Moog One Synthesizer - Thorough Sound Demo & Review

In this latest video from Moog Music (skip to 34:40 for sound demo), we obtain a thorough demonstration of the new Moog One polyphonic analog synthesizer that was announced last month. Not only do we get in-depth explanations of the synthesizer’s various specs and features, we finally get to hear how it sounds!

You can watch part 2 of the Moog One demo in the video below:

Moog One Features

• TRIANGLE CORE OSCILLATORS
• Each Moog One voice employs three newly developed triangle core analog VCOs. The output of each oscillator is a user-defined mix of the selectable triangle / sawtooth wave, plus a variable-width pulse wave. Expanding beyond traditional oscillator designs, the rise/fall time of the triangle wave and the reset phase of the sawtooth wave can be shaped and modulated to create to a rich palette of classic analog tones. Blending the tri/saw and pulse waves together opens new dimensions of harmonic freedom, creating complex waveforms not typically found in analog synthesizers. The Moog One oscillator section is also equipped with hard sync, analog ring modulation, and FM for boundless analog sound generation.
• DUAL SOURCE NOISE GENERATOR
• Each Moog One voice includes an advanced dual-source analog noise generator that allows different colors of noise to be selected and mixed, while and dynamically articulated utilizing the dedicated noise envelope generator. This unique module is a powerful tool for adding percussive attacks, breath, or full-body impact to a sound.
• MIXER
• Moog One offers a flexible analog mixer, providing volume controls and filter routing selections for each oscillator, noise generator, ring modulator, and external audio input — sound sources can be shaped by different filters independently, or at the same time.
• LADDER AND STATE VARIABLE FILTERS
• There are two types of analog filters in Moog One. The first is a newly-designed multimode State Variable Filter that brings razor-like precision and articulation to the instrument. The second is a classic Moog Ladder filter with selectable low pass / high pass behavior. These two filters can process sounds individually or together, in series or parallel operation, to access a vibrant spectrum of classic, obscure, and completely new filter sounds.
• LOW FREQUENCY OSCILLATORS
• Cyclical motion within Moog One is generated by 4 wide-range LFOs that can be assigned to nearly any destination. Capabilities include MIDI synchronization and clock division, start delay time, number of repeats per instance, fade in and out time, and much more.
• ENVELOPES
• Dynamic sound shaping within Moog One comes via its 3 assignable DAHDSR Envelopes (Delay, Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, Release). In addition to looping, synchronization, and time scaling capabilities, the character of each envelope can be user-sculpted through utilization of per-stage envelope curves.
• MODULATION
• Easily create modulation assignments from any of Moog One’s 4 LFOs and 3 EGs by pressing their corresponding Destination Button — the next knob touched sets the modulation path and amount. For more complex modulation options, Moog One also employs an internal Modulation Matrix with visual access to every possible combination of the instrument’s extensive synthesis and controller components.
• SYNTH EFFECTS, MASTER BUS EFFECTS, AND EVENTIDE® REVERBS
• Moog One features a growing library of programmable per-synth effects and master bus effects that include chorus, delay, phase, bit reduction, vocoding, and a suite of premium reverbs from Eventide® including Blackhole, Shimmer, Plate, Room, and Hall. Effects can be applied in two ways: as Synth Effects and Master Bus Effects. Synth Effects are applied to individual layers of timbrality, while Master Bus Effects can be applied via sends to all three synthesizers. Though its onboard effects are digital, Moog One retains a completely analog signal path with no in-line conversion when insert effects are off.
• TRI-TIMBRALITY AND UNISON MODE
• Comprised of three independently addressable analog polysynths, the tri-timbral Moog One design allows voices to be easily assigned, split, layered, or stacked with up to 48 oscillators in Unison Mode. Additionally, each synthesizer is equipped with its own fully-featured step sequencer, arpeggiator, and effects processor. Multitimbral synthesis is simplified through the Moog One ‘Panel Focus’ module. Selecting a Synth for Panel Focus causes the Moog One front panel knobs and buttons to switch control to that layer of timbrality. Users can also select multiple layers at once for simultaneous adjustment of multiple synthesizers.
• KEYBOARD AND X/Y PAD
• Moog One’s premium 61-note Fatar TP-8S keyboard with velocity and aftertouch ensures a balanced and dynamic playing experience for any user. In addition, milled aluminum pitch and mod wheels and a pressure-sensitive X/Y pad provide a fully assignable means of emotive expression and continuously variable control.
• MORE BUTTON
• Nearly every module is equipped with a triangular “More” button in the upper right corner. When “More” is pressed, the Moog One LCD screen reveals additional parameters specific to that module, accessing deep-level features and advanced controls.
• PRESETS AND PERFORMANCE SETS
• A Moog One preset is a self contained creative environment, saving the parameter settings for all 3 layers of timbrality, along with all of their respective sequencer, arpeggiator, and modulation settings. Moog One has the ability to store and recall tens of thousands of presets that can easily be categorized, edited, notated, and even shared via USB drive. Up to 64 Presets can also be loaded to Moog One’s ‘Performance Set’ module, where they are instantly selectable via a front panel “Bank / Preset” button configuration—a must for live performance and sessions.
• USER SPACES
• Preserving more than just presets, the User Space saves all of the global behaviors, MIDI settings, port and pedal configurations, knob behaviors and even the LED brightness of your working environment, which is critical for studios and working musicians. Multiple User Spaces can be created, saved, and recalled – either from internal memory, or from an external USB drive, allowing you to instantly transfer your creative work spaces from one instrument to another.
• SNAPSHOTS
• When exploring a sound, pressing the Snapshot Button allows Moog One to easily capture and recall a time-stamped picture of a preset at its current settings, removing the need to continually save data manually while experimenting with new ideas.
• ANALOG AND DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY
• Moog One’s rear panel is populated with 2 assignable pairs of stereo audio outputs, 4 assignable inserts, and 2 external audio inputs with support for XLR and ¼” input. MIDI communication comes through 5-pin DIN and USB connection, which also offers system backup and restore via USB drive. 9 configurable CV inputs and outputs (with expression and sustain pedal inputs) are also included.
• CONFIGURATIONS
• Moog One is available in 8 or 16-voice configurations only. Upgrades from 8 to 16 voice units are not available at the present time

To begin shipping in late October, the 8-voice model and 16-voice model of the Moog One costs $5,999 and $7,999, respectively, and you can visit the Moog website to learn more about the new polyphonic analog synthesizer.

Watch: Moog One – A Meditation On Listening