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24 Theremax
In some circles Voltage Controlled analog music synthesizers, antiques that they are, have
great cachet . Theremax makes a useful supplemental or alternate controller to the keyboards
typically used in these instruments. The figure above shows only one of an unlimited number of
possible "patches". The Pitch CV output sets the frequency of the synth's Voltage Controlled
Oscillators, so the right hand still controls pitch. VCOs will typically provide a greater selection
of waveforms than just sine or square and multiple oscillators will produce a fuller sound.
The Volume CV isn't used to control volume, instead it's routed to the Control Voltage input of
the filter, so that the left hand now controls timbre instead.
So if volume is really timbre, how do you control volume? This is the cool part. As with most
synthesizer patches, the dynamics of the sound, how fast it builds up and dies away, is
controlled by an Envelope Generator, which here is triggered by Theremax's Gate output. The
volume hand does still control volume, sort of, but now moving the hand quickly away from the
antenna will trigger a sound with dynamics set by the EG. And remember that the place where
the hand ends the triggering move sets the timbre (VCF). Air Drums, alright!
And look, Theremax's CVs and Gate don't just respond to the gestures of a performer, they're
actually general purpose people sensors and could be used to turn on or brighten lighting
instruments arranged to accentuate different parts of a sculpture on the approach of an
observer. Or produce kinetic art that responds to how quickly it's approached and how close a
person stands.
There are a lot of possibilities.
