For decades, Moog synthesizers have been synonymous with fat, characterful analog sounds that have shaped the sonic landscape of countless genres. But in the realm of polyphony, Moog has remained relatively quiet. Enter the Moog One!
The Moog One is a tri-timbral, polyphonic analog dream machine. This review looks into the features of this synth to determine if it is worth your hard-earned bucks! Is it the ultimate polyphonic analog synth, or is it just another contender in a crowded field?
Related posts:
Yamaha MODX and MODX+ Full Review: Best Synths In 2024
Arturia MicroFreak Synth Expert Review: Best Mini Synths 2024
The Moog One Complete Review: A Synth Powerhouse
Contents
Design and Build
This feature-packed powerhouse boasts a newly designed sound engine, immense sonic potential, and a deep well of modulation possibilities.
It hosts a meticulously designed chassis, inviting with its wooden sides and a plethora of hands-on controls ar your fingers.
This synth has a well-constructed keybed, paired with pitch and modulation wheels. It feels high-quality and expressive and is a joy to play.
At its heart, the Moog One is available in two models, 8-voice and 16-voice. This polyphony allows you to play complex chords, layered soundscapes, and intricate arpeggios without worrying about note stealing.
Each voice boasts three state-of-the-art analog voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) capable of generating a wide range of classic and modern waveforms. The VCOs feature waveshape mixing, allowing you to blend and morph between waveforms.
The Moog One isn’t just a single synth; it’s three independent synths in one. This tri-timbral architecture allows you to split the keyboard into three zones, each with its own unique sound and effects chain.
Each zone even boasts its own sequencer and arpeggiator, empowering you to create intricate rhythmic patterns and evolving soundscapes.
Sound Engine
The sound engine of Moog One is a testament to its unparalleled synthesis capabilities. With its tri-timbral architecture, the synthesizer allows three individual synths to run concurrently, each with its sequencer, arpeggiator, and effects library.
It boasts an array of oscillators, filters, and modulators, enabling an extensive sonic exploration. The analog signal path, paired with eventide reverbs, ensures that the synthesizer produces a sound that is rich, vast, and infinitely modulatable.
Shaping your sound further are four LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) that can modulate various parameters like pitch, filter cutoff, and amplitude. These LFOs offer a range of waveforms, allowing you to create vibrato and complex rhythmic textures.
Additionally, three DAHDSR envelope generators per voice provide detailed control over the attack, decay, sustain, hold, and release of your sound. With user-definable curves, you can craft anything from sharp, percussive envelopes to long, evolving pads.
Filters
Moog wouldn’t be Moog without its legendary filters, and the Moog One doesn’t disappoint. Each voice is equipped with two independent filters: the classic Moog Ladder filter and a modern multimode state-variable filter.
The Ladder Filter, renowned for its smooth and creamy character with a distinct growl when pushed, provides that signature Moog sound. The state-variable filter, on the other hand, offers a broader sonic palette, with sharp acid tones and smooth vowel sounds.
The ability to run these filters in series or parallel opens up a vast world of timbral possibilities.
Modulation and Effects
Moog One’s modulation possibilities are profound, with each voice offering two triangle-core analog VCOs and a variable waveform analog LFO. Its extensive modulation matrix and multiple envelope generators allow for intricate sound-shaping possibilities.
The synthesizer also includes a robust effects section, with a wide array of premium-quality effects, allowing users to add depth and dimension to their sonic creations.
While the core sound engine of the Moog One is pure analog, it also boasts a growing library of high-quality digital effects. These include classics like chorus, delay, and phaser, alongside more adventurous options like bit reduction and vocoding.
A suite of premium Eventide reverbs adds ambiance and depth to your sounds. These effects can be applied in two ways: as Synth Effects for individual timbral layers or as Master Bus Effects for a cohesive final polish.
Importantly, the Moog One maintains a completely analog signal path when the effects are bypassed, ensuring the warmth and character of the analog circuitry remain prominent.
User Interface and Connectivity
The user interface of Moog One is intuitive, with a high-resolution touchscreen that makes navigation and workflow seamless.
It also provides extensive connectivity options, including CV ins/outs, USB, and MIDI, ensuring that it integrates smoothly within any setup, from modular rigs to DAW-centric studios.
The Moog One embraces the modern age with a range of connectivity options. USB allows for easy integration with computers for recording and MIDI control.
Additionally, an Ethernet port enables the synth to connect directly to Moog’s headquarters for remote diagnostics and potential future firmware updates.
This forward-thinking approach ensures your Moog One stays relevant and up-to-date for years to come. With the Moog One, these types of intricate modulations are a breeze to set up and explore.
Performance
The Moog One isn’t just a studio powerhouse; it’s also built for live performance. The premium 61-note Fatar TP-8S keybed provides a responsive and comfortable playing experience, with both velocity and aftertouch for nuanced control over your sound.
A pitch and mod wheel, XY pad, and aftertouch offer further performance options for expressive playing. The 64 presets can be loaded onto the front panel Performance Set module for instant recall during live sets.
Also, thousands more presets can be stored and categorized within the instrument’s internal browser.
Comparisons
Moog One vs. Dave Smith Prophet Rev2
- Sound Engine: While the Moog One boasts a powerful analog sound engine with extensive modulation options and effects, the Prophet Rev2 comes with 16 voices of polyphony and a 2/4 pole low pass filter.
- User Interface: Moog One’s high-resolution touchscreen and well-organized panel offer an intuitive user experience, whereas the Prophet Rev2 has a less expansive interface but is still user-friendly.
