A Newcastle invention that has already amassed more than a million organic Instagram views before selling a single unit is preparing for its biggest milestone yet. Bass Turtle, a soft, wireless device designed to let users feel music rather than simply hear it, launches on Kickstarter on Tuesday 4th August, accompanied by a free public launch party at Alphabetti Theatre.
Created by Newcastle start-up Pisces Devices, Bass Turtle has been designed primarily for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, while also finding an enthusiastic audience within the neurodivergent community. Described by founder Nick Tyler as “a plushie subwoofer”, the device allows users to experience low-frequency bass vibrations physically through a soft turtle-shaped cushion.
Inside the plush toy are two powerful bass shakers connected to a compact electronics unit. Users can connect via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio cable and plug their own headphones into the device, allowing them to both hear and physically feel music. Despite its impressive bass output, bass turtle produces very little external noise, making it suitable for use at home, on public transport or anywhere loudspeakers would be impractical.
The concept was born from Tyler’s background as both a sound designer and electronic engineer. He independently sourced components, designed the electronics and fine-tuned the digital signal processing to create the working prototype.
What happened next exceeded every expectation.
Over the past few months, videos showcasing bass turtle have generated more than one million organic Instagram views, attracted around 16,000 followers and built an email list of over 5000 subscribers, all before the Kickstarter campaign has officially launched.
“I had genuinely humble expectations. I thought finding 250 backers would be the hard part,” says Tyler. “Instead, I’ve spent months reading comments from deaf and neurodivergent people telling me what this could mean for them. That’s been the most rewarding part of the whole project.”
Originally from Glasgow, Tyler now considers Newcastle home and works as Technical Manager at Alphabetti Theatre. He believes the city has played an important role in shaping the project.
“Newcastle is why bass turtle exists in the shape it does,” he explains. “It’s an inclusive, progressive and diverse city with a genuine culture of making things. We feel at home here, and I want this project to create opportunities locally.”
To celebrate the Kickstarter launch, Tyler is inviting members of the public to experience bass turtle in person at Alphabetti Theatre between 6pm and 10pm on Tuesday 4th August. The free event will feature live vinyl DJs, turtle-themed cocktails, nibbles and, most importantly, working demonstration units for visitors to try for themselves. Tyler will also be available throughout the evening to answer questions and demonstrate the technology.
The Kickstarter campaign will launch at 6pm on 4th August and run for 30 days. Early supporters will be able to secure a bass turtle for £180, with the first units expected to be dispatched in December 2026.
While haptic audio products already exist, Bass Turtle distinguishes itself through its affordability and its focus on accessibility from the outset. Rather than adapting existing technology, Tyler has created a device specifically intended to make music a more inclusive sensory experience, wrapped in a design that feels welcoming, playful and anything but clinical.
Find out more about the Kickstarter campaign HERE.
