Theremin as midi controller.

spitznagel · Post by **spitznagel** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:12 pm

Hi,

Is anyone else using the Wavefront MIDI-Wave device?

Anyway...I bought one of these devices a few weeks ago (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 (standard) 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 a Moog Voyager...the MIDI-Wave worked without a hitch. 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. 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 year’s and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life.

Stay creative!!!

James Spitznagel

Nick Montoya · Post by **Nick Montoya** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:41 am

Cool stuff James..

BTW how you been ?

I want to do this but with CV, though by what you said , sounds like Midi would be easier. I want to control my MMV with my Etherwave Stan...
How much was the pitch to midi converter?

I really want to be able to do this, as I find myself in live situations playing the MMV with one hand while playing the Ether with my other.. Tough to say the least !

Thanks for the info James...

- Nick

spitznagel · Post by **spitznagel** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Hi Nick,

I bought the Wavefront MIDI-Wave on eBay for $226. Wavefront often lists them there. Here's the link to their eBay posts: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrp ... dwavefront

They also sell them (for much more $$$) on the Wavefront web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~wavefront/

As you can tell from my earlier post, I love it....and highly recommend it.

James

c7sus · Post by **c7sus** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:35 am

Any chance that could track guitar pickups??? I would LOVE to run my SG into the pitch & gate CV on my EB.

spitznagel · Post by **spitznagel** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:19 pm

Nope...I just tried it with a guitar...it doesn't work.

Best...

James

latigid on · Post by **latigid on** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:27 pm

(See the above post for a MIDI theremin controller)