I Built a MIDI THEREMIN! Theremidi - A DIY Arduino MIDI Controller

➡️ Download the files: go.musiconerd....
➡️ Making Music with Arduino: go.musiconerd....
➡️ Curso Fazendo Música com Arduino em Português: go.musiconerd....
In this video, I am going to show you the Theremidi, a DIY MIDI Theremin, made using an Arduino Pro Micro!
The Theremin was one of the first electronic musical instruments invented in history, by Leo Theremin. It consists of a synthesizer that uses two antennas as capacitive sensors, which track the position of the player's hands, controlling the volume and the pitch.
However, playing the Theremin is super hard, it requires a lot of practice, and it is very expensive. So, why not have something similar but way cheaper and way easier to play? That's what I did, I created my own MIDI Theremin!
The Theremidi uses two infrared distance sensors, instead of the capacitive antennas, and can track the position of your hands in the air. This position is then converted into MIDI notes, or pitch bend - right hand, or MIDI CC - left hand.
There's also an OLED display and some buttons that allow you to change octave, transpose, MIDI channel, and switch between scales and pitch bend!
Materials:
➡️ Arduino Pro Micro: amzn.to/2Vcz3Nz
➡️ Sharp GP2Y0A41SK0F: amzn.to/3biVfha
➡️ Oled Display: amzn.to/2LvnPB6
➡️ Button that fits in a 10mm hole (haven't found a link yet)
Patreon: / musiconerd
Blog: www.musiconerd.com
Facebook: / musiconerdmusiconerd
Instagram: / musiconerd

[@akochild]

Great project!!! But it doesn't exist anymore the archive :(

[@ivanfigueroa4433]

That's the BEST channel that I've been watching... so many thanks to share your knowledge with us, I'm passionate about synth and programming, and this is really awesome! You're unique! Muito obrigado!

[@reidosbeats]

Seu trabalho e muito bom . quanto vc cobra para criar um midi mix só de fade Com 50 ou 100 canais para controla o mixer do fl studio

[@longdongsilver4719]

The whole video is fantastic! The part with the cutoff control is so cooooool!

[@IrieBearMusic]

Hey, Gustavo. I made an arcade buttons midi controller with 700 predefined chords and 500 predefined chord progressions without hitting the memory limit. After that I decided to add an sd card reader and now the controller has over 10000 midi files in it in different categories (drums, bass, synth) with each category playing on a different midi channel. You can change octaves, transpose, change chords, change midi files for each button. You can also change the tempo of every midi file and play them simultaneously (something like a midi sampler). Hit me up if you want more information on how i made it. Great channel btw. im building a theremidi now :) Keep up the good work

[@turbo-sturbo]

post a video of the arcade button controller pls?

[@carloko08]

wow, dude, you have that midi controller still? would be great you make a video showing us your creation that is amazing as i read, 10 thousand midi files is increible good

[@oraculox]

It´s marvelous when you are thinking of ways to make your own midi controller now that you had to sell yours, and come across channels like this with beautiful creative tinkerers that know the best way is to share your mind!👏👏✊

[@milododds1]

The world needs more folks like you, this is fabulous! I'm just getting into learning all about Theremins, my aunt sent me link to a Theremin performance and now I'm hooked. I love how you incorporated a sustain pedal. For a DIY project you have done an absolutely outstanding job !! You are a total bad-ass, I love what you're doing. As far as what to build next? Hmmm...how could you mix AR (Augmented Reality) into a midi controller for a Theremin?

[@andreasdittrich3922]

Great work! On the one hand some kind of midi theremin, on the other a simple to use controller for midi effects

[@theboatswains-yt]

This is great! Thanks for shaing!

[@NerdMusician]

Thanks!!

[@erin19030]

I’ve built several Theremins from the ground up. The latest model was built from an article in the Electronics World 1961. I’ve cloned a Moog Big Briar and a Theremax , but this one looks interesting too.

[@jwdory]

Which one of your Theremins have you enjoyed the most?

