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Description

Step back in time with the Moog System 55, a legendary piece of musical history reborn for the modern era. This meticulously crafted modular synthesizer is a faithful recreation of the iconic 1973 Synthesizer 55, featuring 36 handcrafted modules that perfectly mirror the original design. Whether you're a seasoned synthesist or an adventurous newcomer, the System 55 offers a vast landscape of sonic possibilities, deeply rooted in the rich tradition of analog synthesis.

At the heart of this system lies a suite of seven oscillators, alongside classic components like the 911 Envelope Generators and the 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter. These elements work in harmony to deliver the warm, immersive soundscapes that Moog is renowned for. Adding to its versatility, the 960 Sequential Controller empowers you to craft intricate rhythmic patterns, pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Every module has been painstakingly hand-built, from the photo-etched aluminum panels to the traditional wiring methods used in its construction, ensuring an authentic analog experience. The System 55 is not just an instrument; it's a work of art, housed in two hand-finished solid walnut cabinets that exude elegance.

With only 55 units available worldwide, this limited edition reissue is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Moog history. Whether you're performing on stage or experimenting in the studio, the Moog System 55 offers unparalleled depth and character.

Key Features:

  • Authentic recreation of the 1973 Synthesizer 55 modular system
  • 36 handcrafted modules in two solid walnut cabinets
  • 960 Sequential Controller for rhythmical pattern creation
  • Fully modular setup with included 1/4" patch cables
  • Limited to just 55 units globally, making it a collector's dream
Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Moog System 55 Modular Synth Demo — Daniel Fisher

Video thumbnail for Moog System 55 Modular Synth Demo — Daniel Fisher by Sweetwater

Moog System 55 Modular Synth Demo — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Suzanne Ciani | System 55 by Moog Music

Suzanne Ciani | System 55

Moog Music

Moog Music

Video thumbnail for Ty Unwin's Massive Moog System 55 Modular Synth by SourceDistributionTV

Ty Unwin's Massive Moog System 55 Modular Synth

SourceDistributionTV

SourceDistributionTV

Video thumbnail for Moog Modular System 55 Demonstration - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM by Sweetwater

Moog Modular System 55 Demonstration - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Moog Modular System 55 Reissue, Second-Hand (Signed by Jean-Michel Jarre) by GAK

Moog Modular System 55 Reissue, Second-Hand (Signed by Jean-Michel Jarre)

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Moog System 55 - MESS INGREDIENTS by Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Moog System 55 - MESS INGREDIENTS

Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Video thumbnail for Yours for $35,000, the Moog System 55 modular synth by The Register

Yours for $35,000, the Moog System 55 modular synth

The Register

The Register

Video thumbnail for MOOG System 55 demonstration : NAMM2015 by RockoN by RockoNCompany

MOOG System 55 demonstration : NAMM2015 by RockoN

RockoNCompany

RockoNCompany

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Moog System 55.

Build quality

  • Behringer System 55's pots are standard, but users criticize the jacks, highlighting them as a weak point in the otherwise improved build quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a fixed filter bank and sequencer to a Moog Matriarch can achieve sounds closer to the original System 55 setup, crucial for replicating Mort Garson's sound.

    Source
  • Users enhance their setup with additional 960 Sequential Controllers, 962 Sequential Switches, and 904A Low Pass Filters to expand functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Moog Grandmother's CP3 mixer is crucial for achieving vintage Moog tones, more so than the filter, differentiating it from Behringer's offerings which lack this exact characteristic.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Moog Matriarch offers 49 keys with aftertouch and paraphonic options, making it superior for expanded patching and user experience compared to the Behringer System 55.

    Source
  • A workaround for the 921 glitch involves patching the output of the Aux into the clamping point, as explained in a detailed video walkthrough.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Behringer System 55 may lack the presence and subtle grit evident in Moog synths, especially for users seeking the precise classic Moog sound.

    Source
  • Achieving '70s Moog sounds, users pair the System 55 with delay and reverb effects, seeking the distinctive modulated characteristics of older Moog modulars.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that Moog Grandmother's mixer distorts uniquely, providing an authentic Moog sound that Behringer struggles to replicate exactly.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the modular nature, allowing parts to be exchanged after the warranty, mitigating concerns about durability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The 921 oscillators may require calibration; owners use oscilloscopes to address periodic glitches in sine and triangle waves when switched to SUB mode.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners who bought the System 55 before the price drop still feel it offers unparalleled value, citing the ability to own a $35,000 Moog for a fraction of the price.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Moog System 55 Modular Synth Overview – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Chemical Brothers uses Moog System 55

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

in this image, you can see the Moog 55 on the top right of Tom

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Moog System 55

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"n the control room today sits a circle of instruments pulled out of storage for Jean–Michel Jarre’s latest project, Electronica, including a Moog 55, a Memorymoog, a Big Briar Theremin, a Fairlight CMI, an EMS VCS3 and Synthi AKS and an ARP Pro/DGX."

See how Atticus Ross uses Moog System 55

Atticus Ross

Keyboardist, Composer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

Listen to the result of Ross's work, the texturally captivating piece "Wild Moose", composed with Leopold Ross shortly after receiving a Moog System 55 here

See how Isao Tomita uses Moog System 55

Isao Tomita

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Isaotomita

Moog modular used by Tomita.

See how Jean Michel Andrè Jarre uses Moog System 55

Jean Michel Andrè Jarre

...
Verified via Free

Albums which use MOOG 55 : • Zoolook

See how Suzanne Ciani uses Moog System 55

Suzanne Ciani

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, electronic music and sound design pioneer Suzanne Ciani explores the Moog modular System 55 for the first time in decades. Ciani came to the Moog factory in Asheville, NC to play the first System 55 newly handcrafted by Moog in over thirty years. The patch, created and performed live, was shot in one take and features a sequence designed on the 960 Sequential Controller that's driving three 921B oscillators into a 904B High Pass filter whose cutoff is being modulated by a 921 oscillator. A second set of 921B oscillators is also being played manually into a 904A Low Pass filter whose cutoff knob is also being modulated by the 921 oscillator. The resulting sound of each is then sent through its own dedicated MF-104M analog delay for ambience. The audio has been captured directly with no eq, compression, or editing applied.

See how Susan Ciani uses Moog System 55

Susan Ciani

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Ciani can be seen playing the Moog System 55.

See how Vince DiCola uses Moog System 55

Vince DiCola

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Gearslutz

Discussed on this forum post about DiCola's Equipment.

See how Gazelle Twin uses Moog System 55

Gazelle Twin

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via BandCamp

Mentioned amongst the equipment used in the making of 'Black Dog'.

See how Craig Leon uses Moog System 55

Craig Leon

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via sentireascoltare

"...but the synths that I used most are two Roland JP-4, a three oscillator Minimoog, a Moog 55, an ARP 2600."

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 System 55, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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