Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[23-foot-high theremin appears in Melbourne, begins to freak out passersby]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/23-foot-high-theremin-appears-in-melbourne-begins-to-freak-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/23-foot-high-theremin-appears-in-melbourne-begins-to-freak-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/23-foot-high-theremin-appears-in-melbourne-begins-to-freak-out/#commentsIt appeared out of nowhere. And it makes semi-disturbing, 50s era sci-fi movie sounds when you
approach it. Over in Melbourne, artist Robin Fox has installed a seven meter (23 foot) high theremin instrument. Like the classic theremin design, the user doesn't have to physically touch it but just has to be within a certain range to activate it. Once initiated, you can expect to be aurally bombarded with retro movie sounds -- a cacophony of rubber monsters beating each other within an inch of their lives. The theremin will be present on the waterfront for the next three months as part of Melbourne Music Week, and you can click on through to hear its sounds as well as wonder when the ghost of Vincent Price will be showing up in the near future.

Continue reading 23-foot-high theremin appears in Melbourne, begins to freak out passersby

23-foot-high theremin appears in Melbourne, begins to freak out passersby originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50saudioinstrumentMelbournemusicrangeRobin FoxRobinFoxsoundsThe Day the Earth Stood StillTheDayTheEarthStoodStillthereminFri, 25 Nov 2011 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Airpiano on sale now, conduct a symphony of soft synths with the wave of a hand (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/airpiano-on-sale-now-conduct-a-symphony-of-soft-synths-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/airpiano-on-sale-now-conduct-a-symphony-of-soft-synths-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/airpiano-on-sale-now-conduct-a-symphony-of-soft-synths-with-the/#commentsAirpiano When last we saw the Airpiano way back in 2008 (ah, the halcyon days when people still cared about Spore) it was just a proof of concept, hacked together by interface design student Omer Yosha. Now you can finally order your own online for €1,099 (about $1,607) if you're in Europe, or €1,149 (about $1,680) if you dwell anywhere else on this little, blue marble we call Earth. The theremin-like Airpiano doesn't actually produce any sounds itself, instead it uses proximity sensors to feed MIDI and OSC (open sound control) signals to a computer over USB, allowing musicians and non-musicians alike to command soft synths with only the majestic wave of a hand. It may land you some confused stares from people who still play instruments with strings and keys (you know, Luddites), but it's certainly more dignified than planting yourself in front of a Beamz laser harp. A trio of videos awaits after the break.

Continue reading Airpiano on sale now, conduct a symphony of soft synths with the wave of a hand (video)

Airpiano on sale now, conduct a symphony of soft synths with the wave of a hand (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airpianoinstrumentmidimidi controllerMidiControllermusical instrumentsmusical intrumentMusicalInstrumentsMusicalIntrumentOmer YoshaOmerYoshaopen sound controlOpenSoundControloscsynthSynthesizerthereminvideoTue, 26 Apr 2011 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[EaTheremin utensils add an eerie soundtrack to dinner (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/eatheremin-utensils-add-an-eerie-soundtrack-to-dinner-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/eatheremin-utensils-add-an-eerie-soundtrack-to-dinner-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/eatheremin-utensils-add-an-eerie-soundtrack-to-dinner-video/#comments Besides the constant worry, the worst part of being a parent to small children is the noise -- oh the noise, noise, noise, noise. Dozens of cheap disposable toys squabble over the attention of your toddler by piercing the memory of your formerly carefree existence with sound. Enter the EaTheremin, with its goal of making blanched kale a fun to eat game for even the most finicky of kids. Here's how it works: touching the EaTheremin fork to the moist mastication factory of a human completes the electrical circuit to emit "music." The sound varies based upon the quality of the connection (the wetter the better) and resistance of the food. For example, foodstuffs with a different outer and inner consistency will create richer and more complicated sounds as you bite into them, whereas chicken skins will create a vibrato effect as the dermis stretches against your carnivorous ways. Boy, that does sound fun! See a rather overzealous demonstration on video after the break.

