Using Theremins as CV and MIDI Controllers - Daniel Fisher

Daniel Fisher, Sweetwater’s control freak, demonstrates multiple ways of using the Moog Etherwave Plus and Moog Theremini as control sources for synthesizers, Eurorack modules, computer-hosted virtual synthesizers, and effects pedals with an Expression jack.
You can learn more about alternative controllers like the Theremin in this article: www.sweetwater.com/insync/alt...
Equipment and software used in this video:
Moog Etherwave Plus
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Moog Theremini
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
MacBook Pro
www.sweetwater.com/store/sear...
IK Multimedia Syntronik Synthesizer Plug-in
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Moog DFAM Semi-modular Eurorack Analog Percussion Synthesizer
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Gibson Les Paul Faded 2018 - Worn Cherry
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
JHS Sweet Tea V3 2-in-1 Dual Overdrive Pedal
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
TC Electronic Flashback 2 Delay and Looper Pedal
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
Moog Moogerfooger MF-102 Ring Modulator Pedal
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
0:00 - Intro
0:12 - Moog Theremini & Etherwave Plus
0:54 - Theremin Basics
1:34 - Etherwave Plus as a Voltage Controller
2:51 - Theremini Sounds Demo
4:23 - Theremini as a MIDI Controller
7:14 - Etherwave Plus Controlling Eurorack
10:03 - Using a Guitar to Control Theremins
11:31 - Controlling a Ring Modulator
13:56 - Thanks for Watching!

[@alyxandriarichard7076]

One of the things that makes his videos so good is you can really tell how much he enjoys exploring all these cool instruments and effects and sharing his knowledge and experience, it's authentic and genuine

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Thanks mate, bought mine from you cats a while back and finally got around to wanting to use the USB side…thanks again

[@vaspers]

Daniel Fisher, you are in my top 3 synth demo/review presenters. Very interesting how you can use a theremin as a controller.

[@TokeStorm420]

Just saw a Moog Etherwave Theremin at a local thrift store today for $400. Never knew these existed until now. Now I want one! Thank you for this awesome demonstration!

[@flyesenmusic]

I had this idea in mind, to somehow transport theremin's pitch to synthesizers. Looked it up and here it is!

[@zamkowicz]

2 years later here I am, same reason

[@flyesenmusic]

@@zamkowicz Oh yeah! And by the way, 2 years later I'm also closer to realizing this idea than ever. I'm planning my first Eurorack modular system and I'd really love to get a Doepfer module that's basically a theremin antenna.

[@thesadwolf]

They call me Pimp Daddy Theremin cuz I keep all my pitches in line.

[@Willam_J]

I got 99 problems and a pitch ain’t one. 😃

[@theboatswains-yt]

smack my pitch up

[@AndGuitar]

Wow! You just opened the doors to a whole new way of controlling midi gear! Phenomenal demo! I would love to see them used for controlling patches between dual guitar amp setups etc. Thanks for posting!

[@ArmoredMexican]

I originally saw Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park use a theremin to control cutoff filters when they performed live in 2010 and I thought it was so cool but didn’t know what the theremin was, now I’m waiting for my etherwave plus to get here and I’m so excited!

[@ChrisP3000x]

Great as always, Daniel!

[@genghispierre]

You're a genius Daniel! Thanks for the inspiration

[@TehSyneS]

Daniel is such a G, thanks for this video!

[@oz476]

Super cool demo!!

[@FrejthKing]

Arguing theremin sounds cute

[@johncase2408]

Great stuff!

[@AleksandrPM_Art]

Thanks for valuable information 🙏

[@matt134174]

This looks so fun!

[@sweetwater]

Hi MDT. It truly is. Once you get a theremin with control voltage (and/or USB), you'll constantly find new clever uses for it. Thanks for watching! -_Daniel_

[@thecaptainofrock]

Super cool!

[@Giovy-Perez]

nice review!

[@devonwilhelmy6354]

Wow, thanks!

[@ruslanutka9777]

Thank you very much for information 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍😚

[@Ibuythedrugs]

Super cool.

[@Willam_J]

I love my theremin! If you want to have some fun with one, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is a great song to play on it.

[@lancamelana]

Daniel you're so cool!

[@LiebredelMusgo]

Cool!

[@terrillpercussion536]

I want a Theremini!!!!!!!

[@pauleiwalsh]

I need one of these.

