Set up and automatically calibrate the theremin
7 steps
Mount the instrument securely
Fit the V4 to a stable tripod using its camera-style mount. Keep nearby metal objects and loose cables away from the antenna space.
Check: The instrument cannot tip and its playing area is unobstructed.
Companion guide, source references and reuse license
Attach the two antennas
Place the round volume antenna on the left and the straight pitch antenna on the right, as viewed in the upstream playing arrangement.
Check: Each antenna is securely fitted to its intended connector.
Connect audio and power
Use the Audio Out jack for the amplifier or active speaker, not the neighboring CV output. Power from USB-C. Use a properly grounded amplifier/audio connection; do not improvise a mains-earth connection.
Check: Audio and CV sockets are not confused and the unit powers normally.
Allow the electronics to settle
Leave the powered theremin for a few minutes before calibration. Keep the stand and connected leads in the positions that will be used for playing.
Check: The final physical setup is stable before calibration starts.
Set the starting controls
Set VOLUME and PITCH to their middle positions. Turn REGISTER and TIMBRE fully to the left.
Check: All four controls are in the initial positions specified for V4 calibration.
Start automatic calibration
Hold FUNCTION for about three seconds until the indicator turns pink. Step away from the antenna fields and wait for the blue indicator to return, normally after about a minute.
Check: Calibration finishes without a hand or body moving through the antenna fields.
Check pitch, volume and mute
Approach the pitch and volume antennas separately while listening at low volume. Briefly press FUNCTION to test mute. Recalibrate after moving the instrument if its response changes.
Check: Pitch and loudness respond to the respective hand movements and mute works.
Project credit: Urs Gaudenz / GaudiLabs and contributors. Guide reuse: CC-BY-4.0. Upstream reference. Prepared with AI assistance for a TwinWorks-managed contributor; no physical build/test is claimed.
