In 2018, Moog launched its first analog polysynth in practically three many years, Moog OneIt’s an enormous, intimidating beast, designed to permit musicians to play a number of analog synth voices without delay. Much more intimidating than the control-filled entrance panel is the value. When the Moog One was initially launched, it got here in eight- and 16-voice variants, priced at $5,999 and $7,999, respectively. The Moog One 8 has since been discontinued, and the 16-voice model has jumped in value to $10,000, leaving an enormous hole in Moog’s analog synth lineup.
Muse is an try to fill that hole and make Moog’s polysynth extra accessible. This $3,499, eight-voice, bitimbral analog machine has two oscillators, a modulation generator, three low-frequency oscillators (LFOs), two filters, two envelopes, a digital delay, and aftertouch (although it isn’t polyphonic). There are extra feature-rich synths on the market, however that is nonetheless a fairly stable core with a whole lot of flexibility. Plus, there’s one factor Muse has over different synths: it is Moog.
Traditional sound
There’s one thing particular in regards to the sound of a Moog synthesizer. There are many synthesizers that do an amazing job of imitating the enduring Moog bass sound, however they’ll by no means match the actual factor.
I used to be reminded of this many instances throughout my testing. I performed the Moog Muse alongside a number of totally different devices, starting from Korg’s Monologue And Minilogue XD To Novation BassStation II And Arturia Polibrut 12There’s one thing in regards to the sound of the Moog oscillator and its legendary ladder filter that feels larger and hotter than nearly something I’ve ever performed.
Photograph: Moog
That is partly because of the particular traits of oscillators, that are based mostly on Minimoog VoyagerThey are not simply analogue, they’re aggressive: the place different fashionable analogue polysynths do their finest to remain completely in tune, treating pure analogue drift as one thing to be tweaked to style, Muse leans into its pure imperfections, giving them loads of character and density.
It’s simple, with eight voices at your disposal, to imagine that you just’re supposed to make use of the Muse for taking part in chords and pads, however don’t ignore the bass on this factor. It’s huge, dwarfing nearly another polysynth I’ve performed. It’s particularly absurd once you stack all eight voices in unison mode. This factor could also be constructed with pads and key sounds in thoughts, nevertheless it’s each bit the beast on bass and leads you’d count on from a Moog.
In fact, you will have loads of different, cheaper choices for highly effective mono synths. To justify the value, the Muse must ship extra advanced, wide-band sounds. Luckily, it additionally excels at epic pads, cinematic strings, and daring keys.
The sound shaping choices listed below are fairly sturdy. A devoted modulation generator can management pitch, filter, or pulse width, and even be become a 3rd frequency generator. Nevertheless, its tuning is not as secure as the primary mills, making it nice for producing a sickening, dissonant sound.
There are additionally ring modulation and FM (frequency modulation) circuits for turning analogue heat into clanking, metallic bells and plucks, plus an overdrive circuit for including much more grit. Plus, there are three LFOs and two envelopes, all of which could be patched by a 16-slot modulation matrix to create advanced sounds starting from chaotic EDM bass to long-evolving soundscapes.