"In this exploration of sound design, composition, and video synthesis, electronic music producer and Moog Product Strategist Max Ravitz (a.k.a. Patricia) combines eight Mavis synthesizers in a dynamic audiovisual performance.
Each Mavis in this setup provides a different element in the song, ranging from wave-folded kick drums to 808-inspired cymbals and double-VCO basses to folding leads. All eight Mavis synthesizers in this performance are sequenced by the Winter Modular Eloquencer with a touch of delay provided by the OTO Machines BIM and the Chase Bliss x Meris CXM 1978 reverb, adding a bit of dimension to the mix.
Visuals for this video were created using an LZX modular analog video synthesizer."
"Download the new 'Hivemind II' video companion patch book!
This creative resource, free to download through our website, contains the patches heard in the “Hivemind II'' performance.
Using this guide, Mavis owners can recreate the video's sounds ranging from distinct kicks and hi-hats to booming bass and melodic leads. Perfect for live performance or recording into a sampler or DAW, each of these unique sounds can open up new possibilities for artists using Mavis in a production setup.
The digital patch book is one of many sound design resources that can be found on the Explore Mavis page on our website.
"This time capsule from the early 1980s is comprised of:
48 page owners manual
100 sound charts
60 page technical service section
seven large circuit schematic diagrams
authorized service center list
service bulletin
marketing materials
MOOG MEMORYMOOG SYNTHESIZER Original 1982 Owners and Service Manual in vinyl binder in addition to an envelope containing an authorized factory service center guide and seven large folded full scale circuit diagrams and an additional "New from the MOOG Company" envelope containing a sequencer/MIDI retrofit update bulletins 833A & 841B, a software and accessories catalog and an eleven page brochure introducing the Moog Song Producer "a hardware/software system that magnifies the usefulness of MIDI and non-MIDI devices." (Copyright 1985, take that, Pro Tools!)
All pages of the owners and service manual and the separate service schematics envelope are accounted for.
The pages of the Owners and Service manual are in Very Good (VG) to Excellent (EX) condition. The seven large schematics are in New Old Stock condition and appear never to have been fully opened. The vinyl binder, service bulletin and marketing materials are Very Good (VG)."
Theremin at 100. A special podcast in honour of the 100th birthday. We speak to Cyril Lance (Chief Engineer, Moog), Dorit Chrysler (composer/New York Theremin Society), Bruce Woolley (songwriter/Radio Science Orchestra) and Katia Isakoff (singer/songwriter and producer).
Show Notes
Chapters 00:32 - Introduction 02:11 - Cyril Lance / The Claravox 16:44 - Dorit Chrysler 25:26 - Bruce Woolley 32:08 - Katia Isakoff 45:40 - Ending
"In this exploration of sound design and composition using the Werkstatt-01 analog synthesizer, Asheville-based electronic music producer and Moog Product Specialist Max Ravitz combines eight Werkstatt-01 synthesizers in a dynamic performance in the Moog Sound Lab.
Each of the eight Werkstatt-01 instruments provides a different element in the song ranging from booming kick drums to metallic hi-hats, and deep basses to wavering leads—many of which are based on the sounds found in the Werkstatt-01 Exploration Patchbook, which contains a variety of inspiring patches also designed by Ravitz. All eight Werkstatt-01 synthesizers in this performance are sequenced by the Winter Modular Eloquencer, with a touch of delay and reverb provided by the OTO Machines BIM and BAM to add dimension to the mix."
See the dealers on the right for availibility.
User videos:
Playlist:
1. Moog Werkstatt Overview and Demo by Patchwerks Seattle, available here: http://bit.ly/pw-werkstatt
2. A $199 Moog?! Moog Werkstatt-01 Analog Synth Demo & Build - Reverb
3. TOO Much Werk?? The Moog Werkstatt-01 & CV Expander - Noir Et Blanc Vie
4. Building + Playing Moog Werkstatt-01 + CV Expander Analog Synthesizer Kit - Lightbath
5. Moog Werkstatt-01 (From Build to ACID) - Red Means Recording
6. Moog Werkstatt-01 & CV Expander reissue 2020 build and review - Molten Music Technology
Werkstatt-01 is a patchable and compact analog synthesizer. A gateway to the expansive world of analog synthesis, the instrument is a must-have for anyone interested in exploring classic Moog sound and circuitry through the unique, hands-on experience of a DIY synthesizer project. This affordable, easy-to-assemble kit requires no prior electronics experience and is a perfect afternoon (or Christmas morning) project.
