The main instrument panel contains controls for each of the 7 oscillators + 'Tutti' switch, send controls for each of the 3 Ondes speakers, ADSR envelope control (optional, depending on Setup), Brightness control - switchable to 12db Filter with resonance, Detune, Width and Saturation faders

The Speaker Panel offers control over the 3 modelled Ondes speakers - select different mic positions and control the gain or decay times.

The Setup Panel is a custom scripted MIDI control matrix. Depending on your playing ability and available MIDI controllers, you can configure the Ondes instruments' realtime control options in a number of different ways. 

The Poly-Ondes is a polyphonic synth using the Ondes Martenot oscillators and speaker modelling : create fabulous vintage pad sounds with full LFO and filter modulation, detune all 7 oscillators and play them back through the speakers for an incredibly characterful sound. There are 50 Poly-Ondes presets showing the FULL sound design possibilities.

The most famous part of the Ondes is the metal ring, which is worn on the finger of the right hand. The ring is not used when the keyboard is being played, like the ribbon controllers we are used to. Rather, when the Ondes is switched to ‘ring mode’ (au ruban), the ring becomes the sole method of determining pitch ; a very skillful technique, particularly so when you consider that in order to produce any sound at all, you must simultaneously manipulate the clear, lozenge shaped device, known as the touche d’intensité..  

The touche d’intensité is a large button on the control drawer of the Ondes Martenot, and is pushed and tapped to produce the tone of the instrument ; in effect, it controls the volume envelope of the instrument while the player uses either the ring or keyboard to produce the melody. Next to the touche d’intensité are a series of switches and dials which control the oscillators and create the timbre of the note - as well as send levels to the three loudspeakers..

Les Diffuseurs: A hugely important aspect of the Ondes Martenot sound are the three loudpeakers (or diffuseurs) which are used to amplify the instrument. D1 - The main loudspeaker, for straight reproduction of the Ondes sound.

This speaker has springs stretched across the inside panel, and acts as a reverb unit.

The strangest speaker of the set, the D3 resembles a cymbal in a wooden cabinet and produces a very metallic ringing sound.