At Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, Moog Music has officially introduced the Moog Messenger, a compact monophonic analog synthesizer that they say is “designed to deliver the iconic Moog sound to a new generation of musicians”.
The Moog Messenger is a powerful synth that blends so-called ‘East Coast (Moog)’ and ‘West Coast (Buchla)’ synthesis capabilities. They call it “Moog’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date”.
Here’s the official intro video:
The Messenger builds on Moog’s traditional analog subtractive synth designs with dynamic wavefolding, dual loopable envelopes, a next-generation ladder filter with resonance bass compensation, a sequencer and arpeggiator. It can do classic ‘Moog sounds’, but also goes much further, with features like continuously variable-shape voltage-controlled oscillators and a multi-mode Moog ladder filter.
It also features a full-size keyboard with aftertouch; a front panel with the immediate, hands-on control that Moog keyboards are known for; and flexible analog and MIDI connectivity options, so you can integrate it with modular gear, MIDI hardware and your DAW.
“With Messenger, we aim to honor Moog’s rich heritage while embracing the future of analog synthesis,” said Joe Richardson, Moog Music President and inMusic EVP, Chief Commercial Officer. “This instrument is crafted for musicians and producers seeking a portable, powerful monosynth that delivers the iconic Moog sound, enhanced with modern features and intuitive controls.”
Moog Messenger Preset Demo By Lisa Bella Donna:
Features:
- “Timeless and Intuitive Design”: Building upon the DNA of Moog’s monosynths – including the Minimoog Model D, Voyager, Grandmother, and Subsequent 37 – Messenger combines new synthesis capabilities with a familiar format, delivering classic analog sound with modern enhancements.
- Modern Wavefolding Oscillators: Two continuously variable-shape voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) with unique hybrid wavefolders, sync, and frequency modulation (FM) capabilities allow for rich harmonic textures and dynamic overtones. A sub-oscillator with a continuously variable waveshape further adds deep, powerful low-end.
- Next-Generation Ladder Filter with Resonance Bass Compensation: The classic Moog transistor ladder filter has been reimagined with a unique pole-mixing design, offering 4-pole low-pass, 2-pole low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass responses. The resonance bass compensation (RES BASS) switch preserves low-end power at high resonance settings, ensuring full-bodied sound across the spectrum. The classic response is also available.
- Full-Size Keys with Expressive Control: Messenger features 32 semi-weighted full-size keys with velocity and aftertouch, providing a premium playing experience suitable for both performance and studio use. Its metal panel houses 256 presets, offering immediate access to a wide range of sounds and textures.
- Hands-On, Performance-Ready Layout: The knob-per-function control design ensures immediacy and ease of use, allowing musicians to shape sounds without navigating complex menus.
- Integrated Sequencer and Arpeggiator: A 64-step sequencer with probability-based generative behavior and parameter recording, along with a versatile arpeggiator offering multiple pattern modes and rhythmic programming, enable real-time composition and dynamic live performances.
- Sound Design and Modulation Playground: Two loopable ADSR envelopes with velocity responsiveness and multi-trigger capabilities, along with two LFOs—one variable shape with sync and reset, and one triangle-wave tied to the modulation wheel—provide extensive modulation options for creative sound design.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Messenger integrates seamlessly into your studio with six analog control voltage (CV) patch points, an external audio input to the filter, expression and sustain pedal inputs, and MIDI In/Out via both 5-pin DIN and USB-C.
- Compact, Powerful, and Accessible: Delivering the depth and sonic character of Moog’s legacy in a compact, performance-ready format, Messenger is Moog’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date.
“Messenger embodies our commitment to advancing analog synthesis while staying true to the Moog legacy and innovative spirit of Dr. Robert Moog,” said Erik Norlander, Director of Keyboard Product Development at inMusic. “Our goal was to create a synthesizer that invites immediate exploration—welcoming first-time Moog players and offering the depth and expressiveness that experienced musicians expect. With wavefolding oscillators, a dynamic shape sub-oscillator, a next-generation ladder filter, and comprehensive connectivity options, Messenger is as inspiring as it is accessible.”
Pricing & Availability:
The Moog Messenger will be available starting June 2, 2025, for $899 USD.
£899 haha haha!
$899 actually…. in pounds, that is likely a smaller number.
When you add 20% VAT will probably be a bigger number!
Looks non premium build, seems very expensive for what it is…
Welcome to 2025.
Possible typo? Isn’t west coast Buchla, and East Coast subtractive…???
Thanks for the feedback. This has been updated!
“This one can do anything but chords”
Just do three recordings for your major chord 😉
But, that takes skill! And who has time these days? Better buy a poly and some chord sequencer thingy, so one can at least pretend to look like they know they’re doing.
It really shows, that their only hit (yeah, fight me), isn’t enough anymore. There’s a reason inMusic bought them. There wasn’t any innovation for decades, and now it’s gonna get even worse. Another monosynth, but at least it has the Moog pricetag. Also something, something True Zero FM.
Nah, it will get better. We’re going to get more synths with even better build quality. Messenger looks like a tank that will last a century. You can’t even look at a Moog One without it acting up.
What? Dfam is a hit and very unique for example
Compare to Minibrute 2, which came out 9 years ago, costs about 60% as much (or less when you find a good deal on a used one) and has 8x as many patch points.
(Also, in the text above you’ve got East and West backwards. :D)
Hmmm.
How is this the most affordable synth? Does the OP of the Article mean „with a keyboard“
cause there are many moogs below this price already?
That said, sounds very nice. However i find it a bit bulky somehow. I am running out of space
Indeed. Affordable synths tend to come with a cyrillic install menu.
The most low-quality Moog ever and the most boring synth of 2025 so far.
Honestly, it looks more robust than any synth Moog ever put out. Glad Moog got taken over by inMusic and hired actual industrial designers.
It looks and sounds. At least In that video. Atrocious. Mind you moog stuff was always overpriced and overhyped to a ludicrous level. At least they have allegedly sorted the filter out after nearly 60 years… Progress haha
I feel like the French knights in Monty Python’s “Holy Grail”.
“Tell them them we already got one.”
Korg Multi/Poly?
May be the photos don’t do it justice, but it looks a bit sad to me. Compared to the sexyness of the Sub 37, or the fun colors of the grandmother/matriarch. Especially for a beginner, good looks matter. Hopefully they’ll do a more fun special edition, like Arturia did with the Microbrute.
Looks like a lovely first synth otherwise!
The only truly moog thing about it … is the price
looks any other synth out there … zero design , or seems like korg was the inspiration
and if there is any software related functions, we can expect the usual bugs > one, muse…
Why no data entry screen? They’re cheap as chips nowadays…
This is like MOOG being dragged kicking & screaming to get up to date…but with another MONO synth that does nothing innovative or interesting.
Try harder MOOG!
I will stick to KORG & ROLAND.
This is the finest example of modern American innovation. From one of the best companies in the history of the world! No one on earth could do it better. And it’s 100% Made in America. Everyone else just wants to copy this, but we mustn’t let that happen.
Uli? Where are you?
Looks like one of these Korg Minilogues…
I will never understand why anyone would pay $900 for a monophonic synth in 2025. Makes zero sense seeing the plethora of other options. At this point Moog is just taking advantage of brand name, loyalty and status.
…it’s also Moog’s most boring synth offering ever… I mean just look at that plastic-looking thing!