Sixties synth maker muSonics is back – at least in name – and is now shipping its first synth module, a revised version of the classic R.A. Moog 902 VCA.
muSonics was founded in the late ’60s by businessman Bill Waytena, who saw opportunity in the then-new instrument category of synthesizers. He hired former Moog engineer Gene Zumchak to design a synth called the Sonic V, but struggled to sell it, without connections in the music business. In 1970, muSonic bought out R.A. Moog, and the two companies merged. By 1972, Moog branding had replaced the muSonics name for the company.
Now muSonics has officially announced that it’s back, that it has acquired STG Soundlabs and that it’s shipping the 902 VCA. The new organization will be headed by Suit & Tie Guy, head of STG Soundlabs and creator of Knobcon, and operating under the name STG muSonics.
Here’s the official announcement:
We’re not sure how much of this announcement is intended to be taken literally…but the letterhead makes it all look pretty official.
The STG muSonics 902 VCA is already in production, though, and available via Noisebug. It is based on the classic design manufactured by muSonics in the early ’70s. The design has been revised to support 15 volt power, selectable AC coupling, and to be only 2 inches deep.
The muSonics 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier is a signal processing module for amplitude modulation of signals within the frequency range from DC to over 50,000 cycles per second. It permits variable gain up to a factor of 2 (6dB), by manual or voltage control, with either linear or exponential gain response to the control signal.
It has complementary inputs and outputs, and produces two quadrant multiplication of signals connected to the signal processing and control inputs. Typical applications include amplitude contouring, modulation, and gating of both audio and control signals.
Features:
- 80 dB Dynamic Range
- DC to 50,000 Hz Frequency Range, Signal and Control Inputs
- Amplification Factor of 2X to Control level of 6 volts
- Complementary Inputs and Outputs
- Linear and Exponential Control Response
- DC and AC Signal Input Coupling (new for 2023)
- Powered by 15V Synthesizers.com Power Connector (new for 2023)
Pricing and Availability:
The STG muSonics 902 VCA is available now for $275 USD via Noisebug.
“We’re not sure how much of this announcement is intended to be taken literally”
Hmm… ?
Maybe the part which says “For immediate release”?
Otherwise, I became a bit suspicious at the claim that other companies are unlikely to move to Illinois, this year. I mean, it’s a bit early to assess that, no?
You’re correct, the least plausible part of the press release was the idea that a company would want to move to Illinois at all.
Sources tell me that muSonics felt the timing was right for a move, as the 500 sheets of quality custom letterhead it had procured in 1966 was nearly depleted.
Congratulations, Suit! The company is in good hands (and good heart)!
Brilliant wit!!!!! Only thing cool in Chilicoathi is Dickson Mounds further south and it being the birthplace of Winchester from MASH
6 million dodgecoin……..
It was a surprisingly arrival!
6 million Dogecoin = $480,000 USD, currently … subject to change without notice.