Source Audio Introduces Hot Hand Phaser/Flanger at 2006 Summer NAMM

Press release
Source: BRAINSTORM/Thought-Provoking Communications

Introduced at Summer NAMM by Source Audio, the new Hot Hand™ Phaser/Flanger features the same patented motion controller technology that made the Hot Hand™ Wah Filters system a true category creator in guitar effects. In addition to giving guitarists the ability to control the effects using hand and body movements like the Hot Hand™ Wah Filters, the Hot Hand™ Phaser/Flanger features an unprecedented array of easily controllable Phasing and Flanging effects that can be modified and expanded using four powerful Modulation Sources.

Specifically, the Hot Hand™ Phaser/Flanger includes 7 Phaser and 7 Flanger effects for a total of 14. Each one of these effects can be further modified using four easily selectable Modulation Sources for a total of 56 sounds. These include: the Hot Hand™ motion sensor (which allows the player to modify each effect with hand and body motions), an LFO, Envelope Follower, and an on-board Sequencer.

Each Modulation Source provides a range of individual parameter adjustments. Parameters for Hot Hand™ include Motion Sensitivity (for a range of hand and body movements to modify each effect), Depth, and Frequency/Delay (an adjustable parameter on all four of the Modulation Sources.) Both the LFO and Envelope Follower also offer Speed and Depth adjustments, as does the Sequencer, which also provides control over 81 Patterns. The Sequencer drives each effect with patterns of steps instead of the typical sweep signal to produce the sounds of a synthesizer, a real breakthrough for this type of processor.

Like its innovative predecessor, the Hot Hand™ Phaser/Flanger is a unique guitar effects “motion controller” which combines micro-machined motion sensing technology with a proprietary audio processing chip to successfully translate body movement into sound. With this powerful new system, guitarists can control the system’s exceptional array of Phasing/Flanging effects by using any kind of physical movement, from subtle to extreme, freeing them from the physical limitations of floor-mounted effects and pedals.

The Hot Hand™ Phaser/Flanger is comprised of a sensor mounted on a ring that attaches easily to the hand or any part of the body, and an effects console that houses the effects. The system features state-of-the-art 56-bit DSP co-developed with Analog Devices, Inc. and 24-bit A/D-D/A converters for low noise and professional sound quality. Five ring sizes are provided for the motion sensor and, with the Hot Head and Hot Foot accessories, the sensor can be mounted on the head or foot for more creative possibilities.

The sleek and rugged Hot Hand™ Phaser/Flanger effects console features full analog routing during Bypass to prevent signal degradation in long effects chains. A sophisticated _Expression Input with selectable parameters such as Speed lets you add an _expression pedal to your setup that can either directly control the effect, or the LFO speed. The _Expression Output sends signals to external effects devices or keyboards. The Phaser/Flanger’s full frequency range allows use with a keyboard or bass. A Sensor Output lets you daisy chain several Hot Hand™ systems together.

The whole idea of Hot Hand™ Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger is to change the way guitarists manipulate effects without anchoring them to traditional pedal effects consoles or other fixed on stage devices. This approach 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.

MSRP for the Hot Hand™ Phaser/Flanger is $299 and the system is expected to ship in July 2006. For more about Hot Hand™ and other products from Source Audio, stop by Booth 476, Austin Convention Center, visit www.sourceaudio.net, or call 781.932.8080.

---