MOOG Etherwave Theremin: the definitive one
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Ah, the Etherwave Theremin! No one has theremin game quite like Moog. The manufacturer has been on top of that particular game for over 60 years now. Unfortunately, due to the theremin’s intrinsic nature of a freaking theremin, Moog couldn’t do much about making the most maddening of all hard-to-play instruments any easier to master. You either put in the work, or… you hook the output to Auto-Tune like certified madlad Charlie Clouser did in front of an unsuspecting Dr. Moog who attended the performance and complimented the impeccable playing…
Anyway, Moog did spend decades refining the original design into an instrument that’s still absolutely unlike any other. Now, with the new Etherwave Theremin, Moog has put together and updated the best from the Etherwave Standard and Etherwave Plus models from the past two decades. It’s the definitive Moog Theremin – until it no longer is.
MOOG Etherwave Theremin
The theremin will never not be eccentric. I mean, it conjures music from seemingly nowhere as someone in a suit stands before it and moves their arms with the intensity of a monk. It resembles a ritual more than a musical performance. Yet, there is a purity and expressivity to the theremin’s musicality that cannot be understated. This partly explains why Bob Moog designed a theremin at 14 and did it again at age 70. I can only hope to remain this deeply moved by music or something else in my life…
As for Bob Moog’s legacy, the Etherwave Theremin carries it forward with an instrument meant for modern theremin performers. It features accurate five-octave pitch range, balanced spacing between notes, and improved bass response owing to updated analog internals. The refined cabinet is built from hand-finished hardwood and is equipped with dual quick-release plated-brass antennae. Rear-panel I/O connections and a detachable mic stand adapter allow for a straightforward setup.
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- Moog Etherwave Theremin front
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- Moog Etherwave Theremin close-up
Controls on the front panel permit quick timbre and antenna sensitivity adjustments while advanced users can use the calibration access panel on top of the instrument. The front-panel is also home to a headphone output with dedicated volume control and a Mute button which silences the main audio output. Meanwhile, the headphone output remains active to allow for timbre and tuning adjustments in private. Furthermore, the Etherwave Theremin has Pitch CV, Volume CV and Gate outputs to connect with analog and modular/semi-modular synthesizers. You can then use it as a controller for your synths.
SR Series Etherwave Case
For transporting the instrument, Moog designed a brand new carry case – the SR Series Etherwave Case. It’s not compatible with previous Etherwave theremins, but it does feature a generously padded semi-rigid ABS shell with fitted antenna tray, a rugged Ballistic Cordura outer, and laminated water-resistant zippers. The case is complete by an adjustable shoulder strap, reinforced handle, and a multi-function front pocket.
Moog Etherwave SR Series Case
Price and availability
The 2022 Moog Etherwave Theremin is available now, priced EUR 1010.99. You can purchase it from our affiliate partner Thomann and help support Gearnews:
More information
Video performance with the Etherwave Theremin
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- Moog Etherwave Theremin front: Moog
- Moog Etherwave Theremin close-up: Moog
- Moog Etherwave SR Series Case: Moog
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One response to “MOOG Etherwave Theremin: the definitive one”
The Octopus Project video is killer; really shows off the Theremin well.