- Price: The Moog One is more expensive, reflecting its flagship status and extensive features. The Prophet Rev2 is more budget-friendly but still offers powerful sound-shaping capabilities.
Moog One vs. Prophet 10
- Sound Engine: The Moog One features a tri-timbral analog sound engine with up to 16 voices of polyphony, while the Prophet 10 by Sequential is a bi-timbral, 10-voice analog synthesizer. Both offer rich and deeply complex sounds, but the Moog One provides more voices and a broader sound palette.
- User Interface: Moog One boasts a luxurious interface with a touchscreen and numerous knobs and switches for hands-on control, whereas the Prophet 10 offers a straightforward interface that’s well-regarded for its immediacy and ease of use.
- Historical Legacy: While the Moog One is designed as Moog’s modern flagship synthesizer, the Prophet 10 carries the legacy of Sequential’s vintage sound, appealing to those looking for classic tones.
- Price: Both are premium instruments, but the Moog One typically has a higher price tag due to its additional features and polyphony.
Moog One vs. Matriarch
- Architecture: The Moog One is a polyphonic synthesizer with extensive modulation capabilities, while the Matriarch is a semi-modular, 4-voice paraphonic synth. The Moog One is designed for complex polyphonic patches, while the Matriarch encourages patch-cable-based sound exploration.
- Sound: The One and Matriarch both feature Moog’s distinct analog warmth, but the Moog One has a wider sonic range due to its deeper synthesis architecture.
- Price Range: The Matriarch is positioned as a more affordable option within Moog’s lineup, while the Moog One is a high-end synthesizer reflecting its extensive feature set.
The Moog Matriarch Full Review: Best Synth In 2024?
Moog One vs. Arturia PolyBrute
- Sound and Flexibility: The Moog One offers a purely analog signal path, while the Arturia PolyBrute incorporates digital control for its analog circuits, which includes morphing capabilities between patches.
- Interface and Usability: The Moog One features a detailed interface with a touchscreen, while the PolyBrute is known for its innovative morphing matrix and hands-on control.
- Price: The Moog One is positioned at a higher price point, reflecting its expansive feature set. In contrast, the PolyBrute is more accessible while still offering unique sound-shaping features.
Moog One vs. Memorymoog
- Vintage vs. Modern: The Memorymoog is a classic vintage synth known for its lush sound and is a collector’s item. The Moog One is a modern interpretation with contemporary features like digital effects and a more stable tuning system.
- Polyphony: Both synthesizers offer polyphony, with the Memorymoog having 6 voices, whereas the Moog One can go up to 16 voices, allowing for more complex polyphonic arrangements.
- Integration: The Moog One is designed with modern connectivity in mind, including MIDI and USB integration, which the vintage Memorymoog lacks without modifications.
Moog One vs. Minimoog
- Polyphony: The Minimoog is a monophonic synthesizer, iconic for its bass and lead sounds, while the Moog One offers extensive polyphony for chords and layered sounds.
- Complexity: The Minimoog is celebrated for its straightforward design and powerful sound, making it a staple in many studios. The Moog One, in contrast, provides a deep and complex architecture for advanced sound design.
- Historical Impact: The Minimoog is a piece of musical history with a sound that defined generations of music, whereas the Moog One is aimed at setting a new standard for modern analog polyphonic synthesis.
Moog One vs. Sequential OB-6
- Voices: The Moog One offers up to 16 voices of polyphony, while the OB-6 offers 6 voices.
- Oscillators and Filters: Both synths offer powerful oscillators and filters, but the Moog One provides more extensive options and flexibility in sound shaping.
- Price: The Moog One comes at a higher price point, reflecting its flagship status, whereas the OB-6 is more moderately priced but still offers powerful synthesis capabilities.
Moog One vs. Roland Jupiter-X
- Sound Engine: The Moog One is purely analog, offering rich and warm tones. The Jupiter-X combines analog and digital technologies to offer a wide array of sounds, including emulations of vintage Roland synths.
- Build and Design: Both synthesizers are robustly built, but the Moog One offers a more luxurious design with wooden sides and a larger array of controls.
- Integration: Both synths offer extensive connectivity options, but the Jupiter-X also includes a comprehensive set of modern features like Bluetooth and USB audio interface capabilities.
FAQ
Q1. What Is the Polyphony Count?
The Moog One comes in two versions: an 8-voice and a 16-voice model, allowing multiple notes to be played simultaneously with extensive layering options.
Q2. Can You Save Presets on the Moog One?
The Moog One allows you to save and recall presets, facilitating quick access to your sounds during performances and sessions.
Q3. Is It Suitable for Live Performances?
Absolutely. With its sturdy build, intuitive interface, and preset-saving capabilities, the Moog One is well-suited for live performance scenarios.
Q4. Does the Moog One Have a Sequencer?
Yes, the Moog One features a powerful sequencer for each of its three synths, allowing for intricate sequence creations and manipulations.
Q5. What Type of Keys Does the Moog One Have?
The Moog One features a premium Fatar TP-8S keybed with velocity and aftertouch, providing an expressive playing experience.
Related posts:
Korg Kross 2 Expert Review: The Best Synth Workstations
The Korg Kross 88: Ultimate Synth Review In 2024
The Korg Krome 88 Review: An Affordable Workstation Synth
Conclusion
The Moog One stands as a monumental achievement in the world of synthesis. It encapsulates a universe of sound within its architecture, allowing for deep explorations and sonic adventures.
Its comprehensive features, exceptional build quality, and infinite modulation possibilities solidify its position for synthesis connoisseurs seeking a high-end polyphonic synthesizer.
