GOLEM Instruments Jupiter 4 User Manual

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Manual
Theremin Jupiter 4

Stand : NOV 2013 (V1.00-GB)

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Amplifer connection

Package

The delivery consists of:

1 x Theremin - Modell Jupiter 4
1 x Rod Antenna with Safety-Ball
1 x Volume-Antenna
1 x Power Adapter 12V / 300 mA

The Theremin is delivered ready for operation and calibration.

The Theremin is designed for connection to an amplifier. The height output level of about

0.6 VSS provides a good signal / noise ratio.

The amplifier characteristics affect the sound of the instrument, as it is also with other
instruments. But basically any audio amplifier with a max. Input level of about 1.0 VSS is
suitable. This property is practically given at all amplifiers for musical applications. In
order to reproduce the full range of the Theremin can, the amplifier should play sounds
in the lower frequency spectrum (<= 100 Hz) well.

Most amplifiers are coupled to ground potential. I.e. occurs the mass of the input /
output is on the ground potential of the power supply. It also amplifiers are offered in
which there is a potential separation. The use of this amplifiers is not recommended.

The connection to the amplifier is done through a so-called guitar cable. This cable has a
jack plug at both ends 6.3 mm (mono).

If your amplifier has a different audio input jack, use a suitable cable accordingly or else
an adapter (for example, 6.3 mm jack to 3.5 mm jack).

A connection to the sound card of your computer is also possible. Connect here the
Theremin and the audio input of the computer conveniently via a guitar cable with an
appropriate adapter.

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The Theremin is played by the approach and distance of the player's hand. To further the

Activation oft he Theremin

Distance-regulator

Sensitivity-regulator

Pitch-regulator

Device-properties

hand is removed from the antenna, to quieter the sound. The volume control is done via
the curved antenna of the theremin.

The play area of Jupiter model includes a frequency spectrum from about 50/100 -1800
Hz (corresponding to about 4 octaves). The upper frequency is a fixed value which can
not be exceeded. This frequency will already reached about 0.5 cm in front of the
antenna. In the range 0-ca. 0.5 cm the frequency is changed no more. This allows a
better play even in the uppermost frequency range.

The decisive factor in the development was also a good playability in the preferred range
at 1 kHz. The Jupiter model has been implemented a good frequency / distance
relationship. By slightly moving the finger at constant tone, a clean pitch shifting effect
can be achieved.

The Sensitivity parameter controls the gain of the antenna signal. This may lead to a
slight gain depending on "chatter" sound at low frequencies.

The characteristic of the Attenuator is expotenziell. I.e. at a distance of about 30 cm - 10
cm, the volume is 100% - 50%. At a distance of about 10 - 5 cm, the volume is
controlled down to approximately about 50% 1-0% .

Is the hand in the range of about 5 - 0 cm above the antenna, the volume is governed
to the minimum. This type of control allows a soft gentle volume control at the top and at
the bottom of a fast, but still sliding, and hide the sound. Direct contact of the volume
antenna no longer changes the volume.

You can turn on the Theremin by the sensitivity switch. Is the theremin turned on, the
yellow control LED "On" lights.

At antenna controlled Theremines, the physical property is used to detect a change in
capacitance between the antenna and the hand of the player. Because these changes are
very small in practice, numerous factors can influence the result of the electronic
evaluation. This includes in particular the heating of the electronic components of the
Theremin.

Therefore, turn the Theremin on, 10 minutes before the game starts, to bring it up to
operating temperature. The case of the Theremin warms up only marginally. The same