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Iconic Moog Model 10 modular synth returns

By Paul Ridden
September 17, 2019
Iconic Moog Model 10 modular synth returns
Almost 50 years after the original Moog 10 compact modular synthesizer went into production, Moog is making some more to the exact specifications of the original
Almost 50 years after the original Moog 10 compact modular synthesizer went into production, Moog is making some more to the exact specifications of the original
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Each limited edition Moog Model 10 will feature 11 modules
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Each limited edition Moog Model 10 will feature 11 modules
Model 10 modules are connected to each using patch cables
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Model 10 modules are connected to each using patch cables
Almost 50 years after the original Moog 10 compact modular synthesizer went into production, Moog is making some more to the exact specifications of the original
3/5
Almost 50 years after the original Moog 10 compact modular synthesizer went into production, Moog is making some more to the exact specifications of the original
Modules include three 900-series oscillators and a 907 Fixed Filter Bank
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Modules include three 900-series oscillators and a 907 Fixed Filter Bank
Each of the new Model 10 synths will be hand-built at Moog's facility in Asheville, NC
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Each of the new Model 10 synths will be hand-built at Moog's facility in Asheville, NC
View gallery - 5 images

A few years ago, Moog dipped into its substantial synth archives and announced a limited production run of some 1970s modular behemoths. Now, nearly 50 years after the Moog 10 compact modular synthesizer went into production, new models that are faithful to the originals are being reborn.

The new limited edition Moog Model 10 Synthesizers are being hand-built to precise 1971 specifications using original documentation and circuit board files, and will be housed in a wooden cabinet wrapped in road-ready tolex. They each rock 11 analog modules, including three 900-series oscillators and a 907 Fixed Filter Bank.

Modules include three 900-series oscillators and a 907 Fixed Filter Bank
Modules include three 900-series oscillators and a 907 Fixed Filter Bank

After each module is hand-tested, an aluminum plate is secured out front, and the unit will be shipped out to the buyer. Oscillators, filters, sound generators and other modules are connected to each other – or patched – using TS cables.

Moog hasn't announced pricing, nor said exactly how limited the limited production run will be, but it's being listed for pre-order online with a ticket of US$9,950. The video below shows Moog synths being created, and the soundtrack comes courtesy of Bana Haffar and a Moog Model 10.

Making a Moog Synthesizer

Source: Moog Music

View gallery - 5 images

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MusicMoogSynthesizerRetroModular
4 comments
Paul Ridden
Paul Ridden
While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before hopping over to France for 10 years, where he started work for New Atlas in 2009. Now back in his native Blighty, he serves as Managing Editor in Europe.

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4 comments
rod76
Since most if not all sounds generated by this $10,000 synthesizer can be emulated with a computer program there seems little point for this expensive piece of nostalgia.
lucius
This synthesizer is an alternative for musicians who prefer not to work on a computer.
Pg12
@Rod76 How did you come to this conclusion? Have you spent time with a Moog Modular? The sound is leagues different from a digital synthesizer and the music-making experience is almost a polar opposite. I am lucky to work with real Moog Modulars every day as well as the latest software synthesizers (and I am involved in developing these technologies) and I could not disagree with your statement more. I am so appreciative that Moog Music is keeping this incredible building tradition alive. These machines are stunningly good and even in this day and age nothing can touch them.
Rhages
@pg12:

Yes, rod76's generalizations are a little too sweeping, but so are yours. There are some excellent existent emulations that I'd wager even you would be hard pressed to distinguish from hardware in the context of complete music mix with other instruments.

What you are defending, as usual, is the elitist perspective that underlies the (re) production of these absurdly over-priced pieces of hardware. So, yes, for wealthy professionals and trust fund baby hobbyists, it's marvelous--by all means, indulge yourselves. For the average working musician, there remain some truly excellent software emulations that can indeed "touch" and in many ways exceed (programming simplicity and recall, for instance) "these machines" that you uncritically laud.