Continue reading EaTheremin utensils add an eerie soundtrack to dinner (video)

EaTheremin utensils add an eerie soundtrack to dinner (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body area networkbody networkBodyAreaNetworkBodyNetworkeathereminfoodforkpersonal networkPersonalNetworkthereminutensilvideoWed, 16 Mar 2011 05:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Beep-It optical theremin for the masses makes sci-fi sound anybody's game (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/beep-it-optical-theremin-for-the-masses-makes-sci-fi-sound-anybo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/beep-it-optical-theremin-for-the-masses-makes-sci-fi-sound-anybo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/beep-it-optical-theremin-for-the-masses-makes-sci-fi-sound-anybo/#comments We've seen theremin mod after theremin mod, but those seeking that distinct sci-fi sound without the physical labor or hefty price tag haven't had much of an outlet until now. Meet Beep-It, a $35 analog optical theremin that sports a simple on / off switch, volume control, one quarter-inch jack, and light sensitive resistor to make you the master of that otherworldly sound. According to its creator, Michael Una, the little sonic music maker started off as yet another mod -- a "single-oscillator square wave theremin" in a petri dish -- back in 2008, and underwent a number of incarnations before getting the wood grain treatment you see here. Beep-It is now available at select retailers or direct from the company's website -- then again, we suppose you could hire Bobby McFerrin to do the same thing. Trippy demo after the jump.

Continue reading Beep-It optical theremin for the masses makes sci-fi sound anybody's game (video)

Beep-It optical theremin for the masses makes sci-fi sound anybody's game (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog optical thereminAnalogOpticalThereminaudioaudiophilebeep itbeep-itBeepItdigitaldigitial musicDigitialMusicinstrumentmichael unaMichaelUnamodmodsmusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsoptical thereminOpticalThereminsoundthereminvideoTue, 22 Feb 2011 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect theremin is just too late for the 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/kinect-theremin-is-just-too-late-for-the-day-the-earth-stood-st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/kinect-theremin-is-just-too-late-for-the-day-the-earth-stood-st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/kinect-theremin-is-just-too-late-for-the-day-the-earth-stood-st/#commentsKinect theremin is here, too late for the awful 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video) The sound of the original theremin frightened audiences of spooky and science fictiony movies in the '50s and '60s, and while this digital replication is perhaps a little less chilling it's also a lot less physical. It's the so-called Therenect from Martin Kaltenbrunner, created using the Open Frameworks and OpenKinect libraries. To play just hold your hands up, allow the software to detect them, and then let the digital falsetto flow, as Martin kindly demonstrates for you below.

Continue reading Kinect theremin is just too late for the 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video)

Kinect theremin is just too late for the 'Day the Earth Stood Still' remake soundtrack (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d camera3dCameradigital instrumentDigitalInstrumenthackinstrumentkinectmartin kaltenbrunnerMartinKaltenbrunnermicrosoftopen frameworksOpenFrameworksopenkinectthereminvideoxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Moldover CD case rocks a light theremin, our socks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/video-moldover-cd-case-rocks-a-light-theremin-our-socks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/video-moldover-cd-case-rocks-a-light-theremin-our-socks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/video-moldover-cd-case-rocks-a-light-theremin-our-socks/#comments When a tip comes in touting video of another so-called YouTube "musical genius" it's hard to fight through the blasé glaze in which we find ourselves entombed. Still, one indifferent mouse-click later and we're treated to Moldover's Awesome Edition CD. The awesome part is the custom-designed circuit board that accompanies the CD and lists the tracks while doubling as a theremin instrument with headphone jack -- all in a standard-size jewel case. Hit the on button and start making 'music' by waving your hand in front of the light sensors. Sure it sounds a bit like you're squeezing air through a pinched balloon and it costs $50 ($10 for CD-only or $25 for a Pocket Edition), but hey, give this guy some credit for innovation. Check the video after the break, you will believe at the 1-minute mark.