[@sheilaswift]

So rad 🕺🏽😎💡🎹🎯🎶 Gorgeous concept, design, construction, & all the things! ☀️ Thanks 🙏🏽 My 7 yr old mini-me is sitting here with me FASCINATED & saying we MUST build a Theremini 🤓🥳🤩😊 You are inspiring! Keep up the great work! 🕺🏽🤠🎶

[@RodrigoFlorentinoo]

CARA! VOCÊ VAI DIRETO PRO CÉUUU!!!!!

[@NerdMusician]

Ou não!

[@aresoltero]

Your work is truly inspiring and wonderful. The idea I always had but I never had the knowledge to implement is to convert a Gamer Joystick to a midi Controller in which every button and movement is assigned to different parameters.

[@jungoogie]

What a time to live in. Great job.

[@justinscarfe4294]

Your videos are so inspiring. All your midi controller videos are awesome and have helped remove some of the fears in using arduino. Thank you so much!

[@afreezaphorogiancossack2194]

Thank you so much! This is so exciting! I think I might try this myself!

[@sitgesstudio]

Obrigadao amigo! I´m building this thing, hopefully my Arduino kit will be ok, I´ve got one two years ago and I´ve never used it. Great job!

[@viralspooky]

How did it go?

[@sitgesstudio]

@@viralspooky I haven't started yet!

[@aabaldi59]

Otro gran trabajo, Gustavo. Felicitaciones!

[@NerdMusician]

Gracias!!

[@CraigHissett]

This is awesome! I'm working on an idea for a Trombone midi controller, but want to swap a traditional slide for a theremin-like thing. I'm looking to use pitchbends to give a more smooth note transition just like a normal trombone.

[@NerdMusician]

You could do it like the Theremidi, who n e mode with scales and a free pitch mode. Sounds like a great project!

[@CraigHissett]

@@NerdMusician thanks buddy! My only concern was whether I'd be able to use pitchbend to adjust the note enough; a trombone has 7 positions, soy plan was to set the note on the fourth position and use pitch bend for three semitones either side of it for the others.

[@ThomasGrillo]

This is very cool! Thanks for showing us the Theremidi! :)

[@NerdMusician]

Glad you like it!

[@flywittzbeats4008]

I desperately want to hear what it sounds like in note mode with a portemento glide on it… and then maybe map the left hand to a pitch bend… would be crazy

[@brianharper9798]

Great video, great build... has given me some ideas to add to my midi stylophone project, thanks.....

[@NerdMusician]

Nice, send me a video when you do!

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

On Lazada, I found one on my feed for less than $50, which is like $72 or so on Amazon. Very cool! It brings many instruments, it's small, and it looks great! :3

[@kaveh_mnr]

Awesome, i wanted to build a midi theremin myself, you're vid is super helping. I'm using midi inputs to datamosh stuff, can't wait to datamosh with telekinetic force ! Thx.

[@bernovanderwal]

This is great! Thanks for sharing! I want to use something like this in my hybrid drumset. Do you think the infrared sensor will pick up a drumstick? Or is that to small object?

[@thierry9592]

this. is. amazing.

[@ronnyottosei1552]

bel lavoro, complimenti.

[@millthor]

Um espetáculo! Arrasou! Está de parabéns!

[@NerdMusician]

valeuu

[@Aaronplaysdrums]

Great job on using pitch bend for free pitch!

[@moldythoughts4765]

I did a project like this but for eurorack (control voltage)... big up!

[@NerdMusician]

cool!

[@dadaderk]

Hi, I was waiting for the glissando the whole video and there it was! Fantastic little device! I am trying to midify my homemade Ondes Martenot so this seems a good start. I am not a good programmer and I am always copy/pasting till things work :) I wondered if the file Theremidi.ino is complete, it does not end well (line 217). Can you help with that? Thank you for making this!

[@limpe006]

Same question here. Is the Theremidi.ino the integral file or do I need to load all the 8 .ino files to the board? Thanks!

[@dadaderk]

It really works fine as it is! The only thing I changed in the code is the CC for the left sensor. For some reason Ableton did not want to work with channel 7. I changed it to 11 and now I can do whatever I like with it. A fine midi controller!

[@itaswin7479]

💯awesome bro 👏 Bro what about doing theremidi with raspberry pi...? Any idea 💡

[@jaimomo65]

Eres un genio, ¡bravo!

