{{Short description|Music technology company based in Hong Kong}} {{Infobox company | name = Soundbrenner | logo = Logo Soundbrenner.png | logo_size = 200px | type = Private | founded = {{start date and age|2014}} | founders = {{ubl|Florian Simmendinger|Julian Vogels|Vinh-Nghi Tiet}} | key_people = Florian Simmendinger (CEO) | area_served = Worldwide | hq_location_city = Sheung Wan, Hong Kong | industry = Music technology, D2C music electronics | products = Wearable technology, Music software | revenue = US$10 million<ref>{{cite web|url=https://leadiq.com/c/soundbrenner/5a1d9db02300005c008d9047|title=Company Profile: Soundbrenner|work=LeadIQ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702161413/https://leadiq.com/c/soundbrenner/5a1d9db02300005c008d9047|archive-date=2 July 2025|access-date=2 July 2025}}</ref> | website = {{URL|https://www.soundbrenner.com}} }}
'''Soundbrenner''' is a multinational music technology company based in Hong Kong and Germany, that develops wearable devices and application softwares designed to assist musicians with practice and performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techinasia.com/soundbrenner-pre-series-a-funding |title=Soundbrenner gets funding to build more wearables for musicians |date=18 January 2017 |access-date=2 July 2025 |first1=Steven |last1=Millward |work=techinasia.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702114336/https://www.techinasia.com/soundbrenner-pre-series-a-funding |archive-date=2 July 2025 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Its products having global availability of features including vibrating metronome, practice tracking, musical tuning, sound level monitoring and dB meter measurements.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundbrenner Core review: A watch that will help you keep time in more ways than one |url=https://mashable.com/review/soundbrenner-core-review |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=Mashable |archive-date=December 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214194623/https://mashable.com/review/soundbrenner-core-review |first1=Stan |last1=Schroeder |date=10 January 2020 }}</ref>
Soundbrenner is the maker of the world's first wearable devices for musicians.<ref name="First"/> It has a global reach with its products available in music stores in over 40 countries and its Android and iOS apps used by musicians worldwide.<ref name="Brinc">{{cite web |url=https://www.brinc.io/portfolio/soundbrenner/ |title=SOUNDBRENNER — THE MODERN METRONOME: SMART, WEARABLE AND POWERED BY VIBRATIONS |work=brinc.io |access-date=2 July 2025 |archive-date=13 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613195546/https://www.brinc.io/portfolio/soundbrenner/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://technode.global/2021/12/19/hong-kong-music-tech-start-up-soundbrenner-raises-1-5m-funding-from-choco-up/ |work=technode.global |title=Hong Kong music tech start-up Soundbrenner raises $1.5M funding from Choco Up |date=19 December 2021 |access-date=2 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429114636/https://technode.global/2021/12/19/hong-kong-music-tech-start-up-soundbrenner-raises-1-5m-funding-from-choco-up/ |archive-date=29 April 2025 }}</ref>
==History== thumb|Florian Simmendinger, founder and CEO of Soundbrenner Soundbrenner was founded in 2014 by Florian Simmendinger, Julian Vogels and Vinh Nghi Tiet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hoehle-der-loewen.de/kandidaten/|title=Die Höhle der Löwen 2025: Die Fan-Seite zur Gründer-Show — Die Kandidaten|language=de|trans-title=The Lion's Den 2025: The fan page for the founder show — The candidates|work=hoehle-der-loewen.de|access-date=2 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702125012/http://hoehle-der-loewen.de/kandidaten/|archive-date=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://projektzukunft.berlin.de/blog/news-detail/florian-simmendinger-von-soundbrenner-viel-energie-und-arbeit|title=Florian Simmendinger von Soundbrenner: "Viel Energie und Arbeit"|language=de|trans-title=Florian Simmendinger from Soundbrenner: "A lot of energy and work"|work=projektzukunft.berlin.de|date=21 October 2015|access-date=7 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707054721/https://projektzukunft.berlin.de/blog/news-detail/florian-simmendinger-von-soundbrenner-viel-energie-und-arbeit|archive-date=7 July 2025}}</ref> It is primarily based in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; Its European headquarters (technical operations) is located in Berlin, Germany.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/soundbrenner/__SN-NDelGT8VJMj1ePSU7xvL1YQ1I7wvnVp7H0Tf-fXk|title=Soundbrenner — About the company|work=tracxn.com|access-date=2 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702154609/https://tracxn.com/d/companies/soundbrenner/__SN-NDelGT8VJMj1ePSU7xvL1YQ1I7wvnVp7H0Tf-fXk#news|archive-date=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northdata.com/Soundbrenner%20GmbH,%20Berlin/Amtsgericht%20Charlottenburg%20(Berlin)%20HRB%20187811%20B|title=Soundbrenner GmbH, Berlin, Germany|work=northdata.com|access-date=2 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702154814/https://www.northdata.com/Soundbrenner%20GmbH,%20Berlin/Amtsgericht%20Charlottenburg%20(Berlin)%20HRB%20187811%20B|archive-date=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=medium.com|url=https://medium.com/@julian.vogels/working-at-soundbrenner-eb29e0a69fa5|title=Working at Soundbrenner|access-date=7 July 