Moog Introduces the DFAM | Drummer From Another Mother for the Masses

Published on Jan 11, 2018 Moog Music Inc

Moog's Drummer From Another Mother will soon be available to the masses. The DFAM was introduced as a DIY build-only percussion synthesizer at last year's Moogfest. Anyone who visits MATRIXSYNTH should be well familiar with the DFAM from numerous demo videos from the lucky owners. For those who missed out on the original, you will now be able to purchase your own built by Moog. And it's black, compared to the original. The press release follows. Further below you will find additional details and pics.

"January 11, 2018, Asheville, NC -- Today Moog Music introduces the Drummer From Another Mother (DFAM), the first addition to the Mother eco-system of semi-modular analog synthesizers. DFAM is an original electronic instrument for the exploration of new concepts in rhythm and resonance.

Drummer From Another Mother (DFAM) is a highly-interactive, Semi-Modular Analog Percussion Synthesizer and a vibrant deviation from the traditional drum machine--presenting an expressive hands-on approach to percussive pattern creation.

DFAM’s fully analog circuitry behaves much like a living organism, reacting in different ways to input from different individuals. Moog Music enlisted three artists to demonstrate the sounds of the new instrument: DJ Haram, Stud1nt and Umfang--all members of NY’s Discwoman collective. Watch as they explore the new Semi-Modular Analog Percussion Synthesizer from their own personal creative spaces:

DFAM is the first addition to the Mother ecosystem of electronic instruments and each DFAM includes a package of patch cables, inviting interconnectivity via the synthesizer’s 24-point modular patchbay. Create new sounds or bizarre behaviors, synchronize an unlimited number of DFAM and Mother-32 synthesizers together, or fully integrate this analog instrument into a modular Eurorack production environment.

Each DFAM is lovingly designed, assembled, calibrated and tested in Asheville, NC by the employee-owners at Moog Music and has already begun shipping from the Moog Factory to Authorized Moog Music Dealers worldwide.

Starting next week, from Jan 15- Jan 24, Moog will offer free hour-long DFAM workshops facilitated by Alissa DeRubeis and Felisha Ledesma of S1 Synth Library to the west coast subscribers of the Moog Music Newsletter.

Right now, the DFAM synthesizer is part of an interactive interspecies installation at the Cactus Store in Echo Park. Entitled BioRhythmia, the installation uses electromyography sensors to measure the electric energies of a 30 year old cactus. The plant’s energies are converted into analog control voltages (CV), enabling the cactus (a mutant species originally from Bali, but now extinct in the wild) to “play” the synthesizer. Different conditions, different times of day, even different experiences with human passer-bys can affect what the cactus decides to play."

https://www.moogmusic.com/products/semi-modular/dfam-drummer-another-mother

Additional details and pics:

"DFAM is the first addition to the Mother ecosystem of synthesizers and presents an expressive hands-on approach to percussive pattern creation. It requires no patching, and absolutely no experience is needed for human-beings of any age to quickly begin synthesizing new and unique rhythmic compositions.

Activated by an easy-to-use analog sequencer, DFAM’s emotive sound begins with a white noise generator and two wide-range analog oscillators - effortlessly transitioning between rhythmic pulsations, resounding bass and resonant bells in an instant. DFAM’s distinctive voice is then shaped by a classic Moog Ladder filter with two selectable modes: Low Pass mode imparts impact and dimension to each sound it touches, while High Pass mode opens the door to naturally expressive strikes, spikes and clangorous accentuations.

DFAM behaves much like a living organism, reacting in different ways to different individuals. 3 dedicated analog envelopes work dynamically with the sequencer to ensure that tribal toms breathe, industrial impacts evolve, and sonic chaos can be created or subdued at the turn of a knob.

Each DFAM ships with a package of Moog patch cables that unlock access to the 24-point modular patchbay. Use it to create new sounds or bizarre behaviors, synchronize an unlimited number of DFAM and Mother-32 units together, or fully integrate your analog instrument into a modular Eurorack production environment.

