИR: A Journey into Space and Sound** (summer 2018) — month-long installation covered by FactMag and TYPICA. - **Garage Museum of Contemporary Art (Moscow) — workshop "The Rhythm of Color"** — early prototype work that later became Orbita. - **Palais de Tokyo (Paris)** — ongoing collaboration on contemporary-arts workshops. - **Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow)** — sound installation programme. - **Exploratorium (San Francisco)** — interactive station for the science-museum audience. - **Sónar+D (Barcelona)** — Playtronica was founded in 2014 after a visit to the first Sónar+D, and has shown at the festival across multiple editions. ## Brand performances - **Hermès** — three-hour live improvisation inside the Manhattan flagship, with Hermès accessories used as instruments. - **Issey Miyake (Tokyo)** — a collaboration tying sound to the raw materials of the garments. - **IKEA** — interactive launch events. - **Nike** — event activations. ## Essays and cultural pieces - **Real Life Magazine — "The Sounds of Silence"** — essay on the ongoing pursuit of communication with plants; Playtronica appears as part of a broader cultural story. - **Mandy Martinez — "The Future of Music: How Playtronica is Tuning Us Back to Nature"** — long-form Substack essay. ## For press enquiries Write to **collaboration@playtronica.com** with the subject Press — [outlet name]. We reply within 2 business days with high-resolution photography, a one-paragraph studio bio, and (if relevant) a loan device for review. Hands-on review units go out to reviewers with verified outlets and a stated publication window. ## Ask the community > 🤝 **For non-press questions about live and installation work**, see the Playtronica Friends Facebook group (4,400 members) or the community page. ## Still stuck For anything that does not fit the categories above, write to **support@playtronica.com**. We aim for 24 hours, but a reply may take up to 3 business days. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------