SWISS RIG Bresson for iPhone – Now on Kickstarter

Smartphone Filmmaking

by Jose PradaOctober 9^th, 2023

SWISS RIG has launched a Kickstarter campaign supporting Bresson, their new all-in-one solution for iPhone creators. The Swiss Rig Bresson is a filmmaking tool consisting of an ergonomic handgrip with physical controls, a high-quality audio recording tool, a power and battery supply and SuperContent, and a dedicated app with a 9-speed zoom controller with a timed zoom feature.

As you can see, the Bresson could be a complete solution to transform your iPhone into a creator’s studio. So, let’s take a look at this original piece of gear!

Bresson. A creator’s studio for your iPhone in two flavors

Times have changed, and smartphones are now a natural solution for filmmakers. Many content creators rely on their phones’ capabilities to create outstanding content. Filmmakers, podcasters, musicians, journalists, and many others now have a tool in their pocket that can perform as a camera, audio recorder, text editor, and more. Not only that, most people, as well as clients, generally see it as a sign of our times and don’t have a problem with the quality of a video just because it was created with a phone.

However, a phone is still different from a camera. Ergonomically, the experience is different. Controls require touching the screen. The internal mic is not enough for professional recordings. Power is a compromise, primarily because we use our smartphones for filming along with everything else.

SWISS RIG offers a clever solution for iPhone users, addressing all the above-mentioned limitations. The Swiss Rig Bresson includes all the accessories you need to rig your phone for filmmaking. The design looks compact, elegant, and comfortable. The company is releasing two models: Bresson Rouge features an aluminum chassis with a red carbon fiber handgrip, and Bresson Noir is made from highly recycled (at least 50%) carbon fiber. The Breton Rouge pre-production model weighs 380g, and the Bresson Noir between 250-300g. Both models share the same functionalities, so let’s dive deeper.

An ergonomic grip for your iPhone

The Swiss Rig Bresson design has been inspired by vintage cameras (Eclair, Aaton, ARRI…). Thanks to an expandable custom magnet (MagSafe magnet), it attaches securely to any modern iPhone. The Bresson is light and sustainable, and its curved design ensures a comfortable grip.

Bresson also includes a secret compartment (the PRO SOUND CADDY) that slides in and out and stores a professional mic, a cable, and a shock mount.

Finally, it features a 5-axis thumbstick controller and a programmable button. These communicate with the SuperContent app to control sound and video features (gain, volume, zoom, focus, ISO, etc.)

Professional audio recording

One of the most powerful features of the Swiss Rig Bresson is its audio capabilities. The included Nano60 is a small diaphragm condenser mic with three different capsules. Swiss Rig claims the mic quality is on par with expensive microphones such as Schoeps, DPA, Sony, etc., but in a smaller and lighter form.

Inside the body, the Bresson includes custom electronics (the MacGuffin v1), a blend of analog and digital circuits with pre-amps, ‘ultra-low’ power noise management, capacitors, and resisters to achieve high-quality sound recording.

MacGuffin specs

• Pro audio mic pre-amps with 42dB of analog gain, -20dB pads, -127 dBu EIN, THD+N 0.0015.
• Up to 24-bit, 48kHz recording on iPhone, iPad, or computer memory using any a/v app.
• 2 x LEMO inputs (Dynamic, +48V Phantom, Line-in) – FÜNKEN cables available in any length to connect to anything (i.e. XLR, mini-XLR, 1/4 “, 1/8” wireless receivers, mixers, etc.).
• 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring.
• Stereo digital audio out via USB-C.
• I/O socket to attach either a USB-C or Lightning cable for all iPhones, iPads and Mac computers.
• Upgradeable firmware.

Nano60 specs

• 20Hz-20kHz FR, 137dB SPL, 80dBA S/N, 123dBA DR, +48v Phantom, 60mm x 22mm, <45g Nan060 (aluminum mic body).
• Boom, On-Camera, or Stand for vocal, music, EFX, and podcasts.
• Hyper-cardioid capsule comes standard; other capsules are available as add-ons via the pledge manager.
• It can be used with Bresson or any other sound recorder using FÜNKEN cables (made exclusively with Mogami audio cabling and at least one LEMO connector).

Power management

The Bresson includes a KRAFTStick battery to power the device, the mic, the iPhone, and accessories. Using a KRAFTStick, the iPhone battery life is extended by 35-50%. KRAFTSticks are removable and rechargeable.

Your iPhone can also power the Bresson and the Phantom Mic Nano60 with negligible drain. You can also charge the Bresson via USB-C with an iPhone passthrough.

Some thoughts about the Swiss Rig Bresson

There is no doubt that the Bresson is a unique piece of gear. It’s original and compact, boosting your iPhone capabilities to include a content creator’s studio. The company could have opened up its possibilities by making it compatible with other smartphone brands. That would have made the Bresson more versatile, something to consider when you see its price – more expensive than the iPhone itself.

Secondly, its magnetic filter works with the latest iPhone models, but what if Apple decides to change to another non-magnetic material? Would you invest in a piece of gear that is not future-proof?

Also, I would love to see compatibility with other video apps already on the market that are standard for filmmakers.

Overall, the idea and design are superb, and adding all the missing iPhone components in an all-in-one solution is ingenious. It could avoid compatibility problems between different pieces of gear, different firmware updates, etc.

Pricing and availability

The Kickstarter campaign is live until October 12; the estimated delivery is July 2024. The pricing for the BRESSON Noir is €1,199 for the early birds, and the BRESSON Rouge ships for €1,599, saving €600 off its final price.

Remember that backing a project on a crowdfunding platform has its risks. Shipping delays, changes in the final product, or even products not delivered are a real possibility when dealing with these kinds of projects. Please read carefully Kickstarter’s terms and conditions before backing a project.

For more information, visit SWISS RIG’s Kickstarter campaign.

What do you think about Bresson? Could it be the perfect companion for iPhone content creators? Please let us know in the comments below!