2008 Summer NAMM Show: Source Audio is shipping its new line of Soundblox effects pedals. Source Audio will also provide a free Hot Hand wired sensor pack with the Soundblox Wah, Phaser and Flanger while supplies last.

Based on the Hot Hand Wah Filter and Hot Hand Phaser/Flanger effects systems, the new Soundblox Tri-Mod Wah, Tri-Mod Flanger and Tri-Mod Phaser pedals each offer 11 different effects that feature the same high quality sounds as their predecessors. The effects on these products can be modulated by either a Hot Hand motion sensor, an LFO or an Envelope Follower.

All Soundblox effects feature 56-bit DSP co-developed with Analog Devices and 24-bit A/D D/A converters.

MSRP for the Soundblox pedals is $149.99.
MSRP for the Hot Hand Wireless Adapter & Controller is $150.
MSRP for the Hot Hand Wired Controller is $24.95

Bob Chidlaw from Source Audio demonstrates what can be done with 2 rings controlling synth parameters using Hot Hand Soundblox controllers:

1. You can make awesome chainsaw sound effects with your hands.
2. You can make the photographer keel over.

We need some of these things!

Source Audio plans to introduce its new Soundblox effects pedals at this year’s Winter NAMM Show.

After creating the first effects system enabling guitarists to control proprietary Wah and Phaser/Flanger effects using hand and body motions, Source Audio was committed to bringing the same level of innovation and creativity to the new Soundblox effects pedals. The effects can be modulated with the Hot Hand Controller, available separately in either wireless or wired configurations, or driven either by an LFO or Envelope Follower.

We had a chance to check out the Hot Hand controller at last year’s NAMM show, and it’s pretty cool. They’re marketing this for guitarists, but these would be worth checking out for synths, too.

The Soundblox Multiwave Guitar Distortion pedal that gives you 21 distortion effects. Based on new algorithms, these cover an extremely wide range from essential electronic sounds to aggressive synth-like, octave heavy and extreme foldback settings that go far beyond typical emulations of existing distortions.

Guitarist Chuck Garvey of moe., the first to use the Soundblox Multiwave Guitar Distortion enthused, “I love the Soundblox Distortion! It’s a chunky, creamy, tweaker’s dream. The high gain is dense with lots of sustain. In addition to the fuzzy, over the top sounds, you can do killer chicken pickin’ with clear compression and zero gain, OR choose from the synth-sounding, octave-up settings that recreate clavinet and other amazing sounds. Super flexible and easy to use.”

In the multi band mode, the Multiwave Distortion also divides the input signal into multiple frequency bands, which are then separately distorted before being recombined. This enables guitarists to play complex distorted chords while each note can be heard with exceptional clarity. Several notes can be allowed to drone simultaneously while a separate melody is played on top with different notes feeding back at the same time.

Based on the Hot Hand Wah Filter and Hot Hand Phaser/Flanger effects systems, the Soundblox Tri-Mod Guitar Wah pedal, the Soundblox Tri-Mod Guitar Flanger pedal and the Tri-Mod Guitar Phaser pedal each offer 11 different effects that feature the same high quality sounds as their predecessors.

The Tri-Mod Wah, Phaser and Flanger guitar effects pedals can be further modulated using the Frequency, Depth and Speed controls for additional sounds. The Frequency control sets the filter sweep to lower or higher frequencies. Depth drives the effect with either an LFO or Envelope Follower and controls the depth of each modulation source. Speed controls either the attack and decay time of the envelope or the speed of the LFO.

If the Hot Hand motion Controller is used, a subset of controls on each Soundblox guitar pedal adjusts the Hot Hand controller to suit an individual’s playing style.

All Soundblox guitar effects pedals feature state-of-the-art 56 bit DSP co-developed with Analog Devices, Inc. and crystal clear 24-bit A/D D/A converters for exceptional sound quality.

MSRP for the Soundblox pedals is $149.99.
MSRP for the Hot Hand Wireless Adapter & Controller is $150.
MSRP for the Hot Hand Wired Controller is $24.95

Compatible with all Hot Hand systems, the Hot Hand Wireless Adapter can be used as a alternative to the wired sensor and consists of a wireless motion sensor ring unit and a small receiver that plugs directly into the back of the Hot Hand effects console in the “Sensor In” port.

The RF transmitter is capable of transmitting over 100 feet and up to four units can be used on stage at a time without interfering with each other. In addition, the transmitter utilizes state of the art frequency-hopping technology to constantly seek out free radio spectrum even in the noisiest environments. Licensed for worldwide wireless use, the wireless motion sensor ring features a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that provides up to 8 hours of battery life and recharges in one hour.

Hot Hand is the only effects system allowing musicians to use hand and body motion to control key functions such as Speed and Depth in tandem with the company’s two proprietary motion-controlled Hot Hand products: the Wah Filters and the Phaser/Flanger effects consoles. Both products offer an expression output port, which allows the Hot Hand to control effects with expression input ports.

The Hot Hand Motion-Controlled Wah Filters offers musicians 11 “wah” type filter effects with 56-bit DSP co-developed with Analog Devices, Inc. and crystal clear 24 bit converters for truly exceptional sound quality. The elegant, high quality user interface allows players to easily control the frequency of the wah and the sensitivity of the effects by using different hand and body motions so they can create signature sounds all their own.

