Certainly today, there is no shortage of midi controllers on the market, indeed we are invaded by them. Bright, micro, transportable and increasingly configurable controllers. Even tablets have now invaded the market with various APPs in all sauces. Manufacturers such as Novation, Akai, Korg still dominate the market, but among these there is also the American “Sorce Audio” with the “Hot Hand USB” controller. Will this controller be able to make our "hot hand"?
Let's see what's in the box:
Unboxing
The package is presented (Fig.1) with a small box with the HotHand USB logo well on display, where inside we find a USB dongle, the HotHand ring and a small power supply. On the bottom of the package a slip with a quick setup written on it in 4 simple steps. Nothing else.
SetUp
We connect the power supply to the ring equipped with a LED that will start flashing to confirm the state of charge which lasts about an hour and a half. When the charging is finished, the LED will turn off and the peripheral will be able to operate for a nominal period of approximately 6 hours. The installation is very simple just connect the USB dongle (Fig.2) to the PC / MAC without downloading additional drivers.
When the "status" LED will flash slowly (Fig.2.1) the pen will be ready for connection and at this point just turn on the ring to link the controller.
The controller
The Hot Hand USB is nothing more than a ring-shaped controller (Fig.3) in silicone to wear, with three motion detection axes (X, Y and Z), which it transmits to a USB wireless receiver connected to the computer. Measures 3cm in length and 1cm in height. it has a bright blue LED that indicates its operation and an integrated (semi-hidden) side button for ignition. The ring is fixed to the finger via a comfortable rubber strap. One side of the ring has been left free from the casing to allow connection to the power supply during charging. (Fig.3.1)
The software
The HotHand USB comes with essential software that can be downloaded for free from the manufacturer's website at this link: Hot Hand USB Editor. This simple and well done editor (Fig.4) allows users to precisely set the "smooth" and then adjust, smooth the amount of movement (shake) and depth "depth" of the movement of the axes (X, Y and Z) or even reverse into motion "Invert In addition, it is possible to easily set the control signals and the various midi functions such as the channel, the type of message (Pitch bend, After touch) and it is possible to deactivate the single processes or even put them alone. Downloading this software is very important because in addition to giving us a visual indication of how each axis responds to movement, on the left side of the software we have axis control modules, it also gives us the possibility to calibrate the ring in the starting position of our performance clicking on the “center” option. In the various advanced options, there is the possibility to rename the controller, so that you can also use more than one and then recognize it when setting the parameters.
Midi mapping and testing
I personally tested the controller on Ableton live 9 and it was super easy to map. Identical to any other controller so from the preference menu> midi (fig. 5) is already found among the peripherals connected and ready to be mapped, you just have to remember to activate the Track / Sync / Remote parameters. The Hot Hand USB controller can obviously be configured and mapped with other Midi-compatible software, I will mention a few, Traktor PRO, Serato, Logic, Ableton, Cubase, Pro Tools.
Considerations We are usually used to using and mapping knobs and knobs to control our various effects and / or parameters, entrusting everything to classic controllers. Personally, I find the Source Audio Hot Hand USB a great control device. Innovative and precise, just think that I had no latency of any kind during its use and really the integrated battery lasts a long time. Furthermore, the simplicity in installing it and then configuring it was truly disarming. I find this product an excellent companion for current controllers, a sort of accompanying controller, born for live performances, thanks to its 100 meters of coverage, from reliability for any type of setup and performance. The public often wants to be involved, to understand what happens. Seeing the performer / DJ fidget and create something can certainly have a strong impact. The eye also wants its part!
See you next time Paolo Dj Fresella Colacicco.
PRO:
Innovative
Easy to install and configure
Good workmanship
Versatile
Affordable price
AGAINST
Nothing relevant
USEFUL INFORMATION
Producer: SourceAudio LLC
Model: Hot Hand USB
Website: www.sourceaudio.net
Distributor: Reference Laboratory
Price: EUR 118,00
