Moog Grandmother Patch Tutorials

videos by Moog Music Inc

Update: Moog - Matriarch (Patch Diary) by Knobs added below.

Playlist:

1. Grandmother | 2-Op Analog FM Synthesis

This video explores how to achieve analog 2-operator FM synthesis using Grandmother.

In its simplest form, FM synthesis is a sound design method involving two oscillators, typically using sine waves, where one oscillator is used to modulate the frequency of a second oscillator in order to create a new timbre. Adjusting both the depth of that modulation and the harmonic ratio between the two oscillators can yield a wide array of different sounds, ranging from harmonic and musical, to inharmonic and alien.

While FM synthesis is most often associated with digital synthesizers, the all-analog Grandmother is capable of a wide range of FM tones by incorporating the filter and modulation oscillator as sound sources.

No patch sheets were provided for the following:

2. Grandmother | Randomized Filter Envelope Modulation

This video explores using Grandmother’s sample and hold circuit to create randomized envelope modulation of the filter.

Sample and hold (S/H) is a classic electronic circuit commonly used in synthesizers that features a signal input, a gate input, and an output. In practice, a continuously variable signal will be applied to the input, then every time the gate input receives a gate, the circuit will sample the value at the input, send that value to the output, and hold the output at that value until a new gate is received. This allows for many different applications, such as generating a stepped-random voltage from a noise source, creating gate-synced modulations, transforming smooth LFOs into stepped waveforms, analog sample rate reduction, etc.

Grandmother’s S/H circuit is actually set up to always generate stepped random voltages; this means that Grandmother’s noise source is hardwired into the S/H signal input. The S/H gate input is normalled to the modulation oscillator; this means the random signal will always be in sync with the modulation oscillator, and also enables the modulation oscillator’s sync input to be used to gate the S/H for synchronized movement with your playing, arpeggiations, or sequences.

Random voltage is a very powerful tool on a synthesizer, and can help to add some movement and surprise to your patches.

3. Grandmother | Envelope-Controlled Oscillator Sync

This video explores how to achieve envelope-controlled oscillator sync effects using Grandmother.

Oscillator sync is a very unique feature found on synthesizers with two or more oscillators in their voice architecture. It’s a process where one oscillator’s period (a single cycle of the waveform) is used to reset the period of a second oscillator. This imposed synchronization results in the synced oscillator taking on more complex waveforms as it’s forced to share the same base frequency as the oscillator it’s synced to, creating a distinct, harmonically rich, and almost metallic timbre.

Moog has a long history of featuring oscillator sync on our instruments, with the 1979 Moog Prodigy still being known for its especially great-sounding oscillator sync timbres. Grandmother takes things a step further by allowing for extended sync functionality via the incorporation of patch points, offering classic Moog tone, while also opening up new pathways of exploration.

4. Grandmother | Building Sequences Live

This video explores creative approaches to building sequences live using Grandmother.

Grandmother features an analog step sequencer capable of storing three sequences, each containing up to 256 steps. Typically when building sequences, users will enter sequence data while the sequencer is stopped, allowing you to add each note/rest/tie/accent step by step. Sequences can also be edited in real time by flipping the MODE switch to REC while the sequencer is running and pressing keys or the LHC buttons, overwriting any previously stored sequencer data.

This demo looks at how to use the sequencer to first establish a sequence length and create a metronome for yourself while the sequencer is stopped, and then build a sequence on the fly as the sequencer is running. This approach can be a nice way to incorporate improvisation and spontaneity into your writing process, and not have to think too much about planning out your sequences.

Update:

Moog - Matriarch (Patch Diary) by Knobs

video by Knobs

"Let us read my diary:
https://www.moogmusic.com/products/ma...

And hey, maybe check out this interview while you're at it:
https://www.moogmusic.com/news/matria...

I also put together a Matriarch patch book.
Some deeper ideas based on the sounds in this video.

0:35​ - Oscillators
3:08​ - Filters
5:56​ - Delay
7:35​ - Texture
9:15​ - Sequencer
10:56​ - FINALE

If you would like to download this sounds, you can do that:
https://www.patreon.com/KNOBs"