Through exploration and experimentation, the vast potential of this expressive analog instrument is realized.

SOUND ENGINE: Analog

ANALOG SEQUENCER: 8-Steps With Pitch and Velocity Per-Step

SEQUENCER PANEL CONTROLS: Tempo, Run/Stop, Trigger, Advance

SOUND SOURCES: 2 Oscillators With Square and Triangle Waveforms, 1 White Noise Generator, 1 External Audio Input

FREQUENCY CONTROL: +/- 5 Octaves (10 Octave Range)

MIXER: Level controls for Oscillator 1, Oscillator 2 and White Noise/External Audio Input

FILTER: 20Hz-20KHz Switchable Low Pass / High Pass 4-Pole Transistor Ladder Filter

ENVELOPES: VCO EG w/ Voltage Controlled Decay and Bipolar Amount Control, VCF EG w/ Voltage Controlled Decay and Bipolar Amount Control, VCA EG w/ Voltage Controlled Decay and Selectable Fast/Slow Attack Time

PATCHBAY: 24x 3.5mm Jacks

PATCHBAY INPUTS: Trigger, VCA CV, Velocity, VCA Decay, External Audio, VCF Decay, Noise Level, VCO Decay, VCF Mod, VCO 1 CV, 1→2 FM Amount, VCO 2 CV, Tempo, Run/Stop, Advance/Clock.

PATCHBAY OUTPUTS: VCA, VCA EG, VCF EG, VCO EG, VCO 1, VCO 2, Trigger, Velocity, Pitch.

AUDIO OUTPUT: ¼” TS Line / ¼” TRS Headphones (Shared Output Jack)

INCLUDED POWER SUPPLY: 100-240VAC; 50-60Hz, +12VDC 1200mA

POWER CONSUMPTION: 3.0W

EURORACK CURRENT DRAW: 230mA (+12V – from 10-pin header)

EURORACK MOUNTING DIMENSIONS: 60HP (1”/26mm Module Depth)

WEIGHT: 3.5lbs

DIMENSIONS: 12.57”W x 4.21“H (with knobs) x 5.24“D

Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32 + Voyager XL Jams by Benulous

Published on Jan 20, 2018 Benulous

This one spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Playlist:

1. Moog Music Jam - DFAM + Mother 32 x2 + MiniMoog Voyager + Moogerfoogers

Moog rig jam.

DFAM doing some DFAM percussive things. running through the MF101 for a little extra pump.

Top M32 doing kick and bass

Bottom M32 doing synth work, running through the MF107.

Minimoog Voyager XL running through the MF104M.

Eventide Space providing Reverb on the AUX 1

Alesis Wedge providing some Delay on the AUX 2.

2. Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32s x2 synchronized + changing patterns

Here I am demoing the ability to sync the Moog Music DFAM and 2 Mother 32s and then change between sequences and patterns. I'm also running through Moogerfooger effects and an Eventide Space.

Bottom M32 sending sync to top M32 and DFAM via Assign Out to Tempo/Adv Clock.

Top M32 has Kick/Snr Bass patterns, bottom M32 has synth/bass sequences. DFAM running in sync to both.

3. Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32 x2 + Mooger Foogers = Multiple Voice Mother 32 & Talking Moogs HQ AUDIO

I started by creating a Kick, Snare & bass patch using only the top M32 (Check out the 'Multiple Voices' lesson listed on Moog Music's Page). I then filter through the MIDIMuRF to get a stereo 'Talking Moog'.

I then bring in the DFAM and start messing around. It's running straight through the MF101 Lowpass filter to get a little extra 'pump'.

Lastly, I bring in the bottom M32 that is running through an Eventide Space Echo using a Rizer patch I built. Things get gnarly when I kick on VCA Mode and dial in the FreqBox.

This isn't meant to be very musical, but it's the foundation for some jams I'm putting together. Hope you enjoy.

