KVR Audio

Ben [Camel Audio] · Post by **Ben [Camel Audio]** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:16 pm

Hi,

I'm interested in getting hold of some kind of MIDI controller which is controlled by moving your hand up and down above a beam. From what I understand this is basically the same as a theramin - but I don't want any on board sounds, I just want a MIDI controller. Any recommendations for something thats not too expesive?

Thanks
Ben

Sonicseven · Post by **Sonicseven** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:20 pm

Hey Ben, There is some guy who manufactures beam theremins in Australia, not sure of the web adrress since I am not on my home computer, but when I get a chance I will dig it out for you. Alesis makes a beam device also not sure of the midi capabilities tho.

krumelur · Post by **krumelur** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:40 pm

it IS fairly easy to build yourself

jack [psychicmodulation] · Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:44 pm

Hi Ben, I'd like to find somthing like this as well.
I had a roland keyboard (don't remember the model) with a D-beam controller, which was MIDI controllable, but I sold it cause the keyboard itself was so expensive and the D-beam was all it had going for it. I wish roland would sell just the D-beam as a seperate unit.
Have you looked into the 'Air FX', I know it's cheap, but I'm not sure if it's MIDI controllable.

Ben [Camel Audio] · Post by **Ben [Camel Audio]** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 2:20 pm

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I've taken a look at the air fx - and it does look cool - but there appears to be no midi output, so therefore its no good for me.

it IS fairly easy to build yourself

Would you mind offering a bit of advice - eg. where to get instructions, how much parts would cost, how long you would expect it to take?

If anyone else has any suggestions, I'd welcome them, as I don't seem to have found a solution yet.

Thanks
Ben

vurt · Post by **vurt** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 2:23 pm

Ben [Camel Audio] wrote:
it IS fairly easy to build yourself
Would you mind offering a bit of advice - eg. where to get instructions, how much parts would cost, how long you would expect it to take?

Thanks
Ben

yeah that was a bit of a tease wasnt it

sounds interesting tho and would like to keep an eye on developments here

ive got a solderin iron

shamann · Post by **shamann** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:10 pm

This Irish bloke here is selling TheraMidi kits for 70 euros.

Cheers,
Steve

krumelur · Post by **krumelur** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:36 pm

Would you mind offering a bit of advice - eg. where to get instructions, how much parts would cost, how long you would expect it to take?

Have a look at http://www.ucapps.de
its basically a walkthrough step by step on how to build your own midi-controller.. And since its a fairly open platform as input devices you can choose whatever in the universe you want.. its all about getting your paws on the proper sensors..

For instance you could control one parameter with an alcometer (master volume?), another one with a richtometer (tap tempo) or whatever its called they measure earthquakes with.. But anyway, Im building my very own specialized controler for Ableton's Live. It involves projecting the program on a surface that holds the buttons and such, making the program GUI itself interactive.
The principal of the theremin is a fairly simple one, since it was first developed sometime back in 1917 in russia the parts ought to be quite inexpensive

I think there are several walkthroughs on the net on building ones own theremin.. then its just a question of hooking it up with your midi-controller.
hmm..
I wonder if CV would actually do the trick.. Has anyone here experience with CV and what input you can use.. CV to MIDI is availible in several pro products.

shamann · Post by **shamann** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:52 pm

I did a google and came across these Infusion Sytems folks.

Not exactly cheap ($700 US for the base kit) but some very interesting input add-ons.

Cheers,
Steve

Sonicseven · Post by **Sonicseven** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:06 pm

There is this http://www.sover.net/~ronp/videotheremin/vt.html

and this looks very interesting http://www.frostwave.com/spacebeam/index.html

the monk · Post by **the monk** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:13 pm

check this out: http://www.frostwave.com/spacebeam/index.html

if you have a synth with cv and gate input, you could use this. also the guy who works there and demos the product is a freaking incredible musician who makes deep psytrance/progressive house as FREq. he says in an interview he built his own midi spacebeam controller. probably did something close to the spacebeam, or perhaps just modified the spacebeam. you could send him a message at frostwave and maybe he could help you.

interview: http://www.elportal.net/index.php?option=Interview_FREq

p.s. krumelur, are you the trance krumelur by any chance?

the monk · Post by **the monk** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:15 pm

ah sonic seven posted before me while i was still writing. beat me to the punch.

p.s. must be the same krumelur, as you are based in malmo, the trance capital of sweden!

krumelur · Post by **krumelur** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:20 pm

yes, it is I..

damn i hate pages with sound

lsd · Post by **lsd** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:49 pm

Check your PM Box

krumelur · Post by **krumelur** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:54 pm

who? me?
Anyway.. funky coinsidence, listening to Freq when reading that post above..

How does CV work with types of input? Can u actually use audio signal as input?

Recommendations for beam controller/theramin