About Us

"In the long run, the only sustainable source of competitive advantage is your organization's ability to learn faster than its competition."
- Peter Senge

PHOTOSONIX (photo: light, sonix: sound) is a registered trademark of Microfirm Inc., Signal Hill, CA 90755

Microfirm has been designing and manufacturing embedded microprocessor systems since 1981. Our design team combines a total of 54 years of experience in hardware and software design engineering experience and consumer product design and development.

The PHOTOSONIX products are designed, manufactured, tested, packaged and shipped from our facility here in Signal Hill, California (we do more in house than anyone else in the business).

We also like to spend time outdoors. So, when not busy with the relaxation business, we skate, play tennis, wind surf, climb peaks or get challenged to employee beach volleyball games.

PHOTOSONIX Products history:

Microfirm has been designing and manufacturing embedded microprocessor systems and consumer electronic products since 1981. Our design team (one MA in Electrical Engineering and one BS in Industrial Design) combines a total of 54 years of experience in hardware and software design engineering experience plus consumer product design and development experience.

Microfirm has been in business longer than any other light/sound manufacturer (although we haven't been in L/S as long as some). Our history is one of growth through innovative product development, quality manufacturing, and excellent customer service.

In 1989, we entered the Light and Sound Relaxation field. Our first two products, the Innervision and PR2 Systems were landmarks in the industry.

We have been adding to and upgrading the PHOTOSONIX product line ever since. We work with many professionals and incorporate their knowledge into our products. And we have just begun.

• 1981 - Microfirm begins operations as an innovative designer of embedded microprocessor products. Did a lot of things that have nothing to do with light/sound.
• 1990 - Our first Neuro-Technology product (Innervision System) is released (it's OK if you missed it). We learned a lot... and we learned fast.
• 1991 - The PR2 is designed and manufactured. The product is revolutionary with its full programmability and low price.
• 1993 - The PHOTOSONIX name was Trade Marked and introduced with the Galaxy, a major improvement over the PR2.
• 1993 - The Nova model is introduced. The many innovations and features make it our top of the line and best selling model.
• 1994 - The Breathwork Explorer is developed. A new combination of light/sound with breath feedback, with Dr. Julian Isaac's input and sessions design.
• 1994 - The Personal Learning Machine is developed in association with Dr. Rayma Ditson-Sommer.
• 1994 - The 515 is introduced, a sound only device featuring Dual binaural Beats. Creates a mood for a room. A first in Dual Binaural Beats sessions. Used in waiting rooms, classrooms, showrooms.
• 1995 - More new products are introduced. The Nova Pro, an upgrade from the Nova, with new features and Dual Binaural Beats added. Also, the Galaxy Pro, (an upgrade from the Galaxy) & the Muse are also introduced.
• 1995 - The Nova Pro becomes best seller.
• 1996 - Web site presence is established, making it easier for customers to get information and order our products.
• 1996 - The Expander model is introduced. When plugged in any light and sound machine it allows ten users to enjoy a session at the same time. Includes light intensity and sound volume adjustment capability for every one of the ten users. It is used by professionals who do demonstrations and seminars.
• 1997 - The Muse# and Halcyon are introduced. Portable and lower priced systems.
• 1997 - The Pro Tutor is introduced. Requested by many professionals, the Pro Tutor is a flexible therapy tool. It has no sessions embedded in it. Therapists use the system with the clients and include sessions specialized to the client's needs.
• 1997 - Session design and downloading software for the PC is introduced. Light/Sound Designer works with the Nova Pro, the Muse# and the Pro Tutor. The software makes designing personal sessions easy on a PC. These sessions can then be downloaded into the above mentioned models. Light/Sound Librarian is also introduced. This software keeps track of sessions that you have downloaded. It is included free with any of the additional session libraries we offer.
• 1998 - Downloading capability is extended to the Internet. If you own a Nova Pro, a Nova Pro 100 a Muse# or a Pro Tutor, you can now download sessions from our web site:
• 1998 - The Nova Pro 100 is introduced. With 100 sessions and room for 100 more. Plus Audio Strobe and microphone input are added. And a new tone: Dual monaural beats (unique only to the Nova Pro 100), allowing independent control of left and right frequencies is also added. Pitch range extended two more octaves on the low end, down to 16 Hertz. And sessions... lots of sessions. The top of the line.
• 1999 - The TruWhite and CoolBlue glasses became available. Great visuals are reported by many when using the TruWhite glasses and a soothing calmness when under the influence of the CoolBlue glasses. (Please see blue light hazard information)
• 1999 - pvStim (peripheral vision stimulation) glasses were perfected and released in all color LED available. Used primarily with EEG equipment, the pvStim lights are mounted in clear lens goggles and can be used with the eyes open. Note: not available in the dual color glasses, the Indigo and Spectrum Pro.
• 2000 - The Indigo glasses became available. A combination of bright Red and Blue LED lights offers a new experience to many. The newest feature of the dual color glasses, however is the CCM (color control mode) switch. The switch allows the glasses to operate in two modes, the conventional one (left/right0 and CCM (red/blue) mode. When operating in CCM mode the Indigo glasses flash a mixed color driven simultaneously (focus) and alternate between the two colors when driven alternately (left/right).
• 2000 - The midiStim interface became available. Used in EEG and light and sound combination the midiStim interface works by using the midi input on a PCs.
• 2000 - hemiStim (hemispheric stimulation) glasses are now available. Used primarily with EEG equipment, the hemiStim lights are mounted in clear lens goggles and can be used with the eyes open. The hemiStim glasses also do pvStim. Note: not available in the dual color glasses, the Indigo and Spectrum Pro.
• 2001 - Spectrum Pro glasses became part of the Premium Glasses group. A combination of Red and Ultra Green LED lights offers a colorful spectrum of lights. Includes the newest feature CCM (color control mode) switch. The switch allows the glasses to operate in two modes, the conventional one (left/right0 and CCM (red/blue) mode. When operating in CCM mode the Spectrum Pro glasses flash a mixed color driven simultaneously (focus) and alternate between the two colors when driven alternately (left/right).
• 2002 - The InnerPulse was introduced. The first compact Light and Sound device to incorporate breath pacing mode.
• 2003 - The Luma 10 became the latest introduction with the new technology, LightWeave. The LightWeave techlology allows full left/right brightness and timing control, a new dimension, weaving unique and effective visuals.
• 2004 - Nexis, our EEG front unit is introduced.
• 2006 - The ColorTrack™ Glasses are introduced. Fast forwarding the light and sound relaxation technology light years ahead.

And please stay tuned, visit us, see what's new. We have just begun...

Our company has been around for a long time, we make excellent products at moderate prices. Light/Sound systems can be great tools for inner exploration. You may find that a few minutes a day with Light and Sound relaxation may make a difference!