Moog Music DFAM + Mother 32 x2 + Mooger Foogers = Multiple Voice Mother 32 & Talking Moogs & Drums

MIDIMurf = Talking Mother 32
FreqBOX = Gnarly Mother 32
Lowpass Filter = Pumping DFAM
Eventide Space = Wailing Rizer

New DFAM | Moog Demo Library Videos

Published on Jun 8, 2018 Moog Music Inc

Playlist:
DFAM | Creating Sequences with Fewer Than 8 Steps
DFAM | Adding Swing and Ratchets
DFAM | How to Tempo Sync Mother-32 & DFAM
DFAM | Using DFAM’s Sequencer as an Oscillator
DFAM | Using DFAM as Additional Oscillators
DFAM | Kick Snare Patch
DFAM | Cross Modulated Kick Drum
DFAM | Dynamic Hi-Hats

Moog DFAM: Using as an Arpeggiator

Published on Jun 8, 2018 Kris Lennox

Don't miss part 2 below, for a more ambient take.

"Making a percussion synth a not-percussion synth.

Just for the hell of it. :)) It wasn't designed for this, but it can be interesting to push a synth to do what it's not meant/designed to do.

As can be seen, no patching. External reverb, nothing else.

Some pretty cool things can be done with this wee machine (I mean before any patching; utilising patching, it can get insane).

Contrary to popular belief, the DFAM doesn't have to be constant 4/4.
I'll maybe illustrate another time.

Best
Kris"

Moog DFAM as Arpeggiator (part 2)

Published on Jun 12, 2018 Kris Lennox

"Another look at the DFAM as an arpeggiator/sequencer.

The previous vid demonstrated the unit in its brutality as a percussion machine; this shows something quite different.

The track is one of my own, titled 'Through Pastel-Coloured Clouds'. I'm sure the imagery is obvious, given the 'noise as wind' effect.

The work is actually 4-part (DFAM, Matrixbrute x2, plus a viola. Yes, there's an actual acoustic instrument in there!!), but the DFAM arpeggiation sequence runs throughout.

Other instruments don't enter until c.1:55 - everything until then is DFAM-only (MB enters with bassline and upper 'shimmer sequencing' @ c.1:55. I filmed all parts so over the next few days I'll upload a performance vid of this work).

To the DFAM part: pre-tuned, of course. The output signal was split, with one part transposed up an octave. Reverb & chorus added to upper part (signal 1 was sent into a Lexicon PCM96 rackmount).

Signal 2 sent to reverb only (Eventide).

Lots of effects added to the viola solo (flange, chorus etc). Again, I'll upload the viola part on the vid showing all parts of this work.

The upper shimmer sequencing sounds more akin to FM synthesis than standard subtractive. Very happy with the sound. Great to see that the MB can be taken to these levels. Nothing added here aside from 'verb (and the MB onboard delay).

Bass sound is also fantastic. :)

The Moog part on its own sounds great. :)

The DFAM really is a versatile wee unit. Very happy with how this recording turned out. The sequence line wasn't originally intended for DFAM - but works beautifully on it.

PS I had to order some new short patch cables as my others have went walkabout. The ones I'm using I got from an ebay site called 'Scapesound'. Great cables. Recommended.

Enjoy
Best
Kris"

DFAM JAMs by Don Dayglow

Published on May 23, 2018 Don Dayglow

Playlist:

1. DFAM JAM #2 - All sounds from the DFAM!

"Literally all sounds are from the DFAM, synced with Beatstep Pro to Ableton for consistent MIDI clock. Recorded as tracks and mixed with MINIMAL processing and no EQ at all. Just a touch of compression and reverb/delay. Much more than just a drum synth - I was very quickly able to create fat bass, deep tones and all sorts of FX sounds, in addition to some serious percussion and monstrous kick/snares."

2. DFAM JAM #3 - Hip-Hop/Beats

"Literally all sounds are from the DFAM, synced with Beatstep Pro to Ableton for consistent MIDI clock. Recorded as tracks and mixed with MINIMAL processing and no EQ at all. Just a touch of compression and reverb/delay. Much more than just a drum synth - I was very quickly able to create fat bass, deep tones and all sorts of FX sounds, in addition to some serious percussion and monstrous kick/snares."

