Creative tools for Music and Video Producers, VJs, DJs and Engineers.
The Beginning
PlayOptix was formed in 2022 by Brian Dressel. Originally a hub for eclectic experiments, from self-guided robots and machine learning to stock footage and homemade synth designs. After spending years of lost weekends and lack of sleep in the process, it has evolved into a dedicated platform for creative hardware and software tools.
Legacy & Evolution
Brian Dressel began his journey as one of the world's first VJs in 1992. He co-founded the renowned VJ collective, OVT Visuals with Vello Virkhaus (VJ V2) and the late Brien Rullman (VJ Tek). While Brien Rullman sadly passed in 2024, his legacy lives on through PlayOptix. We are moving forward as a re-envisioning of the work we started at OVT, transitioning from pure visuals to tactile music tools like the TDS-8 Digital Scribble Strip and custom Ableton M4L devices. Although we are still VJs at heart and will never stop creating.
The Future
Today, PlayOptix has transformed from a visual arts platform into a creator of unique music production hardware and software—including Ableton Live M4L devices and the TDS-8 Digital Scribble Strip. We design and build very specific technologies for strange and wonderful needs. We view our work as a collaboration with every artist, producer, and VJ who use our creative tools. Our goal is to provide the tech that you need to have fun and never stop creating.