What is it?

This is a MIDI controller. It's played with gestures in the air like a theremin and can output: - MIDI over USB - MIDI over TRS (a TRS/5-pin DIN lead (type A/Korg) gives MIDI over 5-pin DIN) - audio at line or headphone level and a gain control (with optional Pimoroni PicoAudio DAC)

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.

Optional sound module

For Audio out, the Pimoroni picoaudio sound module is required. This isn't included but is available from many suppliers both sides of the Atlantic. Note that the compact option doesn't allow for a sound module to be plugged in. The 'extended' option has pins for plugging in the module, and longer feet to accommodate it. If you choose the 'compact' option, you have MIDI output only, you won't be able to plug in a sound module but the device will be shorter.

A full demo is on the Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/WohfD7WAx90

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

Introductory rate

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