Synthesizers

Moog's Minimoog Model D was a sonic revolution in 1970. For the first time in history, Bob Moog and his engineers put synthesizers in the hands of a wider user base, offering unique access to an instrument once considered unattainable. In honor of Bob Moog's legacy and the Bob Moog Foundation's continued mission of synth education, Moog is releasing a limited run of the Bob Moog Tribute Edition Minimoog Model D. This synth is limited to only 500 units, and $500 from each instrument will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation. Continue reading →

Despite the overwhelming number of virtual instruments and software options, the allure of physical synthesizers remains as strong as ever. Thankfully, each year brings a fresh wave of new releases, offering more tactile control, additional voices, and an array of new sounds that inspire creativity. This year has been no different, and we're here to break down the best synthesizers of 2024. Iconic brands like Moog and Oberheim have once again raised the bar, offering synthesizers that push the boundaries of unique sound. Meanwhile, newcomers like Vongon have made a splash, introducing fresh design perspectives and sleek functionality. Let's get to our list and check out our favorite new releases of the year. Continue reading →

Founded by Dr. Robert Moog in 1953, Moog Music has pioneered several innovative synthesizer designs over the last 70 years. From the early Moog and Minimoog synths to the semi-modular Matriarch and Grandmother, Moog helped define the sound and design of modern synthesizers. Today, Moog continues to build on its rich history with the new Muse 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer. Tailor-made for musicians, producers, and sound designers, Muse combines classic Moog analog circuits with forward-thinking digital controls.  Continue reading →

Since the launch of the Mother-32 in 2015, Moog has been building a remarkable collection of expandable semi-modular synthesizers. There's been the drum machine-esque DFAM, the polyrhythmic Subharmonicon, and most recently, the 10-band filter bank of the Spectravox. If you've been following along like us, you knew something else was coming, and it's finally here—Meet the Moog Labyrinth. Continue reading →

First announced at the NAMM Show 2021, Korg's highly-anticipated drumlogue hybrid drum machine ($599) is finally here! Tailor-made for beatmakers and groovebox users, drumlogue utilizes features from Korg’s popular Volca and logue series synths. Continue reading →

Following the immensely popular reissue of the ARP 2600 semi-modular synthesizer, Korg has taken the same legendary instrument and put it into a smaller, desktop-friendly enclosure—the ARP 2600 M ($$1,899). The M model provides the same iconic sound, familiar layout, lush spring reverb and built-in speakers with a more compact footprint you can keep on your desk or take to a gig.  In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the new ARP 2600 M and walk through all of the features to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your synth collection. Continue reading →

There's no doubt that ambient music is currently seeing a resurgence. It could be the well-timed Mort Garson and Laurie Spiegel reissues that piqued interest or even documentaries like Sisters With Transistors. Maybe it's the fact a pandemic effectively canceled band practice for the foreseeable future. Either way, we're here to embrace these soothing sounds. If you haven't dabbled in the ambient artform, it's incredibly easy and fun to zone out making lush landscapes. Without the need for bandmates, musicians can take their own spin on beat making, sound design, field recording, looping and create something all their own. Today we’re gonna take a look at some of the popular tools that will help you create your own ambient sounds. Continue reading →

The world of synthesizers is a vast landscape with lots of options. One of the reasons for its explosion in popularity is that music makers are afforded the freedom to create any kind of rig they can dream up. For some though, this can be a barrier to entry. With the release of the Moog Sound Studio, the historic brand is giving new and old synth enthusiasts all the tool they to start creating music instantly. On the surface, the Moog Sound Studio appears to simply be two different bundled options, the Mother-32/DFAM ($1399) and DFAM/Subharmonicon ($1449). These entries into Moog's semi-modular synthesizers lineup are world-class instruments that have been adopted by knob tweakers and patch-friendly artists all over the world. The best part? You don't need to understand modular synthesis to make interesting sounds with these instruments. Continue reading →

With NAMM's Believe in Music Week less than a few days away, pro audio brands around the world are starting to announce new gear releases. One of the first drops of the NAMM 2021 season comes from Sequential who have just launched the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 desktop modules. Back in October, Sequential reintroduced the legendary Prophet-5 synthesizer, in addition to a Prophet-10. For the new Prophet-5 ($2499.00) and Prophet-10 ($3299.00) desktop modules, Sequential founder and designer Dave Smith managed to fit the big sound of the full-scale synthesizers into a smaller form factor. Just like the classic version, the Prophet-5 desktop module features five voices while the Prophet-10 has, you guessed it... 10! Continue reading →

With 2021 nearly here, we're concluding our blog wrap-up of the best selling pro audio gear of 2020. You didn't think we would skip synths and pedals, did you? Fear not, filter sweepers and fuzz lords! We've got you covered! While few will reminisce about 2020 with great fondness, one positive to come from this year is an overwhelming amount of new tools for tinkering in the studio. From pedals built in collaboration between companies to synthesizers that revive classic designs, this is the gear that got our customers through the past 365 days. Continue reading →