The Sound Gloves are an instrument designed exclusively for Tromleorkestret, blending cutting-edge technology with expressive performance. Developed as a wearable controller for real-time sound manipulation, the Sound Gloves empower the performer, to sculpt dynamic sonic landscapes with precision and creativity.

I’ve never seen anything like it. Every gesture seemed to unlock a new layer of sound—absolutely magical!

John Doe

Sofie Playing the Sound Gloves

Key Features and Design

1. Integrated Sensors
   • Push Buttons: Each finger is equipped with a pushbutton, enabling the performer to trigger specific sound events or effects intuitively.
   • IMU Sensor: The gloves utilize the Adafruit BNO055 IMU, mounted on the back of the hand. This tracks orientation and acceleration in three dimensions, interpreting movements like tilts, rotations, and shakes to control sound parameters dynamically.
   • Microcontroller: The gloves are
2. Microcontroller Unit (MCU)
   • Component: The Adafruit ESP32-S3 FEATHER 4MB/2MB PSRAM microcontroller serves as the brain of the Sound Gloves, processing inputs from the keys, pressure sensor, and IMU.
   • Communication Protocol: Data is transmitted using Open Sound Control (OSC), ensuring high-speed, low-latency communication with external audio systems.

Real-Time Sound Control

1. Effect Chains on Bela
   • The Sound Gloves interact with embedded DSP systems, including Bela platforms. The performer uses the gloves to control intricate effect chains featuring saturation, delay, reverb, distortion, and more. The gloves also provide real-time interaction with a Parameter Space, enabling fluid transitions between presets based on hand gestures.
2. Max4Live Integration
   • In addition to Bela systems, the Sound Gloves control a special Max4Live device tailored specifically for the gloves. This device includes a specialized effect chain designed to leverage the gloves’ expressive capabilities, offering endless possibilities for real-time sound manipulation during performances.

Dynamic Parameter Space

As with many of my other instruments, the Sound Gloves integrate seamlessly with the Parameter Space, allowing for expressive and intuitive sound design:

• Gesture-Based Mapping: The IMU sensor tracks hand orientation and acceleration, providing multidimensional control over parameters.
• Preset Creation: Map specific parameter settings to hand positions, creating a landscape of presets stored in the Parameter Space.
• Fluid Transitions: When the Parameter Space is active, gestures interpolate between presets, enabling smooth, evolving soundscapes that bring a captivating dynamic to performances.