The Ultermen a Polyphonic Theremin

Update 04.22.07

Ultermen 5
A Multi-Voiced Theremin Cello
or a Polyphonic Theremin?

99% Radio Shack

View Lev's Fingerboard Cello

"I think I have found her elusive Voice using Modulated Light Beams"

ult5_3.mp3 (231k)
Over tone pitch blending

ult5_17.mp3 (208k) 9.08.04
Acoustics added for a "Mellow Cello"

expression3.mp3 (244k) 12.20.04
Ultermen - Expression with Passion

If you're not skilled at electronic circuit experimentation you
won't know how to "development" this evolving concept.

A single pass in real time of the Ultermen 5 polyphonic theremin creates everything you hear on this page!
.

Also - A Sixth add-on primary voice with an adjustable wave shape! Sampled off the Div/2 Ultermen Square Wave Output.
ult6_8.mp3 (176k)	ult6_1.mp3 (223k)	ult6_3.mp3 (266k)	ult6_5.mp3 (286k)
Sample 1	Sample 2	With Staccato	Deep Rich Range
The Sixth Voice is Here		View the Hand Held Volume Control

Ultermen 5 -> Multiple Voices - Octave Sliding - Rapid Staccato - Volume Control

This Ultermen 5 is a experimental plug-on module making use of your sine wave audio output. Your primary sine wave is divided by two and four to create three distinct octave ranges. It also multiplies the primary pitch by two to create a 2nd harmonic overtone. These four distinct octaves are beamed from separate LED's and allow the theremin to play multiple voices in live in real time.

"The hand held volume connects to the main amplifier and not the theremin as a pitch monitor earphone would."

All of my .mp3 sound bytes are Analog. I use a hand held solar cell to capture the modulated LED beams into my computer using Audacity and my sound card. Only a "little bit" of reverb is added to the fluidness of octave sliding and real time pitch blending.

This is the infancy of 21st Century theremin design and you can be part of it. Your discoveries in advancing this Ultermen concept shared with the theremin community would be greatly appreciated by Lev Termen. (My mystical inspiration) I am not a musician so I don't have musical skill, imagination or equipment.

Excellent past sound byte that I have forgotten how I made it ultimate2p.mp3 (241kb) 01.27.05 (Sixth Voice?)

Early samples using Acoustic tricks to Enhance the Sound

Did you hear my Ultermen Sound byte One Angel (297k)? Create music that even today's masters would take notice. I used an analog signal with acoustics and added a bit of reverb. No other external effect or processor is used. One Angel used a more challenging sound development technique.

Below demonstrates a theremin using Ultermen Octave Sliding and Acoustics to get a nice result.
(Done in Real Time without Touching)

song5.mp3 (288 k)
Flute/Cello

song7.mp3 (211 k)
Clarinet/Cello

song8.mp3 (273 k)
Violin/Cello

My very first recorded Ultermen 4 sound byte 3x6octaves.mp3 (250k) 01.06.04.
This captured real time octave sliding and a surreal moment.

The cost of this build-your-own board construction is about $65 usd

Board Size is 3" x 6" (75 mm x 150 mm)

Warning: If you reverse the battery connection you will overheat or damage the TL082 chips! (-;

Only the basic CD4013 Dual D chip is no longer available at Radio Shack

View Component List .	Potentiometer Settings .	View Construction Photos Schematic
Move beyond the two dimensions of pitch & volume control Play 5 voices for the ultimate real-time total pitch manipulation * Most Pitch only theremins can use all the Ultermen features and volume control. * Easily achieve earth shaking low pitch and the most angelic highs * Improve your Staccato "volume quiver" to enhance your Vibrato "pitch quiver" - Staccato Sample staccato2.mp3 (260k) * Have the ability to slide octaves in real-time for generating more interesting theremin music

PDF Sample	By itself, the Ultermen 5 is not a Theremin! As a matter of fact it does not make sound, it is a frequency divider/volume control method that requires the use of an external solar cell. The iron on PDF printout for the Ultermen 5 (397 kb) is available by email request! (free) Answer the questions below, it's important to me (-: Put Ultermen 5 PDF in your email subject box Tell me what major city you live near and a little about your electronics experience. This board is no longer available.
This email request is so I can determine how many serious builders attempt the RS Theremin projects.
Etching your own PC Board It's really not difficult!	View the Hand Held Volume Control

Ultermen Acoustic Sound Possibilities "Some things are so simple, they are overlooked" Christopher
Violin - Cello Bass - Cello - Saxophone - Ladies Voice - Choir Boy - Pipe Organ - Flute - Space Aliens

Could the importance of acoustics be an overlooked theremin complement?

RS Theremin is not selling anything, but was invited to share ideas whispered from the ether!