Tefty helps you master the world’s most iconic synth – in hardware, software or emulation form!

The Minimoog is arguably the most recognisable synth of all time. It’s also considered to be the first “classic” synth. It set the standard for future synths to follow and opened up a whole new world of sonic exploration.

How old is it? Over 50 years. The first model was in production from 1970 for just over a decade, until it stopped in 1981. More than 12,000 units were made during that first era of production. The company, RA Moog Co, only expected to sell 100 of them! Another fun fact is that the Minimoog was the first synth to feature a pitch wheel! Standards were set with this legend.

After the 1980s, there was a rocky period for Moog synths. It wasn’t until the late ’90s that an updated version would hit the market. Most recently, Moog Music manufactured a reissue of the Model D from 2016 to 2017. Production had to stop because they were running out of parts faster than expected, due to the popularity of the synth.

There have also been tons of unofficial (and official) software versions of the Minimoog created.

In our walkthrough guides here, we’re exploring the fundamentals using Behringer’s affordable and faithful Model D, but the principles work with any Model D, original, cloned or emulated!

What’s so special about the Model D, then?

It comes down to fat, analogue bread and butter sounds, combined with a simple and straightforward interface to program and tweak. A faithful reproduction has no effects. It’s just pure synth tones. Obviously adding reverb and delay enhances the instrument tremendously, just like any guitar benefits from effects. The original didn’t sync the oscillators (due to a voltage design) which inadvertently created a fatter-sounding synth. Since the oscillators tended to drift, the synth produced amazing analogue warmth, leading to iconic bass and lead sounds.