[@jeremiassantos1359]

Manolo muito massa teus vídeos.... Faz um octapad!!!!!! Tipo aqueles da Roland SPD... tlg?

[@Leafyfpv]

that pretty cool... nice project.. Proper work'

[@auroragirardi5600]

Já sou sua fã

[@hcjkruse]

Cool! building one myself using M5 Stack Core 2 and 2 ToF laser sensors.

[@sandrocavali9810]

great project! parabens!

[@pjlira]

Dude... you rock!!!!

[@jacqueslemon]

How about changing the direction? Raise hand, raise pitch. Lower hand, lower pitch. Raise left hand, raise volume... Sure that's only a programming issue, not hardware. Just wondering which way feels more natural to play.

[@bph9727]

It needs 1 octave keyboard to select root key + number of keys to select scales/chords so it would be playable.

[@BellowsSqueezer]

Another type of controller that would be of interest to me is a ribbon controller that could send cc# or pitch or Pitchbend. It would be great if wherever you put your finger could be a zero point to start. In other words, if you were playing a note from a keyboard when you touched the ribbon it would have no effect until you slide your finger in either direction. Thanks for asking 👀

[@ricomaipatro]

Excellent projet. J'adore. J'allais me lancer mais je remarque que les fichiers ne semblent plus disponibles. Y'aurait-il un autre lien pour les récupérer ? Un grand merci par avance

[@unkleskunky]

great stuff! love your hacks. Am I understanding you could map any midi trigger. Like pads from your MPC? Chords etc?

[@quicopalomarcapdevila9979]

podrias hacer controlador con flauta de embolo slyde whistle??

[@Gelyfixogorzug]

Hi! This looks really cool! It has been asked before, but could your reupload the files to build it? The link in the description is dead

[@craigmelvin4889]

Fascinating. I play some keyboard and have a few moments with a real Theremin in an electronics Museum. I am also into Arduino builds and i am now working on building an autopilot for my boat. I am looking forward to getting the code of this project. For my autopilot I am using a Nextion touch screen display. This would work well for your theremin project.

[@cawecoy]

Que lindo cara! To fascinado. Ha uns atras achei um app que simula um synth pra android (saucillator) mas tinha uns bugs, era opensource então corrigi e acrescentei mais escalas e opcao de montar sua escala. So q perdi o codigo fonte... Ainda sobrou o instalador, queria compartilhar ctg vou colocar nos comentarios abaixo, ha chances do youtube excluir, espero q nao:

[@cawecoy]

drive.google.com/file/d/0B2Dx38DU4LMkX2otUUUtTWVRWG8/view?usp=drivesdk&resourcekey=0-SdC231n0iMf9AS4QDWZ17g

[@cawecoy]

Fiquei pensando se nao da pra instalar um sensor desse no usb do celular android para controlar sons conectado a um app

[@NerdMusician]

Que massa mano, me manda um email: [e-mail]

[@JamesBurner]

Hi I want to buy your course. I was wondering if your course covers motorized faders, because that is what I need the course for. Lets say when I highlight a channel on my DAW the fader will snap to the position. Let me know thanks!

[@chrisw1462]

That's not hard to do, but not easy, either. The microcontroller would need a motor controller board for each fader, and you'd have to program it to receive MIDI from the DAW, then move the fader to that position. Of course, then you have to tell the DAW to send the correct MIDI to do that, and each DAW might be a bit different.

[@suenosinfertiles1386]

it'd really cool if you make a midi version of the ondes martenot

[@NerdMusician]

I love that instrument! I could do it!

[@Nepasreagir]

Salut, super boulot, j'ai une petite question, à quoi sert la bredboard et les résistances dessus sont de combien de ohm ?

[@seventeenraccoonsinatrenchcoat]

truly amazing! - can you pluck through the infrared beam with individual fingers like it was an invisible string?

[@NerdMusician]

Nah, not that precise...

[@davidmaya1503]

muitos parabéns pelo seu excelente conteúdo Gustavo, os links para os arquivos deste theremin não funcionam, serão recarregados?

[@artefactju]

Hello, I'm really interrested by the thermidi but the link is dead ! would you resend us a link ? thanks for your work !

