Jinkyu Jang – Expert Tips & Best Practices.
Skip to PDF contentHello, my dear new friends!
My Name is Jinkyu Jang. I live in South Korea. I usually use the name Jan.
I believe many of you considering an Open Theremin V4 have likely seen my videos on YouTube. The Open Theremin V4 is a fascinating digital instrument based on open-source hardware (Arduino compatible) that blends traditional Theremin principles with modern tech. Because it can be hand-assembled and programmed, it has become a favorite for DIY musicians worldwide.
To help you truly enjoy this lovely instrument, I’ve put together a guide on how to use it properly along with some essential tips.
How to Use (Quick Start Guide)
Step 1: Hardware Setup
Antennas: Connect the round loop antenna on the left (Volume) and the straight rod antenna on the right (Pitch).
Pro Tip: A common mistake is plugging the short side of the L-shaped antenna into the Theremin body. Remember: Plug the long side of the L-shaped antenna into the Theremin, and then plug the straight antenna into the short side of the L-shaped antenna.
Tripod Mounting: Theremins are extremely sensitive to nearby objects. It is essential to secure it to a dedicated tripod or a stable stand. You can use the tripod provided by Gaudi Labs or a standard camera tripod. (The one you see in my videos is a standard camera tripod).Connections: Connect the power via a USB-C cable and plug the audio jack into a speaker, amplifier, or headphones.
오픈테레민 셋팅은 옷을 입고 여행을 떠나는 것과 같습니다. 셔츠를 입고 바지를 입고 양말을 입고 팔찌와 반지를 차고 세상 밖으로 나갈 준비를 하는 것 처럼, 나와 테레민이 하나가 될 준비가 되는 시간입니다.
Setting up an Open Theremin is like getting dressed and setting off on a journey. Just as you put on a shirt, pants, socks, bracelet, and ring to prepare to step out into the world, it is a time to prepare for me and the Theremin to become one.
Step 2: Auto-Calibration (Crucial Step)
The precision of a Theremin changes based on the environment
(temperature, humidity, and proximity to metal objects).
Warm-up: Turn the power on and wait at least 2 minutes. This action is stabilizing the voltage and is a vital first step.
Knob Positioning: Set the Volume and Pitch knobs to the middle. My suggestion for Register and Timbre is to turn the knob all the way to the left.
Pro Tip: While the Gaudi Lab manual suggests middle positions, my years of experience show that the Volume knob doesn’t affect calibration much, but turning the Pitch knob all the way to the left creates the most stable tuning.
Start Calibration: Press and hold the Function button for about 3 seconds. When the LED turns Pink, calibration has begun.
Do Not Move: Stand back (About 1 Meter) and ensure nothing moves around Theremin and user. Since the Open Theremin is digital and uses an auto-calibration function, any movement during this process will be recorded as the “baseline” value, ruining your setup. Ready: Once the LED turns Blue, you are ready to adjust the volume and pitch, and to play.
The Theremin was the only friend that pulled me out of a disconnected world during the COVID era.
Step 3: Understanding the Knobs
Volume: Adjusts the sensitivity of the volume antenna.
Pro Tip: Many beginners mistake this for output volume;
you should adjust the actual loudness on your speaker.
Pitch: Adjusts the sensitivity and range of the pitch antenna.
Register: Select the pitch range. There are three knob positions for three options:
low, middle or high range. You may need to adjust the pitch tuning when you switch between the ranges.
Timbre: Cycles through 8 built-in waveforms (sound profiles).
When the Theremin is with you, you will become a Theremin and the Theremin will become you.
Do not forget. The Theremin and you are one connection.
Important Precautions
Please pay close attention to these points to avoid common frustrations
Grounding Issues: The Theremin operates by detecting changes in electrical capacitance between your body and its antennas. In poorly grounded environments, the sound can become unstable or noisy. Be especially careful when using portable power banks and ungrounded wall adapters. In poorly grounded environments, the sound can become unstable or noisy. (Be extra careful when using portable power banks and wall plugs).
