The Source Audio Hot Hand is a motion controller worn like a ring: a device for manipulating effects parameters in real time with hand movements, using motion sensors1. An internal accelerometer translates the motion of your hand into what Source Audio describes as an exceptionally precise and dynamic expression signal, which can drive parameters on compatible pedals2. Guitar Interactive Magazine has called the Hot Hand Effects Controller award winning3.
What it does for a player
The idea is simple: instead of rocking an expression pedal or turning a knob, you move your hand and the effect follows. The most common use is filter modulation, where a sweep of the hand produces a wah-like envelope on the sound; MusicRadar's press coverage of the Soundblox Guitar Envelope Filter described the patented Hot Hand Motion Controller Ring as "a remarkably expressive and unique approach to filter modulation"5.
The sensitivity works both ways. Premier Guitar's reviewer found that "you can set the Hot Hand to react to either subtle movements or wild arm gestures," so a small finger motion or a full sweep of the arm can both be made to work4.
Wired and wireless versions
The Hot Hand has been offered in more than one form:
- Hot Hand Wired Ring Pack: the current wired version from Source Audio's product page, a ring connected by cable2.
- Wireless setup: sold separately, consisting of two extra components, the wireless motion sensor ring and a receiver module that plugs into the sensor jack of the pedal4.
The wireless ring and receiver are sold separately from the pedals that use them, so budget for them as an addition rather than an included accessory4.
Versions and history
MusicRadar reported on the Hot Hand controller as early as January 2008, describing it as a ring-worn device using motion sensors to manipulate effects parameters in real time1. The line continued through the Soundblox era and later gained wider compatibility: Premier Guitar's 2012 press coverage reported that the Hot Hand 3 "answers that request allowing for seamless connection to a wide variety of processors and pedals from other manufacturers," in addition to Source Audio's own Soundblox and Hot Hand effects6.
Jesse Remignanti, Source Audio's Vice President of Engineering, said of the third version: "We were upgrading the wireless Hot Hand system to add a number of features and functions while keeping it simple to use"6.
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Questions
How does the Source Audio Hot Hand work?
The Hot Hand is a ring worn on a finger with an internal accelerometer that translates hand motion into an expression signal. That signal drives effect parameters, most famously filter modulation on Source Audio's envelope filter pedals. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted it can be set to react to either subtle movements or wild arm gestures, so the response can be matched to how a player actually moves.
Is the Hot Hand wired or wireless?
Both. Source Audio sells a Hot Hand Wired Ring Pack, and the wireless setup described by Premier Guitar consists of two extra components sold separately: the wireless motion sensor ring and a receiver module that plugs into the sensor jack of a compatible pedal.
Sources (6)
- New Soundblox pedals offer unique sounds, MusicRadar, 2008-01-10
- Hot Hand Wired Ring Pack, Source Audio
- The Soundblox 2OFD Micromodelers from Source Audio Now Available, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2013-10-03
- Review: Source Audio Soundblox Tri-Mod Effects, Premier Guitar, 2008-09-02
- Source Audio launches Soundblox Guitar Envelope Filter, MusicRadar, 2011-04-20
- Source Audio Announces Hot Hand 3 Controller, Premier Guitar, 2012-09-07
