Aetherwellen Simple Etherwave Bass Mod

Posted: 1/21/2025 1:26:44 PM
jsherm

From: Bucks County, PA

Joined: 1/6/2025


Thanks for the detailed response, Dewster! I checked out the recordings you linked—very helpful to hear the before-and-after of both the Aetherwellen mod and the YAEWSBM v2. It’s interesting how these mods impact the tone, especially with that "meowing" effect you mentioned. I agree that this might come down to personal taste, but I can see why some might prefer the raw, stock sound.

For me, the idea of improving linearity is tempting, especially since my current pitch field feels a bit inconsistent in the far range. I’d probably prioritize that over any tonal changes, even if it meant losing some of the original bass timbre. You’re right, though—having a reversible option like the Aetherwellen mod makes it less of a commitment compared to the semi-permanent changes with the ESPE01 or YAEWSBM.

Out of curiosity, do you think there’s a "sweet spot" for balancing linearity improvements without overly compromising the timbre? Or is it pretty much a trade-off no matter what?

Thanks again for the insights and for sharing your thoughts on these mods!


Oh and TIL you developed the D-Lev synth that I hear about so often! Wowzers 

Posted: 1/21/2025 3:31:28 PM
dewster

From: Northern NJ, USA

Joined: 2/17/2012

"Out of curiosity, do you think there’s a "sweet spot" for balancing linearity improvements without overly compromising the timbre? Or is it pretty much a trade-off no matter what?"  - jsherm

Not being an analog Theremin designer, I haven't studied the pitch oscillator coupling tradeoff of far field linearity vs. low end timbre.  Some Theremins allow you to adjust the strength of the coupling, the ones I'm aware of are: Etherwave Pro, tVox tour, Hobbs, and the new but now gone Etherwave.  Long ago IIRC I read that the tVox somehow employed coupling to help linearize the pitch field?

Posted: 1/21/2025 5:41:04 PM
jsherm

From: Bucks County, PA

Joined: 1/6/2025

I listened to all the sounds you linked a few times. I do hear the smoothness of the mods, but that's about the only difference I hear.

Maybe one day in the future, after I feel comfortable enough using my EW (I'm progressing nicely each day), you might feel inclined to possibly install the Aetherwellen mod for me in person 

Posted: 1/21/2025 10:29:08 PM
dewster

From: Northern NJ, USA

Joined: 2/17/2012

"Maybe one day in the future, after I feel comfortable enough using my EW (I'm progressing nicely each day), you might feel inclined to possibly install the Aetherwellen mod for me in person "  - jsherm

Sure!  You're maybe only 70 or so miles from Boonton?  If you visit you could try out the D-Lev some too.

Posted: 1/22/2025 1:28:06 AM
jsherm

From: Bucks County, PA

Joined: 1/6/2025

Yeah, it looks like I'm an hour and 20 minutes away from you. I could definitely take a trip out there one day!

I'm starting to finally get comfortable using the EW. Yesterday I was able to finally play a scale in two different octaves pretty easily. And today I was able to do the same and also play a song or two.

I think I finally got past the main challenge which was tuning the pitch to fit my hand. Now that I have figured out how to do that, thanks to all the suggestions and tips from everyone, I have to get more in tune and precise.

Do you have the Aetherwellen mod? If not where would I buy one? Have you installed one in an EW standard before?

And trying out the D-Lev sounds like fun!

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