2025|first1=Julian|last1=Vogels|archive-date=25 November 2019|date=30 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125122729/https://medium.com/@julian.vogels/working-at-soundbrenner-eb29e0a69fa5}}</ref> The company launched its first product, Soundbrenner Pulse, a wearable vibrating metronome, through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Teshia|last1=Treuhaft|url=https://www.core77.com/posts/33195/Feel-the-Beat-Soundbr#|title=Soundbrenner creates the First Wearable Device for Musicians: Berlin-based Soundbrenner launches their first product 'Pulse'|work=core77.com|access-date=2 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702130456/https://www.core77.com/posts/33195/Feel-the-Beat-Soundbr|archive-date=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1= Kunal|last1=Khullar|url=https://www.businessworld.in/article/soundbrenner-pulse-the-first-wearable-device-for-musicians-83851|title=Soundbrenner Pulse: The First Wearable Device For Musicians|work=BW Businessworld|access-date=2 July 2025|date=21 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250705145136/https://www.businessworld.in/article/soundbrenner-pulse-the-first-wearable-device-for-musicians-83851|archive-date=5 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Soundbrenner appeared on ''Die Höhle der Löwen'', the German version of ''Shark Tank'', where the founders sought US$1.5 million in exchange for 10% equity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundbrenner Pulse: Die Uhr, die Musikern das Leben erleichtern soll |url=https://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/die-hoehle-der-loewen/soundbrenner-pulse--die-uhr--die-musikern-das-leben-erleichtern-soll-7636516.html |trans-title=This flashing clock is designed to help you rock out |language=de |website=Stern |date=26 September 2017 |access-date= 2 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524130909/https://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/die-hoehle-der-loewen/soundbrenner-pulse--die-uhr--die-musikern-das-leben-erleichtern-soll-7636516.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 }}</ref> The show brought significant exposure to the company and its innovative wearable metronome, which is a vibrating watch-like wearable device that vibrates to the rhythm and can help with both practices and performances.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/hong-kong-soundbrenner-raises-us-1-5m-bring-160138091.html |title=Hong Kong's Soundbrenner raises US$1.5M to bring metronome into 21st century |access-date=2 July 2025 |publisher=Yahoo! |archive-date=22 April 2021 |first1=Kevin |last1=McSpadden |date=17 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422002413/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/hong-kong-soundbrenner-raises-us-1-5m-bring-160138091.html }}</ref>
thumb|Team Soundbrenner showing newly launched wearable metronomes during the Web Summit 2018 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal Since its inception, Soundbrenner has raised funds through multiple rounds, including $500,000 in 2015 and $1.5 million from angel investors in 2017 to support product development and expand into new markets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hong Kong's Soundbrenner raises US$1.5M to bring metronome into 21st century |url=https://www.techinasia.com/soundbrenner-pre-series-a-funding |access-date=October 17, 2024 |website=Tech in Asia |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124072734/https://www.techinasia.com/soundbrenner-pre-series-a-funding }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Death to the click tracks! Hong Kong based wearable metronome raises US$1.5M |url=https://e27.co/death-the-click-tracks-hong-kong-based-wearable-metronome-raises-us1-5m-20170117/ |access-date=2 July 2025 |website=e27 |date=18 January 2017 |first1=Kevin |last1=McSpadden |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207215702/https://e27.co/death-the-click-tracks-hong-kong-based-wearable-metronome-raises-us1-5m-20170117/ }}</ref> The AI enabled and haptic metronomes of Soundbrenner are globally accepted and used by noted musicians including Australian musicologist Zubin Kanga and Canadian audio-visual artist Luke Nickel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyborg Soloists: The Body Electric — Zubin Kanga |url=https://submerge.me/festival/programme/cyborg-soloists/ |access-date=30 July 2023 |website=Submerge |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721185755/https://submerge.me/festival/programme/cyborg-soloists/ |archive-date=21 July 2024 |date=18 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zubin Kanga: Hidden Vortices |url=https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/2022/march/zubin-kanga |access-date=30 July 2023 |website=City St. George's, University of London |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702150002/https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/2022/march/zubin-kanga |archive-date=2 July 2025 |date=28 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first1=Zubin |last1=Kanga |title=Curating a Technological Repertoire: a conversation with Zubin Kanga |url=https://prxludes.net/2024/10/23/zubin-kanga/ |access-date=30 July 2023 |website=prxludes.net |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106233837/https://prxludes.net/2024/10/23/zubin-kanga/ |archive-date=6 November 2024 |date=23 October 2024 }}</ref> Soundbrenner's key investors include Jaan Tallinn (co-founder of Skype), Sonny Vu (co-founder of Misfit), Yat Siu (CEO of Animoca Brands) and Matthias Knobloch (CEO of Betatron).<ref name="First">{{Cite web |title=Soundbrenner: Business overview |url=https://www.crusade-partners.com/soundbrenner |access-date=3 July 2025 |website=CRUSADE PARTNERS |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319081000/https://www.crusade-partners.com/soundbrenner |archive-date=19 March 2025 }}</ref>
