Music Maestro Please!

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 14 May 2026 11:18 UTC

I've been toying with the idea of building a Theremin ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin ) as a just for fun project and came across the " Nerd Musician ( https://go.musiconerd.com/projects ) " who has put together an extensive library of interesting projects.  There is a paid for option for access to his tutorials and workshops but I was able to access the the GitHub ( https://github.com/silveirago/Theremidi ) page for the Theremin simply by registering.

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 24 Sep 2026 13:08 UTC

I finally got around to building the Theremin and what a fun little project its turned out to be.  I'm now progressing the idea incorporate it into a standalone Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) based on a Raspberry Pi and the excellent Reaper DAW software.

The project has also given me the excuse to build on of these Chinese Valve pre-amp kits ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQ8T7Z2Q ) which has turned out to work astonishingly well!

Best Regards

Chris

From fixit9660 on the mailing list, 25 Sep 2026 07:53 UTC

Nice build Chris!!!

Will you be giving us a demonstration?

Andrew.

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From Patrick Lidstone on the mailing list, 25 Sep 2026 11:04 UTC

Lovely bit of laser cutting there!
My 2 valve amp build sounded terrible, I should try again given your
experience.
Patrick

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 25 Sep 2026 11:21 UTC

Thanks Andrew, my musical talents leave a lot to be desired, but I am slowly getting to grips with Reaper, so watch this space ;)

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 25 Sep 2026 11:32 UTC

Thanks Patrick,

I've only tested it with a small powered speaker but the results sound good to my failing ears;)  with no discernible mains hum or distortion.  My plan is to pair it up with an LM1875 Amplifier Board which can be powered directly with the same 12VAC power supply as the tube amp.  I'm also hoping to have a rectified buck converted output from the PSU to power the RPI-3b but I suspect that may be asking a bit much of the mains transformer that's rated at 4A?

From Patrick Lidstone on the mailing list, 25 Sep 2026 12:02 UTC

LM1875 is a great choice!
Maybe add in an NE5532 into the chain - the "right" version will give you
some tone controls as well?
I'm also obviously* no audiophile - but I would keep digital and audio
power supplies separate as 'best practice' to avoid interference, and
star-wire the grounds on the audio side (if you look at the reverse side of
the valve PCB I think you'll see a classic example of star-wiring). Hi-Link
do a nice series of potted 5V supplies that should cover the current
demands of a 3b. e.g.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HI-Link-HLK-2M05-100-Converter-Intelligent/dp/B0785VQYXR/
Patrick
(*for readers that do not know me - I have a severe hearing loss)

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 27 Sep 2026 10:44 UTC

Thanks Patrick, those Hi-Link PSUs look good👍

Initial tests with everything powered from the 12vac transformer show an overall current draw of just 1 amp, though I'm still to add the LM1875.

Here's a video ( https://vimeo.com/1230643340?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci ) showing progress so far and a short demo using 3 different presets with the AMSynth plug-in in Reaper.  Note: I am not a musician:))

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 28 Oct 2026 09:03 UTC

Work has continued rehousing the Theremin to form a standalone Raspberry Pi Digital Audio Workstation but has stalled somewhat since 1.  storm Austen and 2. me getting the lurgy;(

While I was laid up on the settee feeling sorry for myself I was researching Pi based music software and came across Sonic Pi ( https://sonic-pi.net/index.html ).
Originally designed to teach coding in schools it initially appears to be just a simple platform to produce beeps from code commands, but I delved a bit deeper and was astonished at the level of sophistication in creative music that can be produced with live coding.

The creator Sam Aaron has continued development of Sonic Pi which is now available as a standalone version for all platforms and most recently as a web based app.  Here's a video of him ( https://youtu.be/G1m0aX9Lpts?si=9r7eoTwRFtGQPZNF ) giving a live coding performance, I think that it's amazing that all of this is being done on a standalone Raspberry Pi!

From fixit9660 on the mailing list, 28 Oct 2026 10:04 UTC

I’m not “into” the disco and/or drum & Bass scene, (being a 67 year old grouch), but I think I recognise real talent when I see it. Not like your “usual” DJ playing someone else’s creations.

I have to grudgingly admit that the Pi is an incredibly able device in the right hands. J

Andrew.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

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Security and reliability of e-mails are not guaranteed. I operate anti-virus programs but you must take full responsibility for virus checking this e-mail (including all attachments). I do not accept any liability in respect of any damage caused by any virus which is not detected.

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From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 28 Oct 2026 14:31 UTC

I used to feel the same about EDM until I met my wife who been a DJ on the illegal rave scene... Up until then I was happy sitting in a dark room listening to Leonard Cohen:))

From Patrick Lidstone on the mailing list, 28 Oct 2026 14:35 UTC

Waaay off topic I guess, but I recently discovered EDM and am a fan too!

Patrick

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 28 Oct 2026 18:01 UTC

It's a music related thread so I'd say you're bang(in) on topic Patrick:)