The Hot Hand Motion-Controlled Phaser/Flanger system features 7 Phasing effects, 7 Flanging effects and 4 Modulation Sources that can be used in combination for a total of 56 different sounds. These can be further modified using the Hot Hand motion sensor, which allows the player to modify each effect with hand and body motions, an LFO, Envelope Follower and on-board 81-pattern Sequencer.

Hot Hand Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger were created so that guitarists can manipulate effects tailored to their particular playing style and also create new sounds without being limited by traditional floor-mounted pedal effects. This new approach to controlling effects also opens up the possibility for a whole new level of physical expression and showmanship in live performances. The movement of the hand or body when playing becomes the expression pedal.

Currently being adopted by artists such as guitarist Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Money Mark of The Beastie Boys and BT, electronic music pioneer and composer, the Hot Hand Motion-Controlled effects system marks a significant evolution in the art of audio signal processing.

MSRP for Hot Hand Wireless Adapter is $150.00, Wireless Motion Controlled Wah Filters System is $434.00 ($299 Wired) and the Wireless Motion Controlled Phaser/Flanger System $434.00 ($299 Wired).

One of the more interesting new technologies shown at NAMM this year was the Hot Hand Motion-Controlled effects system.

Hot Hand lets you use hand gestures to control key functions such as Speed and Depth in tandem with the company’s proprietary motion-controlled Hot Hand Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger effects consoles. While targeted towards guitarists, the effects systems could be equally effective with synths and dj setups.

Compatible with all Hot Hand systems, the Hot Hand Wireless Adapter can be used in addition to the wired sensor and consists of a wireless motion sensor ring unit and a small receiver that plugs directly into the back of the Hot Hand effects console in the Sensor In port. The RF transmitter is capable of transmitting over 100 feet and up to four units can be used on stage at a time without interference. Licensed for worldwide wireless use, the wireless motion sensor ring features a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that provides up to 8 hours of battery life and recharges in one hour.

Hot Hand Wah Filters offers musicians 11 “wah” type filter effects with 56-bit DSP co-developed with Analog Devices, Inc. and crystal clear 24 bit converters for truly exceptional sound quality. The elegant, high quality user interface allows players to easily control the frequency of the wah and the sensitivity of the effects by using different hand and body motions so they can create signature sounds all their own.

The motion-controlled Phaser/Flanger system features 7 Phasing effects, 7 Flanging effects and 4 Modulation Sources that can be used in combination for a total of 56 different sounds. These can be further modified using the Hot Hand motion sensor, which allows the player to modify each effect with hand and body motions, an LFO, Envelope Follower and on-board 81-pattern Sequencer.

Hot Hand Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger were created so that guitarists can manipulate effects tailored to their particular playing style and also create new sounds without being limited by traditional floor-mounted pedal effects. This new approach to controlling effects also opens up the possibility for a whole new level of physical expression and showmanship in live performances. The movement of the hand or body when playing becomes the expression pedal.

We had an opportunity to talk with the Hot Hand people at the NAMM show, and the device offers an exciting new physical control for creating electronic music.

Hot Hand is the first wireless guitar effects system that allows guitar players and other musicians to use hand motions to control key functions such as Speed and Depth in tandem with the company’s proprietary motion-controlled Hot Hand Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger effects consoles.

The “Total Hot Hand” guitar effects system offers an optional wireless solution with a lightweight motion sensor and plug-in RF transmitter, and powerful motion-controlled Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger effects consoles.

Compatible with all Hot Hand systems, the Hot Hand Wireless Adapter can be used in addition to the wired sensor and consists of a wireless motion sensor ring unit and a small receiver that plugs directly into the back of the Hot Hand effects console in the Sensor In port. The RF transmitter is capable of transmitting over 100 feet and up to four units can be used on stage at a time without interference. Licensed for worldwide wireless use, the wireless motion sensor ring features a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that provides up to 8 hours of battery life and recharges in one hour.

Hot Hand Wah Filters offers guitar players 11 “wah” type filter effects with 56-bit DSP co-developed with Analog Devices, Inc. and crystal clear 24 bit converters for truly exceptional sound quality. The elegant, high quality user interface allows guitar players to easily control the frequency of the wah and the sensitivity of the effects by using different hand and body motions so they can create signature sounds all their own.

The motion-controlled Phaser/Flanger system features 7 Phasing effects, 7 Flanging effects and 4 Modulation Sources that can be used in combination for a total of 56 different sounds. These can be further modified using the Hot Hand motion sensor, which allows the player to modify each effect with hand and body motions, an LFO, Envelope Follower and on-board 81-pattern Sequencer.

Hot Hand Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger were created so that guitarists can manipulate effects tailored to their particular playing style and also create new sounds without being limited by traditional floor-mounted pedal effects. This new approach to controlling effects also opens up the possibility for a whole new level of physical expression and showmanship in live performances. The movement of the hand or body when playing becomes the expression pedal.

Hot Hand, combining micro-machined motion sensing technology with a proprietary audio processing chip co-developed with Analog Devices, is the first system of its kind to successfully translate body movement into sound.