Moog Source

Source
Moog Source (front panel)
Manufacturer	Moog Music
Dates	1981
Technical specifications
Polyphony	Monophonic
Timbrality	Monotimbral
Oscillator	2
LFO	1
Synthesis type	Analog subtractive
Filter	low-pass
Storage memory	16 patches
Input/output
Keyboard	37 keys
Left-hand control	pitch wheel mod wheel
External control	CV/Gate

The Moog Source is a monophonic Z80 microprocessor-controlled analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music from 1981 to 1985. The Source was Moog's first synthesizer to offer patch memory storage. The design was also the first (and only) Moog synthesizer to feature a flat-panel membrane keyboard to replace the standard buttons, knobs and sliders, along with multihued panel graphics that were very different from anything Moog offered at the time. Sound wise it is considered to sound more like the original Moog Minimoog than any other synthesizer made by Moog and was introduced as its replacement.

In addition to the memory capable of holding 16 presets, the Source features a 37-note keyboard, and two VCOs that can be selected among three waveforms and three octaves. Programmed presets can be saved to an audio cassette interface to free up the onboard memory for additional new patches. The 24dB/octave VCF has parameters for keyboard tracking, cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope amount. There are two fully analog ADSR envelope generators that can be set in single or multi trigger modes, one for the VCF and one for the VCA. For modulation, the Source features LFO and sample and hold. The unit also features a rudimentary sequencer. The Source was made in at least 2 versions the latter offering more voltage control options. A modification offered by Encore Electronics offers the addition of MIDI, significantly increased memory, and with the latest software update a MIDI clockable arpeggiator.

Notable users

• Devo The instrument was used extensively on their 1981 album New Traditionalists, and the band also appeared in early print ads for the keyboard.
• Toby Smith, keyboard player of Jamiroquai
• Depeche Mode
• New Order, especially on the track "Blue Monday", for which it provides the throbbing bassline heard throughout the song.
• Harvey Bainbridge
• Matthew Seligman, bass player for Thomas Dolby, he also prominently used The Source on his EP "Sendai" (with Jan Linton)
• Minoru Mukaiya, keyboard player for Casiopea

See also

• Moog synthesizer
• Robert Moog
• Moog Music
• List of Moog synthesizer players

External links

• Moog Source at Synthmuseum.com
• Moog Source used in a Studio Performance
• Moog Source at Vintage Synth Explorer
• Moog Source Membrane Switch Cure - Moog Source modification using real buttons rather than membrane switches
• Moog Source Midi Retrofit - Moog Source modification giving midi in, 256 patch memory locations and midi system exclusive control
• Moog Source pics and demo at RetroSound.de