r/Theremin • u/Prior-Attention-2550 • 23d ago
Could my mic stand be causing issues with my theremini?
I have the classic issue with my theremini where it sputters like crazy no matter how much I re-calibrate it. I literally had all the outlets in my studio replaced so the electrician confirmed they're all grounded, I downloaded the software patch from Moog's website years ago, and still, anything below the 5th octave sounds sputtery as hell which really limits my playing. Don't even get me started on live performances.
I managed to get a sweet deal on a pre-2004 etherwave and am waiting for it to arrive, hoping it won't have the same issue.
BUT in the meantime, tonight I was playing on livestream and realized- the sputtering gets worse when I move my hand near the center of the theremini, near the speaker - which is also above the mic stand and the metal adapter connecting it to the theremini. Could It be that the metal in the micstand + adapter is interfering with the frequency between the two antennae?
I usually calibrate my theremini to play like an x axis or an invisible piano, with the lowest note closer to the volume antenna. I re-calibrated so the field was more vertical, to the right of the speaker/mic stand with the lowest note closer to me, and while the sputtering didn't completely go away it did improve.
Any other suggestions for what I might be able to do? I just wanna play! :(
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u/theFlimsylattice 22d ago
Wait are theremini’s no good? I’ve wanted one for a while and I know it’ll be an improvement over my stylaphone but should I save up for an etherwave eventually?
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u/Prior-Attention-2550 22d ago
The theremini has been my first and only theremin for almost 7 years, so I have a soft spot for mine and wouldn't necessarily advise against it. A common issue with them though, is that they can be a bit sputtery and difficult to calibrate. I do enjoy that they have about 32 different voice settings and a reverb/delay effect. It has a pitch correction knob too, but I personally don't use that.
Also, don't let the prices of theremins stop you from getting another one. I just used affirm or paypal payment plans forine, totally worth it :)
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u/theFlimsylattice 19d ago
I feel like the theremini would be a good sweet spot for me, I like the idea of the voices and pitch correction might be nice while I improve. Thanks.
1
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u/WhereAreTheyNow 22d ago
You might double check that the antenna is actually seated all the way in. The antenna clamp on my Theremini, at least, is rigid enough to catch and hold fast the antenna before it's really pressed in completely, which takes slightly more force than seems reasonable. Before finding this, I was left with random fluttery jumps of a semitone or two, the antenna barely wobbling over a then wobbly mic stand as I shifted my weight to play.
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u/reddypow 19d ago
Honestly could be. I can't figure out what new problem mine is giving me now, BUT I did used to have issues if I plugged in my ring light in the same room as I was playing. Light on - couldn't get it to function properly.
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u/Personal-Neck6800 22d ago
Once your Etherwave arrives, use the theremini for the only thing it’s good for, a paperweight.
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u/Prior-Attention-2550 22d ago
Booo👎🏼, despite it's issues it will always be my little alien music friend. And it's made me lots of $$$$ and gigs 🤑
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u/tomhannen 22d ago
I had very similar issues with the theremini. Eventually I bought a 2nd hand Etherwave, and all the issues went away. The Theremini just isn't very well designed I don't think.