ZYLIA – product development process

It took us some time to develop ZYLIA. Finally, we are almost there, we are very close to saying that we made it. We want to share with you some insights of this long but very exciting way of product development.

​The beginning of ZYLIA

It all started as a research project in Poland in 2012. Piotr Szczechowiak and Tomasz Żernicki, ZYLIA co-founders, very quickly came up with an idea for a product applying innovative technology they were developing. Soon thereafter a product roadmap was defined and the ambition to develop a new innovative tool, with the potential to change how musicians and audio creators work, became a reality. 

First prototype of ZYLIA

Design thinking methodology was applied since the first day:

• Defining a problem
• Brainstorming to find a solution
• Prototype building
• Sharing with users and feedback collecting

At the beginning, the paper prototype looked really bizarre. However, it reflected the core idea of the microphone array, basic needs of people recording music and it meet with a great enthusiasm of musicians.

​Fig. The first paper prototype of ZYLIA.

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Hardware and software development

More than 10 generations of hardware prototypes were made. They all came through endless acoustic tests. Parallel to hardware development digital signal processing algorithms and software was developed. 

​Fig. Many iterations of prototyping and advanced acoustic tests in the anechoic chamber were conducted.

Since the beginning, every prototype solution has been tested with musicians and sound engineers. Based on their feedback we have introduced changes in quality and functionality of microphones. What we have learned very early is that the quality of obtained recordings is crucial for musicians. No compromises are allowed in this matter.

​Fig. Tests with musicians and sound engineers.

Years of our expertise in audio processing, music recording, and hardware design has been packed into this unique and innovative device. At the end, we also paid a great attention to the final design of a product. It is also important to surround yourself with nice and good-looking things.
Every detail of the ZYLIA ZM-1 reflects the cutting-edge technology and simplicity with elegant product design.

Fig. Pre-production design.