Note: Connecting to a wall socket can sometimes cause pitch distortions if the building has a noisy or “dirty” ground. If you encounter this, try disconnecting from the wall ground. Instead, attach the ground wire to a small conductive object (like a teaspoon) and place your foot on it. This effectively uses your body’s capacitance as a clean ground reference and often resolves the interference.
Power Supply Stability: If your power bank voltage fluctuates or if you share a power strip with noisy electronic devices (like cheap chargers), it introduces electrical interference. This often causes pitch drift or unwanted noise. This often causes “pitch drift or noise sounds.” Poor quality USB Type-C chargers can also have a significant impact.
Pro Tip: Use a Bluetooth speaker that supports simultaneous AUX input and charging.
and always full charge your all-in-one bluetooth speaker. Be aware that some Bluetooth speakers have latency in sound transmission.
Amplifier & Speaker Connections: Amps, speakers are also powered devices. If the amp’s power is unstable, it can feed back instability into the Theremin. Ensure all cables (AUX and power even the cable tip) are firmly connected and the equipment is in good condition.
Nearby Metal: Metal desks, monitors, or other electronics near the antennas cause interference. Play in an open space whenever possible.
Fluorescent Lighting: Some older fluorescent lights generate electromagnetic noise that the Theremin’s antennas can pick up. This often causes unwanted humming or buzzing sounds while playing.
Temperature & Humidity: Rapid environmental changes will likely shift your pitch range. Since the Open Theremin’s PCB is exposed to the air, it is particularly sensitive to these factors. The usability of an instrument changes drastically when exposed to conditions where the temperature drops sharply or heats up rapidly, or when it shifts from extremely dry to humid conditions. This is similar to how we sweat when it is hot and how our movements slow down when it is cold.
Environmental Sensitivity: You must recalibrate every time you move it, and it may “glitch” in poor environments.
Note: Most “defects” reported by users are actually due to dirty power supplies or grounding issues. Instability and noise can stem from low-quality USB chargers, poorly shielded AUX cables, speaker plugs, or even the building’s electrical network. Before assuming the instrument is broken, please ensure your environment and equipment are suitable.
Why is the Open Theremin a good instrument?
Incredible Value: It offers excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end Theremins (like the Moog Etherwave, Burns).
Open Source & Expandable: Being Arduino-based, you can modify the code. It also supports MIDI/CV output, making it great for syncing with synths or DAWs.
Auto-Calibration: Being able to tune complex frequencies with one button is a massive innovation.
Portability: It’s small, lightweight, and can run on a power bank – making it a perfect travel companion. However, keep in mind that not all power banks are created equal. Some use switching regulators that introduce electrical noise into the power supply, which the instrument can pick up as a hum or buzz. It’s always best to test a few power banks to find a “quiet” one that delivers clean power.
Challenges
Learning Curve: Theremin is one of the hardest instruments to master. Do not expect to play perfectly right away; it takes significant effort to find exact notes in mid-air.
Final Thoughts
It took me 5 years to truly understand this small best friend. High-quality gear doesn’t always guarantee a good sound if the basics are ignored. If your grounding is solid, the pitch won’t drift even after 30 minutes of play. Most calibration issues are simply power supply or cable problems. Treat this delicate instrument with patience. I hope you are ready to embark on a journey with Open Theremin. Open Theremin will become your closest friend.
Jan’s Equipment:
Open Theremin V3, V4
JBL Charge 4 (Power, Speaker)
Genuine Samsung USB Type-C Cable
Genuine Samsung AUX-to-AUX Cable
Handmade Silver AUX-to-AUX CableHandmade Oxygen-Free Copper AUX-to-AUX Cable
Jinkyu Jang (Jan) | A Thereminist bridging classical sensibility with modern technology
Global Collaboration: Collaborative production and participation in numerous projects with the global synthesizer brand Moog Music (USA) and Moog official distributor Gearlounge (South Korea)
Artistic Performance: Theremin understudy in Lera Auerbach’s ballet ‘The Little Mermaid’ for the ‘Korean National Ballet’
Media Appearance: Appeared on the MBN broadcast program ‘Special Report World ‘이게 진짜?!’(Is This for Real?!)’ – Introduced as a unique instrumentalist
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