[@sweetwater]

Hi Paul. The Moog Theremini or the new Moog Theremin (announced today) would do it: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Theremini--moog-theremini www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Etherwave--moog-etherwave-theremin -_Daniel_

[@patrickbodine1300]

Would you show the theremini using Dexed as a controller, please?

[@valdiskrebs566]

Very cool! The Theremini is both an instrument (with pitch correction & scales) and an amazing MIDI controller... which can be used simultaneously?

[@sweetwater]

Hi Valdis Krebs. You are correct. Both the Moog Etherwave Plus and the Moog Theremini can make sound and control multiple parameters simultaneously. Thanks for watching!

[@jaisaqui]

So… I got a theremini. Nice… But I’m trying to use it with Mainstage, but I have no idea on how to make it work. Mainstage is receiving the midi signal, but I got no notes, only the volume. How do I make it work?

[@sweetwater]

Hi jaisaqui. The Moog Theremin can send MIDI CC# messages or CV signals based on what you do to the Pitch antenna and Volume antenna. But it does not send MIDI Note Ons/Note Offs, only controller data, as shown in my video. -_Daniel_

[@aenamabag]

Neat. Like a more versatile expression pedal

[@ES60Hz]

If I'd like the Theremin only for control voltage use, does it matter if I buy the analog or digital (sound wise)? Or does the analog sound only matter for the original Theremin sound?

[@sweetwater]

Hi ES60Hz. Both the analog and digital versions of Moog Theremins are great for Control Volting. -_Daniel_

[@ES60Hz]

Forgive me for my wrong explanation, I will ask it different this time, Does The CV control of the analog one wI’ll create an analog sound? Or is it just some digital information?

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

I want to hear the screaming and interaction!!

[@johnnymidnight2982]

I have a Gator Frameworks desktop stand, but what size of adaptor would I need to install it into the bottom of the Theremini?

[@sweetwater]

Hi Johnny Midnight. This will adapt the Theremini's 3/8" to a standard 5/8" mic stand: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MA100OSS--on-stage-stands-3-8-inch-male-to-5-8-inch-female-mic-screw-adapter

[@CVinyl]

Can I used the moog theremini to trigger my mpc one drum machine????

[@estharoe]

Hi there! I managed to control other parameters of a virtual synth via a Theremini (midi), but not the regular pitch as a common keyboard controller. Could you help me with that please?

[@HexWolfMusic2024]

Eat all the soap in your house

[@phoenika]

Hello Daniel, I have recently found your videos and I am an admirer of all your content, I have a Theremini and a sub 37, I would like to know if I can control the sub 37 with the theremini's antenna, and if I can do the same as you do with the guitar but with my electric violin, please and thank you greetings!!

[@sweetwater]

Hi Phoenikia. The Sub 37 has Pitch and Filter CV Input jacks. You can connect the CV OUT of the Theremini to either of those CV Inputs on the Sub 37. The violin will work the antenna if it has metal strings and you are touching those strings. But, even if your strings aren't metal, you can do a similar motion and the antenna will react to the proximity of your hand. -_Daniel_

[@phoenika]

@@sweetwater Thank you very much Daniel for your help, I really appreciate it for your time in answering me and your help, greetings and blessings!!

[@LFRALPHNSTUFF]

That power chord! 13:37

[@versuliu1424]

do you need any special equipment or just a cable and an amp?

[@sweetwater]

Hi versuliu 1. To simply make sound, the Theremini is complete with built-in speakers, but the Etherwave Plus Theremin requires a guitar cable and some kind of amp to make sound. If you're asking about controlling other devices, the Theremini can do is either with its USB port (two assignable CC#s) or via its single CV port (requiring an audio cable with 1/4" TS on one end and either 1/4" or 3.5mm TS on the other end).

[@spiritualcramp8000]

6:50 what the heck does CC number stand for? control code? so meant MIDI? and can i stick a Theremini into an Alesis synth with MIDI in out thru? will it control volume or note?

[@sweetwater]

Hi spiritual cramp. In MIDI, a CC# is a Continuous Controller number. There are 128 CC#s: MW is CC#1, Volume is CC#7, Pan is CC#10, Sustain Pedal is CC#64, etc. The Theremini can have each of its antennas set to transmit a specific CC#. Hope that helps. Google: MIDI Spec for lots more.

[@YouzTube99]

01:21 Alexander Courage would be impressed as long as Roddenberry didn't get a check. 👽

[@Tanju132]

I can imagine controlling a D-50 like this woulod send me in to another plane of existence.

