MATRIXSYNTH: Altura Theremin MIDI Controller Tutorial by Zeppelin Design Labs


Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Altura Theremin MIDI Controller Tutorial by Zeppelin Design Labs


Published on May 22, 2018 Zeppelin Design Labs

"The ALTURA is a MIDI controller that emulates the classic theremin. Control your synthesizer or any MIDI device by just waving your hands. This video is an in-depth tutorial and player's guide that will show you the tips, tricks and techniques you need to master the Altura and wave with the best. Learn more about the Altura at www.zeppelindesignlabs.com.

Chapters:
1. Setup
2. Articulation
3. Note Bin
4. Posture
5. Playing Scales
6a. Pitch Bend
6b. Modulation
6c. Note Velocity
6d. Channel Volume
6e. Portamento Time
6f. X-Y Mode

From the Altura Reference Manual:

The Altura Theremin MIDI Controller by Zeppelin Design Labs emulates the behavior of the early electronic instrument invented by Russian physicist Léon Theremin in 1919. Léon’s device features a pair of antennae that act as plates of two capacitors. The player’s hands serve as the capacitors’ ground plates. As the player moves his right hand closer to one antenna, the device emits an eerie tone that rises in pitch as the hand comes nearer. As the player moves his left hand farther away from the other antenna, the tone becomes louder. The device is very sensitive and responsive, and makes wonderful, spooky music – but it is very tricky to play. The performer can only play by ear: there are no frets in mid-air!
Our MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) version uses sonar range finders in place of antennae, and rather than producing sound directly, the Altura emits discreet packets of digital data that are read and interpreted by a separate synthesizer. The Altura was designed as a companion to the Macchiato Mini Synth by Zeppelin Design Labs. There are a few special features that will only work well when paired with the Macchiato. Otherwise, the Altura conforms with General MIDI specifications and should easily control any device bearing this mark. Many devices do not conform to the General MIDI specification. These devices will not necessarily respond to the Altura as described herein. In these cases, you may need to fiddle with your synthesizer some to get it to behave. Alternatively, you can route your Altura controller through a software application that will enable you to redirect its data as needed.
To emulate the classic Theremin, the Altura’s right-hand sensor ranges your hand and transmits a Note-ON message to start a note, thus controlling pitch. The left sensor transmits Channel Volume data, thus controlling volume. But this is just the start! The left sensor can be set to perform many MIDI functions, like pitch bend, modulation, note velocity, and portamento time. The Portamento function causes one note to glide smoothly to the next, emulating that spooky Theremin sound; but the device is always gliding to a specific note within a key and scale you designate. As a result, the Altura always plays in tune!
The Altura comes as an easy do-it-yourself kit, or assembled and ready-to-use. You can make your own case from card stock or from a cereal box using the provided template, or you can get a shiny black acrylic case. The acrylic case also comes as a super-easy kit or ready-to-use.
Connect with your music like never before: build your own gear!'

No comments:

Post a Comment

To reduce spam, comments for posts older than one week are not displayed until approved, usually same day. Do not insult people. For items for sale, do not ask if it is still available. Check the auction link and search for the item. Auctions are from various sellers and expire over time. Posts remain for the pics and historical purposes. This site is meant to be a daily snapshot of some of what was out there in the world of synths.

PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE HOME


Patch n Tweak
Switched On Make Synthesizer Evolution Vintage Synthesizers Creating Sound Fundlementals of Synthesizer Programming Kraftwerk

© Matrixsynth - All posts are presented here for informative, historical and educative purposes as applicable within fair use.
MATRIXSYNTH is supported by affiliate links that use cookies to track clickthroughs and sales. See the privacy policy for details.
MATRIXSYNTH - EVERYTHING SYNTH