What is it?

This is played with gestures in the air like a theremin and can output: - MIDI over USB (now a USB-C socket) - MIDI over TRS (a TRS/5-pin DIN lead (type A/Korg) gives MIDI over 5-pin DIN) - audio (Now built-in and not an optional extra)

Why did you make it?

I would love a real Theremin and the idea of something pocket-sized and super versatile appealed to me. I thought this might be possible with distance sensors and yes - it works really well!

What makes it special?

e-ther's sensors don't use visible light and therefore aren't affected by changes in ambient light. They measure distance very accurately (invisible, eye-safe) making e-ther very predictable and consistent.

The MIDI output means that you can use it in a variety of scenarios - with electronic instruments or DAW. (It works beautifully with MIDISID). There is some configurability of the vertical control which can send expression or modwheel messages.

A demo of the new version 2 is on the Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/DfwjUPKlbCg

A manual at https://peacockmedia.software/e-ther/e-ther_manual.pdf has more details.

The firmware will remain in developments and updates will be available to e-ther owners.