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Moog's Werkstatt-01 synth is back and it's more affordable than ever
The easy-to-assemble kit costs $199, but it's only available for a limited time.
Moog's latest Sub 37 synth has even more grit than the original
Last year at Moogfest, the namesake synth maker set up a temporary instrument factory to crank our its Model D reissue. For the 2017 installment of the analog soiree, Moog is building another synthesizer on-site in Durham, North Carolina, but this time it's a retooled version of the more compact Sub 37. Officially dubbed the Subsequent 37 CV, this new model carries a similar overall construction as its predecessor. However, the front panel is now silver and the side panels are solid aluminum with inset North American hardwood. I won't be shy about it: This thing is a beaut.
Inside Moog's Minimoog Model D synth factory at Moogfest
When Moogfest kicked off in North Carolina this week, the company announced that the iconic Minimoog Model D was going back into production during the festival. What's more, the analog synths are being assembled on-site at the event right in the middle of a temporary Moog store that's chock full of audio gear. Being the curious folks that we are, we went to check it out the process inside the pop-up factory and watched a little bit of the magic happen in Durham.
Moog adds to its analog arsenal with the Mother-32 semi-modular synth
Moog announced that it would no longer produce the legendary Minimoog Voyager earlier this week, but that doesn't mean the company isn't slowing down. Today, the North Carolina-based synth maker revealed the Mother-32: a semi-modular analog synthesizer that's built to "inspire unique sound creation, new music and endless sonic exploration." How exactly does it go about doing that? For starters, there's a voltage-controlled sequencer and 32-point analog patch bay to create a load of unique sounds. No patching is required to get started, so musicians at any skill level can begin making music in no time.
Moog revives its massive modular synthesizers
In 1973, Moog first began manufacturing its huge large format modular synthesizers that pack a wall of knobs, patch cables and other controls. The System 55, System 35 and Model 15 went out of production as musicians desired to have something a bit more portable, but just before the start of NAMM 2015, the company announced those giant setups are coming back. Last year, the folks at Moog remade Keith Emerson's (of Emerson, Lake & Palmer fame) modular system, and during the three-year-long process, learned a thing or two about recreating the original 1970s circuitry. Similar to Emerson's model, the new trio will be "a true recreation of the original," using the decades-old schematics to accurately reproduce the specs -- right down to all of the hand soldering, traditional wiring and photo-etched front panels.
Behringer plans to revive the classic ARP Odyssey synth, too
Korg isn't the only instrument company planning to reboot the classic ARP Odyssey synth. Tipping its hand via Facebook, Behringer revealed that it too has a remake of the iconic '70s analog synthesizer in the works. Details are scarce for now, but the post indicates that Behringer may be planning to use three-mode VCF circuitry in order to pack in sounds from the ARP Odyssey MK I, MK II and MK III series with full MIDI control via USB. The company says it can do all of that and keep the price around $500. Korg's "faithful recreation" was scheduled to arrive in September, but that date was pushed to early 2015, so we could see its final product at NAMM near the end of January. There's no word on when Behringer's instrument will ship.
Trade synth hacks and projects on Moog's Werkastatt Workshop hub
Back at Moogfest, the synth maker for which the event is named held a workshop where it debuted the Werkstatt-Ø1 analog kit. The patchable analog instrument was built for hacking, so folks could explore Moog's circuitry (including Ladder filter) in a portable package. After the success of that event back in April the kit is being released to the masses, and the North Carolina-based company is offering up a hub for projects, tutorials, lesson plans and more. The Werkstatt Workshop is similar to libraries that littleBits and Makerbot have for users to find ideas, with a full list of instructions and supplies for each -- including 3D-printing files and Arduino integration as needed. "We'd like to share our legacy of learning, music, and electronics to empower a new generation of makers to expand on our work and take it to levels we can't yet imagine," said Moog Music CEO Mike Adams. Not familiar with the Werkstatt-Ø1 synthesizer? No worries, Chromeo's Patrick "P-Thugg" Gemayel demos the instrument on the other side of the jump, alongside the how-to for building an Arduino Arpeggiator. If you're looking to snag one and get started with the experimentation, it'll set you back $329 at your local Moog dealer.
Korg's 'faithful recreation' of the ARP Odyssey analog synth is coming this September
Well folks, it looks like 2014 will see yet another synthesizer reboot. Korg announced that it's currently working on a "faithful recreation" of the legendary ARP Odyssey analog synth that made its debut back in 1972. The name may not ring a bell, but it's responsible for tones you've likely heard from artists Devo, John Foxx, Genesis and Deep Purple (as seen above) -- just to name a few. For September's release, Korg enlisted the original Odyessey's lead designer David Friend to lend a hand with the construction. Unfortunately details are sparse, but the outfit did reveal a new version of its popular MS-20 last January, along with other analog releases in recent years. Needless to say, the bar has been set pretty high for this next installment. [Photo credit: Fin Costello/Redferns]
Build your own analog synthesizer with Korg's MS-20 kit
At NAMM 2013, we were able to get cozy with Korg's MS-20 mini analog synth. This year, the company is putting the wrenches in your hands with its DIY MS-20 kit. For $1,400, synthesizer enthusiasts can nab the collection of parts needed to construct a working model of the iconic instrument, with no soldering or electrical expertise required. You can expect all the features, specs and even the same circuit path from the original with new MIDI input and USB connections. The kit remains true analog with 1/4-inch patch bay to boot, just in case you were concerned. There's even two types of filters that pay homage to both the early versions and the later more mellow MS-20 sounds, toggled on the circuit board. Heck, the engineers of 1978's original oversaw the process to insure the components replicated the circuitry of that synth. Only 1,000 kits will be available, so you'll have to act quickly when packages become available in March.
Moog Sub Phatty analog synthesizer hands-on (video)
A few days back, Moog teased a new synthesizer that we would come to meet properly as the Sub Phatty. Once we hit the show floor here in California, we made sure to drop by for live look. The analog unit features every bit of the fine craftsmanship that we've come to know Moog for crankin' out of its factory in the mountains of North Carolina despite the affordable $1,100 price tag. Sub Phatty keeps with the classic snyth aesthetic and Moog design trademarks including soft-touch coated side panels -- a staple of the Phatty line -- and knobs that look and feel prime for extreme mileage. Aside from a dapper exterior, the big draw here is the new Multidrive tech that graces the control panel and inner workings of the device. We could give a detailed textual explanation of said feature, but we'll let Amos Gaynes, product development specialist at Moog, do all of the chatting in the video that follows after the break. Speaking of the jump, you'll find an audio sample taken straight off of the Sub Phatty's frontside here at NAMM 2013.
