Theremin History & How It works
The History & How It Works
What's that Eerie Sound?
Ever wondered what the iconic spooky sound effect was in movies like Mars Attacks (1996) and The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)?
Theremin Origins
The theremin is an instrument that was invented all the way back around 1920 by Russian physicist Leon Theremin. Leon discovered upon the his invention when experimenting with measuring gas. The antennae on the gas meter made a sound when he had put his hand near it. Thus created his thrive to invent such an ether musical instrument.
What The Antennas Do
The instrument consists of mainly two antennas. One for pitch control and one for volume control. It uses electro-magnetic fields so when your hand or something conductive comes into the playing field, it interrupts the theremin's sense of proximity playing whatever pitch you are close to.
Regards to Pitch & Volume Control
There are no frets with traditional theremins. It's just a spectrum of an oscillator or tone from low to high pitches. When you move your hand closer to the theremin's pitch antennae, you get a higher pitch or faster vibrating oscillation. When moved farther away from the instrument, you get a low or slower oscillation/pitch. With the volume antennae, you can adjust the sensitivity of how sharp you want the volume loop to pick up your hand. Pitch and volume antennas can be tuned to your personal preference.