Couldn’t sleep, watched Severance, and ended up buying a Moog Theremini. Bad idea? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely. In this video, I unbox the Theremini, do the initial setup and calibration, and then try (poorly) to make some music.
This isn’t a traditional theremin—it’s a digital synth with theremin-style controls. It has a quirky mic-stand mount, a sleek Aperture-Science vibe, and more presets than I know what to do with.
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Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ldyig4
Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k92rGsL_6yg
Overview #
The Moog Theremini is a digital instrument controlled like a theremin. It’s approachable for beginners, packed with presets, and easy to calibrate. If you’re theremin-curious or nostalgic, it’s a fun way to dip your toes in.
What’s in the Box #
- Manuals/schematics and a calibration guide
- Power brick and region-specific power cable
- Antennas (pitch and volume)
- Moog sticker and a poster
- The Theremini unit itself
Industrial design is clean and modern—honestly gives off a Portal turret vibe.
Setup & Calibration (What I did) #
- Switched to the “Classic Theremin” preset
- Setup > Theremin Mode (firmware-added option)
- Turned off effects for a clean baseline
- Calibration steps:
- Pitch: near hand position, then far hand position
- Volume: near to mute, then far to open
Follow on-screen prompts; it only takes a minute.
Mounting Gotcha (Tripod vs. Mic Stand) #
The Theremini uses a mic-stand thread, not a standard camera tripod thread. You’ll need a mic-stand-to-1/4"-20 adapter to mount it on a regular tripod. Once adapted, it’s rock solid.
First Impressions #
I’m not a musician, but this was immediately fun. The presets are varied, the interface is simple, and calibration made it playable fast. It’s definitely different from a true analog theremin, but for a casual player, it’s a blast.
Pros & Cons #
Pros
- Quick setup and straightforward calibration.
- Lots of presets to explore.
- Clean design; portable and easy to place.
Cons
- Not an analog theremin (different feel/response).
- Requires a thread adapter for standard tripods.
- Learning curve if you’re totally new to pitch-by-gesture playing.
Learn More #
Want to actually learn technique? Kip Rosser’s videos are excellent:
Where to Buy #
Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ldyig4