Moog is a legendary name in synthesizer design. Founded by the American engineer Dr Robert Moog (1934-2005), Moog Music created the world’s first practical modular synthesizer way back in the mid-60s. Daring but also daunting, Moog’s innovation was to combine a number of modules for generating and manipulating tones – hence the name – within a towering case with an integrated keyboard. By using patch leads to connect the integral oscillator, filter and noise generator modules together in an endless variety of ways, a whole new world of sounds was opened up.
Moog never looked back. Nor did its many imitators. Synths swiftly shrank in size and grew in power, and analogue signal control was soon joined by its digital equivalent, further expanding the musical palette. However, as with all meetings of technology and creativity, there has been a steady push and pull between the authenticity of analogue and convenience of digital ever since. The past decade has seen a modular synth revival as a new generation of musicians and creators discover the performative, hands-on and DIY delights of analogue synthesis, and the art of physically linking things together to forge new sonic frontiers, hacking, splicing and even building new kit as they go.
The new Moog Sound Studio in all its glory, accessories, manuals and printed ephemera included
Moog Sound Studio: two complete kits
As a result, a vast array of small, nimble start-ups has arisen, buoyed by the sky-high prices and scarcity of original equipment (a refurbished Moog System 55 from 1976 sold for around £45,000 in 2018). Moog’s new Sound Studio marks the mothership returning to reclaim its territory. A bespoke box of synth delights, each Sound Studio package is pitched as an all-in-one introduction, the aural equivalent of those childhood science kits filled with brightly coloured chemicals and test tubes. As well as two semi-modular synthesizers and a mixer, each kit includes a rack mount and all the patch cables you’ll need, along with a host of guides and even games to get you started.
Moog's new Sound Studio: every detail is considered, right down to the packaging
There’s a lovingly filtered sheen of retro-nostalgia coating the whole exercise, from the graphics and packaging down to the illustrations on the instruction manuals. There are two packs, the Mother-32 module together with the ‘Drummer From Another Mother’ (DFAM) percussion synth or the DFAM paired with Moog’s Subharmonicon, with all equipment hand-assembled in Moog’s facility in North Carolina.
Each combo offers up a cocktail of creative experimentation. The company has also commissioned a new EP to accompany the launch so you can experience the full scope of sounds before you buy. Whether you’re a budding Rick Wakeman, aspiring Aphex Twin, or even someone who simply delights in the physicality of tinkering with technology, the Moog Sound Studio will get you plugged in.
INFORMATION
-
Travel editor Sofia de la Cruz’s gift guide for the discerning globetrotterWallpaper* travel editor Sofia de la Cruz curates her festive wish list, packed with stylish essentials for those constantly on the go
-
Paul Smith’s Claridge’s Christmas tree is a playful slice of ‘countryside in the centre of London’Sir Paul Smith is the latest in a long line of fashion designers to curate the iconic Claridge’s Christmas tree. Here, he talks to Wallpaper* about the inspiration behind the tree, which features bird boxes and wooden animals
-
Victoire de Castellane nods to Dior motifs in a new fine jewellery collectionFor the latest additions to the My Dior collection, Victoire de Castellane turns the house’s signature cannage motif into golden wonders
-
The Fender American Ultra II combine made-in-the-US quality with contemporary techA deluge of new products from Fender shows the iconic guitar manufacturer still knows how to innovate and entice
-
Moog’s mood-altering Labyrinth and five more new synthesizers and sound toolsExplore soundscapes and ambient realms with these new synthesizers and other desktop composition tools for shaping all forms of audio
-
From Tangerine Dream to cult PlayStation hits, eight books chronicling the art of noise and playWe explore eight titles that get under the skin of music history, technological evolution and the art and experience of digital culture
-
San Diego-based audio specialists Wrensilva update their elegant Record ConsolesWith new materials, upgraded electronics and input from three industry greats, the new Wrensilva Standard and M1 Record Consoles are the ultimate in audiophile furniture
-
A new limited-edition Rhodes piano and Gibson doubleneck guitar aim for the starsThe new Rhodes Mk8 Earth Edition piano and Gibson Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Doubleneck guitar revisit classic instruments at a price
-
20 of the best CD players as the compact disc comeback continuesWe expand our guide to the best compact disc players with a fresh selection of good looking and great sounding models
-
Six new ways of making music, from sonorous start-ups to note-perfect classicsOur music technology round-up showcases six new ways of making music, from a piano designed to blend into the modern home to sophisticated effects units and an all-in-one DJ system
-
Hands on with new Nothing Phone (1): a clearly different smartphoneNothing Phone (1) launches, hitting the sweet spot between price, performance, and efficiency, and promoting the simplification of your smartphone life
