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INTRODUCTION
The Noisette is our take on a classic electronic musical instrument developed by the famous Russian
physicist Leon Theremin. The original circuit was stumbled upon by accident when Mr. Theremin was
developing a device that used radio waves to detect the density of different gases. To keep from having
to look at a meter while using this device, he added an audio amplifier and a speaker to this circuit as
to give an audible representation of the density of the gas being measured. In working on this circuit,
Leon found that his natural body capacitance altered some of its electrical parameters, causing the
audible pitch to rise and fall depending on how close he was to the circuit. This was such a novel and
unique discovery that he continued to develop the circuit and eventually turned it into the very first
electronic musical instrument that we all know as the Theremin, which also had the unique distinction
of being the first instrument that a person played without touching it.
Of course, this original circuit was made with vacuum tubes causing it to be big and bulky. Over the
years, with the advancement of technology, circuit designers have tweaked and modified the original
Theremin circuit to use transistors and other solid state components to reduce its size and cost. We
have taken this approach a step further by replacing the bulky capacitive sensing antennas with light
sensors, all while keeping the traditional circuit topology intact, along with the basic principle of being
a touchless instrument.
The Theremin is one of the world’s most unique instruments, being able to create spooky and other-
worldly sounds, all while not being touched! Even so, the popularity of the Theremin has fluctuated over
the years, but it has always had a passionate fan-base keeping it alive and in the public consciousness.
This passion for the Theremin has earned it a legendary status in the electronic music community around
the world. We here at Zeppelin Design Labs are very proud to be part of this legacy by bringing you
our modern take on this classic instrument. We sincerely hope you have as much fun building and
playing the Noisette as we did in designing it!