3. DFAM JAM #5 - All sounds from the DFAM!

"Literally all sounds are from the DFAM, synced with Beatstep Pro to Ableton for consistent MIDI clock. Recorded as tracks and mixed with MINIMAL processing and no EQ at all. Just a touch of compression and reverb/delay. It won't win any composition awards, but I think it demonstrates the incredible sound of the DFAM. Much more than just a drum synth - I was very quickly able to create fat bass, deep tones and all sorts of FX sounds, in addition to some serious percussion and monstrous kick/snares."

No other parts are currently live on YouTube.

Official Moog DFAM Tutorials

Published on Feb 6, 2018 Moog Music Inc

Playlist:
DFAM | Dynamic Hi-Hats
DFAM | Cross Modulated Kick Drum
DFAM | Kick Snare Patch
DFAM | How to Tempo Sync Mother-32 & DFAM
DFAM | Using DFAM’s Sequencer as an Oscillator
DFAM | Using DFAM’s Sequencer as an Oscillator

DFAM Moog Ambient (not just a drum synth)

Published on Jan 23, 2018 Dreadwvlf

"First night with the new Moog DFAM. I quickly came to realize that this isn’t just a drum synth. This whole track was made with just the DFAM.

This thing is super fun.

Effects were from Boss DD5 delay, Ekko 616 delay, and MXR M300."

DFAM Moog : song 2

Published on Feb 1, 2018 Dreadwvlf

"A big 'thank you' to those of you guys who checked out my first DFAM vid. I’ve been having a lot of fun with this thing since I picked it up!

At the end of my first week with the DFAM I really wanted to get out a second piece of music with it.

I added a few elements from other pieces of gear and sang on this track but nothing too crazy. I wanted to try something on the opposite end of the spectrum from the first DFAM track I posted up showing the unit as a capable melodic synth.

Here’s what’s being used on the song

DFAM : all percussive parts, Bass, textures

Analog Four : main pad

Minilogue : bell sequence

Effects chain - Rat, Ekko 616, DD5, M300

Vocals : that’s me!"

Duo Mono 👥 (Make Noise 0-Coast + H9 // Moog DFAM + Multicomp // Arturia Keystep Pro)

video upload by 2-Minute Warning

"Going quite minimalist again with this jam featuring only 2 semi-modular analog mono synth (0-Coast & DFAM) and 2 effects (Eventide H9 & EBS Multicomp).

The Arturia Keystep Pro (KSP) was used to sequence both instruments (although I also used the DFAM's 8-step sequencer too 😄). I used 3 tracks on the KSP:
* Track1 - sending gates to sync the 0-Coast clock (for its Sample & Hold LFO) and to the DFAM
* Track 2 - sending CV to the DFAM to transpose its 8-step sequence (with some CV being sent with a 20% probability)
* Track 4 - sending CV & Gate to the 0-Coast to play the main riff (on 2 patterns).

So no MIDI involved for this time, only CV/gate sent between the Keystep Pro, 0-Coast and DFAM 😉

* Hardware used *
- SEQUENCE : Make Noise 0-Coast + Eventide H9 (Tape Delay)
- DRUMS/BASS: Moog DFAM +Erica EBS Multicomp
- Sequencer: Arturia Keystep Pro (+ DFAM's integrated 8-step sequencer)"

(OB-6/DFAM x4/MB/Ricky): Quad-Polymetricism: "Four Islands"

Published on Jun 23, 2019 Kris Lennox

"I'm recording guitar for someone this weekend, and decided to also work on a track of my own, given the amp was up & running (synth parts were recorded midweek). Instrumentation for this work is as follows:

Matrixbrute (initial chime-like sound, and chime sounds throughout)
OB-6 (pads)
Moog DFAM (x4)
Rickenbacker 620, ran through Mesa TC-50 head
Reverb = Lexicon PCM 96, and delays are TC-2290, and Boss DD-500.

