Theremaniacs Analogue Theremin

About The Theremin

The Theremin is considered to be the first mass produced electronic musical instrument. It was created around 1919 when its inventor, Lev Terman was conducting an experiment concerning the properties of an enclosed gas under differing atmospheric pressures and temperatures. He noticed he could change the generated audio tone of this experiment by simply moving his hand near the apparatus. The electronic radio frequency instrument he created to reproduce this effect is unusual in that it is played without touching the unit. His first Theremin was a pitch style device where the volume of the notes produced were controlled with a foot operated volume pedal.

The Theremin consists of two oscillators operating at a radio frequency. One oscillator is at a constant, unchanging frequency and the other is variable by your hand approaching the antenna. When the oscillators are in unison the Theremin is silent. As the variable oscillator frequency changes with the motions of your hand, the difference between the two oscillators is an audio frequency output tone. Most people associate the sound of a Theremin with vintage science fiction / horror movies. Many bands such as Led Zeppelin utilized Theremin in their musical mix. One common misconception is that the Beach Boys used a Theremin in the song 'Good Vibrations'. The sound they used was actually a Tannerin! Many people do not realize the Theremin is used in Classical music where the most cherished aspect of its sound on the original 1920's instruments is its ability to sound like the human female voice.

About the THEREMANIACS Theremin

This is a genuine radio frequency heterodyne analog Theremin. The operating principal and the output are extremely faithful to the original Theremin at an affordable price. Sound is not compromised by using IC chips or optical style circuits that are actually audio oscillators and not true Theremins.

Theremaniacs Theremins incorporate high quality polystyrene and silver mica capacitors for stability and drift free operation. These frequency determining capacitors are also embedded in silicone to prevent drift. Theremin is also frequency agile. If interference is heard such as radio, TV or computers, you can adjust the operating frequency away from the noise (plastic tuning tool included).Output is 5 octaves. Playing range covers greater than 3 octaves.

A three way 1/4 inch phone jack turns the Theremin on when a guitar cord is inserted. Plug it into an amplifier and it will sit quietly until your hand is up to four feet away where it will emit a low growl. This sound will increase as your hand comes nearer to the antenna until the pitch is so high it is inaudible. The Theremin has an external sensitivity control and coil adjustment. The sensitivity control (on the outside) determines how close your hand has to be before the Theremin starts to make a sound. Antenna is collapsible for transport. Theremaniacs Theremins have the ability to change the timbre of the output sound from a mellow sine wave to a coarse sawtooth wave by relocating one wire.

It is powered by a quality 9 volt battery that lasts a very long time (about 300 hours of continuous use) and is easy to replace. There is no drift as battery power is consumed during use. Draws only 3 milliamps, far less than ordinary effects pedal. No need for an adapter, power strip, surge protector - no searching for an outlet. Set it up anywhere you want! Quality Alkaline battery is included. Only pure DC battery power offers hum and noise free operation with circuit stability. Tested for FCC compliance.

Most people associate the sound of a theremin with vintage science fiction / horror movies. A wiggling motion of the hand produces a vibrato effect. Input to a reverb, echo unit, flanger, or others will create wild effects! Run this through an effects rack and you will be amazed at your sonic creations!