Moog Etherwave Theremin

Analog Theremin with Quick-release Brass-plated Antennae, Headphone Jack, Mute Button/Footswitch Connection; Pitch, Volume, and Gate CV Outputs, and Hardwood-trimmed Cabinet

Item ID: Etherwave

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The Ultimate Analog Theremin

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Did you know that Dr. Robert A. Moog — whose groundbreaking synthesizers forever changed the music landscape in the 1960s — began his career as an electronic musical instrument designer with the theremin? Guided by instructions in a magazine article, Bob built his first theremin in 1949 and manufactured his initial professional model in 1954. His eponymous company has produced several acclaimed theremin models over the decades, including the Etherwave Standard and the Etherwave Plus. Now, the great features of these two best sellers come together in the ultimate update, simply called the Moog Etherwave Theremin.

The definitive evolution of traditional theremin design

Refined with Moog’s latest cutting-edge sonic and playability upgrades, the Etherwave Theremin represents the definitive evolution of traditional theremin design. We say “traditional,” as it is a purely analog instrument, devoid of the digital circuitry that enables features such as wavetable generators. However, every aspect of the design has been optimized to achieve state-of-the-art performance at the hands of today’s theremin artist. We use the phrase “at the hands” because, as you probably know, the theremin is played without touching it.

Look ma, no hands!

All theremins are equipped with two antennae: one that controls volume, and one that controls pitch. The range of each antenna must be calibrated before playing. There is a radio-electromagnetic field around each antenna that extends several feet, and anything that enters either field will affect either pitch or volume. Right-handed thereminists control volume with their left hand: as it gets closer to the volume antenna, volume is diminished to the point of silence when you’re touching it. Pitch rises as your right hand nears the pitch antenna. Of course, the opposite is true for left-handed players. While some theremins are offered in lefty versions with reversed antennae, it should be noted that left-handed thereminists can simply turn around a “right-handed” theremin (although the front-panel controls will not be readily accessible).

The art of the theremin

To the uninitiated, playing the theremin may seem easy — but it’s not. Actuating individual notes on a theremin is a challenge that requires exacting volume-hand technique and coordination with your pitch hand. On a traditional theremin like this one, you must master these techniques, always relying on your ears (relative pitch) and constantly adjusting your hand movements. But here’s the good news: accomplished thereminists at Sweetwater (yes, there are quite a few) rave about the Moog Etherwave Theremin as being considerably easier to play than earlier traditional designs, thanks largely to its balanced spacing between notes.

Enhanced playability

The Etherwave Theremin gives you a precision 5-octave pitch range with balanced spacing between notes for enhanced gestural control and intuitive playability. The analog electronics of Bob Moog’s classic theremin circuit design have been updated for improved bass response in the lower registers. The durable, lightweight cabinet — clad in beautiful hand-finished hardwood — features two quick-release brass-plated antennae. The front-panel control set allows for spontaneous changes in timbre, and antenna response can be adjusted to suit the environment and your personal playing preferences. (More advanced players can tweak further, courtesy of the calibration access panel atop the instrument.) The front panel also has a headphone jack with a dedicated volume control and a button that mutes the line-level audio output while leaving the headphone output active for private timbre and tuning adjustments.

Unrestricted freedom of expression

On the rear panel are 1/4-inch jacks for the main audio output and for the connection of a mute footswitch, as well as 3.5mm CV outputs for pitch, volume, and gate — letting you control modular, semi-modular, or Eurorack synthesizer systems with the freedom of gestural expression only a theremin can offer. Without the physical restrictions of keys to press, strings to pluck, or reeds to blow, the theremin is, in a sense, the ultimate controller. Whether you’re playing the instrument itself, using it to control your synths, or doing both simultaneously, you’ll find the Moog Etherwave Theremin opens up a new universe of unlimited musical possibilities!