Thereman: Paia´s free manual of the month! get it!

[elektro80]

Manual of the Month
PAiA manuals are mini lessons in audio design and applications. If purchased for their complete schematic, parts list and building details they're $15.00 each but we'll be posting a new pdf format manual each month that you can download for free.

Get the free PDF download at Paia - http://www.paia.com

"Since its introduction during the 1920's, the instrument which bears Leon Theremin's name has been evocative in image and tone. Theremax captures this age-of-technology spirit in an instrument based on the same heterodyne principles as the original but with embellishments made possible by the economy of integrated circuits and solid state electronics.

In addition to the traditional mellow sine wave tone, Theremax provides a square wave output that is rich in harmonics and ideal for use with external filters and processors. And to control outboard units, there are Control Voltage outputs for pitch and volume. A convenient foot switch input allows muting the internal tone source without disabling the CVs.

But Theremax's most unique features are it's Velocity Control Voltage (proportional to the rate-of-change of volume) and Gate/Trigger outputs. Internally, Velocity is wired so that it can produce transient asymmetrical distortions in the output, and when used with external filters provides a wide pallet of expressive possibilities. Gate/Trigger signals are compatible with both gated and s-trigger synths and CVs may be used with either V/Hz. or V/oct. scaling.

Panel Controls are conveniently grouped at the front of the instrument to minimize unwanted interactions during set-up. Tech-heads will appreciate the use of four r.f. oscillators to maximize sensitivity and provide wide dynamic range, as shown in the schematic and design analysis.

What do builders think? Tomas Mulcahy has written for Sound On Sound and describes his theremin experiences on his web site http://www.madtheory.com/ . In addition to a Theremax review there are also links to current theremin manufacturers.

Low cost Theremax electronics kit is ideal for custom cabinetry and combination with other devices, such as the inclusion of a small power amp as in this unit. "


And while you are over there, do check out the Craig Anderton Quadrafuzz kit and the Paia vocoder kit.