Moog Music

Analog synthesizers (and specifically modular synths) are undeniably cool, but some people still shy away from them due to a perception that they’re complicated and expensive. Thankfully, Moog has solved both problems with the new Mavis semi-modular synth kit ($349). Mavis is a genuine analog Moog synth that you put together from pre-assembled components, teaching you the basics of electronics and synthesis while saving you money. When you’re done, you’ve got a powerful little instrument that you can play as a standalone unit or integrate into your modular rig. Follow along as we dig into the surprisingly versatile Moog Mavis! Continue reading →

If you’re interested in analog synths, it’s almost impossible to have a conversation about building a rig without talking about Moog. Since the 1960s, Moog has shaped the landscape of popular music with its industry-leading synthesizers. The signature Moog sound can be found in almost any genre of music ranging from artists like The Monkees, Stevie Wonder, Kraftwerk, Nine Inch Nails, Donna Summers, Parliament-Funkadelic, Pink Floyd, Olivia Rodrigo and many more. Continue reading →

Moog has been one of the world's biggest proponents of the theremin and has given us several different interpretations of it throughout the years. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the otherworldly instrument, the brand is introducing the Claravox Centennial Theremin, which Moog explains will encompass the technology of the "past, present, and future." Named in tribute to Clara Rockmore, perhaps the most famous theremin player, the Claravox Centennial Theremin is Moog's most versatile theremin yet. Players can switch back and forth between Traditional and Modern performance modes. In Traditional mode, the theremin utilizes classic heterodyne oscillators true to old school instrument designs and can cover five octaves. Flip the Claravox to Modern mode and you'll be able to choose between multimode DSP oscillators with different waves (saw, sine, triangle, wavetable) and can assign scales, octave ranges, quantization, and more. Here you can go from four to seven octaves. Continue reading →

When Moog first launched the Matriarch and Grandmother, we were among the many excited by the vibrant colors they choose to adorn each synthesizer. For those that have been longing for the semi-modular synths with the classic look of the brand's blacked-out modular panels, your time has officially arrived.That's right, Moog has just announced the Matriarch Dark and Grandmother Dark. These are the same classic synthesizers that we've all come to know and love, but with the added touch of cool and nostalgia factor. These beauties will now perfectly match with classic Moog gear and new favorites like the Mother-32, DFAM, and Subharmonicon. Continue reading →

One of the most exciting releases we’ll surely see in 2020 is the Moog Subharmonicon, the brand's latest addition to its semi-modular synthesizer line. Everyone with a Mother-32, DFAM, and three-tier rack can now experience the semi-modular feng shui of this trinity of synths all jamming in harmony (or chaos).I got to have a first look at the Subharmonicon at the 2018 Moogfest when it was introduced as one of the DIY kit builds. Only 120 were produced for the festival. Ever since, I’ve seen synth heads on muffwiggler and the Moog forums asking when a full production model would be released and we’re elated to report that it’s here and it’s fantastic. Continue reading →

Moog has announced today that the brand is reviving its classic 16 Channel Vocoder for 2020. The news comes more than four decades after the Moog Vocoder first appeared in gear shops around the world in 1978. The new Moog Vocoder will be extremely faithful to the classic design of the original. The storied synth brand has left the schematics completely intact and each unit will be hand-soldered at the brand's factory in Asheville, North Carolina. The only update to the Moog Vocoder will be improved connectors and power supply for reliability. Continue reading →

NAMM 2020 is here and Moog has officially announced it's brand new Subsequent 25 synthesizer. Ever since photos of the new synth were leaked around the start of the year, gear lovers everywhere have been salivating waiting to find out what the story is with this new creation. Fans of the recently discontinued Sub Phatty should be excited, as the Subsequent 25 is a spiritual successor to the beloved synth first released in 2014. The new and improved Subsequent 25 is a 2-note paraphonic analog synth that combines the high-quality analog designs of classic Moog instruments with the versatile sound engine of a modern synthesizer. Continue reading →

Throughout the past few years, Moog Music has been busy creating semi-modular synthesizers that have become instant classics upon their release. The Moog Matriarch and Grandmother have become the perfect tools for a wide array of musicians, as both have something to offer those just starting out and those who have been creating patches for decades. If you were to quickly scan the Matriarch and Grandmother with a less than critical eye, the differences between the synths might not standout. The Matriarch builds off the Grandmother's semi-modular design, using the same oscillators, arpeggiator/sequencer, ADSR envelope generator, and ladder filter in its make-up. You'll notice a lot of the same colors and controls, but from there, things start to become different. Continue reading →

It’s hard to talk about music technology (especially synthesizers), without mentioning the name Moog Music. For decades, the brand's nameplate has adorned countless classic synths that have offered groundbreaking sounds to hit record after hit record. Throughout this Buyer's Guide, we'll talk about the importance of Moog and outline its current crop of synthesizers, theremins, and beyond. So where do you start with a company so revered? Let's talk about Dr. Robert Moog. Continue reading →