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Description

Step into the world of vintage synthesis with the Moog Source, a synth that truly revolutionized the music industry in its time. Produced from 1981-1985, the Moog Source introduced the world to the convenience of patch memory storage, making it a game-changer in the synth realm. This was also the first Moog to incorporate a data wheel, a feature that made editing parameters a breeze. Swapping out knobs and sliders, the Source uses small membrane buttons, delivering a smooth, streamlined user experience. The synth also boasts the iconic 24 dB/octave Moog filter, lending your music the legendary Moog sound that's revered by musicians worldwide.

Key Features:

  • First Moog to offer patch memory storage.
  • Features a data wheel for easy editing of parameters.
  • Uses small membrane buttons instead of individual knobs and sliders.
  • Contains the iconic 24 dB/octave Moog filter.

Product specs

Brand Moog
Model Source Monophonic Analog Synthesizer with Patch Memory
Finish Blue
Year 1981 - 1985
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 37 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Moog Source synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Moog Source is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines, leads, and solos.

What are the standout features of the Moog Source's sound engine?

The Moog Source features a classic analog sound engine with two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), a voltage-controlled filter (VCF), and patch memory, allowing for rich, warm sounds with the convenience of saving presets.

How many keys does the Moog Source have, and what is their size?

The Moog Source has 37 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and comfortable playing experience.

Can I save and recall patches on the Moog Source?

Yes, the Moog Source was one of the first synthesizers to offer patch memory, allowing you to save and recall your custom sounds easily.

What type of music is the Moog Source best suited for?

The Moog Source is versatile but particularly excels in genres that benefit from its warm analog tones, such as electronic, synth-pop, and progressive rock.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Moog Source Analog Synthesizer (1981)

Video thumbnail for Moog Source Analog Synthesizer (1981) by RetroSound

Moog Source Analog Synthesizer (1981)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Moog Source - the 15 classic factory patches by SynthMania

Moog Source - the 15 classic factory patches

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Moog Source Magic by Calvin Cardioid

Moog Source Magic

Calvin Cardioid

Calvin Cardioid

Video thumbnail for Moog Source Analog Synthesizer (1981) *Twenty Sounds* by RetroSound

Moog Source Analog Synthesizer (1981) *Twenty Sounds*

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Erik Deutsch demos his MOOG SOURCE synthesizer by Erik Deutsch

Erik Deutsch demos his MOOG SOURCE synthesizer

Erik Deutsch

Erik Deutsch

Video thumbnail for Moog Source Presets by Jyoti Mishra by Jyoti Mishra

Moog Source Presets by Jyoti Mishra

Jyoti Mishra

Jyoti Mishra

Video thumbnail for Dave's Moog Source Demo (by synthpro) by synthpro

Dave's Moog Source Demo (by synthpro)

synthpro

synthpro

Video thumbnail for Unlocking the Mystery of this Insanely Rare Minimoog update | MOOG SOURCE (Scum Night) by Vulture Culture

Unlocking the Mystery of this Insanely Rare Minimoog update | MOOG SOURCE (Scum Night)

Vulture Culture

Vulture Culture

Video thumbnail for Bob Moog Foundation 2020 Trifecta Raffle: The Moog Source by moogfoundation

Bob Moog Foundation 2020 Trifecta Raffle: The Moog Source

moogfoundation

moogfoundation

Video thumbnail for Moog Source - Tour and noodle by 100 Things I Do

Moog Source - Tour and noodle

100 Things I Do

100 Things I Do

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic Moog tone with a unique soul and feel

  • More affordable compared to vintage or reissue models

  • Simplified control with one value knob makes it user-friendly

  • Spill-safe surface design for durability

  • Powerful filter easily accessible for shaping sound

  • Utilizes legendary CEM3340 VCO for rich, fat sound

  • Versatile for both lead synth and traditional fat bass sounds

  • Preferred keybed feel over competitors like the Pro One

  • Creamier sound in many instances compared to other synths with CEM3340

CONS

  • Lacks MIDI functionality

  • Only two oscillators, compared to three in some competitors

  • Cannot modify two parameters simultaneously due to single knob design

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Moog Source.

Features and functionality

  • The Moog Source has an endless knob that provides a unique tactile experience, preferred by some users over traditional all-knob designs.

    Source
  • The Moog Source's oscillator sync allows modulation wheel use to create a distinct wah wah effect, a feature utilized by The Rentals.

    Source
  • The sequencer lacks quantization and step input, leading to timing inconsistencies and making it less practical for precise sequencing.

    Source
  • The Moog Source's sequencer resolution is unpredictable, making it difficult to synchronize accurately with other gear like the TR-808.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully replaced the problematic membrane panel with a mechanical switch panel, maintaining the original appearance while enhancing functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Source is preferred for live performances due to its ability to save presets, allowing quick transitions between leads, bass, and effects.

    Source
  • The Moog Source's modulation wheel controlling oscillator pitch is specifically highlighted for replicating The Rentals' sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Membrane buttons are prone to failure due to early 80s technology, but modern replacements and mods with micro switches improve reliability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find the Source to deliver a sound closer to a vintage Minimoog than newer models like the Sub37, with added live performance benefits.

    Source
  • Users note that the Moog Source can achieve similar sounds to the Moog Prodigy, as both were used by bands like The Hippos for ska-style music.

    Source
  • The Source's sequencer is less efficient compared to standalone sequencers like the Metropolis or Digitakt, which offer more reliable performance.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • An Encore MIDI kit and filter CV upgrade allows integration with modern DAWs like Ableton through the CTRLR app, enhancing control over the vintage synth.