To the music...
The time signature for this piece can be thought of in 5 possible ways. Each DFAM is playing a different time signature. All are in the same tempo - but the groupings are different.

DFAM 1 (top L) = 18/16
DFAM 2 (bottom R) = 12/16 (i.e 3/4)
DFAM 3 (top R) = 15/16
DFAM 4 (bottom L) = 16/16 (i.e 4/4).

So, any of the above time signatures are valid. What I was thinking when writing the piece was the polymetric latch point, as this is where I'm changing harmony. The entire pattern when all four DFAMs are playing latches after 720 beats, so we could think of the time signature as 720/16 (!!).

The DFAM in 15/16 is pitched, but what will likely stand out is the percussive element. Very interesting rhythm.

Interesting to hear a Rickenbacker doing duties other than the Beatles! Good sound from the guitar/pickups. It doesn't have the sustain of, say, a Vigier, but given I'm intentionally using it 'out of the norm', it can certainly hold its own within this stylistic domain. By shred standards the strings possibly sit a little high at the nut end, but the nut could be taken off and filed down a little if looking for a super-low profile action. The main downside of the guitar for lead is the 1st string sits very close to the neck edge; any vibrato beyond minimal on the 1st string and it frets out. But don't be put off if you're a rhythm player - they are great rhythm guitars.

Doesn't the OB-6 SEM filter sound great. You'll likely notice it at c. 1:22, and also @ c. 5:35. Obi pads obvious from 7:05 - end (the Obi is running throughout, but is quite deep in the mix, and possibly won't be noticed at certain points). How could the sound of opening up the SEM be described? Sunshine breaking through from behind clouds?


'How does the OB-6 sit in a mix?' is quite a common question. With people in the industry I've spoken to RE the OB-6, their main concern has been 'it'll cut through everything...' It has a reputation for cutting through: it 'can' do this - but doesn't have to. I'd say it can sit in a mix beautifully, and I think a track like this shows a different context for the OB-6.

Personally, I can't think of a modern analog poly that matches the OB-6 in terms of sheer beauty of tone. Of course, every poly has its own strengths/best situations, and the case could be made for any poly.

We're really spoiled for choice these days with polysynths. And monos!


Enjoy/all best
Kris"

(Matrixbrute CV'd to DFAM): "The Infinity Paradox"

Published on Feb 16, 2019 Kris Lennox

"Matrixbrute acting as controller for the DFAM.... but not only controller. I've taken the master line out from the MB and ran it into the Audio In on the DFAM, which gives a grand total of 7 (!) VCO's to play with (two on the DFAM, three on the MB, plus the two sub-oscs on the MB). What a sound. MB is controlling the pitch on the DFAM, and also gate-triggering each step, with the pitch determined by the chord I'm playing/where the chord degree lies on the arpeggio matrix. There is also some DFAM-DFAM patching.

At the start what you're hearing is just the MB. Great to hear it ran through the Moog filter. Sounds wonderful.

I was originally going to use a Y-splitter out from the DFAM, run one end to the desk, and run the other back into the MB via the external input. The result would have been the equivalent of two mirrors facing each other i.e an infinite loop. It would likely have triggered the apocalypse (or granted levitation ability, but I haven't read the manual in enough detail to be sure), so I kept it 7 VCO's only, rather than 7 multiplied by infinity.

One has to be careful.

PS the chord/harmonic progression is cyclic/infinite, hence the title. The title is also a reference to the apocalypse idea mentioned above.

All best
Kris"

Sonic Scenarios: Moog DFAM Introduction & Overview

Published on Jan 22, 2018 CTRL MOD

"Introduction and Overview of the new Moog DFAM. In this video we go through the basic features, routing and operations of the DFAM.

For more info on the Moog DFAM visit our site here: https://www.ctrl-mod.com/products/dfam

Sonic Scenarios is a series of videos chronicling the features, designs and sounds of Eurorack format synthesizer modules with sound designer Mike Kiraly — Presented by Control.

