Tapping out rhythms with your fingers can help relieve boredom in the workplace or each hit could sound out some must-dance-to electronica, depending on whether you're using a desk or a pad controller. Like Onyx Ashanti's impressive Beatjazz Hands, the T8 from Remidi puts wireless control of digital music in the hands of the performer, but without all those bulky 3D-printed components. The system comprises a sensor-packed glove and a tech-filled wristband that wirelessly connects to a laptop or mobile device running music creation software.
The nerve center of the T8 system is an ABS bracelet with two select buttons and a scrolling knob up top which are used to browse through note or chord sets, samples and parameters. The electronics feature motion sensors to cater for mid-air gestural controls or expressive pitch bends and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology for connection to any BT-enabled laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet. Latency is reported to be under 30 ms.
The bracelet's integrated 110 Ah battery should last around 6 hours, and can be recharged in just 30 minutes. A companion application has been developed for setting functionality and configuring the system, though Remidi's controller also integrates with third party music creation software and digital audio workstations, such as Ableton Live, Animoog or GarageBand, or anything that supports MIDI.
The wristband connects to a snug-fitting glove using magnets. The glove is made from double-layered, stretchy Spandex and is home to eight pressure sensitive trigger zones – one in each of the fingers, another in the thumb, and the rest in the palm area.
"The connection between the wristband and the glove is the key for using the T8," Remidi's Andrea Baldereschi told Gizmag. "The controls on the wristband allow players to choose between infinite combinations of notes and sounds on-the-go."
Users can configure each sensor to trigger samples, notes or presets when the sensor hits any surface. Players can sound a kick drum with the thumb, for example, use a palm to bring in a looped bass sound, or give vocals the finger. The pressure sensitivity of the sensors can also be set by the user.
Baldereschi also confirmed sweaty hands shouldn't interfere with operation, saying that the smart textiles and sensors inside the glove should "act normally with the humidity caused from a 3 hours performances inside a club."
The US startup behind the T8 is due to launch on Kickstarter shortly to raise production funds. In the meantime, have a look at the crowdfunding teaser video below for a taste of things to come.
Update Feb. 17: The Kickstarter campaign has now launched. Pledges for a single glove and controller start at US$199, with shipping estimated for September, should all go to plan.
Sources: Remidi, Coming Soon
