Moog modular synthesizer

A Moog modular synthesizer is a monophonic analog modular synthesizer designed by the electronic instrument pioneer Dr. Robert Moog. Many different models were manufactured by R.A. Moog Co. (Moog Music after 1972) from 1965–80.

History

In 1964, Robert Moog created one of the first modular voltage-controlled music synthesizers, and demonstrated it at the AES convention that year. Moog employed his theremin company to manufacture and market his synthesizers which, unlike the synthesizers created by Don Buchla (the other prominent figure in the early history of the synthesizer), featured a piano-style keyboard as a significant portion of the user interface. Moog also established standards for analog synthesizer control interfacing, with a logarithmic one volt-per-octave pitch control and a separate pulse triggering signal.

Modular synthesizer

The modular synthesizer is a type of synthesizer, that exists in both physical and virtual forms, consisting of separate specialized modules. The modules are not hardwired together but are connected together with patch cords, a matrix patching system, or switches to create a patch. The voltages from the modules may function as (audio) signals, control voltages, or logic conditions.

Types of modules

There are three basic kinds of modules: source, processor and logic. The basic modular functions are as: signal, control, logic/timing. Outputs are an electric voltage.

There exist many different types of modules. There are basic modules, and compound modules, a compound module being a single module made up of several basic modules internally wired together. Examples of compound modules include the envelope follower, sequencer, and vocoder. Modules with the same basic functions may have different inputs, outputs and controls, depending on their degree of complexity. Some examples include the VCO, which may have options for sync (hard or soft), linear or exponential frequency modulation, and variable waveshape; the VCF that may have both resonance and bandwidth controls; and the envelope follower which may provide outputs at each stage of the process. There are some standards which manufacturers followed for their range of physical synthesizers, such as 1V/oct control voltages, and gate / trigger thresholds providing general compatibility; however, connecting synthesizers from different manufacturers may require cables with different kinds of plugs.