Video by Sonic Scenarios for Control:
www.sonic-scenarios.com

Control is a synthesizer brick & mortar shop located in the South Williamsburg Neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY specializing in Eurorack Modular, vintage traditional and unusual eccentric electronic devices both analog and digital. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

www.ctrl-mod.com
info@ctrl-mod.com"

Update:

CLICK FOR MORE »

024//Night Trains - a hypnotic Moog DFAM & Mother 32 minimal ambient track

Published on May 19, 2018 Alastair Wilson

"A melodic, semi-self-generating patch using a DFAM and a Mother 32 sent through an Eventide Space hall reverb and an Eventide Timefactor on tape setting.

I made this patch as an experiment into the DFAM's ability to play melodies (protip: small knobs are a nightmare to tune with!), supported by a simple note from the Mother 32. It's strangely hypnotic with the repetition of the single note, and that coupled with the ambient vibe made me think of a late night long train journey, hence the name.

PATCH NOTES:
In this patch, the DFAM plays chords - the sequencer's pitch knobs control the pitch of VCO 2, while the velocity knobs are patched to control the pitch of VCO 1. VCO 1 is also patched to the external audio input of the DFAM, allowing me to modulate its volume. The M32 is playing a single bass note, with the DFAM's VCO 2 patched into the M32's external audio input and the mix between them modulated by a slow square LFO. Most of the modulation is done with the random stepped voltages from the M32's Assign output - this is patched to the resonance of the M32's filter, and the DFAM's step advance input and volume of VCO 1.

If you want to recreate this patch, you can find it here:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/patches..."

Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Synthesizer Sounds (with DFAM)

Published on May 11, 2020 Perfect Circuit

"The Moog Subharmonicon has been anticipated since it was the synth built during the 2018 Moogfest Engineering Workshop. It is finally here as a production synth with a few upgrades from the Moogfest version. This production version has midi, a built in quantizer, more envelope controls and a slightly different sequencer section.

The Subharmonicon is built around divider circuits. There are two VCOs that each have two dividers that output frequencies between the base frequency 1/1, an octave below 1/2, an octave and a fifth below 1/3, two octaves below 1/4, two octaves and a fourth below 1/5, all the way down to four octaves below 1/16. The two oscillators and the four subdivisions can be mixed together into six note chords that span multiple octaves, the oscillators then of course go through a Moog ladder filter. There are a pair of envelopes for the VCA and VCF.

The sequencing also works with subdivisions of the tempo clock, there are four dividers that divided the master clock from 1/1 to 1/16 in integer divisions. These four dividers can trigger the envelopes and clock the two four step sequencers. The sequencers can then modulate the pitch of the two main VCOs, or select which divisions the subdividers are set to. Since the Subharmonicon is semi-modular its has a patch bay where different signal and control routing setups can be experimented with. The patch bay also makes connecting the Subharmonicon to a Mother 32, DFAM, or any other semi-modular or eurorack synth easy.

In this video we showed a combination of the Subharmonicon by itself as well as with a DFAM for percussion and with a Cooper FX Outward V2. The sidechain style patch at 5:09 uses a Ritual Electronics Anima Function generator to create the sidechain envelope and the Subharmonicon is going through a Tiptop Echoz delay module.

Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:05 - Fast sequence with DFAM
01:58 - High resonance sequence
03:34 - Plucky sequence with DFAM drums
05:09 - "Sidechain" to DFAM kick drum
06:29 - With Cooper FX Outward V2
07:37 - Melodic sequence cross-patched with DFAM

Subharmonicon available here"

Update: Moog announcement, demos & more here.

027//Quest of Bones - a self generating track by a Moog DFAM and 2x Mother 32

Published on Jun 9, 2018 Alastair Wilson

"A semi-self-generating patch using 2 Mother 32s sent through an Eventide Space hall reverb, and a DFAM sent through an Eventide Timefactor on moddelay setting.

