The ESPE01 module adds 2 octaves of range in the bass register of the Moog Etherwave Standard and PLUS theremins. It consists of a small electronic circuit that is installed onto the circuit board of the Etherwave. The installation should only be performed by people with experience in soldering and electronics. (See below) The ESPE01 module was designed by Thierry Frenkel. Each unit is built and tested by Wilco Botermans. The unaltered Etherwave Standard theremin usually has a reliable pitch range from 1.5 octaves below middle C to 2.5 octaves above middle C. With the ESPE01 module installed the pitch range will start at 3.5 octaves below middle C, while the high register remains unaltered.What is very important with any theremin is the linearity of the pitch field. Better linearity means more reliable pitch control. Usually the distances between notes are getting smaller in the high register, and larger in the low register, while in the lowest octave the distances gets smaller again. The ESPE01 module not only extends the pitch range, but also the linearity is improved, and continues into the lowest register.Additionally the timbre of the Etherwave is a bit smoother when the ESPE01 module is present. This is especially noticeable in the low register, where with the original design the timbre can get quite harsh. With the ESPE01 module installed, the selected timbre is continued in the added low register, giving the Etherwave theremin an even more natural sonic flow through its full pitch range. After installing the module you will notice that the 0-beat field, the silent bit below the lowest note, has become much smaller. When you move further away from the pitch antenna, the sound will come up again, becoming higher when you move away. This is a natural trade of theremins, which becomes more prominent with the module installed.The installation of the ESPE01 module is a delicate process. The module itself is installed onto the solder pads on the back of the Etherwave circuit board. Two wires insert the module in the circuitry of the Etherwave via two partly desoldered capacitors the Etherwave board itself.By buying and installing the ESPE01 module in you Etherwave theremin you indicate that you do so on your own risk, and you take full responsibility. Damage to your Etherwave theremin due to installing and/or using the ESPE01 module will not be repaired by Moog Music or your theremin dealer, and it will not be covered by their warranties. You can get help with installing the ESPE01 module, Thierry Frenkel in France and Wilco Botermans in the Netherlands do this for a fee plus the return shipping costs.Please contact us via [email protected], about the options before shipping your theremin to any of us.For those planning to install the module themselves, there is an installation instruction pdf, which can be downloaded here. (right-click / control-click to download) Please note that the ESPE01 module does not work in the Moog Etherwave PRO theremin, nor in the later Moog Etherwave theremin with the black strip on the top. If you have additional questions, please contact us via email: [email protected]
