Wavefront MIDI-Wave for Theremin

Posted: 3/21/2006 5:40:41 PM
spitznagel

From: Ithaca, New York

Joined: 8/9/2005

Hi,

A few months ago there was a posting on this forum concerning the Wavefront MIDI-Wave device. I looked for that post today but couldn't find it.

Anyway...I bought one of these devices last week (on eBay). Wavefront states that this piece of hardware will convert the audio signal from a theremin to a MIDI signal so that you can use your theremin to control sounds on a synthesizer. Well...I got it...took it out of the box...turn on the power...plugged my Moog Etherwave theremin into it...plugged the MIDI-Wave into a Dave Smith Evolver...turned on the PA...and, WOW!!!! It worked from the get-go. I was creating amazing sounds and music within minutes. I also tried it with an Alesis Micron and a Moog Voyager...the MIDI-Wave worked without a hitch in both. I didn't find any delay or sluggish-ness in the sound at all. I did find that the "traditional" way of playing the theremin doesn't always work and you must be willing to retrain or rethink your playing method.

Now, it you believe there's only one true way of playing the theremin (Rockmore, Kavina, etc.), this device is probably not for you. But, if you love exploring, improvising or experimenting with strange and beautiful sound-designs, then this is a "must have" item. I've found some synth settings that allow for playing the pitch control with two hands and not have to use the volume control. What fun!!!

I play in an improvisational electronic music duo called The Bemus Point (http://www.levelgreen.com/thebemuspoint). My use of the theremin is mostly for FX, pads, textures, etc. So, my opinion of the MIDI-Wave comes from that point of view.

On another topic...I really hope there will be an EtherMusic 2006...I attended last years and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life.

Stay creative!!!

James Spitznagel

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