Conceived by a team led by Japanese designer Masato Tsuda, SOUL is a wireless speaker, launched in a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, which is different from the others on the market. It is not designed to play music or podcasts, but to generate more than 250 sound effects and light signals - via the light bar at its base - and stimulate the so-called ASMR: the autonomous sensory meridian response, i.e. a sensation of pleasure perceived in different parts of our body and accompanied by a strong feeling of mental relaxation. It's no coincidence that more and more youtubers, using their microphones, are making videos in which they generate relaxing effects by whispering words, while delicately chewing something or even just capturing the sound of a pencil as it draws a mark on a sheet of paper.

Measuring 20.5 x 12 x 9 cm, with a white acrylic and ABS shell, the top of the device features a mixer made up of 8 sliders, each of which can be used to adjust the intensity of a different natural sound and create hundreds of different combinations: from the rain to the chirping of birds, a crackling fire or a flowing river.

It includes a timer, which switches it off automatically after 30, 60 or 90 minutes, a USB-C rechargeable battery and a 3.5mm audio connector for those who prefer to isolate themselves by wearing earphones. Ideal for those who want to meditate, cast aside negative emotions, boost creativity or facilitate restfulness, SOUL starting from around €86 can be pre-ordered and the first units, according to the campaign page, will be delivered next January.