[@sjmosj5335]

Como faço pra adquirir o produto pronto ou o projeto com a lista de peças e códigos?

[@alejandrofernandez952]

Hola, no me quedan claros los valores que utilizas para las resistencia y los capacitores. Los botones son pulsadores con o sin retencion??????? GRACIAS:::::

[@Eddiezerintube]

OMG your theremin makes purr my cat ! 😜😝😂

[@searmusic6969]

I’m so sad! I was going to build one of these for my school as a scholarship/grant because I thought my idea was original, well done.

[@fabgar2009]

Tudo bem amigo? O link com os arquivos não está funcionando.... Obrigado!

[@Soltoca]

eu gostaria se é possível fazer efeitos para guitarra com Arduino, se sim, você poderia fazer um vídeo mostrando

[@jacob6814]

Can it be used with just the distance sensor for pitch, so just one sensor? I'm working on an art project and want to create a theremin that works when a person walks close to the sensor, rather than use their hands.

[@matheusbarros_musician]

fala, mano, muito bom seu trabalho, faça vídeos em português, facilita muito para prestarmos atenção em tudo

[@rowenhusky]

Do you think the VL53L0X LASER ranging sensors might work well? They are MUCH cheaper and use lasers.

[@rowenhusky]

Tested myself using them and they are pretty responsive. I think this could work with a couple of them. Will report back!

[@colinjustinwan]

@@rowenhusky Hi ... did you manage to build it with the sensors of your choice? can this theremin play a tune or it can only play scale? thx

[@stephenweigel]

I’d very much like to figure out how to build this one

[@BellowsSqueezer]

Very cool. Love it ❤️🎶

[@good5663]

It won't let me access the code . I would appreciate it if you could please pass it on.

[@Buiola]

Se não é pedir muito construa um Controlador com base no instrumento "Ondes Martenot". Ótimo Theremidi.

[@Compumon27]

If I buy the workshop does it contain the complete info for this? Considering the $15 Patreon pledge. What are the differences?

[@boreich89]

Amazing work. Are you selling the device?

[@christophorus1116]

Good job 👌

[@rgrohith]

kickass!!

[@jas_bataille]

"Supersonic sensors works best for big, hard surfaces, not for the hands" Me, a gentleman : "Well who said I was limited to only 4 limbs!" :D

[@MikeCroswell]

I made something similar using MEMs sensors, but this has better control. What did you use for your sensors? Anyway, nice work! Bueno.

[@NerdMusician]

I used the sharp IR sensors. I guess it says in the schematics exaclty which one was...

[@MikeCroswell]

@@NerdMusician Thanks. I did some research and those do look like one of the best in terms of range. A bit more expensive, but results are worth it. Thank you for a great project, too!

[@GynSocietyCrew]

Top, em seu curso agente consegue fazer algo parecido?

[@rodrigoesquivel3276]

Hi bro, i will love to make one as yours, i try to download files but the page is not live, there is any other linke where i can find it? good job! thanks!

[@toolzshed]

Niiiiiiiiice 🤘🏽

[@biplovegnyawali1952]

Waiting for this video to blow up lol.

[@NerdMusician]

Hopefully!

[@mana_beast_beats1114]

@@NerdMusician Hello!!!! Crazy idea here, but could you create a copycat DIY Novation Launchpad (64 button Midi Drum Pad), but using all Super Nintendo buttons???? Preferably the Colorful Red Green Blue Yellow buttons from the Japanese model (Super Famicom). How the SNES gamepad works is there's a silicone pad under each button and inside that pad is a carbon conductive dot that makes contact with the PCB and tells the "brain" that a button is being pressed. You would obviously have to 3D print the case to accommodate the shape of the buttons (official SNES have 3 stability pegs, bootleg buttons only have two pegs). You would also have to create your own custom silicone sheet that would have the black carbon dots that touch the metal sensor on the PCB and complete the circuit.

[@jpjay1584]

@@mana_beast_beats1114 midi drum pad?? what exactly do you mean? (sounds interesting)

[@mana_beast_beats1114]

@@jpjay1584 --- So you've never seen any drum pad midi devices like a Novation Launchpad or any Akai drum pads like the 226?