[@hmk1611]

Can one connect and control parameter the m32 and Dfam with theremini as well?

[@sweetwater]

Hi hmk1611. The Mood Etherwave Plus Theremin has two Control Voltage out jacks that can be used on *any* CV In that works between 0v - +5v, including the Moog Mother-32 and DFAM. Thanks for watching!

[@hmk1611]

Sweetwater sorry for the jumbled and somewhat confusing Message from earlier. What i'm really wondering if i Can control my system of M32 and Dfam with specificly the theremini. Since i'm amateur who has never played a Theremin before it's a hard leap to climb aboard the eatherwave as a first theremin. The theremini seems like the niecer option for a beginner, and i would my moogs to play well togheter.

[@donaldyarosz4497]

After 14 minutes, you should give us 3 minutes of SPACE! -- That was great! but it was only like 10 seconds!

[@brandonharper3060]

Would this work with an older model of the moog

[@sweetwater]

Hi Brandon. The CV Outs of the Moog Etherwave Plus will work with any synth or effects that accept 0-5v Control Voltages, including any Moog that has CV In jacks. Thanks for watching!

[@MrHossihoss]

@@sweetwater , hello! One more question: the Theremin Etherwave Plus would work as a controller with the Moog Grandmother Dark? Best regards from Germany!

[@legaldrumprogrammer1685]

now u can do a realtime live dubstep show.

[@Mookaton]

You're a wizard Harry... No but seriously...I didn't understand a damn thing you said. Still neat though...

[@xvexttox3803]

Youre a harry wizard

[@leobastosmusic]

like 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dimllc]

Who knew Daniel could be so hood: "move your hand in the air like u jus dont care & keep the pitches right" ..lol!

[@sweetwater]

Ain't nuthin' but a thang. Thanks for watching!

[@20thcenturygames]

Controlling the amount of distortion this way would be killer

[@betterlifeexe4378]

looking to build one soon.

[@mucous-membrane]

Hubba hubba hubba!!

[@sweetwater]

Hi mm. I wonder if I could get on the cover of Teen Beat magazine? -_Daniel_

[@MikeUIibarri]

Ten points, if you don't care.

[@HexWolfMusic2024]

2:25 man uses dark magic to torture robot who screams in agony

[@sweetwater]

True, that robot is definitely screaming... but not necessarily in agony;-) -_Daniel_

[@tommytomthms5]

Thank you google AI. I asked this question outloud near my phone a few days ago, and here I am... you may say 'creepy' , but I say 'That was cool! do it again!'

[@haliz_hot_comet3723]

I was thinking of placing it in front of my synth to use as effects while playing, via ... my head.

[@sweetwater]

Hi Haliz_hot_comet. That'll work. I sometimes use my guitar's headstock to work the Theremin. -_Daniel_

[@elrondo7953]

Is that WWE super star Kevin Owens? Great demo Kevin!

[@sweetwater]

No, it’s Kevin Steen 😉

[@johnl.donofrio2441]

If you want to really hear someone play the theramin check out Clara Venice on KZbin. As I understand she is the best theramin player in Canada

[@nhudson78]

I did not know John Goodman did reviews?

[@80sruler]

This should have come with Nintendo Wii

[@csuhaitibor4339]

End the Original teremin playing !

[@MrRickPanick]

I would love to have heard something a little more complex in another video, and if you could just refer people back to this one.

[@---vr5im]

someone get trent reznor one of these

[@jacobbrettin]

Can’t believe nobody said ThereMIDI

[@pavadmin2436]

это охуенно!!!

[@dieterzische6201]

Needo

[@danieldemayo6209]

Isn’t this like the d-beam? Lol

[@PumpkinSeed17]

yeah, pretty similar. The D-Beam is interacting with an infrared beam of light, while the Theremin is interacting with an electromagnetic field.

[@k.bowers8372]

Jimmy page

[@anciety_hdhd2113]

my teacher sent me here

[@sweetwater]

Thank your teacher for us. And thanks for watching! -_Daniel_

[@ShesThe1yup]

"they get very jealous, there's lots of screaming" hahaha lol sound like women (and as a woman I can say that) :D

[@soupdejour235]

Terrible guitar player but highly informed of electronics.

[@sweetwater]

Hi Soup. Fortunately, it's the latter that I get paid for :-)

[@AllenSmithe]

Terrible comment but highly informed response

[@theboofin]

You're an fool...