This patch came about when I was playing with the idea of using Karplus-Strong synthesis (using short delays which 'ring out' when noise triggers them) with the DFAM to give it more texture. At the same time, I was thinking about making a patch where the pulse width of a square wave on the M32 was modulated with a square LFO to give a rhythmic tremolo. This patch was the result of mixing those ideas!

PATCH NOTES:
The lower M32 is the bass, with a square LFO clocking it and the DFAM (on drums), while the same LFO modulates the pulse width of the VCO's square wave through 0 width (silencing it when the LFO is low). The higher M32, which plays the high notes, is randomly triggered by the lower M32. The lower M32 has its sequencer glitched to run at 1/12 the speed of the DFAM, and is turning off and on by another square LFO. This gives the overall rhythm of the patch. For a bit of interest, the saw wave output of the lower M32 is sent to the external audio input of the DFAM, and the DFAM's VCO 2 is occasionally mixed with the lower M32 to give it reverb. Everything is controlled by the random stepped voltages from the Assign outputs of the M32s.

If you want to recreate this patch, you can find it here:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/patches/view/40057"

Moog DFAM vs Mother-32: Review and comparison (Drummer From Another Mother)

Published on Apr 2, 2018 loopop

"DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother) is the second semi-modular Moog are releasing in a compact, either standalone or 60hp eurorack form factor, following the Mother-32, and while they may look very similar, they’re actually very different animals. I already did an in-depth review of the Mother-32 (here's a link to it: [Moog Mother-32 review and 9 hidden gems]) - so in this clip I focus more on a review of DFAM, but along the way comparing it to Mother-32, so that by the time it’s over, you’ll have a pretty good idea of how both synths work, and why even though they look the same, the end result gives each its unique character..

Both synths are very similar in that they contain oscillators, filters, envelopes and a patch bay, but there are a few core differences:
1. The sequencers have very different characteristics: DFAM's sequencer is very analog - it has two tracks - both with continuous CV ranges. It also has a fixed number of 8 steps - though I show ways around that in the clip. In contrast, Mother-32's sequencer is more flexible in terms of length and supports precisely pitched melodies, as well as a few other sequencing features shown in the clip.
2. Envelopes in DFAM are short, either 1 or 2 step envelopes, geared towards percussive sounds, where the envelope in Mother-32 has either two or three stages.
3. DFAM has two oscillators and no LFO (though each of the oscillators can go as low as single digit hz), whereas Mother-32 as only one LFO, that can go to audio rates.
4. Each has their own flavor of special oscillator goodies (FM in both, Hard sync in DFAM)
5. ... and other differences as shown in the clip."

Moog DFAM Analog Percussion Synth 28 Min Techno Session w/Modular FX & Samples

Published on May 6, 2018 mylarmelodies

"I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I think the Moog DFAM is one of the most interesting analogue products to come out in years, from any company - you could play a (seriously nuts) show with only a DFAM, some delay, and a few samples - so having just got my very own one yesterday, the first thing I wanted to try was that. This was the result!

In this video I have clocked DFAM to the modular, and what you're hearing is:

1. Predominantly DFAM with added clocked stereo pingpong delay from Intellijel Rainmaker, and reverb from the Make Noise Erbe Verb (DFAM is on the channel marked '808' on the desk)
2. Plus occasional additional percussion from Tiptop Audio's One sampler (x2) plus the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter and the ALM Akemie's Taiko. These are being sequenced by the modular via the Euclidean Circles module by VPME and the Abstract Data Event Boss.

So yes, as you hear...the DFAM is insane. Imagine it through a big system. Steve Dunnington @ Moog found a hell of a patch. I can not recommend it enough."

New Moog DFAM Tutorial Videos

The following videos have been added to this post.

