Moog Musical, Theremini Instrument User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5... THEREMINI OVERVIEW

6

... GETTING STARTED

6

... Unpacking

6... Setting Up your Theremini

9... Calibrating Your Theremini

12... Setting The Note Range

13... THEREMINI FEATURES & CONTROLS
13

... Exploring The Theremini

14... Front Panel Controls

17... Setup Mode

21... Rear Panel Connections

23... PLAYING THE THEREMINI
24

... Learning To Play

25... Playing Exercises & Techniques

28... Advanced Exercises

29... A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE THEREMIN

31... FAQ HELP

32... SPECIFICATIONS

33... MIDI DATA

35... RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

4

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING - WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, THESE BASIC PRECAUTIONS
SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED:

1. Read all the instructions before using the product.
A. Keep these instructions. B. Heed all warnings. C. Follow all instructions.

2. WARNING: Do not use this product near water. To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not ex­pose this product to rain or moisture. - For example, but not limited to: near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool or the like.

3. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of
producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period
of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable.

4. The product should be located so that its location does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
Do not block any ventilation openings with any items including but not limited to newspapers,
table-cloths, curtains, etc. Install in accordance with the instructions in this manual only.

5. The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or
other products that produce heat. No naked flame sources (such as candles, lighters, etc.) shall be
placed near this product.

6. The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the product.

7. The power-supply cord of the product should be unplugged from the AC mains socket-outlet
when left unused for a long period of time or during lightning storms.

8. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure
through openings.

8. Clean only with a dry cloth.

9. This produc t should only be serviced by qualified personnel for issues including but not limited to:
a. The power supply cord or the AC mains plug has been damaged.
b. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled onto the product.
c. The product has been exposed to water or other source of moisture.
d. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance.
e. The product has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS:
Do not open the chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified
personnel only.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS: This product must be ear th-grounded; if it should malfunction or
breakdown, earth-grounding provides a path of least resistance for the electrical current to reduce
the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment grounding
connector and a ear th-grounding plug (plug with a third prong). The plug must be plugged into an
appropriate socket outlet that is properly installed and earth-grounded in accordance with
all local codes and ordinances.
DANG ER: Improper connection of the equipment ’s ear th-grounding connector can result
in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or serviceman if you are
in doubt as to whether the product is properly earth-grounded. Do not modif y the plug
provided with this product – if it will not fit in the socket-outlet, have a proper outlet installed
by a qualified electrician .

NOTE: this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the fcc rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmf ul interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connec ted.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/tv technician for help.
CAUTION: please note that any changes or modifications made to this product not expressly approved
by Moog Music Inc. Could void the user ’s authority granted by the fcc to operate the equipment.

VOLUME

PITCH

5

THEREMINI OVERVIEW

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Theremini.

The Theremin is one of the oldest electronic musical instruments*. As
with all Theremin instruments, the Moog Theremini is played by interacting
with two electronic antennae using subtle hand gestures. One antenna is a
horizontal loop used to control the Volume; a vertical rod antenna is used
to control the Pitch.

Due to the nature of these antennae, the Theremini is very sensitive
both to the player AND its environment. Special care should be used
when preparing a space to perform with your Theremini. Use the simple
calibration procedure each time you move your Theremini to ensure a
flawless performance.

The Moog Theremini is an ideal first Theremin. Unlike traditional Theremins
that play a continuous sweep of pitches, the Theremini’s Pitch Correction
system allows the Theremini to play the distinct notes and steps of a
musical scale; 22 Scales are available, beginning on any of 12 Root notes.
This Pitch Correction can be added in any amount, effectively changing
the Theremini’s level of playing difficulty to match any performer’s skill.

The front panel hosts a multi-function LCD screen that makes it easy to
choose a preset, change settings, and quickly edit parameters. The built-in
tuner uses the LCD to display both the note being played, and to indicate
whether the note is being played sharp, flat, or perfectly in tune. This
provides an excellent tool for improving pitch accuracy.

