Since Moog Music reissued the classic Minimoog Model D analog synthesizer, there's been a lot of talk about this particular synth and what makes it unique and great. Joe Albano explores it deeper.

In the Beginning

Keith Emerson and his Moog Modular (L); An early Moog Modular synth (R) 

The Layout

The Minimoog Sound

Still On Top

Watch & Learn all the synthesis capabilities of the Moog Minimoog Model D in the AskAudio Academy.
Synthesis 101
The Filter
by Bob Moog Foundation

"Joe is a musician, engineer, and producer in NYC. Over the years, as a small studio operator and freelance engineer, he's made recordings of all types from music & album production to v/o & post. He's also taught all aspects of recording and music technology at several NY audio schools, and has been writing articles for Recording magaz..." Read More

Discussion

AC
I don't find anything about the Minimoog Model D sound to be so amazing, given it's reverence and history. I mean, sure it has it's history in a time when there wasn't much competition. Much like Jack Dempsey was a great boxer in his day. Compared to what we have now, the Model D is a simple single-voiced analog synth with no patch memory that makes some simple sounds. It won't win you any awards on sound alone. It's just a synth. Any plugin can run circles around it, as far as capabilities. The sound, I am not in love with. I guess you have to have a taste for these types of synths, though, I find it hard to imagine what modern music would benefit much from this synth.

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