The DSI-Hybrid (a.k.a. DSI-EEG+fNIRS) from Wearable Sensing is the first truly hybrid system to offer fully synchronized recordings of dry EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) from the same scalp locations. Designed for researchers who need accurate, multimodal brain data in dynamic, real-world environments, the system combines advanced dry electrode technology with integrated high-intensity fNIRS emitters—enabling colocalized neural and hemodynamic monitoring with unmatched ease of use.
Setup takes less than three minutes on average, making the DSI-Hybrid an ideal tool for high-throughput studies or experiments that require quick participant turnaround. The system is built on Wearable Sensing’s patented dry sensor platform, offering high signal fidelity with minimal sensitivity to motion or electrical noise—no gels, no skin prep, and no compromise in data quality.
At the heart of the system are 8 integrated sensor pods, each equipped with:
These pods are positioned across key cortical regions: the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobes, motor cortex, and occipital lobes. This arrangement enables researchers to simultaneously capture electrical brain activity and hemodynamic responses from areas involved in cognitive, sensory, motor, and visual processing.
All signals are digitized and synchronized at the source, allowing for seamless data alignment and cross-modality analysis without the need for manual post-processing or hardware synchronization tools.
The pod configuration supports both short-distance and long-distance optical paths. The short-distance paths isolate physiological oscillations such as the Mayer wave—low-frequency blood pressure-related artifacts present in fNIRS signals. By capturing both signal paths, the system uses built-in linear regression techniques to subtract these artifacts in real time, significantly improving the fidelity of the neural hemodynamic response.
The DSI-Hybrid system is compatible with QStates, a machine learning platform developed to classify cognitive states from real-time multimodal brain signals. Using data from the hybrid pods, QStates can distinguish between visual, auditory, cognitive, and psychomotor tasks with high accuracy.
In validation studies, models trained on task-specific brain responses were able to accurately identify the subject’s mental state during real-time trials. This makes the system particularly valuable for applied neuroscience, neuroergonomics, cognitive workload assessment, and human factors research.
Despite being a fully dry system, the DSI-Hybrid delivers data quality that correlates over 90% with traditional wet EEG systems. This is achieved through Wearable Sensing’s advanced common-mode follower technology, spring-loaded electrode mounts, and robust shielding against external noise and motion artifacts.
The result is a high-fidelity system that can be used in ambulatory, real-world settings—without the drawbacks of gel-based setups or extensive preparation.
The headset is engineered for quick and secure donning, typically requiring less than three minutes to fit and calibrate. Foam padding and multiple adjustment points ensure a snug and comfortable fit for a wide range of head shapes and sizes, allowing for continuous recordings lasting up to eight hours.
The DSI-Hybrid system includes onboard:
This makes the system fully portable and suitable for field studies, mobile testing, or use in non-traditional environments. All DSI systems come with access to the DSI-Streamer acquisition software (Windows), supporting .csv and .edf export formats, as well as a free C-based API (.dll) for custom integration across Windows, macOS, Linux, and ARM platforms.
Between sessions, cleaning the DSI-Hybrid headset is fast and simple. Using 70% isopropyl alcohol and a cleaning brush, the system can be fully cleaned in about one minute. After a brief drying period of around three minutes, the system is ready for use with the next subject.
Important Note: This product is for research applications only. Not a medical device as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (EU MDR), Swiss Medical Devices Ordinance (MedDO, SR 812.213), or FDA 21 CFR Part 860. Not designed or intended to be used for diagnosis, treatment of disease or any other medical purposes.