    Source
  • For budget-friendly options, users recommend pairing a MIDI keyboard with free VSTs like Vital, U-he's Tyrell N6, and discoDSP's OB-Xd for similar sonic capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • The case above the power supply can get hot enough to heat a room, an unusual trait for a synthesizer.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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m4ntr0n1c

Is it really a Moog, or a toy?

Hey that's a relevant question for everyone looking at it at a distance...

Actually, when you open the owner's manual, you do have the impression that Moog wanted to sell synths that would be easier to use for people starting of on synthesizers. So they only left in one single value knob in there, and they put in a spill safe surface, for the clumsy people...

But when you start using this machine, it's easy to get in touch with the Moog sound, with the very powerful filter, accessible with that value knob :P So is it really usable? Of course! Well you don't have one value knob for each parameter, but you can easily switch parameters just by a press, and keep your hand on that dial, but at the same time you can not modify two values at once. Sooooo... Well you have the pitch bend and the mod wheel, what is there to complain about?

Ok so compared to a Mini Moog, there are two oscillators instead of 3, but here we're talking about the CEM3340 (which came back into production not so long ago). CEM3340 is a legendary VCO,. Every single Synth that used the 3340 is legendary; EVERY ONE OF THEM; Roland Jupiter series, Prophet 5 / 10, Pro One, SH-101 / MC-202, Oberheim OB-8 / OB-Xa, Memorymoog, Voyetra 8...

It sounds fat, powerful, in fact you will never play this on maximum volume form the unit, it is that loud, similar to the Pro One in that regard. What curious is that it doesn't have the same tonality as the Pro One. I find the Pro One to sound rougher / grittier most of the time. The Source has a creamier sound in many instances. I also prefer the keybed of the Source over the Pro One, but really we are talking about two mono synths using the CEM3340 but with a totally different implementation and very different filter capabilities and sound. So you may like one or the other, but liking both means you have a wide taste.

To be enjoyed.

kenneth_martin_gammell

First Moog with programmable presets

Has the classic wailing lead synth sound. Also used for traditional fat bass. No MIDI!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Al Jourgensen uses Moog Source

Al Jourgensen

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Ministry

...
Verified via YouTube

In this music video "Same Old Madness" from 1982 around 2:14-:2:18 you can spot a Moog Source.

See how Nick Rhodes uses Moog Source

Nick Rhodes

Keyboardist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Duran Duran

I have several Moog keyboards, including a Memory Moog, a Source and the newest Mini Moog Voyager.

See how Andy Fletcher uses Moog Source

Andy Fletcher

Keyboardist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:17, Andy can be seen playing a Moog Source.

From One Two Testing magazine, November 1982 (http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/when-the-wave-forms/4617#):

Andy took the reins: 'I'm using a Moog Source which is a programmable monophonic.' Oh yea, that's the digital one with lots of "dayglo" touch switches and just one knob. What do you like about it?

'Er... the colours. No, I do like the sounds, they're really fat. Moogs are great for bass lines. I used to use a Prodigy and I still carry that around as a back up. The Source is in hospital at the moment. It's got an arpeggiator in it and I'm having some work done so that can be linked up with other sequencers and synths.'

See how Front 242 uses Moog Source

Front 242

Music Producer

...
Verified via gearnews.de

Per this feature from gearnews.de dated May 04, 2021:

Centrally on the geography album are synthesizers such as Roland's System 100 and 100m, Yamaha's CS synthesizer (CS-40M, CS-15). The "Operating Tracks" bass from the Moog Source can also be heard.

See how Mark Mothersbaugh uses Moog Source

Mark Mothersbaugh

Singer, Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via YouTube

Mark is clearly seen playing a Moog Source in this video from 1981. He also used it during the 1982 tour. In 1982 or 1983, Moog Music released a Source data cassette that was programmed by Mark which featured Source sounds from New Traditionalists and Oh No! It's Devo, which is mentioned here: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7XqK8o5sYc/WLjD27eeCjI/AAAAAAAK28I/93aHZKnNsPcGOeNHW9wopC9iEHBt19kaACLcB/s1600/moog_source_drum_interface6.jpg

See how Keith Levene uses Moog Source

Keith Levene

Guitarist

The Clash

...
Verified via Photo

In this profile from the May 1982 issue of Electronics & Music Maker magazine, Keith states that he used a Moog Source.

See how Roger O'Donnell uses Moog Source

Roger O'Donnell

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Cure

...
Verified via Rogerodonnell

Roger O'Donnell lists the Moog Source among his keyboards on his official website, indicating its use in his music setup.

See how Kebu uses Moog Source

Kebu

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:07 there is a close up of a moog source.

See how Joseph Mount uses Moog Source

Joseph Mount

Singer, Guitarist

Metronomy

...
Verified via Discogs

Joseph Mount utilized the Moog Source synthesizer on several tracks from Metronomy's album, The English Riviera, as detailed on Discogs.

See how Soulwax uses Moog Source

Soulwax

Guitarist, Bassist

Soulwax

...
Verified via YouTube

Pictured on floor @ 2:10. Video interview from inside Soulwax's studio in Ghent, Belgium.

See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Moog Source

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via YouTube

Mukaiya plays a solo on the Moog Source in this video. It is also listed as being used on a few of Casiopea's studio albums.

See how Étienne de Crécy uses Moog Source

Étienne de Crécy

Music Producer, DJ

Motorbass

...
Verified via YouTube

Etienne de Crecy's studio – 2016 The MOOG Source synthesizer can be seen 0:23 into this video, in the foreground

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Moog Source, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Moog Source, curated by the Equipboard community.

Baloran The River

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

The VCOs of The River are based on the Moog Source, as specified on Sequencer.de: https://www.sequencer.de/blog/the-river-synthesizer-by-baloran/29530

  • 8 voice, 2 VCO based on the Moog Source but a lot more advanced – so this is a lot more.

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