Moog

Moog Etherwave Theremin | Reviews
A
n instrument can
become better or
worse on re-release
(some seem to
jump up in price
but not in user
value), but Moog’s
latest Theremin, which combines new
controller features and a well-
designed fi nish, is a redesign that
creates something entirely new.
The fi rst instrument Robert Moog
sold was a Theremin kit, before
developing the Moog synth along with
Herbert Deutsch. The Etherwave
celebrates the history of this
important instrument in the evolution
of synths. Known more recently for
analogue synths like the Minimoog,
and the Mother-32, the company can
perhaps be better understood by
looking at this recent incarnation of
the renowned instrument.
Used often in horror fi lms, as well
as progressive rock music and game
soundtracks, the Theremin retains its
place as one of the most important
sound effects instruments in history.
It has been used by rock musicians
from Jimmy Page to The Rolling
Stones, and perfected by classical
virtuosos like Clara Rockmore. To
celebrate the Etherwave release, The
Octopus Project band (featuring
Yvonne Lambert on Theremin) did a
special release video at the Moog
Studio, (seen on the Moog website),
showing that the Theremin can make
good pop tracks too.
The wood fi nish is highly
appealing, and setting up the
instrument is straightforward. (The
decades and many companies offer
them, despite their niche clientele.
Different to button pushing, string
playing, or reed resonating, the
Theremin requires musicality and
spatial awareness without the touch
of hands. With a great sound, playing
a Theremin which combines ease of
use and output functions live is a
good way to go.
The price is quite high, at £859
in the UK, but the device’s controller
functions help it outperform its
predecessors. Delivering tonal
subtlety with a large sound, the
Etherwave Theremin is a really good
instrument to play and a great
addition to any studio.
instrument needs to be placed on a
non-metallic table, with the tuning
arm extending over the table edge, in
order to minimise interference.) The
mic stand attachment is a great
addition, meaning it can be set up on
stage at standing height, and used
and played freely, yet contained in a
small space, unlike a keyboard stand.
Volume control is done on the
left-hand side and pitch control on
the right, one hand controlling each.
The sensitivity to small movements
makes the instrument easy to play
with a whole ensemble/orchestra.
Vibrato can be created by a skilled
player and rapid volume change can
be made by adjusting the volume
range button. The waveform dial sets
the sound to either a pulse wave
(reed) tone, or a triangle wave (vocal)
tone. The brightness dial operates by
either increasing the overtones on the
notes to give a brighter sound or
decreasing the harmonic content,
leading to a rounder-edged sound on
the notes. Using the pitch, volume
and gate outputs, the instrument can
also be used as a controller in a
modular system.
Learning to play a Theremin is,
like any instrument, simple in
essence, yet tricky to do well. The
Etherwave has been refi ned over
THE PROS & CONS
+
Solid build quality
Sturdy and
sophisticated design
Easy to set up and
use, live and in
the studio
-
A little pricey
Could have even
more functions
FM VERDICT
8.8
It’s pricey but with its new
features, stylish fi nish and
the same classic sound,
Moog’s latest Etherwave
Theremin is better than ever
Moog Etherwave Theremin |
Moog Etherwave Theremin |
Reviews
The mic stand attachment
is a great addition
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