Moog Etherwave Theremin

Reviews | Moog Etherwave Theremin
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84
T
he Theremin has been around
since 1919, invented by one
Lev Sergeivich Termen, or
Leon Theremin outside
Russia. Post WWII, mass production of
the instrument was championed by the
young Robert Moog, who started to sell
it in kit form in 1953. The distinct
character of the instrument has since
become synonymous with ’50s sci-fi
movies, graced many classic recordings
and continues to be a captivating
musical voice through the virtuoso skills
of players such as Lydia Kavina and
Pamelia Kurstin.
What’s a Theremin?
For those unfamiliar with the Theremin,
it is a single oscillator instrument which
uses two (detachable) metal rod
antennas to control pitch and
amplitude. The left antenna (a
horizontal hoop) reduces the amplitude
as the left hand is moved closer to it,
while the right antenna (a vertical pole)
increases the pitch as the right hand is
moved towards it. Timbre and
responsiveness are controlled via four
knobs mounted on the front.
The Volume knob sets the maximum
output amplitude while the Pitch knob
sets the lowest oscillator frequency. The
Waveform knob controls the relative
strength of harmonics in a similar
fashion to the rectangular width control
found on many synths. The Brightness
knob controls the harmonic distortion
applied to the signal, ranging the timbre
from soft to aggressively bright, though
without sounding harsh.
The Etherwave Theremin carries the
classic Moog look from the knobs to the
ash wood boxing. The construction is of
a high quality with a robust mic stand
mounting socket on the base and sturdy
nuts/screw-threads for the antennas.
The DIN power socket at the rear is
safely recessed into the wood panelling.
The audio output is front-mounted
which is fi ne, though I’d prefer it at the
rear to keep the cable free from roaming
feet. The output is via a ¼” TS jack
and, with a 2.4 kOhm impedance, is
suited best to high impedance
instrument amplifi er/DI inputs.
Hands-off approach
Having never played a Theremin before,
it was quickly apparent how hard it is to
play melodically, only enhancing respect
for the real virtuoso players. Despite
this, the Etherwave possesses the
classic Theremin sound and is instantly
absorbing and playable. With practice,
pitch coherency is possible quite
quickly, and to this end a tutorial DVD is
supplied in the box. The range of tones
and expressions available is totally
captivating with vibratos and tremolos
possible through the tiniest hand
movements. The Waveform and
Brightness controls really unlock the
timbre of the instrument and like many
purely electronic instruments, the
Theremin can take a huge amount of
processing. The purity of the single
oscillator (well, two oscillators in a
subtractive confi guration) prevents it
from breaking up under the sonic stress
of external effects and just routing it
through a tape echo takes you straight
into the 1950s Sci-Fi realm, à la
Forbidden Planet.
Tai-Chi cello
In the world of Theremins, the Moog
Etherwave is a classic and a standard.
There are plenty of other versions
available, many in kit form, and often at
a lower price, but the build, look and
sound of the Etherwave makes it No.1.
The self-assembly version is £50
cheaper and is very easy to construct.
Considering the niche, the price is fair.
It may only do the one sound, but even
if you don’t record or perform with it
regularly, it is an absorbing and
strangely hypnotic pleasure, like a cross
between Tai-Chi and cello playing. I’ve
used plug-in versions and programmed
synths to behave like a Theremin, but
none have come close to this.
WHAT IS IT?
The original monosynth
CONTACT
Who: Arbiter
Tel: [phone]
Web: moogmusic.com
HIGHLIGHTS
1 Classic Theremin sound
2 Addictively playable
3 Quality build
PRICING
Self-assembly kit
£250
SPECS
Output: TS ¼” jack
(unbalanced, 2.4 kOhms)
Controls: Volume, Pitch,
Waveform and Brightness
Mounting: 16mm (3/8”)
mic stand socket on base
Dimensions (with antenna):
712 x 524 x 140mm
Moog Etherwave
Theremin | £300
The instrument upon which Bob Moog founded his
company in the ’50s is still shifting units. After half a
century, Robbie Stamp gets around to reviewing it
VERDICT
BUILD
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VALUE
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EASE OF USE
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VERSATILITY
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RESULTS
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It may be a one-trick pony, but it’s
a great trick and one hell of a pony
– Theremin No.1
FMU207.rev_moog 84 14/10/08 3:47:56 pm