DFAM | How to Tempo Sync Mother-32 & DFAM
DFAM | Using DFAM’s Sequencer as an Oscillator
DFAM | Using DFAM’s Sequencer as an Oscillator

Moog Music Introduces the Moog Sound Studio | A Complete Synthesizer Exploration Station

video by Moog Music Inc

Mother-32 & DFAM or Subharmonicon & DFAM combo systems. Reverb video below.

"Begin a new journey in the world of modular synthesis with Moog Sound Studio.

Moog Sound Studio, a new synthesizer experience from Moog Music, includes all the tools and creative inspiration you need to embark on an immersive sonic adventure. Designed for beginner and seasoned synthesists alike, Moog Sound Studio introduces a uniquely comprehensive approach to exploring modular synthesis.

Watch the immersive Moog Sound Studio experience and environment come to life in this animation by acclaimed designer, director, and musician Julian House (INTRO, Ghost Box) set to music composed with Moog semi-modular synthesizers by electronic artist Dan Deacon.

The new Moog Sound Studio is a perfect foray into Eurorack for those new to modular, as well as a creative tool for experienced synthesists to grow their sound design skills."

"Begin a new journey in the world of modular synthesis with Moog Sound Studio. The complete synthesizer studio package includes all the tools and creative inspiration you need to embark on an immersive sonic adventure from your home or studio.

Designed for beginner and seasoned synthesists alike, Moog Sound Studio introduces a uniquely comprehensive approach to exploring modular synthesis. Here’s how it works:

Begin by selecting an instrument combination to complement your musical style or sonic preference: Mother-32 & DFAM or Subharmonicon & DFAM.
Along with your chosen duo of semi-modular synthesizers, your all-inclusive package will include an audio mixer and power distribution hub, a two-tier rack mount kit, patch cables and a patch cable organizer, a patch book with guided exercises, educational materials, games to encourage experimentation, custom studio artwork, and more.
Set up your studio space using the included equipment, cables, accessories, and art. All you need is what’s in the box plus a pair of headphones or speakers to start exploring!
Expand your knowledge of modular synthesis, hone your sound design skills, and allow yourself to get lost in the joy of discovering new musical experiences."

20 Patches with Moog Sound Studios

video by Reverb

"Moog's new Sound Studio bundles pair the DFAM with your choice of Subharmonicon or Mother-32—with an audio mixer, cables, and everything else you need to get patching. Watch along as Fess plays through 10 patches with each, sharing a sliver of the sonic possibilities available with the Sound Studios. See each patch in detail here.​

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023//Lost S.O.S. - Moog DFAM, Mother 32, Eventide Space self-generating minimal ambient patch

Published on May 12, 2018 Alastair Wilson

"A semi-self-generating patch using a Mother 32 and a DFAM sent through an Eventide Space hall reverb and an Eventide Timefactor on digital delay setting.

I haven't done a slow self-generating patch in a while, so I thought it would be nice to create something nice and creepy, similar to 006//R.E.M., and add percussion to it. While I was playing around the percussion became tonal bleeps, and this was the result!

The Mother 32 is being sent through the delay and reverb at 100% wet, while the DFAM is less wet. The Mother 32 is clocked by the LFO, with its sequencer glitched to run at 1/12 the tempo, while the DFAM runs at its own internal tempo. The Assign output is set to output a random stepped voltage, and that modulates several parameters such as filter resonance, mix amount, etc. The triangle LFO is modulating the volume of the DFAM, and the Gate output of the Mother 32 affects the FM amount of the DFAM's oscillators.

If you want to recreate this patch, you can find it here:
https://www.modulargrid.net/e/patches/view/39386"

Is the Moog DFAM versatile? | Why it's better with eurorack friends

video upload by Jameson Nathan Jones

"A look at expanding upon the already unique Moog DFAM - the weird percussion synth with a weird name.

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - DFAM basics
3:40 - DFAM with an external sequencer
6:11 - Is it a drum machine?
7:04 - DFAM with a quantizer
12:34 - Sending it some more CV
15:00 - Getting carried away
16:49 - Summary"

DFAM Loops Sample Packs: https://store.fracturedcapstan.com/