Moog Minimoog Voyager OS

Like its much lauded ancestor the Model D, the user interface is intuitive, particularly if you're already familiar with analog synthesis. Slightly different than the "D," with the mod busses strangely occupying the far left of the control panel; there are also some variations in horizontal/vertical positioning of the knobs and rocker switches but as with the "D," it's all there.

Pure analog sound, virtually identical to the "D," though some purists claim the OS is brighter and less buzzy than the original mini. This, however, may be more of a virtue than a vice, as the original sound of the mini--especially in a thick mix--often had to be EQ-ed. The mod busses alone make the OS a far more powerful weapon than the "D" ever was. Add the VX-351 Expander and you've really got a semi-modular synth on your hands

So, the big question: does the OS sound like the "D"? First of all, the OS isn't the "D" and isn't supposed to be--that's why it's called the OS folks. Only diehard "D" nostalgists will quibble about this point. I've compared both my original "D" (a 1979 model) and the OS, and honestly the slight differences are only for those who listen to sound and music hypersonically. A little brighter, yes, and a bit less buzzy. Agreed. And let's thank the people at Moog for this. If you want it to be buzzier sounding, overdrive the oscillators; if you want it to sound a bit less bright, cut the highs. The pure retro design certainly isn't for everyone, though. There's no MIDI, no digital readout, no on-board effects, nothing that digital synths often incorporate in today's over-the-top synth wars. But if you're thinking of buying an analog synth, why would you want any of these bells and whistles anyway? Just start turning the knobs and flipping the switches. Use the mod busses. Start patching cords with the VX-351. For a change, start playing a synth instead of scrolling through endless menus. Back to the VX-351 for a moment: you really MUST get this if you're thinking of acquiring the OS. You simply won't believe the sounds you're able to achieve with it: huge modular drones, absolutely crazy warped frequency modulations, strange oscillations that remind one of galaxies being born. Simply incredible.

At nearly 50 lbs. it's built to withstand a nuclear holocaust. Rugged and ready to ride with you to hell and back.

Haven't had a need to deal with customer support yet.

If you're serious about synthesis in the third millennium, go out and buy the OS NOW! You can usually get a great deal on ebay for right around $2,000. You won't regret it either. You'll spend hour upon hour with your hands all over it, and it'll never say "No, honey, not tonight--I've got a headache."

Provided you know something about analog synths, you'll feel right at home with the panel. Great quality feel to the knobs, and instant visual confirmation of what the parameters are by looking at them.

No display, no MIDI, no computer memory, monophonic, no sequencer, BUT just plain fun analog exploration! Just like the original MiniMoog model D was. Some might prefer the standard Voyager, but I don't. If you crave immediate, precise control over the synth without having to look at a display or scroll through menus, this is THE synth for you!

The back panel provides many CV inputs, and two CV out (keyboard pitch, and keyboard gate). The other CV outputs are available thru a DB25 connector going to the (optional) VX-351 expander. That's why I gave it "only" a 8. That expander is about $350 US!

But with two modulation busses already available, you can already have hours of musical exploration awaiting!

One word: MOOG.

You have to hear it for yourself to understand. So go try one in a store!

Well built, hand crafted, solid wood on metal base casing, a bit hefty at 40 pounds. No problems so far, and I don't expect any.

Quick replies to e-mails, very passionate people about their products (it's a small company). I've asked them about some info, and got an enthusiastic reply.

Since this particular model is a limited run (about 400 according to Moog Music), it's bound to go up in value over the years, much like a good wine. Great looks, great sounds, great quality, but in a niche market admittedly.

Let's face it - if you don't already understand substractive synthesis - the interface is daunting. But since I schooled myself on the Little Phatty Stage I... I absolutely love the freedom from the digital control. As you learn, you see that every turn of the knob does something. It has a function - it's not taking up space. And as you get a visceral feel for the changes in sound, the interface becomes simpler and friendlier. The manual is excellent - but in the future, I think an included DVD tutorial might be a good route to go for Moog Music.

The keyboard control has a great feel and even has AFTERTOUCH. One thing I love doing is switching LFO to aftertouch control. The synth takes on a new personality when I do that. As Bernie Worrell puts it - it's like a female. The way you touch it produces different sounds with aftertouch. There are no built in effects and that's not why you buy a Moog product in the first place. Also, there is no sequencer - but sample and hold effects are just fine. Let's face it - this thing is the antithesis of the modern, Dave Smith influenced keyboard. If you bought it looking for polyphony, effects, expansion, MIDI or sequencing... you are basically an idiot! A development on the original Minimoog Model D design is that there are expanded modulation capabilites. Otherwise, this beast IS what it claims to be - a replacement, roadworthy replacement, for your old Mini D.

Works for every genre imaginable. Classical, jazz, rock, prog, techno, rap, and even modern R&B. Like I said above, it does have an aftertouch control... making it more sensitive than the average mod wheel. Like I said above, every change you make changes the sound. A great thing Moog did was include patch diagrams - to record your creations... and they provide us with two sample diagrams: one for resonant bass, another for a classic lead sound. This monster is as fat and ballsy as the original Minimoog - great sounding synth.

It's solid. But this is definately not a synth you treat like a Kurzweil. Hell, you could drop a Kurzweil (I did) and it will still play. Moog instruments are delicate by nature... so whether you can depend on it depends on how careful you are with your stuff. I do use it on gigs frequently - funk, jazz and electronica... and it has no replacement or backup. Nothing touches it.

I've spoken with many people at Moog and traded emails with them - they stand behind their products. Absolutely. A great company. Haven't seen a need for an "upgrade" or a repair, yet. But just the same... I knew what I was buying. I wasn't hoping for upgrades. This beast is a solid product.

I would buy this again in a heartbeat. It's worth its weight in gold. I've been playing in Louisville, KY for about 10 years. I've had an Ensoniq, a Korg Trinity, a Roland SH-201, a Korg Microsynth, a Korg MS2000, a Roland XP30, a Hammond XK2, a Roland VK-8 and VK-7 and a Nord Modular Key and Nord Lead 2X. Nothing. Nothing touches the warmth and balls of my Moogs. I play the Little Phatty and the Minimoog Voyager OS along with a Yamaha Tenori-on, a Nord Electro 2, a Moog Etherwave Theremin and an Alesis Micron. I have a love/hate relationship with the fact it takes 20 minutes to warm a Moog up. But hell - it's worth the wait. I have made more crazy, out there music with the Minimoog Voyager OS than ANY keyboard I have ever owned. It fits into anything I do - except classic R&B like Aretha Franklin - and the only thing I wish it had is an included CV processor and FreqBox to make my rig a MODULAR.

The standard for analog synthesizer programming. Everything is right in front of your eyes...all knobs...no menus. Regardless of how advanced you are in the field of analog synthesis, this is a piece that you can continue to learn on and grow with.

Three oscillators, white noise, S&H, portamento, PWM, sync, high and low pass filters, etc....all the classic staples are there to make new and classic analog sounds and shapes. This synth is for purists...no midi, no menus, no gimicky touchpad (like the Voyager Performer)....no frills. It's the way I wish the original Voyager had been.

That thick, creamy, Moog sound that will transform whatever sort of style and production you currently do. Great for live playing, great for sequencing. The lack of memory forces you to start from scratch everytime you want to make something new, which in turn helps to make you a better programmer and/or player.

I've had two Voyagers before this (Anniversary and Signature)and never had a problem, so I imagine the lack of "digital anything" on this model will go a long way towards its superb reliability.

Very helpful in the past when I've needed it.

A modern classic, and something that will remain that way years from now, in my opinion. The essence of analog synthesizers, modulars notwithstanding.