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Tag: Bob Moog

  • Moogfest 2014 Intrigues and Inspires

    Moogfest 2014 Intrigues and Inspires

    Observing the news from this year’s Moogfest, held once again in Asheville, NC, headquarters of Moog Music, it is obvious that the modular synthesizer revival is coming full circle. At the festival, Moog announced they are reintroducing Keith Emerson’s classic modular unit, used in pretty much every ELP tour since the early 70s. I Dream of Wires, indeed. (Speaking of which, the theatrical version of this excellent modular synthesizer documentary saw its debut at Moogfest.)

    Moog says “contact us” for New Modular System Price

    It appears Moog’s new Emerson modular system is a very limited edition. The company says to contact them for the price; one rumor I saw placed the behemoth’s cost at a stunning $90,000. Whoa!

    Emerson Moog Modular
    The new Emerson Moog Modular synthesizer in all its glory. Photo copyright Moog Music.

    Hopefully, Moog decides to offer the individual modules on a separate basis. While, Moog’s modular format isn’t necessarily as popular as Eurorack, enough synth freaks want that classic filter sound to make it worth their while – MoogerFoogers notwithstanding.

    The Moog Engineering Workshop a Success

    One of the events at Moogfest inspiring a lot of jealousy in me was an engineering workshop where participants built their own analog synthesizer — the Werkstatt. Bob Moog’s Theremin kits were his first product way back when, and the Werkstatt pays tribute — more or less — to that part of Bob’s legacy. Very cool!

    Check out the details behind the synth in this video from Sonic State which features an interview with Moog engineer, Steve Dunnington. (Note the Korg MS-20 on the rack behind Steve. Hmmm…)

    Moogfest is also an Electronic Music Festival

    Moogfest also plays host to one of the larger electronic music festivals in the US, which is many festival goers’ prime reason for attending. Kraftwerk, Chic, RJD2, Giorgio Moroder, Mix Master Mike, Bernie Worrell, and Keith Emerson were some of the musical highlights.

    Seminars, Workshops, and More

    Moogfest featured a number of seminars, panels, and workshops of interest to anyone enthralled by the art of analog synthesis. The workshops covered practical topics, including sampling analog instruments as well as a variety of modular synthesis advice and tutorials. Alternative musical interfaces were featured in a seminar, and the folks from the DIY bible, Make Magazine, even hosted their own five hour panel/workshop.

    Non-Moog industry legends like Don Buchla, Tom Oberheim, Roger Linn, and Dave Smith each were featured in panels, providing that Moogfest goes beyond the brand name to cover analog synthesis in general. Also: Moog Yoga, anyone?

    Needless to say, I need to find a way to actually attend next year’s Moogfest. This is a festival that showcases both the analog synthesizer industry and the beauty of Asheville, NC and its surrounding region. For the time being, I’ll just have to wait for my Moog Sub 37 to arrive in about three weeks.

  • Review: The Arturia iMini brings the Classic Bob Moog Sound to the iPad

    Review: The Arturia iMini brings the Classic Bob Moog Sound to the iPad

    iMini was Arturia’s first foray on the burgeoning iOS music app platform. It features a dead-on audio simulation of the classic Minimoog, arguably the most popular analog synthesizer in history. In true Arturia fashion, iMini also adds a host of useful features not included in Bob Moog’s classic piece of musical art.

    iMini for the iPad Features

    • Classic Minimoog Sound
    • 3 Oscillators
    • Classic “Moog Filter”
    • Filter and Amp Envelopes
    • Polyphony
    • Arpeggiator
    • White and Pink Noise and an “External Input”
    • Chorus and Delay with X-Y Control Pads
    • Support for Audiobus, WIST, and Inter App Audio
    • Available at the App Store for $9.99

    Fans of the Minimoog or even fans of Arturia’s Mini V desktop synth need to check out iMini. It truly is one of the best synth apps on the iOS platform.

    Classic Moog Sound with a Modern Interface

    The iMini features a similar, easy-to-use interface as Arturia’s iSEM synth app. A menu bar at the top provides patch management, navigates between the different screens, and also allows access to MIDI and Inter App Audio functionality. It feels like a strange, modern version of a Minimoog.

    Arturia iMini Screenshot 1
    Arturia’s iMini is a dead-on simulation of the Minimoog for the iPad. Screenshot by Author.

    The first screen essentially provides a scrunched view of the original Minimoog. Control of the three oscillators, mixer, and filter all happens here. A bit of the wood-panel view offers a welcome piece of skeuomorphism — take that iOS 7.

    A noise generator — with white and pink options — as well as an external input can be mixed into the overall sound. A simulation of the classic Moog filter is present with its own envelope in addition to one for the amplifier.

    Arturia iMini Screenshot 2
    An arpeggiator and two X-Y pads for parameter control offer functionality not in Bob Moog’s original design. Screenshot by Author.

    The “Perform” and “FX” screens change up the design of the Minimoog by adding some use functionality, including an arpeggiator and two X-Y pads to control synth and effects parameters. Virtual analog delay and chorus effects round out the sonic architecture of the iMini.

    A Modern Take on a Classic Synth

    Support for Audiobus, Inter App Audio, and WIST remind us that we are using an iOS music app. In fact, iMini also supports the Tabletop iOS virtual music studio; something not included with Arturia’s iSEM app. MIDI mapping of controls is easy — typical of Arturia synths no matter the platform.

    Fans of Bob Moog, classic analog synths, or anyone involved in contemporary spacerock or electronica are the audience for the iMini. This is one synth app that stands at the pinnacle of iOS music apps. Highly recommended.