Subpac

SUBPAC develops a patented tactile audio system that combines hardware, software and advanced materials to convert low-frequency audio information into physical bass that a user feels rather than only hears. The company describes three layers of immersion involved: haptics (skin receptors registering surface vibration), interoception (muscle receptors detecting changes in force and pressure) and bone conduction (vibrations reaching the inner ear through bone). Products operate across a 1Hz-200Hz frequency range and are silent to the outside world, which the company positions as enabling late-night production without noise complaints, lower listening levels to reduce ear strain, and bass monitoring that is unaffected by room acoustics.

The product line has included the SUBPAC S2, a seatback tactile bass system, and the SUBPAC M2, a wearable vest, both listed at $349 and both marked sold out on the company site. Each used proprietary tactile transducers and vibrotactile membranes, 3.5mm wired input and headphone output, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP streaming, and a rechargeable 10.8V 2300mAh Li-ion battery rated at 6+ hours per charge; the M2 added nano-silver treated materials for odor and bacteria control. The current generation is the SUBPAC X1, a hybrid system combining hardware, software and pro-wireless I/O for use both on a studio chair and worn on the body, sold alongside the C1 control module and an app, and offered through phased reservations and pre-orders. The company also markets SUBPAC FLOW, described as a platform for feeling music and sound, a FEEL SUBPAC beta experience, and production tools, videos and tutorials for producers.

Founding story

The company was the concept of co-founders John Alexiou and Todd Chernecki; Alexiou has served as co-founder and CEO and later as a board member, while Chernecki is listed as co-founder in the C-suite.

Business model

Sale of tactile audio hardware to consumers and professionals through the company's own online shop, including phased pre-orders and bundles (SUBPAC X1 with C1 control module and app), supported by a returns policy offering a 30-day money-back guarantee with postage-paid returns. The company also maintains a professional line (SUBPAC PRO) and software/platform offerings such as SUBPAC FLOW and production tools.

Direct-to-customer hardware sales at published unit prices (S2 and M2 listed at $349 each; press coverage cited M2 at $349 and S2 at $299), with pre-order and bundle sales for newer products.

Traction

Company materials state the system is used in thousands of studios by music producers and sound designers and by thousands of audio and VR professionals. Producers Cool & Dre said they produced and mixed Fat Joe's "All the Way Up" on the SUBPAC; Timbaland, Richie Hawtin and Dada Life are cited as supporters. The S2 and M2 are shown sold out, and X1 reservations had reached Phase 3 with Phase 2 open for orders in the shop.

Latest developments

The current focus is the SUBPAC X1 system, sold with the C1 control module and app as a bundle; reservations progressed to Phase 3 on the main site while Phase 2 orders were open in the shop as a limited release. The S2 and M2 are listed as sold out. The company also promotes SUBPAC FLOW and a FEEL SUBPAC beta.