[Thanks, Rich DDT]

Continue reading Video: Moldover CD case rocks a light theremin, our socks

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Video: Moldover CD case rocks a light theremin, our socks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdinstrumentjewel caseJewelCasemoldovermusicportable audioportableaudiothereminWed, 19 Aug 2009 03:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Theremin-esque digital synth sure to get Brian Wilson up in arms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/video-theremin-esque-digital-synth-sure-to-get-brian-wilson-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/video-theremin-esque-digital-synth-sure-to-get-brian-wilson-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/video-theremin-esque-digital-synth-sure-to-get-brian-wilson-up/#comments
The theremin is just one of those instruments that nerds can't stop digging and modding. This newest iteration, the Squaremin, resembles the much-loved instrument in that you don't touch it to play it -- rather you move your hands about to control the octave and output of notes. The Squaremin was made using an ATmega168 chip, and boasts two infrared sensors to measure proximity -- one to control the note played, the other to control the octave which is played out of the front speaker of the instrument. Check out the video after the break.

[Via Make]

Continue reading Video: Theremin-esque digital synth sure to get Brian Wilson up in arms

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Video: Theremin-esque digital synth sure to get Brian Wilson up in arms originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoatmegaatmega 168Atmega168diyinstrumentinstrumentsmusicsquareminthereminMon, 20 Apr 2009 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/wiimote-repurposed-into-theremin-vincent-prices-ghost-perks-up/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/wiimote-repurposed-into-theremin-vincent-prices-ghost-perks-up/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/wiimote-repurposed-into-theremin-vincent-prices-ghost-perks-up/#comments
Both practical and not-so-practical applications for the Wiimote have been around since Nintendo's console launched, but this latest hack is quite possibly the oddest thus far. Ken Moore, tinkerer extraordinaire, has inexplicably converted the controller into a new-fangled theremin. By coupling IR-infused gloves with a JV-1080 synth and the Wiimote's built-in Bluetooth, he's been able get his PC to recognize the left hand position as volume, and the right hand position as pitch. Once the IR camera in the Wiimote sends the positioning info back to the PC, MIDI sends it to the synthesizer to create sound. Now, you could just pick up a copy of Guitar Hero or Rock Band if you wanted to casually riff on some classics, but if you've got an intrinsic urge to perform a rendition of the original Star Trek theme, this might be your speed. Peep the setup in video action after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up

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Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiohackKen MooreKenMooremodmusicthereminwiiwiimotewiimotehackMon, 01 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/#comments
With the introduction of the Air Guitar Rocker, we pretty much bid the art of air rockin' adieu. No longer could we slam our belt buckles in an attempt to whammy a downright nasty Bb chord without feeling ashamed. Thanks to the AirPiano, however, imaginary musicians the world over may have one more chance to garner the respect of innocent bystanders. This instrument, which is truthfully more akin to a theremin than a bona fide piano, enables users to emit beautiful tones without ever touching the "keys." It's even smart enough to sustain a note if you hold your hand over a particular area for an extended time. We don't hand out unwarranted props, but we can't help but tip our hats to this one. Head past the break for a video of what we're gushing over.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy

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AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airpianoaudiodiyhackinstrumentmusicmusic thingMusicThingpianosoundthereminvideoSat, 28 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Solar-powered theremin shoved into Altoids can]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/16/video-solar-powered-theremin-shoved-into-altoids-can/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/16/video-solar-powered-theremin-shoved-into-altoids-can/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/16/video-solar-powered-theremin-shoved-into-altoids-can/#comments
Look out, modders -- the venerable Altoids tin is making a comeback. Shortly after the YBox2 rekindled our love for the immensely versatile box, along comes James G. Watt with yet another fantastical creation. The device you're gazing at above is a solar-powered theremin, which is good for making all sorts of cacophonic sounds anywhere that sunlight is abundant. For those unfamiliar with such gizmos, head on past the break for an admittedly strange sounding demonstration.

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading Video: Solar-powered theremin shoved into Altoids can

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Video: Solar-powered theremin shoved into Altoids can originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altoidsdiymusicmusic thingMusicThingsolarsolar poweredsolar-powersolar-poweredSolarPoweredThereminMon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST