I’ve been out of the loop for the past couple of years regarding all things Moog. I’m the proud owner of a Moog Prodigy and always wanted a Model D. Back in 2005 I had the funding to buy a Model D, but the deal fell through when the seller had a change of heart. Since then, I haven’t had the resources to buy one of these beasts.
On to the question: I can understand the purpose of the Minimoog Voyager…but I don’t understand the existence of the Minimoog Old Skool. There are hundreds of people out there that would like to own a Model D…so why don’t they just start making the Model D again?
Well…Admittedly, the Voyager is a beast in many ways. Because it has digital control functions, and patch memory, it has levels far deeper then just turning the fine knobs. I think it incorporates about the best that technology has to offer. I own one, and it’s amazing on several levels.
That said- (and I am a self-taught computer engineer.) There obviously were enough people who wanted a no BS approach. No computer circuitry, no memorys, etc. Who wanted a modern ‘cousin’ to the model D. As I understand it, the ‘old school’ can do some new things, but I saw a post where it was said the model D can do some things that the Voyager OS cannot. I’ll let someone more familiar with the model D comment.
I think it might be impossible to actually find the transistors, etc. that were the heart of the model D, and I believe that the Voyager family uses as much discrete circuitry as possible in this modern day. That said, from my standpoint, the Voyager uses some heavy-use switches, and really taut pots. Feels very quality indeed. I am certain the OS feels the same.
But I’ll be honest- If the OS and Voyager PE had arrived at the same time, I would have purchased the OS. I have a deep mistrust for ‘operating systems’, even though this one is robust. The one thing that I do absolutely love, though, is the touch pad.
If you’re in the market, you cannot go wrong, not only in support of Moog Music, but in owning a hand made instrument that will be with you for life. Did I say I love mine ? If it had a finger, I’d be out buying a ring !
Best-
Well they could always make a Minimoog Model F…it would essentially look exactly like a Model D…but have the guts of the OS. Or would that anger too many purists?
The post that you are referring to was probably addressing the Model D’s Modulation Mix control, which allows the player to set the balance of Oscillator 3 and the Noise source for modulation effects. The Voyager doesn’t have this control - it has two individual modulation sections which provide for a wealth of modulation options that owners of the Model D could only dream about. However, while it’s possible to configure the Voyager’s mod sections to get a comparable modulation effect, it’s nowhere near as handy (or immediate) as using the Modulation Mix knob on the 'D, especially in live performance.
Also worth noting: the Noise source on the 'D offers white and pink noise options, while the Voyager Noise source is a white/pink hybrid.
Plus, in the days before the Voyager was anything but an idea, Bob Moog said “There are enough MiniMoogs floating around that we don’t need to put them back into production” THere were like 13,000 or so.
People wanted a 21st century MiniMoog and they got what they asked for.
Noone here would flame you for that question lol.
Although I have seen OS vs Model D threads in other places get down and dirty lol.
Well…I don’t want a Model D but I’d trade my Performer for an Old School in a second. I recently entered the world of modular synthesis and I now understand why people don’t want patch recall or an operating system.
The joy of discovery! It’s the thrill of discovering that sonic “gem” that you know you may never quite hear the same way again.
If all I had to spend was about $3000, I probably would go for an OS, and spend the difference on a VX-350 and a decent set of active monitors. And with the CP-251 thrown in for free, that’s one hell of a lot of synth you’d be getting for the money!
Ive said many a time on this forum that I never want to go to great lengths to document patches again…and yet I still yearn for Modulars lol. I want my Moog and I want to eat it too.
I don’t think that anyone can argue though that it all comes back to a Model D and the way that it sounds. I want to own one just to say I have one, and so that I can revile in some synth history.
But more importantly I would skip the Model D if I could and simply go for a system 55.
I have a Little Phatty Tribute, a Voyager RME, a pair of CP-251’s, and a slew of 'foogers, including two delays… I used to own a Prodigy, two Micromoogs, and a Polymoog with the Polypedal… I’ve also played a few Minis in my time… here are my thoughts:
The Phatty is awesome because it’s a relatively inexpensive way into the classic Moog sound. Reminds me a lot of my Prodigy and the Source. The filter overdrive is AWESOME!! Everything falls to hand easily, and if you need extra functions, you can get two of them, and/or get some CP-251’s for extra patchability and fun. Highly recommended.
The Voyager RME: is killer. It reminds me of everything I loved about the Minis I’ve played. It can get real rude and ballsy really quickly. I haven’t done a side by side comparison to a Model D yet, but I’m in LOVE with it. It has a real center and depth to the sound that I love and can listen to for hours. I don’t need to own a vintage Mini ever…
… but I probably will get one someday to own a piece of history and because they’re awesome and have tons of vibe.
There is a function on the Voyager that puts it in a sort of ‘manual’ mode… basically, wherever the knobs are, is the sound you get… just like the OS. With the exception of some menu based things, you can still get that preset free experience of an OS or a modular synth if you like… with the benefit of saving your work if you stumble upon greatness…
All this talk is making me miss my RME… time to play!
It’s the thrill of discovering that sonic “gem” that you know you may never quite hear the same way again.