The straightforward simplicity of Werkstatt-01’s design makes it an ideal jumping-off point to discover a limitless new world of analog sound design, and the included 3.5mm CV Expander makes it a no-brainer for everyone wishing to integrate the iconic Moog sound into their music. The 9" by 6" musical machine may be small, but the raw power and spectrum of the sound it produces is immense.
From Musical Exploration to Experimental Education
First introduced at Moogfest 2014 as part of the event’s Engineering Workshop, the Werkstatt-01 analog synthesizer has been admired as an essential introductory synth, a powerful standalone instrument, and an enhancement to any integrated electronic music ecosystem. Based on classic Moog circuitry, Werkstatt-01 was created to provide a hands-on understanding of how analog synthesizers work and encourage experimentation with sound through patching and interconnectivity.
The research and design that went into Werkstatt-01’s circuits, and the demand for more semi-modular exploratory analog instruments after its initial release, ultimately led to the development of some of today’s most expressive sound design machines: Mother-32, DFAM, Grandmother, Matriarch, and Subharmonicon.
More than a musical instrument, Werkstatt-01 has also served as an interactive educational tool in STEM curricula. The compact, versatile synthesizer has been the heart of the Georgia Tech Hackathon, a weekend-long competition that takes place each February at the Atlanta university’s Center for Music Technology, for six years and counting. The 2021 Georgia Tech Hackathon will be held virtually; see details here.
The easily mod-able analog synth kit has also proven to be a perfect learning ground for DIY modifications and the science of sound. This page of our website features a series of instructional videos to walk you through how to expand your instrument through breadboarding and arduino integration.
Classic Moog Sound & Circuitry
Werkstatt-01’s 100% analog circuits deliver the classic soul and futuristic sound Moog synthesizers are known for. Featuring a full-range analog oscillator with selectable waveforms for powerful sound and the legendary Moog Ladder Filter for precision harmonic sculpting, this instrument covers a vast expanse of sonic territory. Adding movement and modulation is as simple as engaging Werkstatt-01’s analog LFO circuit to simulate the motion of gently breathing waves, or crank up the LFO speed and summon cosmic laser beams. A two-stage analog envelope generator with sustain gives you control to shape dynamics, dialing in everything from lush electronic string swells to punchy basslines and organic percussion hits—and everything in between.
The included CV Expander allows you to enter the endless realms of modular synthesis, where new connections can be made and original sounds are unlocked. Patching inputs and outputs together from the 12 jacks of the 3.5mm patch bay will reconfigure Werkstatt-01’s circuits to create new signal paths and empower new sonic explorations. The included CV Expander also makes it easy to connect Werkstatt-01 to other Moog semi-modular synthesizers, Eurorack systems, or drum machines, enhancing any configuration with powerful analog sound."
"It's an interface for the Commodore 64 computer from the mid-eighties that was designed to be the hub of a MIDI / Audio production studio.
Bear in mind that this is not a sound module or a synth - It's basically a MIDI interface and sync box that sends / receives MIDI and clock signals, and generates trigger outputs.
It's a solidly-built metal box that sports:
· 1 MIDI in
· 1 MIDI thru
· 4 MIDI outs
· 8 drum trigger outs
· 2 Footswitch inputs
· 1 Clock/sync in
· 1 Clock/sync out
Bundled with this box is a suite of C64 software designed to drive the unit. Also includes all original packaging and documentation."
via this auction (only 30 minutes to go as of this post with a BIN of $419.55)
"Details:
Manufacturer: Moog
Model Name: Song Producer
Model Number: E346A
Includes:
MIDI/Drum/Sync Module with Cable
Songstepper/MIDI Command Software Diskette
Owners Manual
MIDI Command: Help Page Glossary
Songstepper Dictionary of Commands
Technical Service Information
Warranty Card
Quality Inspection / Packed by Note
Original box with foam insert
Condition: Excellent cosmetic condition with some signs of previous use (See photos for more detail)."
via Retro Synth Ads, where you'll find the full write-up. Be sure to see the rest of the site for vintage synth ads. It's a great resource!
"Moog Song Producer sequencer 'MIDI In, Out & Thru Just Won't Do' 1/4-page black and white advertisement from the top right corner of page 101 in the December 1985 issue of Keyboard Magazine."
"Prolific pop producer Jack Antonoff is a wellspring of creative output. When he’s not penning hits for Lorde, Taylor Swift or Carly Rae Jepsen, he can be found fronting his band Bleachers or as the lead guitarist for the Grammy-award-winning band Fun.
In this video, Jack Antonoff steps into the Moog Sound Lab to perform a stripped-down and switched-on version of the song “All of My Heroes” from Bleachers’ 2017 album 'Gone Now'."
