Re: AIR SYNTH??

[KILLINFO@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/17/01 5:44:22 AM, Ppaulpadam@aol.com writes:

>Does anyone know of the air synth?  Any experiences?  Similar to the 
>Theramin?  Does the hand action control PITCH as well as tone and texture?

I tried a prototype one way back at NAMM and then again a week or to ago 
for 
about half an hour. Although one might assume that it would be 
theramin-like 
it really hasn't got the range and controllability of one. That's not to 
say 
that it isn't useful within it's limitations. It's got some really phatt 
analogish sounds and some other patches that kinda sound like something 
you'd 
hear on Radiohead's "Kid A" or something. Waving your hand above the 
sensor 
triggers sounds at various volumes (only sometimes does pitch seem to be 
involved). Sometimes you get filter effects in different "quadrants" of 
the 
sensor area, sometimes pitch, sometimes wholly different sounds. It has a 
couple of percussive patches that make it possible to sorta play "air 
bongos" 
or "air xylophone" (within a very limited selection of pitches). If one is 
looking for a budget "theramin" to do a Clara Rockmore style of 
performance 
on I'd look elsewhere. But if you want something a little different with 
some 
weird sci-fi sounds or you're into Radioheadiilke sounds it may be useful. 
That was my take. Sorta cool...sorta disappointing.