Hi Diggy - you posted while I was composing. Have you heard of the The MCV1a Theremin MIDI/CV Interface from theremin.co.uk? That's on my wish list, just after an etherwave (or an elysian from the same website subject to my having heard it play) and just before a modular synth.

:-)

So here's a few ideas for what to do with a modular theremin, starting with the most trivial - a pitch preview. Take an audio signal from after the oscillator module and before the CV controlled amplifier.

A polyphonic theremin - feed the pitch CV to several oscillators, adding different fixed amounts to each pitch feed to give harmonically related notes. Use pedals and foot switches to control which chords are generated. (And/or sit on a stool with one or two pressure sensitive pads in the seat. Also useful to create an electronic whoopee cushion!)

Switch out the theremin oscillator to give a different timbre. Or slide smoothly between two timbres with a pedal, or a toe-operated ribbon controller.

Sample and hold the first note of each bar and drop the pitch a couple of octaves for a bass line. Add in an arpeggiator for a walking bass line (and call it the auto-Pammy!)

Quantise the pitch for an air-harp. I note the quantiser module will generate a trigger signal that can be fed into an envelope generator for shaping notes.

I believe analogue circuits can do calculus. Heck, clockwork can do calculus is the exhibits in the Science Museum are to be believed. So integrate the pitch signal to differentiate between notes and glisses and process each differently. Add this to the air harp to create a theremin that glisses smoothly and does pitch correction on static notes.

Or auto-dip the volume during transitions between notes to minimise glissing. (The Pringliser.)

Use low frequency oscillators on the CV signals to simulate frothatrills and twangulators.

Create an pitch antenna with perfect linearity by mapping the response curve of a less than perfect antenna onto an idealised response curve.

Here's a slightly whacky idea. Take a copy of the pitch and volume CVs, delay the pitch by one bar and the volume by two bars to create a second, musically related voice automatically.

Well, these all sound fairly interesting and mostly quite sensible, and I haven't even thought about feedback loops yet...

Oh, and I note they have a ring mod module. Actually I spot spotted that first of all, because it was Man From Uranus that set me on this track with a posting he made on the White Label Records forum. (Hey - I share a label with MFU - for me that is so cool.) I paraphrase... No instrument loves ring mods better than the theremin. Theremin plus ring mod equals instant radiophonic workshop.

Gordon, I just went to their website from the Halloween thread and the MCV1a looks great.

I can't wait to get my habds on one.

You might want to wait a little bit.

The chap who makes than, Jake Rothman, is on my list for Hands Off 2007. I'll be asking him to talk about and demonstrate it.

I heard a lot of good things about Jake when I was jamming with Susie and Bruce (ooh, I'm turning into a lovie, eek!) and while I don't know much about midi the specs sound very good. But - I've not found any reviews or sound clips. Colour me cautious, but it's not a cheap piece of kit to buy on the assumption that it lives up to the specs.

I agree. It is better to wait and see if it lives up to it's expectations.

Also, getting me to part with much of my hard-earned money is no easy task.

I agree. It is better to wait and see if it lives up to its promises.

Also, getting me to part with much of my hard-earned money is no easy task.

Well, Herr Doepfer has replied to my enquiry. He informs me that the Doepfer theremin module has a range of 30cm and is very non-linear, as are all theremins.

(This observation should perhaps be taken in context. Much as I try to avoid cultural stereotyping whenever possible, I would describe the Doepfer website as a veritable paragon of German precision and rigour. Linearity is a technical term, and I suspect its exact meaning in electronics may differ from its more casual usage by theremin players to describe the characteristics of a pitch antenna.)

Avast there, me hearty shipmates. I be a'tellin' ye this be International Talk Like A Pirate Day.

What be that? Ye have not heard of it. Why, ye scurvy lubber! Here be a link ye should be a'followin'.

Now I be off to find me a buxom wench or two for a spot of rowdy carousing. Yarrr.

"Oh, a life on the etherwave,
be the only life for me..."


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Brief note. Have renamed Feersum Endjinn. It's now Void Ship. And if you don't know what one of those is, where it travels or what it contains, I guess you haven't seen the new Doctor Who season 2 finale yet. Some things are worse than pirates.

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Ahoy, me mates and wenches! Another link for you all!

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Exterminate! Exterminate! (Still miss Christopher Eccleston but I like David Tennant just fine.)
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On the topic of Modular Synthesizers - I just purchased one from Analogue Solutions. Or rather, two "MiniModulars" which I proceeded to make into a quad-oscillator, dual filter audio damage machine.

Rather than buying a signal processing machine, I would buy a "system" modular synth, which you can actually play regular notes on, for timbral and tonal variation. It's nice to "not" use the same timbre to process into a new sound.

Also, when getting into modular synthesis, take the time to listen to as many samples of said system as you can find. This is the reason I chose Analogue Solutions over Doepfer. Roughly, their cost is the same, and in my ears, the AS sounds fuller. It could also be that I am a drummer, and probably a little deaf! :)

AS systems are compatible with Doepfer and Analogue Systems modules.

Other suggestions: For a more "unique" sound when it comes to synthesis, try steering away from your standard Moog filter sound. Yeah, 24dB filters are great, I know, I have two! :) But your synth will be able to realize so much more with a few different filters. the MS20 clones are HUGE nowadays, and Doepfer is making vactrol filters that supposedly sound "creamier" than your standard filter. Mainly to do with an enclosed LED. When it comes down to controlling your analogue synth, you will definitely need a MIDI-CV controller. It's absolutely necessary for doing more than drones.

I've been reading your progress reports, and am still way back at page 7. I like your "elastic chest hair" idea!

My final suggestion - although digital effects are definitely on the less expensive side, especially when you want the most quantity for your currency - in the long run, you will be more pleased when you buy boutique analogue pieces. It guarantees a tailored sound, custom built to your preferences. That's a whopper of a discussion, though...

Thanks for your informative posts!

Rather than buying a signal processing machine, I would buy a "system" modular synth, which you can actually play regular notes on, for timbral and tonal variation. It's nice to "not" use the same timbre to process into a new sound.

Good point. Just go with a well-equipped synth. You'll have a lot more possibilities and fun with it!

The real issue is how to interface your Theremin with the synth.

Indeed, to utilize an analog synth from any MIDI-equipment (computers, keyboards, or a MIDI-theremin) then you would need a MIDI-cv converter.(I own the one from PAIA and it is very good.)

Alas, your Kees isn't MIDI or CV equipped.

If you are into kit building, you might consider a Paia Theremax -- besides the standard pitch and volume CV's it also has gate, trigger, and velocity CV's.

One of my future projects is to build the Paia "MIDI Brain" that converts cv's to MIDI -- the idea being that I can control MIDI equipment from my Theremins.

The only MIDI theremin that has gotten rave reviews is the Moog Ethervox (out of production and costs around $5000 if you can find one!). Reviews on other MIDI theremins are sketchy.

The Doepfer Theremin module is a single antenna unit -- the antenna is right there on the control panel, and would be tough to adjust controls without also getting into the control zone of the module. I wouldn't dissuade you from getting the module however you may find it limited compared to your Kees.

Kirk, welcome to Thereminworld. Enjoy!

-- Kevin