"The 2017 Moog Innovation Award will be presented to Suzanne Ciani at Moogfest 2017, the annual music, art and technology festival in Durham, North Carolina. This award recognizes her 45 plus years of genre-defying work that exemplifies the bold, innovative spirit of Bob Moog. Past recipients include visionary artists like Gary Numan, Devo, Brian Eno, Bernie Worrell, and Thomas Dolby, and synth designers like Herb Deutsch.
Ciani, the first woman to receive the award, superseded many of her male contemporaries as a synthesist, sound designer, and composer. Well known as an early protege and long-time devotee of Don Buchla, and a friend of Bob Moog, her use of synthesizers created entirely new sounds that opened minds around the globe to electronic music as a valid form of expression. She is a five-time Grammy nominated composer and the first woman to score a Hollywood film. Her work has been featured in countless commercials, video games, and feature films.
Today, Ciani continues to inspire generosity, curiosity, and experimentation for a resurgent, multi-generational community of synth-enthusiasts and electronic music fans. Ciani’s 4-hour durational performance at Moogfest 2016 modulated between a rolling quadraphonic soundscape, stories about her early days working in New York, and tips for operating rare Buchla synths while spatializing audio. Ciani returns to Moogfest 2017 to receive the Moog Innovation award, where she will perform and be celebrated in a workshop, featured conversation as well as host a screening of a recently released documentary about her innovative life in electronic music.
Additionally, we are pleased to have more voices added to the choir at Moogfest...
Comedians often are the reflexive lens of culture, giving uplifting commentary to our often complex world. With this spirit in mind, comedian and actor Hannibal Buress will be joining us as the comedic lens and moderator in two conversations: One with the wildly inventive hip-hop producer & lyricist Flying Lotus, and another with psych-pop trio Animal Collective and legendary 1970’s synth pioneers and psych outfit, Syrinx.
Chicago based experimental song stylists Circuit de Yeux will be added to this year’s line-up, bringing her conversely expressionate sense of abstract pop to the Moogfest stage.
About Moogfest
Moogfest is the synthesis of music, art, and technology. Since 2004, Moogfest has brought together artists, futurist thinkers, inventors, entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, scientists, and musicians. By day, Moogfest is a platform for conversation and experimentation. By night, Moogfest presents cutting-edge music in venues throughout the city. This mind-expanding conference attracts creative and technology enthusiasts for three days of participatory programming in Durham, North Carolina. Performing artists include early pioneers in electronic music, alongside pop and avant-garde experimentalists of today.
Ticket information:
Engineer Festival Pass (limited quantity) - $1500
This two-day synth-building workshop, led by Moog engineers, invites a select group of enthusiasts to build their very own unreleased Moog analog synthesizer and sequencer. The hands-on workshop is conducted in two three-hour sessions within the Pop-up Moog production facility. No experience is necessary, but basic soldering knowledge is recommended. Participants in the Engineering workshop also have VIP access for the duration of the event. Priority access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Access to exclusive VIP viewing areas and events and gift bag. Complimentary food and drink in select locations. Workshops are available via RSVP. Engineer Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis. Pre-Sale Engineer Festival Passes available for a limited time, while supplies last.
VIP Festival Pass - $499
VIP access for the duration of the event. Priority access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Access to exclusive VIP viewing areas and events and gift bag. Complimentary food and drink in select locations. Workshops are available via RSVP. VIP Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis.
Festival Pass - $249
General Admission for the duration of the event. Access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Workshops are available via RSVP. VIP Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis.
Payment plans are also available. Simply select 'Monthly Payments with Affirm' as your payment method during checkout. More details are available here."
The performance comes in at just after 7:11, but don't miss the talk if you have the time. A Moog Sub Phatty, DSI Prophet 12, Nord Stage 2, and Ableton Push are featured in the performance.
"How can a song - written by a perfect stranger - feel as if it were written about you? Composer/artist/producer Claudio explains her art, purpose and technique, and finishes with an exclusive unveiling of her new track: "I was a Rockstar".
In her solo live performances, Claudio creates and orchestrates songs with complex layering in real-time using music technology. To her, the art is in making sure both the technology and technique are driven by the heart - and achieve a delicate balance between control and instinct.
Rachel Claudio is a Perth-born/European-based artist/composer/singer/producer and university lecturer. She works with major labels and composes scores for film and TV. Her live video performances have captured the hearts and minds of millions of viewers.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx"
Just a heads up, the lineup for Moogfest 2017 has been announced. As always, check out moogfest.com for full details on the event. The following is a small capture for the archives via the Moogfest newsletter.
