Moog Minimoog Model D Mahogany Cabinet Analog Synthesizer

It could hardly be more original: the Minimoog Model D from Moog is a subtly expanded and modernised reissue of the only true Minimoog synthesiser alias Model D, which was once built from 1970 to 1982. At the time, the Minimoog was a compact and therefore stage-ready compilation of the most important modules from the famous Moog modular system including keyboard and is the blueprint for most analogue and later digital synthesisers that have appeared since the Minimoog, not only because of its logical structure. The powerful and voluminous sound of the Model D has been inspiring musicians of various genres and listeners alike for over 50 years. Anyone who knows music by Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream, Keith Emerson, Herbie Hancock or Rick Wakeman (YES) has already heard the Minimoog.

Modulation means life

Modulation in the Minimoog is subject to a certain purism, so there are two ADS envelopes that are permanently assigned to the filter and the VCA. The cutoff parameter can follow the notes played, and a switchable four-stage keyboard tracking (off - 1/3 & 2/3 - 3/3) is integrated. On the left-hand side of the control panel is the controller area, where you can set which modulation source may affect the oscillators and/or the filter in addition to Glide. Oscillator 3 respectively the filter envelope and noise respectively the LFO are available for selection. Mixtures from two different sources are also possible. As oscillator 3 can be decoupled from the pitch control, it can be used as a second LFO or as an FM source. The intensity of the effect of the modulation source(s) on the target is controlled with the modulation wheel to the left of the keyboard.

Connections & special tricks

In terms of connections, the Minimoog Model D is very close to its ancestor. The MIDI trio is the most modern interface in this instrument in terms of control technology. In addition to Pitch and Gate, the keyboard and the MIDI interface also generate Aftertouch and Velocity; however, the latter two are not processed by the internal sound generation. On the input side, gate, pitch, filter, loudness (VCA) and mod source are available for processing control voltages. This means that Aftertouch and Velocity can be routed to these destinations using patch cables. As this Model D generates and accepts V-Trig (gate) instead of the outdated S-Trig (Schmitt trigger), the synthesiser is compatible with Eurorack modules, among others. Audio is output at higher and lower levels in mono. Directly next to it is the audio input, which has its own level control in the mixer section. This is where one of the best-known tricks for giving the Minimoog more sound variation is "hidden": simply patch one of the two outputs to the input, level it in the mixer and turn up the resonance and the adjustable filter feedback will show its effect. The sound is punchier, much more resonant, clippier and a little less predictable; but still a hot tip - elsewhere this effect is called the "brute factor".