==Products== ===Soundbrenner Pulse=== [[File:HM1 9361 (45779384631).jpg|thumb|James Thomas Morley, digital content producer of Soundbrenner Ltd., showing the activities of Soundbrenner Pulse worn in his right arm during the Web Summit 2018 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal]] Soundbrenner Pulse, containing USB charging stations and two wearable bands (one short, one long), released in 2015, is a wearable metronome designed to help musicians keep time through tactile vibrations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://drummagazine.com/check-out-the-soundbrenner-pulse-a-wearable-click-less-metronome/|title=Review: Soundbrenner Pulse Wearable, Vibrating Metronome|work=drummagazine.com|first1=Jake|last1=Wood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416171359/https://drummagazine.com/check-out-the-soundbrenner-pulse-a-wearable-click-less-metronome/|archive-date=16 April 2024|date=26 June 2019}}</ref> It connects wirelessly to mobile apps for tempo control, synchronization, and advanced features such as setlists and rhythm libraries. It can be worn on the wrist, arm, ankle, thigh, shoulder, or chest and connects to the Soundbrenner app via Bluetooth for enhanced functionality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.anatomyoftone.com/home/soundbrenner-pulse-wearable-vibrating-metronome|title=Soundbrenner Pulse Wearable Vibrating Metronome|work=anatomyoftone.com|date=4 February 2025|access-date=3 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250703041046/https://www.anatomyoftone.com/home/soundbrenner-pulse-wearable-vibrating-metronome|archive-date=3 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://drummersreview.com/accessories/soundbrenner-pulse-wearable-metronome-drummers-review-xtra/|title=Drummer's Review Xtra: Reviewed – Soundbrenner Pulse Wearable Metronome|work=drummersreview.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807121226/https://drummersreview.com/accessories/soundbrenner-pulse-wearable-metronome-drummers-review-xtra/|archive-date=7 August 2024|date=25 June 2019|access-date=6 July 2025}}</ref> The Pulse is designed to allow musicians to feel the beat without needing to rely on auditory cues, making it suitable for both practice sessions and live performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://etrc.umn.edu/soundbrenner-pulse|first1=Matt |last1=Dorland|title=University of Minnesota Emerging Technologies Research Collaboratory: Soundbrenner Pulse|work=etrc.umn.edu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030004438/https://etrc.umn.edu/soundbrenner-pulse|archive-date=30 October 2020|date=17 January 2016|access-date=6 July 2025}}</ref>
Soundbrenner Pulse comes up with a 7G ERM motor within the box alongside a magnetic charging station and USB cable.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundbrenner Pulse Review – Is It Worth The Hype? |url=https://keyboardkraze.io/soundbrenner-pulse/ |website=Keyboard Kraze |date=29 March 2014 |first1=Chris |last1=Senner |access-date=5 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218231034/https://keyboardkraze.io/soundbrenner-pulse/ |archive-date=18 February 2025 }}</ref> Publications such as ''Sound on Sound'' noted its innovative design, while ''Gizmodo'' highlighted its ability to provide a tactile alternative to traditional metronomes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundbrenner Pulse Review |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/soundbrenner-pulse |access-date=October 17, 2024 |website=Sound on Sound |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115154349/https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/soundbrenner-pulse }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=This Wristband's Tactile Vibrations Let Musicians Silently Feel The Beat |url=https://gizmodo.com/this-wristbands-tactile-vibrations-let-musicians-silent-1693966061 |access-date=2 July 2025 |website=Gizmodo |first1=Andrew |last1=Liszewski |date=31 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814040631/https://gizmodo.com/this-wristbands-tactile-vibrations-let-musicians-silent-1693966061 |archive-date=14 August 2022 }}</ref> ''VentureBeat'' described the device as a "wearable metronome that merges functionality with style."<ref>{{cite web |title=Beat It: New Wearable Device for Musicians Is Like a Sexy Wearable Metronome |url=https://venturebeat.com/mobile/beat-it-new-wearable-device-for-musicians-is-like-a-sexy-wearable-metronome/ |website=VentureBeat |date=31 March 2015|first1=Daniel |last1=Terdiman |access-date=2 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929154852/https://venturebeat.com/business/beat-it-new-wearable-device-for-musicians-is-like-a-sexy-wearable-metronome/ |archive-date=29 September 2022 }}</ref>
