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The Altura MkII lacks the resolution to use the Pitch Bend to produce precise, subtle vibrato effects
characteristic of the original theremin. Use the Modulation effect for this instead.
FUNCTION 2: MODULATION
Function 2 emulates the behavior of the Mod Wheel on a conventional MIDI controller. It
transmits a value from 0 – 127, as determined by the left sensor, to CC #2 on the currently
selected Send channel.
Set DATA FAR to 0, and DATA NEAR to 127. Move your hand near: the number rises, and you
should hear note modulation, usually a tremolo or vibrato effect. Move your hand far away: the
number falls, and the effect diminishes. You can reverse the effect by swapping the numbers. The
controller acts like a mid-air slider: move your hand to the desired value; remove it and the value
will “stick”. Note that changing the Data knob values will have no effect until you wave your
hand in front of the left sensor. Only this will trigger transmission of a MIDI message.
On the Macchiato Mini Synth, Modulation controls the Depth of the Low Frequency Oscillator
(LFO). Touching the Depth knob on the Macchiato will override the Altura MkII. Using the Altura
MkII will override the knob on the Macchiato.
FUNCTION 3: NOTE-ON VELOCITY
This function emulates the role of key velocity on a conventional keyboard. Whenever the Altura
MkII transmits a Note On message, it combines the current velocity value from the left sensor
with the current Pitch value from the right sensor and transmits on the currently selected Send
channel. The Note On velocity defaults to 127 upon startup. Use the DATA NEAR and FAR knobs
to set a maximum and minimum value for velocity. You won’t actually hear an effect until you
wave your hands in front of both sensors.
velocity usually affects the note volume, but your synth might use this data for other effects, such
as brightness or voice switching. This controller acts like a slider: set velocity to a particular
number; remove your hand and that number will “stick”. All notes will now play with that velocity
value. You can now switch to another function and the velocity will continue unchanged.
FUNCTION 4: CHANNEL VOLUME
The Channel volume emulates the Master volume slider found on many MIDI controllers. Channel
volume defaults to 127 upon startup. Use the DATA NEAR and FAR knobs to set a maximum
and minimum value for volume. (Keeping a minimum volume of at least 30 will prevent you
from accidentally silencing your Altura!) This affects the overall output volume of your synth, and
is most useful for creating swells as a note sustains. This function lacks the resolution for subtle
tremolo effects. It is better to use your Modulation effect for that.
This controller acts like a slider: set volume to a particular number; remove your hand and
that number will “stick”. Your synth will continue to play at that volume. You can now switch to
another function and the channel volume will continue unchanged.
