Moog synthesizer
The Moog synthesizer and other early designs of Dr. Robert Moog define the concept and, to a large degree, the sound of early synthesis.
Moog created his seminal modular synthesizer in the mid sixties, with the input of educator and composer Herbert Deutsch. Moog's modular synth defined the standardized blocks of music synthesis, including signal generating modules, like the voltage controlled oscillator; signal processing modules, like the voltage controlled filter; and control modules, including keyboards, low-frequency oscillators and sequencers.
Many of the ideas that originated in the first Moog synthesizers were repackaged in his later keyboards, including the Moog Minimoog, the Moog Taurus and the Polymoog.
Here are the most recent Synthtopia posts relating to the Moog synthesizer:
Articles about Moog synthesizer:
Tom at Waveformless put together a fun post taking a look at going vintage on the cheap.
There are a number of really underrated synths that seem to go for consistently low prices. They’re awesome synths, but nobody seems to know about them, which means you can get a great deal.
Here’s the list of synths that he highlights:
- Casio CZ-101 (typically less than $100)
- Ensoniq ESQ-1 (typically $150-$300)
- Moog (Realistic) Concertmate MG-1 (typically $100-$500)
- Oberheim Matrix-6R (typically $150-$350+)
- Roland HS-10/80 (typically $25-$100)
- Roland HS-60 (typically $200+)
- Roland MKS-7 (typically $200+)
- Yamaha CS-01 (typically $150-$250)
- Yamaha TX81Z (typically $50-$85)
See Tom’s post for his take on each of these synths.
Are these great synths? No – but you can get great deals on them and make some great sounds.
As an alternative to the Casio CZ-101, I’d recommend the CZ-1, which has twice the polyphony plus a velocity + aftertouch sensitive full-size keyboard. And is still dirt cheap.
Got other ideas for cheap vintage synths that don’t suck? Leave a comment!
Berlin School Modular Synth Jam
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Filed under: Keyboard Synthesizers, Sequencers, Synthesizers
Thalassa’s Berlin School Moments is a retro live synth jam, featuring Moog MG-1 + Synthesizers.com + Yusynth + MFOS step sequencing.
“Berlin School” synth music is music that’s inspired by the tradition of 70’s German electronic music pioneers like Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze. Key characteristics include step-sequenced basslines, “spacey” effects, Moog synth leads and Mellotron pads.
Details below. Read more…
The Realistic Concertmate MG-1 is vintage analog synthesizer that was distributed by Radio Shack under their “Realistic” brand name.
It was one of the worst synths that ever bore the Moog name. But, as the video demonstrates, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t make some great analog sounds.
Features:
- Two oscillators with sync & detune, one producing either a Square or Sawtooth waveform, with the other producing either a Pulse or Sawtooth waveform.
- One low pass filter/VCF, that can use the envelope generator, has limited keyboard tracking, and is capable of self oscillation.
- Limited envelope generator with variable attack and release, and a switchable sustain (no decay).
- Oscillator 2 can be tuned independently or synced to oscillator 1.
- Noise generator.
- Ring modulator (called “Bell Tone”).
- Polyphonic oscillator. This oscillator is routed through the filter, but not through the envelope generator or LFO.
- LFO that can modulate the oscillators and the filter using a triangle, square or random waveform
- Portamento (called “Glide”)
- External Control inputs for pre-MIDI CV/Gate.
The Concertmate MG-1 is notorious for it’s inclusion of a cheesy polyphonic organ sound and for using black foam on the interior which decays into a sticky black sludge over time.
If you’ve used the Moog Realistic Concertmate MG-1, leave a comment with your thoughts! Read more…
Dr Bleep is trickling out more info on the new Thingamagoop 2 synth robot.
The video above demonstrates using a Thingamagoop 2 to control a Moog Prodigy. Read more…
Gearwire’s Bill Holland takes a look at the Moog Music Minimoog Voyager. Read more…
