Attention = I hope that Moog figures the Messenger out. It has a lot of issues. Even with the latest firmware as of 1/25/26 firmware version v1.1, the midi sync is so unbelievably unstable in Ableton. There is also latency pressing first note which was supposed to be fixed as of this firmware. Using Midi FX in Ableton to trigger an ARP or really any Midi Effect causes a lot of problems. I tested a whole bunch of different ways to connect the Messenger - USB, MIDI, MIDI Thru, MIDI interface, etc. I tried with my S61 Mk3, Midi templates, Novation SL Mk3āand itās just the Messenger that is the problem. The Midi is so so buggy. Maybe I got a lemon, but Iām pretty confident its this design and buggy firmware / OS.
I have ZERO issues with my other gear involved in the test - Novation Peak, Sequential Take 5, Moog Slim Phatty and many others. I even went back to previous firmware versions. Unfortunately the Messenger and this release was not tested vigorously in a studio or live setting where you have multiple Midi devices all needing to clock and have tight sync. The Messenger is just plain sloppy. Moog needs to get it together. And the Editor? Pffhh. It needs a major rethink.
The sad part is it sounds awesome on its own. I wanted this to work so badly. But it just cannot stay if it is not reliable. Iāll stick with Arturia running through my Apollo.
Indeed, the arp should be synced to the midi āplayā command, and should preferably also have the option to be note synced. The sequencer is synced with the midi start command and is note synced if I remember correctly, but the āsequencer onā status cannot be saved to the patch, so itās unuseable when sequenced from another device in combination with program changes. I also cannot use the Messenger for the very purpose I bought it for. But it sounds good on itās ownā¦ Waiting for Moog to have this resolved!
Yes the ARP/SEQ issue drove me insane. Who makes a synth that behaves this way? How would anyone perform live or In a studio setting like this?? Not to mention the lag missing the first note timing.
Since thereās no moderator interaction on this forum, Iām not sure if the Moog development team is reading this forum. Iāve made a ticket with InMusic today to address these midi sync issues. I hope there will be a follow up on this from Moog.
Just tried again today to get the midi going with Messenger. A incredibly simple setup in Ableton. One external instrument and audio. It simply cannot maintain consistent tight clocking. It will work for a bit and then lose clock. 1 midi cable directly to the unit and no USB connected. Itās just so unreliable. Anyone reading this should save themselves and stick with plugins.
My sequential synths and Novation Peak will run solid. I let Ableton run some arps and came back 10 min later and it was still tight as ever. My Moog Slim Phatty is so much more reliable than the Messenger. Wow. So bummed this is the state of Moog now.
Thanks for raising this @sloanlogic i thought that i was going insane So glad to see that im not the only one, aswell as dissapointed as i agree that on itās on itās great. The pain for me is that this was my first HW synth purchase, been using VSTs for years and thought nowās the time and itās a moog. Now iām a little sad but hope they can just patch it in the near future.
Thx @CorneelD . Lemme know what Moog says. Unfortunately I returned the Messenger. If you havenāt checked out synapse audioās Proxima or HZ the Legendā they are pretty amazing. Software synths sure, but through my LA2A, API, Curve Bender EQ and Distressorā Iād say its does the job.
Indeed, I also have HZ The Legend. Havenāt used it that much but itās a powerfull vst for sure! I bought the Messenger mainly to be sequenced with the Digitakt. The Messenger running on itās own arp or sequencer while receiving the transposing notes form de Digitakt. For now, thatās not possible in any practical way. Iāll hang on to it and hope theyāll come with a fixā¦ which canāt be that complicated in my opinion. It looks more like an oversight.
Iāve been in contact with Moog support, and the issues were forwarded to Moog development team. Some of the issues were already reported by others. However, they will not keep me up to date regarding which changes are currently under development, which is fair. We will have to keep an eye on future firmware releases. But I have to say Iām happy so far with the response I received from InMusic and Moog. Not selling the Messenger for nowā¦
Picked up a Messenger a few days ago and experiencing some MIDI issues as well. I couldnāt articulate the Arp issue, but it sounds like the same thing people are having above.
My issue is the ālocking up when receiving a lot of MIDIā. In my experience, it may have been due to me sending it PC messages as well. A few times there have been issues. No deal breakers, but without a screen to verify information, it is a little frustrating at times.
I was about to purchase a Messenger - would have been my first Moog ever, and first hardware synth in about 10 years, but then came across this thread while doing my research and for me, itās a deal breaker. I was hoping to use the sequencer and arpeggio in my limited studio set up, and also to use the Messenger as a master control keyboard, but these issues have changed my mind. I think #i probably go for a Korg Multi/Poly instead- shame. I do hope Moog resolve all these midi issues for you guys who have already made the purchase, and maybe I will be a future purchase - Best of luck to you all
The problem with YouTube reviews is they donāt show synths being used in real life studio scenarios. Does it do well with clocking? How does it do when Midi chained? How is the synth when you need to use the arp or sequencer inside a DAW? Unless you just perform with it on an island with nothing else, these reviews are pointless only to get a sense for what it sounds like and the potential for its usefulness in a studio. If none of this works, thereās no point in buying one or having to wait until Moog decides to āfixā it with firmware. @NkyD71 Youād be better off getting a Slim Phatty if you want that Moog sound with a simple design and reliability with midi or Subsequent 37 that has an editor you can use inside a DAW.
It was a youtube video that inspired me to make the jump. Looking back now, after my experience with the product, I have some growing thoughts about having tue wool pulled over my eyes.
Iām brand new to the synthesizer world, and I have a big learning curve yet.
I had thought it would have had a thorough Manual to at least explain the basic functionality of itās features. The online pdf download was a bit insulting, I mean this isnāt toy or a cheap gimmick, is it?!
With regards to the midi function, I cannot speak from any place of deep understanding. I had thought my problems were altogether due to my lack of understanding.
I cannot get any results with getting the deeper aspects of control with Behringer DM12D.
Apart from merely using it as a keyboard for the 12D.
I rather be spending time with the creativity and the delights of getting lost in such.
I wish I would have known about these issues and complications beforehand. Now I rather get out of it, and reach for something that works without question, tried and tested.
I donāt think I will recoup enough of the original price I paid, to make it worth selling at this point, but I am already shopping for something to replace it, irregardless.
Maybe, hopefully, the company respectfully resolves the issues surrounding the Messenger.
So glad to see that im not the only one, aswell as dissapointed as i agree that on itās on itās great. The pain for me is that this was my first HW synth purchase, been using VSTs for years and thought nowās the time and itās a moog. Now iām a little sad but hope they can just patch it in the near future.