Sound production has been around for hundreds of years, and people have worked to perfect sound production since the invention of electricity. One pioneer in the industry was engineer Robert Moog, who debuted his first synthesizer in 1964.
Technology has changed a lot over the years, but synthesizers are still widely used in sound production and studio recordings. And Moog is a staple brand in the sound production world. If you want a full array of voltage-controlled oscillators, amplifiers and filters, then the Moog Matriarch synth will give you the perfect sound.
What to know before you buy a Moog synthesizer
Complexity
If you want to buy a Moog synthesizer, be aware that they come at a rather steep learning curve. If you are not familiar with synths to begin with, this may be a bit overwhelming to start. However, if you know about sound production, a Moog can quickly become your favorite synthesizer.
Built-in speakers
A synth will be of little use to you if you can’t hear the sounds you’re making. Most Moog synths don’t have built-in speakers, so you will need to route the signal through a mixer, monitor or soundcard. That said, some models have speakers built into the device. Before you make your purchase, consider if you have all the equipment needed to use your Moog synth fully.
Sound production capabilities
If you’re looking to buy a Moog synth, you most likely have a particular sound in mind you want to create. If you don’t, that’s alright too! But it is worth investigating what kind of synthesizing sounds each device produces. There are plenty of models on the market, and all have varying degrees of functions, settings, sounds and loops.
Moog synthesizer features
Sequencer for looping
A sequencer allows you to create and record loops of sounds and instruments. It is what most musicians use to create a repetitive beat or sound. The majority of Moog synths have sequencers built-in and don’t require an external device to store the loops. You can then recall the sounds again later to add other layers to them.
Sound creation and manipulation
By its definition, you’ll want a Moog synthesizer if you want to create sounds and manipulate them as you wish. Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about analog oscillators, multiple waveforms or ping-pong repeats. With some practice, you’ll be able to use all of those functions to create mind-bending music. The most common audio manipulation features are filters, arpeggiators, effects and oscillators.
Built-in keypad
Unless your Moog synthesizer connects to an external keyboard, most synths have built-in keypads. These function the same way as an electronic keyboard, but you use them for different sound pitches, tones and notes. It will also influence the variety of sounds the synthesizer produces and works as a shortcut for any loops you create.
Moog synthesizer cost
Ultimately, how much you spend on a Moog synthesizer depends entirely on what you want to do. They come in a plethora of models, functions and capabilities. Synths with fewer capabilities cost around $200. The higher end of the spectrum can climb as high as $2,000.
Moog synthesizer FAQ
Are Moog synthesizers compatible with MIDI?
A. Not all Moog synthesizers have MIDI capabilities. If that is something you need, make sure you get a compatible model. Double-check the product details and information so that you buy the correct model.
Do I need a synth with a sequencer?
A. It is always a good idea to get a synth that has a built-in sequencer. This allows you to edit and tweak program loops. Even if you need an additional keyboard to function as a sequencer, there is always the possibility it won’t be compatible with the Moog synthesizer.
Which Moog synthesizer should I get?
Best of the best Moog synthesizer
Moog Matriarch Dark Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer: available at Amazon
Our take: A top-tier synth with all the capabilities you’ll ever need.
What we like: This synthesizer has almost everything you can dream of to produce amazing sounds. It has a 49-key Fatar keypad and a built-in advanced 256-step sequencer for recording and editing sound loops. The Matriarch also has four analog oscillators with multiple waveforms, four different kinds of filters and four different effects types. It has USB connectivity as well as MIDI in/out, and through-pass.
What we dislike: This model is not suitable for beginners, especially since the functions can be overwhelming at first.
Best bang for your buck Moog synthesizer
Moog Werkstatt-01 Analog Synthesizer Kit: available at Amazon
Our take: Stand-alone or used with others, this is a great synth for intermediary musicians.
What we like: This Moog synthesizer comes with a 13-note keypad and includes a CV expansion board so you can connect it to other synthesizers. It is semi-modular, so you can add it to other pieces of equipment or connect others to it. It has a wide-ranging oscillator pitch, lots of filter effects (including the legendary Moog 4-pole ladder), and comes with four mini patch cords.
What we dislike: When you first turn this on, all the settings will be in the default state. This will create disturbing sounds, and it can sound faulty.
Honorable mention Moog synthesizer
Moog DFAM Semi-Modular Analog Percussion: available at Amazon
Our take: This drummer synth hits all the right notes.
What we like: Part of the Mother-32 family of synthesizers, the percussion synth is one of the easiest models to learn. You can use it to create drumming sounds and drum loops, and it has an easy-to-use analog sequencer. It has two sound sources, a 5-octave frequency controller and a built-in mixer. It doesn’t require any patching cables, and you don’t need any experience to use it.
What we dislike: It doesn’t have any MIDI capabilities, which some players might need when making drum loops.
Charlie Fripp is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
