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REFERENCE MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
The Altura MkII Theremin MIDI Controller by Zeppelin Design
Labs was inspired by the early electronic instrument invented
by Russian physicist Léon Theremin. Léon’s device features a
pair of antennae that can sense the capacitance of a person’s
hands. The right antenna affects a voltage controlled oscillator
(vCO) circuit. As the player moves his hand closer to this
antenna, the device emits a sine wave tone that rises in pitch.
The left antenna affects a voltage controlled amplifier (vCA)
circuit. As the player moves his left hand farther away from this
antenna, the tone becomes louder. The device is very sensitive
and can make wonderful, spooky music – but it is very tricky
to play. The performer has to play by ear: there are no frets
in mid-air!
The Altura MkII Theremin MIDI Controller makes many
improvements on the original device. First, the Altura MkII
does not itself make sound; instead, it simply controls synthesizers and computer programs that employ
the MIDI protocol (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Thus any sound that your synthesizer can make
the Altura MkII can control. Further, you can determine the key and scale (mode) in which to play. You
can even build an eight-step arpeggio and save your work in a bank of presets.
HISTORY
In 1920, as Léon Theremin (1896 - 1993) was developing radio equipment for the Soviet government,
he heard strange sounds coming from some of his circuitry. He noticed that the frequency (or pitch)
of this sound changed with how close his hand was to the circuit. He developed this device into a
musical instrument which he initially called the Thereminvox. In 1927 he left the USSR to tour Europe in
promotion of his invention, performing to large audiences and receiving mixed reactions. His tour took
him to New York where he stayed for the next 10 years; in which time he opened a laboratory and
studio, patented the Theremin, licensed its manufacture to RCA, performed with a theremin ensemble
at Carnegie Hall, and invented an electronic cello. In 1930 he conducted the first-ever concert of an
electronic orchestra. In 1938 Léon Theremin suddenly disappeared – it was said that he had been
kidnapped by Soviet agents; and later he was presumed dead.
Through the late 30’s, Theremin’s protégé Clara Rockmore rose to prominence as the world’s pre-
eminent thereminist. She preformed with world-class orchestras in large concert halls. These
performances established the theremin as a legitimate performance instrument and started to open the
public consciousness to electronic instruments and electronic music in general.
Alexandra Stepanoff playing the theremin
on NBC Radio, 1930
