The MOOG Theremini is designed for practice, studio recording, and live performance. The instrument is played without physical contact by using hand gestures to change volume and pitch by controlling the distance to the device's antennas.
To assist in learning to play the instrument, the Theremini features a built-in tuner that allows you to see what note you are playing and whether the note is sharp, flat, or in tune. A 0 to 100% assistive pitch correction knob allows you to adjust the playing difficulty level of the device by automatically keeping the sound in pitch to a user-defined scale or root note. At 100%, the assistive pitch correction will make it impossible to play a wrong note. At 0%, no pitch correction will be applied. The tuner and assistive pitch correction functions can be used in conjunction to educate the performer on the range of the instrument and develop proper playing technique.
Additional controls include a preset knob that provides 32 wavetable-based sounds, root and scale buttons for selecting a scale and root note, controls for setting and recalling a playing range, and a variable stereo ping-pong delay for individual presets.
For listening, the unit includes a front-panel 1/8" stereo headphone jack with a volume control, as well as a built-in speaker that is muted when the headphone jack is engaged. Two 1/4" audio outputs enable connection to an audio interface, mixer, or other equipment for studio recording or live performance. A single-pitch CV output with selectable range enables external connection to a sequencer or synthesizer using a control voltage signal, and a mini-USB port allows the device to communicate with other devices over MIDI.
The unit's pitch antenna can be removed and placed in a built-in storage compartment on the bottom of the device. Integrated rubberized feet prevent the unit from slipping on the playing surface, and a built-in 3/8" microphone stand connector allows you to put the instrument on a stand. Alternatively, you can use the included camera stand adaptor for placing the unit on a tripod. An amplifier, case, and stand are available and sold separately.
- Pitch Correction with Selectable Scales
- Built-In Tuner for Learning Pitch
- 32 Wavetable-Based Presets
- Built-In Speaker and Two 1/4" Outputs
Moog Theremini Overview
Moog Theremini Specs
| LCD Screen | |
| Headphone Jack | |
| Audio Output | |
| CV In/Out Controls | |
| USB | |
| Security | |
| Power Control | |
| Power Requirements | |
| Dimensions | |
| Weight |
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
Moog Theremini Reviews
A More User Friendly Theremin than ever before.
I built my first Theremin back in 1970. I put it together from a schematic and parts list from a Hobbyist Electronic Magazine. I bought all of the components from my local Electronic Supply Shop (they sure don't exist any longer). It was a basic Synth with not much musical playability but fun for making Sci-Fi Movie sounds. I was a Drummer, Synthesizer Programmer, Recording Engineer and Studio Owner in NYC in the 1970's and got to meet Bob Moog several times. I had the pleasure to play his Theremins on a few occasions. I owned a Mini Moog and ARP 2600 but really couldn't justify the cost of owning a real Theremin. Fast forward... with the advances in technology I now had the opportunity to own my very own Theremin(i) so I purchased one. Until recently it sat in my Home Office and I used it as an occasional toy. A little over a year ago I started to build a new Music Production Studio in my homes Music Room. Along with my traditional instruments (Gretsch Drums, Fender Telecaster and Jazz Bass, Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar & Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar) I built a work station area with a slew of Synths and Sound Modules, Drum Machines, MIDI Controllers etc. It was now time to take my Theremini out of my office and find a permanent place in my new Studio. Now that is part of a real music environment I am rediscovering just how fun and usable it is to play. I know it is not a Traditional Theremin and Serious Theremin Players probably don't care for it. But for occasional use, from someone who was never going to be an Expert at playing one, the Theremini gives me musical possibilities that I could never achieve. Setup and Calibration is quick and easy (you must Calibrate it for it to perform correctly) The 100%, assistive pitch correction makes it nearly impossible to play a wrong note, yet I can still have 0%, and no pitch correction will be applied. I like the 32 wavetable-based sounds and the root and scale buttons for selecting a scale and root note. The Delay Effect is just ok, with the length of the delay being able to set from short, medium, long, and off. I prefer to add any effects in my post processing. As for Value for the money, I paid $239 for it a few years ago, now at $399 I'm not sure if I would purchase it. There are a lot of Synth options out there for $400.00. If your budget is an issue the question to ask is how much playability will I get from it compared to something else. On the other hand there is NOTHING like a Theremin(i) and to own and play one is like no other experience. So I answered my own question, YES I would buy one today!
Great for a beginner
My teenage son has become very interested in the theramin and this provides a great way for him to learn to play. Fast shipping too!