ThereMax V2

YouTube via djfeedback84
"The Theremin is considered the first fully electronic musical instrument. Unlike conventional instruments, it allows performance without physical contact. The movements of the performer's hands, detected by two antennas, control the pitch and volume of the generated sound. Through the use of digital signal processing (DSP), the ThereMax builds on this concept and introduces a number of innovations. The antennas for hand position detection are replaced by ultrasonic distance sensing. All the signals involved are processed digitally, a distinct advantage in terms of versatility. Not only can different sound synthesis algorithms be programmed directly on the instrument but also it can be easily connected to other digital sound synthesis or multimedia devices; a MIDI interface was included for this purpose. The ThereMax also features translucent panels lit by controllable RGB LED devices. This makes it possible to specify sound-colour mappings and create multimedia effects in the spirit of the legendary Ocular Harpsichord by Louis Castel. This is the second version of the ThereMax"

Theremax, an upgrade to Theremin

"This ThereMax was developed by André Gomes during his final year project of his degree in Electronics Engineering at the Departamento de Engenharia Electrónica, Telecomunicações e Informática da Universidade de Aveiro. The ThereMax recreates the concept of the original Theremin but using ultrasound signals to measure the distance to each hand. Using two pairs of sensors the ThereMax sends ultrasonic pulses to measure the time of flight. The two measured distances are then used to modulate the frequency and the amplitude of the generated sound. It also as a MIDI interface to control any MIDI system.

The video shows two modes of operation. First we see the ThereMax generating its own sound has the original Theremin does. Then he can see the ThereMax controlling a PC with the MAX/MSP software using the MIDI interface.

A new version of the ThereMax is being developed and will be presented soon." [above]

Update via devetron in the comments: "Theremax? That name has already been taken.
http://www.paia.com/theremax.asp"