"Hailed as 'the most adventurous and cutting edge' festival of 2016, Moogfest returns with a commitment to futurist conversations and performances that wrestle with our historic moment, and reflect on the festival’s home in North Carolina.
In celebration of its 11th iteration, Moogfest will unveil its lineup over the next 11 weeks through their weekly “Future Thought Future Sound” email newsletter, inviting the Moogfest community to explore program themes like Transhumanism, Techno-shamanism and Protest.
Moogfest 2016 Talent Announcement with Reggie Watts
Published on Dec 8, 2015 Moogfest
"Headlining performances include Gary Numan playing a three night residency of his trailblazing early albums, a two-night residency by GZA, ODESZA, Laurie Anderson, Oneohtrix Point Never, Suzanne Ciani, Blood Orange, and Sun Ra Arkestra; with keynote presentations by transhumanist activist and pharma tycoon Dr. Martine Rothblatt, and computer scientist Jaron Lanier, a pioneer in the field of virtual reality.
More than one hundred other acts are already confirmed to perform, while the conference program continues to develop in partnership with a range of esteemed universities, innovative businesses, and art/technology organizations. Program partners include MIT Media Lab, Google, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The New Museum’s New Inc., IDEO, Gray Area, and the EyeO Festival.
For the first time ever, Moogfest will take place in Durham, NC. Moogfest activates seventeen venues, throughout the walkable downtown core, from intimate galleries to grand theatres, including a free outdoor stage with participatory, all-ages programming. Durham promises to be an ideal setting for Moogfest: a city uniquely blending diversity, authenticity, world class innovation, and culture, with a long history of great music.
Program highlights:
Pioneers in Electronic Music
Electronic music pioneer Gary Numan will perform his first three albums (Replicas, The Pleasure Principle, and Telekon) over three consecutive nights in three different venues. Musical experimentalist Laurie Anderson weaves stories and song in her solo performance, “The Language of the Future” and then returns to the stage the next day to hosts a daytime conversation.
Future Pop
Headlining talent also charts a zig-zagging course across today’s synthesizer infused pop landscape, from the vibrant electronic duo ODESZA, to the future soul of Blood Orange (playing in North Carolina for the first time), a return of utopian rockers YACHT, and even the comic stylings of Reggie Watts.
Experimentalists
Immersive noise and minimalist sonic-scapes from some of today’s most progressive experimental artists, including sunn O))), Ben Frost, Tim Hecker, Silver Apples, Oneohtrix Point Never, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Olivia Block, Alessandro Cortini, and Lotic.
Ambient Music Innovators
A rich program of sustained tones and cascading moods led by Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno’s prolific Grammy winning protege, Suzanne Ciani, and the UK’s originators of ambient house The Orb.
Hip-Hop
GZA leads Moogfest’s strongest ever hip-hop and rap lineup, supported by a roster of emerging talent including Lunice, Tory Lanez, Denzel Curry, Dr. Dre protege King Mez, and Well$.
The Future of Creativity
Futurist philosophers set the tone for a mind-expanding conference. Keynotes by Dr. Martine Rothblatt, author, entrepreneur, transhumanist, inventor of satellite radio, and Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist and composer who has pioneered the field of virtual reality. Other visionaries include sound explorer Onyx Ashanti and his 'exo-voice' sonic prosthesis, Tod Machover from MIT Media LAB presenting his work in HyperInstruments, and Gil Weinberg and The Robotic Musicianship Group at Georgia Tech performing with Shimon, an improvising robotic marimba player that uses artificial intelligence.
Orchestral Ensembles
The intergalactic voyagers of Sun Ra Arkestra channel the cosmic philosopher himself. Arthur Russell’s Instrumentals ensemble, making their US debut. Floating Points’ live project veers fluidly from warm electronic to jazz to sonic space rhythms.
Moog Releases Robert Rich EP to Commemorate Discontinuation of Iconic Synth
Today, Moog Music announced the official discontinuation of the Minimoog Voyager Rack Mount Edition (Voyager RME) analog synthesizer – a tabletop, rack-mountable version of Moog's flagship analog mono synth, the Minimoog Voyager. The Minimoog Voyager was Bob Moog's modern day re-imagining of the Minimoog Model D, the most iconic analog synthesizer of all time.
Since its introduction in 2005, the Minimoog Voyager RME has found its place on thousands of records and stages around the world. On the Alive Tour, Daft Punk's monolithic pyramid was powered by 4 Voyager RMEs, while electronic musicians like Orbital, Deadmau5, Tycho and R&B producer Brian Michael Cox all rely on the sonic abilities of the Voyager RME to deliver new sounds for their studio productions.
