Is Moog Overrated?

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 2:31 am

Coming late to this, but...

I too kinda think the moog thing is a tad over-rated, from a purely synthesis standpoint. I could never own one as a my main synth, unlike say a vintage guitar or piano. It's a good sound for what it is, but just not enough options for me to get excited about it. And while it's definitely a players synth, I find it ironic that the actual keyboard on them is usually only so so.

Lazos · Post by **Lazos** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:50 am

I'd say the new Moog guitar is overated, though I haven't played one.

Machinesworking · Post by **Machinesworking** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:32 am

Tarekith wrote:Coming late to this, but...

I too kinda think the moog thing is a tad over-rated, from a purely synthesis standpoint. I could never own one as a my main synth, unlike say a vintage guitar or piano. It's a good sound for what it is, but just not enough options for me to get excited about it. And while it's definitely a players synth, I find it ironic that the actual keyboard on them is usually only so so.

I knew you would come in with that.

Analog VS digital analog modeling etc. is almost as heated as Mac VS PC. Though honestly it's a matter in my mind of this simple little fact: Digital analog or digital, doesn't matter, is primarily a matter of add ons, enough options and you get a great tone. With analog, you start of with a great sound, a raw analog oscillator or two with no FX sounds great, you simply can't say that about digital.
Another point, digital signal path is all math, there are no variables, mod plus pulse width plus slight detuning does exactly what it's supposed to = flat compared to the same signal path in analog gear.
There is a definite reason why you can pick up a DX7 for $100 these days, but a Jupiter will cost you $2000+
Look forward to being able to buy a Virus Ti for $50 when you're 50, and at the same time I'll be selling my Memorymoog for $20,000.

TL;DR Anaolg = vintage guitars /thread.

Machinesworking · Post by **Machinesworking** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:32 am

All a matter of personal taste though, and why to me these questions are sort of strange?
I'm not a huge fan of the Nord sound, but I understand that it's a sound that a lot of people like, and has it's own value because of that simple fact.

leaveittothepros · Post by **leaveittothepros** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:58 am

is the "moog sound" overrated?
which sound?
the classic funky creamy smooth bass sound?
point is it makes different kinds of sounds...and its known for a particular character of sound. if you really seek that particular sound than its not overrated its exactly what you want.
tired of the moog or subtractive analog sound?
then make new sounds! reinvent synthesis!..become the jimi hendrix of fm, additive or wavetable sound manipulation...thats what is a huge part of inspiration for me. I want to hear sounds that make my ear perk up and go...wahs tha?
I crave it...i'm addicted to hearing new sounds...whether its software, digital. analog or any combination..I can't get enough...don't want a played out overdone moog sound? don't get one don't make it..use the tools you have and make what you want. who gives a fuck what anyone else thinks...they are instruments...use them how you like..for what you like............

Machinate · Post by **Machinate** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:05 am

Moog isn't overrated. The MINIMOOG is - and the little phatty is even more

The diode ladder filter is such a classic. I would kill for a moog modular from the 60s!

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:15 am

huge pic, lemme know if it's too hugeness. everything you need is described in that picture.

Machinesworking · Post by **Machinesworking** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:28 am

Machinate wrote: I would kill for a moog modular from the 60s!

+1. I'm grateful I have the Memorymoog, but every once in a while I wish I had a modular.... are you putting one together per chance? curious.

Machinate · Post by **Machinate** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:56 am

Machinesworking wrote: every once in a while I wish I had a modular.... are you putting one together per chance? curious.

oh yes, including a custom line of modules.

Silence · Post by **Silence** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:16 am

ok...damn...i dont know how i got the balls to write in this thread with all of you, the kings or maby queens of the forum but here goes...

could it be the fact that the sound isnt overrated but rather the name?...i mean...as Machinate said, Moog = no, Little Phatty = yes....
little phatty is the "cheap" moog... so idiots like me and other "young ppl who look up to super humans like Liam from The Prodigy" think...."yeeeees, now i can sound cool and everyone knows that Moog on the bass/lead is instant $$$ or €€€ if u prefer..."

and Tarekith made me think of a question...
whats more important... 1 synth that does many things and is controllable beyond Vida Guerras ass or is 1 synth that does 1 thing good more important?

i mean we all can agree that Moog synths in general produce "phat" bass... not that we´d always want a "phat" synthesized bass, i know that i´d love me some acoustic or electric bass...i just cant play bass so i keep telling myself "nono, massive/subtractor is the shizznit and ppl of the world will love u for using them"... 1 synth do many or 1 synth do 1 thing good

3dot... · Post by **3dot...** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:42 am

is a Mercedes overrated ?
it has 4 wheels and an engine... just like my Ford...
it takes you from point A to B....
Geez you guys...

lame.

3dot... · Post by **3dot...** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:45 am

like a benz I would love to own one... but probly won't...
I can still appreciate a quality product...
drool over it a bit....

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:41 pm

Machinesworking wrote:
Tarekith wrote:Coming late to this, but...

I too kinda think the moog thing is a tad over-rated, from a purely synthesis standpoint. I could never own one as a my main synth, unlike say a vintage guitar or piano. It's a good sound for what it is, but just not enough options for me to get excited about it. And while it's definitely a players synth, I find it ironic that the actual keyboard on them is usually only so so.
I knew you would come in with that. Analog VS digital analog modeling etc. is almost as heated as Mac VS PC. Though honestly it's a matter in my mind of this simple little fact: Digital analog or digital, doesn't matter, is primarily a matter of add ons, enough options and you get a great tone. With analog, you start of with a great sound, a raw analog oscillator or two with no FX sounds great, you simply can't say that about digital.
Another point, digital signal path is all math, there are no variables, mod plus pulse width plus slight detuning does exactly what it's supposed to = flat compared to the same signal path in analog gear.
There is a definite reason why you can pick up a DX7 for $100 these days, but a Jupiter will cost you $2000+
Look forward to being able to buy a Virus Ti for $50 when you're 50, and at the same time I'll be selling my Memorymoog for $20,000.

TL;DR Anaolg = vintage guitars /thread.

I never said anything about digital synths, or the Virus/DX7, so I'm not sure what you're on about. I was actually thinking that for the price of a new Moog, you could more or less build a much more feature laden modular synth. A lot more options for sound design, and a wider tonal palette, all still analog too.

But thanks for playing the jump to conclusions game.

nebulae · Post by **nebulae** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:45 pm

^ car analogies...

lame.