Review: Moog Music Minimoog Voyager Old School

Oct 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Jason Scott Alexander

RE-EDUCATE YOURSELF WITH THIS PERFORMANCE MONO SYNTH

BONUS MATERIAL
Using Modulation Buses

Download the Spec Sheet as a PDF

As on the analog-digital hybrid Voyager, the OS has reoriented some classic controls while making room for new ones. The Oscillators bank, for example, is now aligned into columns rather than rows as they were on the classic Minimoog. Similarly, the Filters section is now vertical, and the dual ADSR envelopes are broken away into their own module. Being a Minimoog veteran, it took me a minute to get used to the changes, but I appreciate that the layout more intuitively follows modern concepts of organizing synthesis functions.

Kickin' It Old School

I love that waveshape is a voltage-controllable parameter, because it allows you to dial in combinations of abstract tones and perform pseudowavetable synthesis using modulators (see Web Clip 1). Thanks to the incredible stability of the oscillators, the linear FM control lets you conjure up all sorts of clangorous and metallic-sounding goodies containing unmistakably warm, analog undertones. Hard sync is something every Minimoog owner has longed for, and depending on how you apply it here, the sound can be aggressive with extreme overdrive or warm, richly harmonic, and quite vocal (see Web Clip 2). Obviously, having Velocity and Aftertouch to integrate with up-to-date modulation offerings is a big thrill for Minimoog aficionados like myself, as are the exquisite-sounding multimode filters.

I also understand and applaud Moog Music's decision and intent to stay faithful to the instrument's all-analog heritage, which is why I wasn't disappointed by the absence of MIDI, USB, or any other digital connectivity or control that synthesists have become so accustomed to. I can live without those luxuries in this particular instance — the OS returns a greater sense of artistry and organics to your performance and to the Minimoog experience in general.

Nonetheless, having no access to presets is a real drag from the past that I really don't enjoy revisiting. Don't get me wrong: with knob-per-function access and no tiny LCDs or endless menus to surf, the Old School couldn't be easier to use or program. But for live performance, the lack of presets will force you to juggle your playlists to allow enough time between songs to twist knobs for the right sound. Thoughtfully, an included patch book contains 36 leads, 12 basses, and 6 sound effects transcribed from the original Voyager's factory banks, complete with patch bank and number for cross-referencing.

I'm Down with It

The value of an instrument such as the OS really is in the eyes of the beholder and will depend on your priorities. Moog Music is obviously placing hope in players who are looking for a roadworthy replacement for their venerable Mini, who want a full-featured centerpiece for a modular synth rig, or who just crave a direct, hands-on connection to spontaneous creativity. To those ends, the company has definitely succeeded.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more exciting or beautiful little monophonic performance synth. It certainly beats picking up secondhand synths, with all their age-related idiosyncrasies. The Minimoog Voyager Old School's downright cool vibe should make it a modern classic.

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Jason Scott Alexander is a regular contributor to Mix and Remix magazines and runs a world-class mix/production facility in Canada's capital, Ottawa.

PRODUCT SUMMARY

monophonic analog synthesizer
$2,395

PROS: Timeless, earthy sound. Three analog VCOs. Dual multimode filters. Enhanced modulation. CV inputs and outputs. Durable, handmade construction. Inspiring to touch and play. Major cool factor.

CONS: No presets. No MIDI.

FEATURES	1	2	3	4	5
EASE OF USE	1	2	3	4	5
QUALITY OF SOUNDS	1	2	3	4	5
VALUE	1	2	3	4	5

Moog Music
moogmusic.com

In our reviews, prices are MAP or street unless otherwise noted.

GUIDE TO EM METERS

5	Amazing; as good as it gets with current technology
4	Clearly above average; very desirable
3	Good; meets expectations
2	Somewhat disappointing but usable
1	Unacceptably flawed

ONLINE LINKS

EM’s Minimoog Voyager review
emusician.com/elecinstruments/emusic_moog_musicminimoog_voyager/index.html

Moog Music’s Minimoog Voyager Old School page
www.moogmusic.com/voyager/?section=product&product_id=21108