'Ten years ago, Bob and I struggled over whether or not to release the Minimoog Voyager RME. Thankfully we did, because so many wonderful works of art have been produced with it,' said Moog Music President Mike Adams. 'It's always difficult for us to end the life of a product, especially one that Bob designed himself, but I am happy to know that the artists fortunate enough to own one of these expressive tools will enjoy a lifetime of rich musical experiences,' said Adams.
To celebrate the legacy of this powerful analog instrument, ambient electronic music pioneer, Robert Rich has composed a 3 song EP of evolving soundscapes titled 'Hiding In Daylight'. Rich's work is a meditative exploration of organic analog sound, drawing on the rich tonal palette of the Minimoog Voyager RME.
"Philly emcee and producer Raj Halder, better known as Lushlife, entered the Moog Sound Lab to re-imagine the song 'Meridian Sound (Part Two)' from the album Cassette City.
To create an intimate atmosphere, Raj performed with no backing track, using only the Animoog synthesizer application (controlled by a Minimoog Voyager) and a Moog MF-104M Analog Delay to create a sonic wash under his vocals.
"Bring on the FONK!
Gear used:
bass: Fender Jazz bass through Warwick Take 12.1 amp, SM57 mic
guitar: Silvertone 1478 RI through Marshall MG30DFX, SM57 mic
organ: Hammond XK-3c through Leslie 122xb, SM57 mic
solo synth: Moog Minimoog through DAW fx
drums, arrangement, mixing: Cakewalk Sonar X3 Producer
mastering software: Adobe Audition CC
All instruments, song, arrangement and production copyright (c) 2014 Paolo Di Nicolantonio"
"Asheville, NC - February 2014... The Bob Moog Foundation (BMF) has announced significant additions to the Asheville, NC-based foundation's archives. Included in these new additions are several rare prototypes, including one of the few Moog Apollo Synthesizers in the world (the Apollo became the prototype for the Polymoog), the Moog Liberation, Moog Drum Controller, Moog Sequencer, Moog Song Producer, Moog Feedback Suppressor; as well as production models of the Minutemoog, and a Moog Vocoder. Also added to the archives are more than 1,000 schematic drawings dating from 1965 through 1985.
'These instruments and drawings join our growing collection of treasures that also includes Roger Powell's custom keyboard controller, designed by Bob; a duophonic Minimoog; and two vintage theremins,' remarked Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and daughter of the late inventor. 'We're thrilled with the ongoing interest our archives are generating from organizations and individuals.'
These latest additions to the Foundation's collection of historic documents and musical instruments come on the heels of the permanent loan of vintage instruments by the Music Department of University of North Carolina at Greensboro in December 2013.
According to Moog-Koussa, over 400 of the more than 1,000 documents received in this latest contribution have already been inventoried and entered into a searchable database.
'But that's just the beginning,' she continues. 'We will soon begin the most detailed and formalized part of the archiving process - cataloging. It takes time to do it right, but these materials are too significant not to do it right.' She anticipates the process will take 12 to 18 months, after which the documents will be scanned and the most significant of them shared.
'Creating a wide-ranging collection that includes not only his work, but also the work of those he influenced is the goal of the Bob Moog Foundation,' she adds. 'It is from this perspective that we can achieve the truest picture of his life's work and ultimately appreciate his contributions to science and music.'
As Moog-Koussa observes, her father was generous with his talent and knowledge. 'Inspiring others fueled his own creativity. We endeavor to carry on that tradition at BFM.'
Moog-Koussa points to the work of Dr. Bob's Sound School (DBSS) as an example of BMF's ongoing outreach and education, an important part of her father's legacy. The 10-week curriculum teaches second grade students the physics of sound using acoustic and electronic musical instruments such as the theremin, as well as oscilloscopes. The information is supplemented by custom educational materials developed by the BMF educational team. 'Bob was a life-long learner,' his daughter explains. 'He never stopped asking 'what if' and wanted others to ask the same question. I can't think of a better tribute to his life and work than encouraging a new generation to ask the same question.'
***
About the Bob Moog Foundation
The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Asheville, North Carolina. Our mission is to ignite creativity through the intersection of music, science and innovation. The Bob Moog Foundation was founded to honor the legacy of Bob Moog by inspiring people of all ages through the genius of Bob's legendary work in providing innovative musical instruments to musicians, giving them a new voice for creativity. The Foundation provides much-needed innovative and effective educational opportunities to today's youth - tomorrow's generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers.
The Bob Moog Foundation is not affiliated with Moog Music."
