Moog CP-251 MoogerFooger Control Processor

I was gonna give the cp-251 a 7 in this category because it can be pretty involved, you have many many options. But I decided to make it a 9 because really all you really have to do to get this thing to work it's magic is plug in a 1/4 inch jack and run it to any cv (expression pedal) input.

This thing can make a few sounds on it's own although that is not it's true purpose.. you have a white noise output that is quite loud and best used patched through one of the attenuators (speaking of the attenuators are the perfect thing to lower the volume of the MF102 ring modulator's carrier output for integration into a line level mix). The LFOs can be heard at the audio level when patched into a signal chain though they would benefit from a boost, an effect much like a click track for the square wave and rhythmic patterns from the sample and hold circuit.
That said, you get a bunch of routing and modulation functionality for what amounts to a reasonable price when compared to other modular gear . you get: a 4 input mixer with an offset control and +/- outputs, an afore mentioned white noise source, a lag processor for portamento and wave shaping effects, 2 attenuators, a sample and hold with triggers and, a square-ish and sine-ish output, and a 4 way multiple. 'bout $500 worth of synth modules.

I have fumbled each of my moogerfoogers like a football more than once and I've had them for about 7 years now with no problems ever. I do hate the plastic jacks in these things though.

Never needed to call.

I have seen other gear come and go. The moogerfoogers have stood the test of time, and for me they have become a central part of my setup. They introduced me to modular synthesis, they make lesser effects boxes sound like dirt, and 7 years down the line I am still finding new sounds . they are a bit to big though and finding a way to connect them all without a mess of wires is a challenge. even the optional rackmount hardware results in a less than ideal configuration (all of the patch points should be in the front of the other pedals). Ironically it would be better if the cp-251 was the same size and the other moogerfoogers. I speak off the moogerfoogers as one now because you really need at least one of the pedals to make the cp-251 effective. The cp-251 is really the cornerstone of a moogerfooger effects array.

I am no studio gear geek I am poor. I think that moogerfoogers are very well priced when you consider the whole package.

oh yeah and I do psychedelic/harsh noise.

Coming, as I do, from a guitar background, this thing looks confusing as heck. It doesn't put out any sound (except, as someone mentioned below, for the noise source, which just makes noise.) Once you read the very clear, well-thought out manual, though, it isn't so tough. It's not a '10' for the average guitarist, because you have to read the manual to understand it, but as the reviewer below mentioned, it'd be super-simple for the seasoned synthesist.

This thing really doesn't make sounds; it makes sounds interesting. It is like an automatic knob tweaker for your other moogerfoogers (and other voltage controlled gear, if any.) It performs its job flawlessly, and is in my opinion an absolutely essential piece of gear for wringing every drop out of your Moog pedals.

I doubt this thing would ever break.

I've never called Moog directly.

Since I got this thing, I've changed my style. Now I'm all interested in synthesis and sound design. I would get another if it ascended to another plane due to its extreme coolness (as I am sometimes afraid it might.) If you own a Moogerfooger, buy one of these next. You won't be sad you did.

After reading the manual, you should have a pretty clear understanding of everything this unit has to offer. It could have easily included a few more sample settings or even just a few simple ideas to get a newbie going, but the most fun with the CP-251 is found in experimentation, and the accomplishment you feel in discovering new possibilities.

It can be overwhelming at times... but totally worth the occasional frustration for the sheer joy of finding new mind-bending sounds every day.

I play my POS Ibanez Artcore on a Traynor YCV40A. Before the preamp goes Guitar-> Boss TU-2 -> EHX Microsynth -> MXR Q-Zone ->xonic Expandora 2000R -> J. Everman Ultra Drive, and in the FX loop I have a Moog MF-101 LPF -> MF-102 Ring Mod -> Behringer DSP2024 -> EHX Polychorus -> Paradox TZF Flanger -> H2O Chorus Echo -> Line 6 DL4. The Control Processor is sandwiched between the two moogs, supplying various voltages to each.

No noise... unless you use the white noise generator as a signal source, in which case noise is the point. Nothing quite matches a moog, and this nails the sound completely. I finally have *TRUE* videogame music! The incredible quality matched with the limitless combinations for new sounds is unparalleled in the realm of guitar effects. Of course, this assumes you have at least one piece of voltage-controlled gear... preferably the moogerfooger, not only for the sheer quantity of voltage-controlled inputs and outputs, but also for the fact that they're stompboxes and not unwieldy racks.

