Altura MkII Theremin MIDI Controller / Arpeggiator

Altura MkII Theremin MIDI Controller / Arpeggiator

The Altura MkII DIY Kit is a MIDI controller / sequencer / arpeggiator that emulates a theremin. As you move your hands  in the air, the Altura MkII transmits MIDI data to your synthesizer to control pitch, volume, velocity, bend, modulation, portamento, and more! Save presets. Program an 8-step sequence, play it up and down the scale, enter a tap tempo, change to double time or half time.

Control any MIDI synthesizer, such as the Macchiato Mini Synth. Get a sleek black acrylic cabinet kit, or  make your own cardstock  cabinet using the provided template.

Requires 9V DC power(not included). Use a battery (not included) or pick up a plug-in power supply. Requires a MIDI cable (not included).

Description

The Altura MkII Theremin MIDI Controller DIY Kit emulates the behavior of the early electronic instrument invented by Russian physicist Léon Theremin in 1920.  With Theremin’s gadget, as the player moves his right hand closer to one antenna, the device emits an eerie tone that rises in pitch. As the player moves his left hand farther away from the other antenna, the tone becomes louder. The device is very sensitive, 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 Controller version uses sonar range finders in place of antennae, and rather than producing sound directly, the Altura MkII emits MIDI messages that are interpreted by a separate synthesizer. The Altura MkII 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 MkII conforms with General MIDI specifications and should easily control any device bearing this mark. Many MIDI devices do not conform to the General MIDI specification. In these cases, you may need to fiddle with your synthesizer some before it will respond properly to the Altura MkII.

You can run your Altura MkII straight into your PC or Mac workstation with a MIDI-to-USB converter (not included).

Please download the Quick Start Guide and Reference Manual for all the details!