If the theremin is acting either too sensitive or not sensitive enough, it probably needs to be calibrated. Note- If there is no response from the theremin, it might note be a calibration issue at all.
In order to calibrate the theremin inside of the remote, the top half of the remote control must be carefully removed. Here are the steps to ensure a safe and effective calibration. Please read all of the instructions first and review the photos before attempting this.
- Leave the remote and theremin connected to the stand with the antennas connected.
- Disconnect the cables at the extension point where the short extensions meet the long cables, not the base of the remote control. It’s easier to reconnect things this way.
- Find the clear silicone band at the top of the remote control and carefully remove it.
- Using a flat head screwdriver, carefully remove the screw at the bottom of the remote control. It is located on the shiny surface of the remote on the bottom short end. Do not lose this screw.
- While holding the bottom half of the remote, pull and shimmy the top half until it comes away from the bottom half, revealing the OpenTheremin board inside.
- To calibrate the OpenTheremin, touch and hold the shiny circular area until the LED blinks blue and red. Stand still a normal distance away until the theremin’s LED is a solid color again (probably blue). The theremin should now be calibrated.
- Before closing the remote, connect the cables and test the MPO-1 to ensure that the theremin is behaving as expected. If it is not, repeat Step 6 or visit the OpenTheremin manual to troubleshoot the issue: https://www.gaudi.ch/OpenTheremin/images/stories/OpenTheremin/OTV4/Instructions_OpenThereminV4.pdf
- To close up the remote control, push the top half back in place and then reattach the screw to the bottom
- Reattach the silicone band to the top of the remote, ensuring the the bottom part of the band is holding onto the bottom half of the remote control.
- Reconnect the cables if they aren’t already reconnected.
- Double-check that the the theremin is behaving as expected
Remove band
Remove screw
Pry off top
Hold plate to calibrate
The MPO-1 responds to audio sent from the theremin. If the theremin isn’t responding, it could be that audio isn’t being sent to the Mac Mini. To test if audio is being sent, simply unplug the audio cable from the audio interface and plug it into a speaker that accepts 3.5mm (headphone style) jacks. If it’s functioning, the theremin should send audio to the speaker.
If the theremin becomes broken, any source of audio fed into the audio interface can be used to manipulate the displays of the MPO-1.