Instruo Pocket Scion

The Instruo website states: “Pocket SCÍON is a portable device that captures biofeedback data sourced from contact with living organisms.”

I guess this is technically not incorrect, but to me (and to others around the internet) “biofeedback data” suggests more than “the variable resistance that occurs in living organisms”, which they also could have said.
‘Modern Biology’, the person who created the Pocket Scion with Instruo is also seemingly trying to keep a form of mysticism alive that is just not there.
This type of marketing is deceptive and not needed.
In practice, Pocket SCÍON is a random generator that generates notes and control signals based on the variable resistance that occurs in living organisms (and makes music with those signals).

Now we have that out of the way: This is a great little device!
It is fun to listen to apples and cucumbers making music with the internal samples, but the true fun begins when you hook Pocket SCÍON up to your computer or an external synth.
Pocket SCÍON generates up to 5 channels of notes and CCs as well as 6 OSC signals. So basically you can have it control 5 different sound sources
The notes are different per channel, but the CCs are very similar in shape.
The OSC signals are pulses rather than a continuous signal, which makes them less ‘plug and play’ for most music purposes. However, when you run them through PureData, Max or Reaktor you can make them into usable signals.
You don’t need the OSC signals at all to enjoy the Pocket SCÍON though. The MIDI data is more than enough for a world of creative fun.

All in all this is a fun device for nerdy creators or people who just really like to listen to soothing music while spending time with their plants, fruit and vegetables.

Its a really fun device if you are into noise or ambient types of music especially with a good reverb behind it or controlling another synth but other then that its not very useful

pros:
-good and easy software
-good price point for what it does
-fun
-slightly randomize your midi parameters to bring a pad/drone to live
-hands free so you can play with effects instead of with keys

cons
-limited usuability
-buttons are on the bottom
-for a instrument that seems to be made for traveling in nature its rather fragile with a minuscule on off button and open sides

In general I am satisfied with device with its practicality for mobile use particularly when I go to the mountains and highlands. The only weak rate I give to sensibility of MIDI OUT Signal, which based on my test it detects 30-40% less of Midi Musical Notes compared with Biodata Sonification Trustworthy Device I own and use already for many years. On the other hand it is ok with device functionality.

As this item was a gift to my husband, this is his review. A convenient and easy to use pocket scion synth which I use often and have become quite attached to. I have used on several plants and am still studying the sound effects from the plants which do have a slight electrical current, so I am interested in the variations. I love the easy playing in solo mode. It would be good if it was a bit bigger including the controls, however I am very happy with my purchase.