[@jpjay1584]

@@mana_beast_beats1114 nope. but now I know, thanks edit: I did see those before but never knew how they are used. (just checked online)

[@Musicas-n5g]

Interessante demais gustavo.....sucesso sempre a vc cara! Cria um pedal de efeito com arduino por favor =) 1 efeito só pra usar no violao elétrico ta top ja

[@pedromoresco334]

Hi! awesome project, does this code work if i replace the two GP2Y0A41SK0F for two HC SR04 ?? (ultrasonic sensors)

[@hsantanderb]

do you have the files?....¿tienes los archivos?

[@alfonsozarco3543]

Hola Ayudanos con el archivo!! Saludos!

[@Nano_Lopez]

Hi. I believe the links are down. Can you please reupload them. Thank you.

[@VernonPerez]

Can you use FL instead of ableton?

[@untitled746]

Nice one!

[@NerdMusician]

Thanks!

[@milwaukeeskosher]

Que demais encontrar um BR fazendo conteúdo foda no yt. Parabéns, cara!

[@Eververcetti]

So awesome

[@Nepasreagir]

Link File to the project IS dead

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

This is GREAT, thank you very much for sharing, much appreciated! I started ordering the parts to build one myself, and, I have a couple of questions. Could not find the resistors of 14.87 K ohms which you outline on your schematic (Theremidi Schematic.png), so, will resistors of 15 K do the job without impacting anything else? Also, are the sizes of the Brass Hex Standoff Spacers that you used M4 x 25mm? Thank you!

[@Dan8254]

Hi, the link to download the files seems to be not valid. Could you help to confirm? Thank you in advance.

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

@@Dan8254 I went to his main page then drilled down through there to the specific tutorial then located the files. Oh, and I think you have to signup for the emails/newsletter to get access if I recall correctly.

[@Dan8254]

@@LuisTorres-qz5kr Thank you. I will try.

[@alejandrofernandez952]

Hola tampoco consigo las resistencias 14.87k ohms ¿ las reemplazaste por las de 15k ? te dio resultado?

[@colinjustinwan]

HI Luis, looking to build this too... did you manage to build it? can this midi theremin play a tune or it only can play scale? thx

[@oneeatoneofficial414]

Wowwww you sell it?? Faboulus!

[@MaHo-b4v]

Thiis is so amazing

[@NerdMusician]

Thanks!

[@livanel225]

hello the link is broken can u fix it?

[@Venturestien]

Thanks for the video. It appears your link for the downloadable files don't work. can you fix the link? Thanks! :)

[@NerdMusician]

Try now >> www.musiconerd.com/files-download/

[@MrStefanmagnusson]

Seems like the llink to files is down :(

[@desgeneradotv]

Great buddy! Its curious to me how im working on similar things at the time with you.... 🖖🏻👽

[@NerdMusician]

Nice! Show me the project later!

[@desgeneradotv]

@@NerdMusician sure bro...just hope i can get to those updates on that theremin feature im trying to figure out now and then itll be ready to mount!

[@lucasmazzola6008]

Can I do this with Arduino Uno instead of Arduino Pro Micro?

[@dimekarl4142]

Existem alternativas viáveis para o sensor sharp? custa 60 reais!

[@jpjay1584]

whats the song at 11:37?

[@jpjay1584]

Come Together, Ooyy

[@OmBotCult]

I'm not really interested in MIDI. I would like to know how to make synths with an arduino though.

[@lucasmazzola6008]

Hi. I´m sorry to bother but could you please send me the files you´ve uploaded to the link of the description? The link says the page isn´t live yet

[@NerdMusician]

Sorry! >> www.musiconerd.com/files-download/

[@lucasmazzola6008]

@@NerdMusician Thank you so much for this!! I´m waiting for your e-mail

[@lucasmazzola6008]

Doneeee, thank you!

[@jamesmelgar7076]

@@NerdMusician heyy bro, great video. I'm afraid this link is not available anymore. Do you still the files that you could share?? I will be so grateful as I want to use it for a school project. Many thanks

[@C-viche]

Is This MIDI in the course of making music with arduino?

[@C-viche]

Nevermind ,I just got to the final part of the video! haha thanks