Theremin app for Android

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:49:34 PM
mrjohs

From: Bergen, Norway

Joined: 3/11/2011

Hi! I have coded a theremin app for Android phones called Tilt Theremin. It uses motion sensors to control pitch and volume. The latest version supports gyroscope sensors, which makes it more intuitive and more like a real theremin. The gyroscope sensor is available on most newer devices running Android 3.0 or later.

I would love to hear comments and suggestions from some of you who may have an Android phone, or who would check out one of the videos I have made with it.

Instructional video, demonstrates gyroscope and accelerometer modes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL3MbtRuTKs#!

Playing Theme from Star Trek in accelerometer mode with a previous version of the app:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3q2uk3WZo8

Links to Google Play store:

Free version

Full version

Thanks!

Posted: 7/12/2012 10:44:10 PM
RS Theremin

From: 60 mi. N of San Diego CA

Joined: 2/15/2005

Is this where young minds and modern programing is going? I cannot find anything theremin about a cell phone, why did you not call it a kazoo or a slide flute or something?

This reminds me of circuit benders back in the 1980's, they thought it was music, so sad.

Posted: 7/12/2012 11:05:00 PM
mrjohs

From: Bergen, Norway

Joined: 3/11/2011

Is this where young minds and modern programing is going? I cannot find anything theremin about a cell phone, why did you not call it a kazoo or a slide flute or something?

This reminds me of circuit benders back in the 1980's, they thought it was music, so sad.

A modern smartphone is as capable of emulating a theremin as any modern computer, given that you do it with a bandlimited wavetable oscillator as I did. I realise, in depth, the compromise in such an approach compared to an analog device. On the other hand the gyroscope sensor opens doors to control schemes which are much like, and almost as precise as, the volume/pitch antennas on a theremin.

Posted: 7/13/2012 1:44:41 AM
RS Theremin

From: 60 mi. N of San Diego CA

Joined: 2/15/2005

I do enjoy your creativity but explain to me what you interpret as theremin. Maybe this is where I am getting lost as I am much older than you.

Posted: 7/13/2012 2:28:34 AM
mrjohs

From: Bergen, Norway

Joined: 3/11/2011

I do enjoy your creativity but explain to me what you interpret as theremin. Maybe this is where I am getting lost as I am much older than you.

A theremin to me is probably the same as it is to you. The app resembles a theremin in the sense that you control volume and pitch by moving it in the air. I have seen a couple of "theremins" which uses a Nintendo Wii controller to regulate pitch and volume of a software syntheseizer. That is also what I'm doing with the app. It is as much a theremin as a flightsimulator is flying a plane, but it might be fun and useful anyway.

Also in Norway are they familiar with a local band we have here in So. California called Linkin Park, I am curious to Chester and Ryan's popularity world wide.

Most popular American bands are well known in Norway, since we are culturally heavily influenced by the US and the UK. A couple of weeks ago I went to see Slayer, and lately there has been concerts with Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder and others in my town.

You must be logged in to post a reply. Please log in or register for a new account.