Moog’s classic analog synths have been used on countless recordings over the years. Their endearing analog sound and unique sonic capabilities make them popular instruments even today. Checkout Moog’s modular and semi-modular synthesizers, MoogerFooger effects pedal range, and more. Skip to Moog Synths on zZounds.
Introduction
Named after its founder Robert Moog, Moog Music builds analog synthesizers, effects pedals, theremins, and few other music gear.
The company started off manufacturing Theremins but today it produces a wide range of instruments and effects that are known for its outstanding craftsmanship and quality.
Please note that the actual pronunciation of the brand name rhymes with the word “rogue” (and not a drawn-out “oooo” sound).
We will take a look at popular Moog Synthesizers like the Voyager, Prodigy, Little Phatty, and other analog synths.
Moog Instrument List
- Moog Theremini, Moog Standard Etherwave Theremin, Moog Etherwave Plus, Moog Etherwave Theremin
- Read more
- Moog Subsequent 25 Analog Keyboard Synthesizer
- Moog Matriarch Analog Synthesizer
- Moog Mother-32 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer
- Moog Grandmother Analog Keyboard Synthesizer
- Moog Minitaur Analog Synthesizer
- Moog DFAM Drummer From Another Mother Semi-Modular Analog Percussion Synthesizer
- Moog EP3 Expression Pedal
- Moog 2-Tier Rack Kit & Moog 3-Tier Rack Kit (for DFAM and Mother-32 Synthesizer)
- Moog Rackmount Kit for VX351 and CP251
- Moog Minitaur Wood Sides
- Moog Mother-32 Cable Set New
- Moog Etherwave Theremin Gig Bag
- Moog Mother-32 and DFAM Gig Bag
- Moog Multi-Purpose Gig Bag
- Moog Eurorack Case
- Moog Model D ATA Road Case
- Moog Sub Phatty ATA Road Case
- Moog Voyager ATA Road Case
- Moog Minifooger Power Supply
- Moog Minitaur Power Supply
- Moog Moogerfooger 110v Power Supply
- Moog Moogerfooger 220v Power Supply
Best Moog Synths/Instruments
Moog Little Phatty Stage Synthesizer
Analog signal path, rugged construction, intuitive user interface, USB and Control Voltage functionality makes the Moog Little Phatty a must-have gear for producers, touring musicians and DJs, read more…
Minimoog Model D Analog Synthesizer
This reissue is basically an update to the 1970s-era analog synthesizer; comes with a dedicated analog LFO, MIDI I/O, a mixer overload mod and more. Read more here.
More Moog instruments & accessories:
- Moog theremins: Moog also produces top quality theremins.
- Moog Expression Pedal
Memorymoog Synthesizer
Key features of the Memorymoog: 6-voice polyphony, three VCO’s per voice, 18-oscillator unison mode, 100 patch memory, an arpeggiator and more. The vintage Memorymoog may have minor imperfections on the wood and metal (that one would expect from a vintage instrument), otherwise it is in very good physical condition.
Also Read: Best synthesizer keyboards.
Moog Little Phatty Stage Synthesizer
The Moog Little Phatty Stage Synthesizer (for Producers, Touring Musicians and DJs) lets you incorporate the legendary sounds of a genuine Moog synth in your recordings & performances. Just play a few notes and turn a few knobs and you’ll agree with the rest that Moog synths are really great.
And even though audio software have become a lot better over the years, analog synths have their own distinct sound (warm and fuzzy). Instead of buying just any keyboard, do consider buying a Moog Little Slim Phatty! The Little Phatty Stage II features MIDI connectivity, dual VCOs and a 100% analog signal path.
It’s 100% analog signal path, intuitive user interface, rugged construction and rich MIDI, USB and Control Voltage functionality make it a must-have for producers, touring musicians and DJs.
Old-school keyboard wizards who have grown up listening to the 70s and ’80s synth sounds will love the arpeggiator on this Moog Little Phatty stage Synth.
Where to Buy
User Comments:
Moog Little Phatty vs MicroKorg XL keyboard…
I am basically a DJ but I also own a MicroKorg XL keyboard in my setup. I have had the MicroKorg XL for quite some time and was quite happy with it until I got an opportunity to lay my hands on the Moog Little Phatty. It’s a totally different thing between knowing about a gear and seeing and actually playing it.
I think it completely beats the Korg in usability, the front panel is very intuitive, no submenu after submenu as in the Korg MicroKorg XL. It is also a treat tweaking those massive fat knobs. Definitely on my to-buy list…
I will admit that some of the hardware synths sound really good and it is easier to have control over the sounds. Even if a hardware is complicated, it is worth the effort learning it because of the sound you can get out of it. Having said that, computers are becoming a lot more powerful and the difference between software and hardware synths is diminishing by the day. The idea of owning a portable studio is definitely something that makes me sit up and take notice.