===Soundbrenner Core=== Soundbrenner Core, launched in 2018, is a multi-functional device that combines a vibrating metronome, tuner, dB meter, and smartwatch features. The product was introduced through crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter and Indiegogo, raising over US$1 million in pre-orders.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundbrenner Core reaches a record breaking $1 million USD in pre-orders with the support of over 4800 musicians |url=https://www.bassgearmag.com/soundbrenner-core-reaches-a-record-breaking-1-million-usd-in-pre-orders-with-the-support-of-over-4800-musicians/ |access-date=2 July 2025 |website=Bass Gear Magazine |date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250702110737/https://www.bassgearmag.com/soundbrenner-core-reaches-a-record-breaking-1-million-usd-in-pre-orders-with-the-support-of-over-4800-musicians/ |archive-date=2 July 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref> Designed specifically for musicians, the Core can be worn on the wrist, arm, ankle, thigh, shoulder, or chest, similar to the Pulse. ''Rolling Stone'' featured the Core as a versatile tool for musicians, noting its powerful vibrations and adaptability for different rhythms and time signatures.<ref>{{cite web |title=RS Recommends: The Best Wearable Metronomes and Watches for Musicians |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/electronics/best-metronome-watches-1275907/ |access-date=2 July 2025 |website=Rolling Stone |first1=Joshua |last1=Kanter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127131757/https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/electronics/best-metronome-watches-1275907/ |archive-date=27 November 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Soundbrenner watch includes a metronome, tuner and decibel meter |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/2018-10-02-soundbrenner-core-vibrating-metronome-watch.html |access-date=October 17, 2024 |publisher=Yahoo! |archive-date=2025-07-02 |first1=Richard |last1=Lai |date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702121826/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/2018-10-02-soundbrenner-core-vibrating-metronome-watch.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The device was also highlighted in Hodinkee for its role as a modern tool watch designed for musicians.<ref>{{cite web |title=Just Because I Made A Song With A Metronome Watch |url=https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/i-made-a-song-with-a-metronome-watch |access-date=2 July 2025 |date=22 March 2021 |website=Hodinkee |first1=Danny |last1=Milton |archive-date=22 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522034718/https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/i-made-a-song-with-a-metronome-watch }}</ref>
===The Metronome by Soundbrenner=== 'The Metronome by Soundbrenner' is a multi-functional app available on iOS and Android, designed to support musicians in practice and performance. It offers features like a customizable metronome, practice tracking, and a tuner. The app has been reviewed over 100,000 times across both platforms, reflecting its widespread use among musicians worldwide. It was also recognized by ''Wired'' magazine as one of the best apps to learn music.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Metronome by Soundbrenner on the App Store |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-metronome-by-soundbrenner/id1048954353 |access-date=2 July 2025 |website=apps.apple.com |archive-date=13 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613162442/https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-metronome-by-soundbrenner/id1048954353 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Metronome by Soundbrenner on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.soundbrenner.pulse&hl=en |accessdate=October 17, 2024 |website=Google Play |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424030312/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.soundbrenner.pulse&hl=en |archive-date=24 April 2025 }}</ref><ref name="Wired"/>
==Awards and recognitions== In 2016, Soundbrenner Pulse and Soundbrenner Metronome (wearable metronome smartwatch) won "Best in Show" award at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the largest annual trade show for the music products industry. The award recognized Soundbrenner Pulse for its innovative design and functionality as a wearable metronome.<ref>{{cite web |title=Best in Show |url=https://ww1.namm.org/nammu/best-show-1 |website=namm.org (National Association of Music Merchants) |first1=Frank |last1=Alkyer |date=2 November 2015 |access-date=2 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702120659/https://ww1.namm.org/nammu/best-show-1 |archive-date=2 July 2025 }}</ref>
In June 2020, Soundbrenner was featured by ''Wired'' magazine as one of the best musical apps and tools in the world.<ref name="Brinc"/><ref name="Wired">{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/story/best-music-apps-and-services/|title=The Best Sites, Apps, and YouTube Channels to Learn Music|first1=Parker|last1=Hall|archive-date=17 June 2020|date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617192244/https://www.wired.com/story/best-music-apps-and-services/|work=Wired|access-date=3 July 2025}}</ref>
==See also== * List of companies of Hong Kong * Music technology (electronic and digital)
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{official website|www.soundbrenner.com}}
{{Portal bar|Music|Companies|Hong Kong|Technology}}
Category:Music technology Category:Technology companies established in 2014 Category:Privately held companies of Hong Kong Category:Technology companies of Hong Kong Category:IOS software Category:Android (operating system) software Category:Android Auto software Category:2014 establishments in Hong Kong