THE PRODUCER’S GUIDE TO…
MOOG ONE
Let’s explore how to create a selection of sounds and tones using Moog’s epic flagship polysynth
VIDEO ON FILESILO
The Moog sound is one that almost anybody with a passing interest in synths and electronic music will be familiar with. It’s synonymous with the sound of subtractive synthesis and has informed generations of musicians and music lovers. The last few decades have seen Moog create some instant classics with synths like the reissued Minimoog or more recently the Sub37 and even the Mother 32 but it’s been a long time since they have had a polyphonic offering. The Moog One sits solidly at the top of the Moog range, with the choice of either eight or 16 voices and a near-endless mod matrix, flexible workflow and a central control section that makes it an intuitive beast to programme, belying some of its depth.
Getting to know One
Over the next few pages we’ll be taking you through the process of creating a number of patches, in the hope that by the end of it you will have a solid understanding of how the One works, how to capitalise on the various modulations on offer but, most importantly, how to reach the sonic goals you envisage when you sit down to start a fresh musical idea.
Before we begin, let’s recap the very basics, so that you have a solid grasp of the terms used while we start shaping our sounds.
The basic signal starts with the VCO (oscillator) which then passes through a VCF (filter), then into a VCA (amplifier). If it were just these, you could make some great sounds but they would be pretty static and what makes for a versatile synth is simple to use modulation. The One offers multiple modulation sources, as well as expression controls, plus three envelopes which you can use to shape volume, modulation and the filter, over time. The most basic mod sources are LFOs which are essentially VCOs that run below audible rates.
Taking centre-stage in the studio, the One is a beautiful machine with an ash case, a wonderful keybed and wide assortment of I/O
One-way ticket
The One has many other patch-building options from arpeggiators and sequencers to control voltage ports, then a set of great effects meaning we have a lot to work with, so warm up your oscs and let’s go!