Story of Minimoog.

The Minimoog is an analogue synthesizer invented by Bill Hemsath and Robert Moog in 1969 and marketed in 1970.

It was one of the first modular synthesizers to incorporate keyboard keys and pitch to create slides on the notes.

It has a clear and readable control panel displaying three oscillators which are actually filter or amplifier envelopes, with attack, decay and sustain. With this system you can achieve intense and very different sounds.

By chance, engineer Jim Scott made a miscalculation and once the instrument came out of the factory as it was wired, he realised that the signal was saturated in the filters. But against all odds, it gave him an unparalleled grain and richness. Jim doesn't intend to rectify his mistake as the effect sounds so wonderful.

The minimoog becomes a hot instrument on stage. Its weight and size make it easy to carry around like a suitcase.

At the 1970 Grammys, Bob Moog received a Trustees Award for his outstanding career in music.

More than 12,000 units were manufactured between 1970 and 1981. This makes it the most mass-produced synthesizer.

How can you get the minimoog ?

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of this synth, Moog has released a Minimoog Model D with the same features as the original and the addition of a more modern sound.

As the cost is still high, I advise you to use a VST. They are very close to the original and much cheaper.

Arturia Mini V.

Arturia has launched its Mini V emulation which is of very high quality. You can get it by subscribing to the Arturia Labs suite.

Minimoog Model D App.

Moog has also released a digital version of their synth. It can be found on App Store. Ideally, you should have it on an iPad in order to use it properly. It costs 14.95 euros and you can record patterns on your DAW. I recommend this version because this application reproduces the original sounds remarkably well for a very low price.

Universal Audio Moog Minimoog.

You should know that Universal Audio has also created its emulation with a slightly higher purchase price. I confess that I have not tried it because the 2 previous versions are more than enough for me at much lower prices, but it is good to know that it exists.

The last word.

If you want to discover some sounds I suggest you download the free pack "Strobe (Free Pack)" the link is below this article.

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