Moog Werkstatt-01 World Wide Release and Online Modification & Creative Learning Portal

Werkstatt-Ø1 | P-Thugg Published on Oct 7, 2014

"In this video, Chromeo's Patrick "P-Thugg" Gemayel builds an improvisatory track using only the Moog Werkstatt-Ø1 and a simple drum pattern. The Werkstatt-Ø1 is a patchable, 100% analog synthesizer capable of producing a wide variety of classic Moog sonics. For this track P-Thugg summons vintage Moog basslines, expressive leads and evocative sound effects from the Werkstatt-Ø1, demonstrating the range and flexibility of its painstakingly designed circuits."

"Moog Announces World Wide Release of Werkstatt-01 Analog Synth & Online Modification and Creative Learning Portal

ASHEVILLE, NC – October 7, 2014 – Today Moog announced the official worldwide release of the Werkstatt-01 Analog Synthesizer Moogfest 2014 Kit — a patchable analog synthesizer designed to inspire the exploration and modification of classic Moog circuits while delivering a myriad of vintage and new raw, mangled, and monstrous Moog tones. This highly-portable instrument is secured in a solid-steel chassis and features a harmonically rich Moog VCO, classic 4-pole Moog Ladder filter, wide-range LFO with audio-rate modulation capabilities, ADS envelope generator, and an analog patchable header for expansive sonic experimentation, manipulation, and decimation. To demonstrate the range and flexibility of Werkstatt's classic Moog sonics, Moog has released a video featuring Patrick "P-Thugg" Gemayel, keyboard player for Atlantic Records’ band Chromeo, building an improvisatory electro funk track using only the Moog Werkstatt-Ø1 and a simple drum pattern (see video link).

Today also marks the launch of WerkstattWorkshop.com (beta) — an interactive creative learning portal containing project ideas, mod tutorials [videos below], parts lists, educational lesson plans, 3D printer files, Arduino integration and control and many other dynamic resources for Werkstatt owners. This microsite also includes Moog’s new and on-going research surrounding the use of subtractive synthesizers in STEM and STEAM high-school classrooms. Lessons in these studies are focused on project based learning opportunities, and encouraging a creative deployment of practical skills in STEM fields. All lessons and associated materials are open source and available online free to educators across multiple disciplines.

“Analog synthesizers have long had their own maker culture born of curious engineers, musicians, and hobbyists alike,” said Moog Music CEO, Mike Adams. “Bob Moog got his start at the age of 15 by studying and modifying Leon Theremin’s designs. We’d like to share our legacy of learning, music, and electronics to empower a new generation of makers to expand on our work and take it to levels we can’t yet imagine." Adams said.

In April 2014, the Werkstatt-01 Analog Synthesizer Kit was made available to Engineering VIP ticket holders at Moogfest 2014, Moog's multi-day celebration of technology, art and music. The success of the workshop at the festival prompted Moog to release a limited number of Werkstatt's to select US dealers. Starting today the Werkstatt-01 Analog Synthesizer Kit is available and in stock at all Moog Music dealers worldwide. MSRP of $329US"

Workshop tutorial videos followed by more pics below.

Moog Werkstatts on eBay


Published on Oct 7, 2014 Moog Music Inc

Playlist:
WERKSTATT | Photo Sensitive Resistor
"This simple modification adds a photocell resistor to control our VCF. By using a photocell we are able to have functional control over the filter cutoff frequency by simply moving our hand closer or farther away."

WERKSTATT | Pressure Sensitive Resistor
"In this simple mod we will be exploring using various unique resistors to interact with our Werkstatt. We will be using a force sensitive 10k resistor to interact with our VCA."

WERKSTATT | Volume Knob
"We can use the power supply taps provided on the Werkstatt to add a Volume control functionality to our Werkstatt. Having a volume knob may allow players to better integrate the Werkstatt into their setup."

WERKSTATT | Fine Tune
"The Werkstatt comes with a coarse tune potentiometer in the form of the VCO FREQ knob. However, it is sometimes necessary to have a finer control over the VCO tuning. This modification adds a fine tune potentiometer to your Werkstatt."

WERKSTATT | Pitch Bend
"Many popular synthesizers have a pitchbend wheel included for dynamic musical expressions. We will use a 10kΩ SoftPot to emulate the pitchbend wheel and add a fun functionality to our Werkstatt."

WERKSTATT | 2nd Oscillator
"The Werkstatt features a single-oscillator VCO, but by patching and attenuating our keyboard control voltage to our LFO we are able to use the LFO as a second oscillator. This feature is best used to add a lower frequency Triangle or Square wave oscillator to our Werkstatt."

WERKSTATT | Arduino Noise Generator
"A popular synthesizer feature is the noise generator. This noise can be filtered and mixed with our tonal signal to add bite or create percussive sounds. In this mod we will be using an Arduino microcontroller to add a noise generator to our Werkstatt."

WERKSTATT | Arduino Arpeggiator
"An arpeggiator is an electronic instrument feature which takes played chords and cycles through the notes in sequence at a set rate. This modification will add a arpeggiator/sequencer function to your Werkstatt by adding an Arduino micro controller and manipulating minimal code."

WERKSTATT | LFO Quantizer
"Do you want to wobble? Are you all about that bass? Do you want to add face melting to your resume? This mod is for you. Using the Arduino and some code we can create an LFO rate quantizer to sync our keyboard notes to LFO rate settings at a specific tempo."