The Theremini features a built-in speaker, plus a headphone jack for private
rehearsal. Based on Moog’s award-winning Animoog synthesizer, the internal
sound engine offers 32 presets, each providing a distinctly different tonality,
or timbre. In addition, an onboard stereo effects section is provided, adding
lush trails or spaciousness to the overall sound of your Theremini.

*Curious? A brief history of the Theremin can be found on page 29 of this manual.

6

GETTING STARTED

In order to get started, you will need to set up your new Theremini in a
suitable environment and conduct the quick calibration procedure. For
best results and the highest degree of satisfaction, please follow these
simple steps before exploring your Theremini.

UNPACKING

Inside the box, you will find the following:

• Theremini

• AC Power Adaptor

• Warranty Card

• This User Manual

• Quick Start Guide

To begin go ahead and follow these few steps:

1. Remove your new Theremini from the box and packaging.

NOTE: Save this box in case you ever need to ship your Theremini back to Moog.

2. Remove the AC power adapter from the box and packaging.

3. Remove the Pitch antenna from its storage slot on the bottom side
of the Theremini. Simply press the catch tab to release the antenna, and
then gently pull the antenna out.

4. Register your Theremini to be notified of new sounds, features, and
updates as they become available. Visit www.moogmusic.com/register

SETTING UP YOUR THEREMINI

1. The ideal placement for your Theremini is on a microphone stand or
camera-style tripod. Attach the Theremini to a suitable stand using the
built-in 3/8” threaded mount located on the bottom of the unit.

7

If no stand is available, the Theremini can also be placed on a stool or table.
Avoid using a metal surface, as this will interfere with the functioning of the
Theremini’s antennae.

The Theremini reacts to almost everything within its field of sensitivity, so keep
it at least 4 feet away from any large metal objects or sources of movement.

2. Gently insert the Pitch antenna into the Pitch antenna slot, and ensure
that the antenna is snugly seated.

8

3. Using the supplied power adapter, connect the cord end to the +12 VDC
jack on your Theremini’s rear panel. Next, plug the supplied IEC cable into
the power adapter itself, and then plug the IEC into a wall receptacle.

4. Press the POWER button on the Back Panel to turn the Theremini ON.

And that’s it! Now you’re ready to calibrate your Theremini.

9

CALIBRATING YOUR THEREMINI

Calibration allows the Theremini to adapt to its environment, as well as
your body movements and playing style. Calibration MUST be performed
before using your Theremini for the first time, and must be repeated each
time your Theremini is moved to a new location, or when it has been sitting
unused for a long time. Don’t worry about getting it perfect your first
time. The automated calibration procedure is quick and easy, and can be
performed at any time.

NOTE: As your technique develops, you may wish to update your Theremini’s calibration

To access the Calibration menu, press
and hold the SETUP button until the
Calibration screen appears. Then
press the EFFECT button to begin
the Calibration process and just
follow the on-screen prompts.

Press the SETUP button and step at least 4 feet away from the Theremini.
This will allow the Theremini to adjust to its environment and tune the
oscillators. The display will count down, and then prompt you to proceed
to the next step.

4 Feet

10

HIGHEST NOTE POSITION

Press the SETUP button and place
your hand very close to the Pitch
antenna, but without touching it.
This will determine your hand
position for playing the highest
selected note. The display will
count down, and then prompt
you to proceed to the next step.

LOWEST NOTE POSITION

Press the SETUP button and place your
hand about an arm’s length away from
the Pitch antenna. This will determine
the hand position for playing the lowest
selected note. The display will count
down, and then prompt you to proceed
to the next step.

CALIBRATING THE PITCH ANTENNA

11

MUTE POSITION

Press the SETUP button and place
your hand close to the Volume
antenna, but without touching it.
This will determine the hand position
for muting the Theremini (the lowest
volume position). The display will
count down, and then prompt you
to proceed to the next step.

FULL VOLUME POSITION

Press the SETUP button and raise your
hand up over the Volume antenna. This
will determine the hand position and
distance for playing the Theremini at
the loudest volume. Wait for the LCD
countdown to finish.

CALIBRATING THE VOLUME ANTENNA

Your Theremini is now calibrated. In order to make playing easier, the
next steps will show how to set the Note Range.