Doepfer

I think we need one!

How to make a Theremin or Ondes Martenot sound? Obviously, those 
instruments have their unique playing controls and Ondes Martenot 
also has those special speakers. Still, even their raw sound seems 
to be somewhat magical. I don't think it can be properly reproduced 
with standard analog synthesizer components.

- It is often said, that Theremin sound resembles sine wave. 
However, for example the sound used by Clara Rockmore (often referred 
as the best ever Thereminist) is actually quite "earthly". And Ondes 
Martenot can even make a nasal or buzzy sound especially in the low 
register. Listen here:
http://www.archive.org/details/Harada (track no 5 "Thermal 
Conductivity")
http://www.cmusge.ch/recherche/zea/martenot.html (lots of different 
sounds)

- The Theremin/Ondes Martenot timbre correlates with pitch. This is 
musically important and sounds different from the normal VCO+VCF 
application. It is explained here:
http://www.paia.com/ProdArticles/thereton.htm
Note the part: "Some listeners find the sound of the current crop [of 
Theremins] to be lacking in this kind of character"

A "Doepfer Theremin (and Ondes Martenot) oscillator" might be very 
useful and musical. Think about the status value! :) - The Ondes 
Martenot is practically the only electronic instrument, which is 
used in symphony orchestra...

The hypothetical module should have an adjustment for timbre and 
perhaps for timbre/pitch correlation too... What do you think?


Best regards
Jari jokinen