AETHERPHON, global theremin family

--- scatterplot1 <scatterplot1@...> wrote:
> I'm just about to order a theramin, I really want to try it. Most
> have 
> a mono line level out. I want to try running it into a guitar multi
> FX 
> pedal once I play it some. Anyone ever done this, and with no fried 
> circuits in the FX unit? Years ago I used to run the mono output of
> an 
> Oberheim Matrix1000 rack synth into a RAT distortion box. I kept the 
> volume on the oberheim low and all that happened was that it got 
> distortion. Any feedback on mic level FX used with theramin outputs
> is 
> appreciated. What have players tried? Delay? Distortion? How did it 
> sound?

Jim,
First, Welcome and congrats on your decision to buy a theremin.  You
are on your way to being assimilated.  Resistance is futile :-)

Remember that the output level of a modern electric guitar and that of
a modern microphone can be quite different.   In general, electric
guitars have a stronger output than microphones.  This of course
depends on the guitar, and type and model of mic, but guitar amps and
effects are generally expecting a higher level than a so called mic
level. 

In my 40 years of experience, guitar amps and effects will not be
damaged by inputting an unbalanced line level (-10dBv) signal.  You may
get distortion from the input being overdriven.  

The output of a Moog etherwave is nominally .5v to 1v RMS, at 2.4kohm
impedance.  Changing 1 resistor (R33) from 4.7kohm to 47kohm will
reduce the output level to be suitable for a guitar amp/effect.
http://www.moogmusic.com/manuals/HotRodEtherwav.pdf

The wavefront theremins have an output level control.  
http://www.theremin.ws/

If you have a level control on a line level signal, you can reduce the
level suitable for guitar effects or amps' inputs.

If the theremin does not have an output level control, and you do not
want to modify the theremin for lower output level, you can build or
buy a 'pad', to reduce the signal level.  

These are typically (on the cheap) resistor networks.  You could build
one that had a potentiometer to adjust the amount of level reduction. 
I can elaborate if you wish.

In general, I find that vacuum tube type inputs on guitar amps (or
effects) are more tolerant to higher signal levels than discrete
transistor inputs, which are more tolerant to higher signal levels than
opamps (which are common in modern guitar effects).
 
Regardless, a simple resistive pad can make the combo of any theremin
output to any guitar effect/amp work just find without distortion.

Try any/all types of effects.  How do they sound?  
Delays sound delayed, distortions sound distorted, etc.  It all depend
on what you want to do.

Slapback echos have been used to the point of them be cliche, reverb is
very useful generally, long delays (loops) are fun.  

bret


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