So if you at least one moogerfooger... you want the CP-251.

As usual, the build quality from Moog is stellar. Many seem to be reluctant to gig with their moogerfoogers, but I trust that they can hold up wherever the road takes them.

Built tough, yet still looks like a fine piece of antique furniture. Dig on that wood paneling!

The only experience I've had with their customer support as been... well, essentially none. I stopped sending in my warranty cards. I trust that the moogerfoogers will stay working at least during the coverage period, and besides... I never recieved those stupid irridescent stickers they always promise on the customer surveys. I stopped wasting my time.

I've always wanted a Minimoog, and this is the next best thing. And at the going price, it's a steal. This is THE way to get TRUE vintage analog synthesizer sounds with a guitar.

This is the best purchase I've made so far. (aside from the moogerfoogers... but without a control processor I never would have realized their full potential)

You will need a basic understanding of fundemental modular synthesis techniques to get the most out of this unit, and if you do understand these principles, then it is a cynch to use, so i give it a 10 for a seasoned synthesist.
Even if you are not sure how all the features work, you can easily use the lfo and Sample and hold circuit with no bother at all.

This thing produces no sound, but rather processes control voltage signals such as lfo's, envelopes and even oscillators.
This may sound quite uninteresting, but you have to ask yourself what and how do you produce cool new sounds......the answer is modulation!!!......and this thing has bags of it!!

Not much can go wrong on this, nor could you do much to even harm it unless you went out your way to destroy it!

Haven't had any bother yet, and i also have the MF103 and 102 and no problems thus far.

As i said earlier, as did the guy below me, this thing has proven indispensible for creating new timbres and sounds, and when used in conjunction with other Moogerfoogers or any other cv capable gear, this thing stretches their usefulness almost twice again.


If you are put off by this thing because you are unsure on how control voltages work, then a little reading up will go a long way to getting the most out of this unit and other Moogerfoogers, synths etc.
A good tip is to browse modular analogue synth manufacturers websites, and read up on how each module works and how they can be applied to all cv related gear. I did this by reading the great descriptions of all the modules at the "analoguesystems.co.uk" website and have learned a lot without even buying a book........so i will say a big thank you to those guys at Analogue Systems and good luck in all you do!

Overall i would describe this unit as one of those studio items that would not be high up on a wishlist, such as monitors, better racks, new furniture, better cables etc...... but once bought, you don't how you managed without it!

This unit is extremely easy to use, provided you either know a little about CV modular synthesis, or youre prepared to explore. And if you bought this or are interested in buying this, then obviously sound exporation is what youre into, and this unit will not fail to please, provided you have other CV gear to patch into it ( it is not an audio processor ). The manual is very easy to comprehend, although it may take me years to dig out all of this units advantages, and thats a good thing isnt it?

I use this unit to link up my other MoogerFoogers in an amazing variety of ways to achieve all manner of classic Moogy sounds. I'm really suprised that no-one has written about the CP-251, because it is an absolutely indespensable addition to the MF range. The sound quality is pure Moog. What attracted me to this unit was its Sample and Hold circuit. Controlled by a very wide range LFO, which can be used seperately to add very distinctive rythmic changes to any CV gear, the SandH adds all manner of random control signals to my phaser and ring modulator. This has greatly expanded the possibilities to my other MoogerFoogers. Anyone out there ever come across a LAG Processor? Not I, but let me tell you, it does some amazingly weird effects.

The unit is built TO LAST - and handcrafted at that, what more can you ask for?

Moog have always responded via email to the most trivial of requests (sometimes I wanna talk).

I play electronic music of the old school 60's and 70's film music and avant-garde variety, using a Theremin and analogue synths. I'm often in pursuit of the spaceyist and most modernist of sounds, and this unit is the baby I've been dreaming of. I can turn the Theremin on, patch the S+H into the Ring Mods Frequency in, and it plays itself, leaving me free to concentrate on counter melodys or rythyms on the synth. I like to think that with the complete range of MoogerFoogers, I have exactly, the modern equivelant of the old Moog modular synths. So, don't be afraid - its abit obscure, but if you have the other Foogers, get this baby. It brings them alive!