There is no doubt that the Moog little Phatty is one of the best if you are looking for a instrument that gives you complete control over the analog sounds.
But i have noticed some issues around the preset lights on my moog slim Phatty…it is a used instrument and around a couple of years old. The lights do not behave consistently and are lit up when it should not be…or just stay lit when it should not be. Anybody experienced this with their Moog Phatty?
Moog Mother-32 Semi Modular Analog Synthesizer
Moog Mother-32 is a tabletop tabletop semi-modular analog synthesizer from Moog. This analog performance and production synthesizer is designed to inspire unique sound and music creation. It provides raw analog sound, sequencing capabilities and offers extensive inter-connectivity to any electronic or modular setup. You get access to a wide range of creative tools to help you create new/unique music – Moog Ladder Filter, 32-step sequencer, 32 patch points, MIDI in and more.
Semi-Modular: No cables required for music creation and exploration.
32-Note Step Sequencer, up to 64 on-board sequences for live performance.
Expandable: Combine multiple Mother-32s for more sounds and creativity. Push it further with complete Eurorack integration.
Buying Links
Moog Accessories
Moog Mother-32 and DFAM Gig Bag
Designed specifically to fit the Mother-32 and DFAM analog synthesizer units, this official gig bag from Moog keeps your synths protected during travel.
Buy on zZounds
Moog Mother-32 Cable Set, Moog 6″ Modular Patch Cables
Buy on zZounds
Checkout more Moog synthesizers here.
Moog Instruments: Guide
Ask musicians to name two iconic vintage instruments, and many will name the Theremin and the Moog synthesizer, the earliest instruments to hit concert stages and recording studios.
In 1964, Moog came out with a unique (back then it was unique) electronic instrument, a modular voltage-controlled synthesizer that would change the sound of modern music forever. Since then, Musicians have loved using the Moog instruments and the sounds of Moog synths have featured in countless chart-busters.
These two iconic electronic instruments simulate the warmth of the human voice but also can add a touch of eerie, otherworldly air.
Moog – Early Days
Manufactured and designed by Dr Robert Moog or Moog music, Moog synthesizers are referred to analog synthesizers. These are usually used as a general terminology for analog and digital synthesizers.
The company established these voltage controlled analog synthesizers systems in 1950, while the principle behind Moogs prototype is the use of “Voltage-Controlled Electronic Music Modules. The formation of these synthesizers was the result of invention of transistors, as they lead Moog to develop these music systems which one can buy at cheaper rates and which were much more reliable and smaller than old vacuum tube based systems.
Moog Synth Popularity
Moog synthesizers became popular when they were first exhibited at Monterey International pop festival in 1967. Wendy Carlos’s recording of Switched-on batch in 1968 was a sensation and became the highest selling classical music ever of those times, it was then that Moog recording became a hit.
With the advent of Kraftwerk’s album Autobahn in 1974, the sound of synthesizers became further universalized, and used many types of synthesizers including Minimoog. Germany – based Italian Composer Giorgio Moroder contributed in shaping the development of Disco Music.
Later on many other improved features were added like self contained musical, scaled down, and simplified which are specifically designed instruments used in live performances. Leading rock band groups such as Yes and tangerine Dream took up Minimoog which became a hit out of all the monophonic synthesizers in the 1970s.
Moog Synthesizer Keyboards
Envisioned and perfected by Robert Moog in 1964, the original Moog synthesizer made use of a keyboard that allowed the user to simulate a number of different sounds.
In the earliest models, it was a painstaking process to adapt the device for each type of sound desired by the user. However, as technology advanced, the process of programming the Moog synthesizer for a wide range of sounds became easier. The design and sound of the Moog has influenced virtually every synthesizer since its introduction.
Moog Minimoog Synthesizer
Minimoog vs Minimoog Voyager
What Musicians Like?
Some musicians feel that Moog synths are expensive and a few experienced music producers do believe that they can get a similar sound by intelligently using EQ on a high end pre filter, but then it’s a fact that since the 70’s, these synths have captured the imagination of musicians.
These sound beautiful, and the various sounds more often than not get used in most music production work. Many musicians have even been building their own Moogs.
Most musicians like the ambient textures/drones, complex bass sequences, modern lead sounds, synths, acid basslines, 80s basses/leads, etc.
Though as a music producer, the choice of gear would definitely depend on whatever you are comfortable with, but then most VSTs/effects that try to emulate the Moog don’t get close enough to the original sound.
Besides, another reason for the fascination towards Moog is the capability to create your own sounds with your own hands using the large knobs available to you.
The Moog sound still continues to be in demand. With original Minimoogs fetching high prices and the Little Phatty’s popularity, it looks like Moogs will be around for the next many many years to come.
Playlist of killer Moog music
Ten hour playlist of killer Moog music…
Useful Links
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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