So I’m purchasing a Moog Slim Phatty (as soon as they are back in stock) and couldn’t be more excited. I’ve had plenty of time with softsynths, and I know the basics, but sick of that shallow digital sound. Anywhoo I’m also looking out for what could be my next purchase and it’s looking to be the CP-251, as the sample and hold looks very useful, as does the LFO that has a pedal in.
So would this be a good match for the SP, or is there a Moogerfooger that could be a bit more useful?
Any of the foogers will give you things to play with. The CP-251 is no exception. It all depends what you think you want or need. For example, if you want a phaser you might get that fooger and play with it as it can do more than just phase audio. Every fooger has multiple personalities as the effect it represents but also as a CV module to be used in other ways as well. You will most likely end up with more than one since they are addicting 
Hi, if this is your first analog synth, don’t spend additional money it for a while, until you know the synth well. This is a world of difference from the VA’s you know and will keep you busy for a while.
Even though it wasn’t my first analog, it was my first moog, and wow. This changed my view on synths, it sounds awesome! But, you are -as I am- coming from VA synths, probably a lot of plugins as well. You have to take this into account as well, the LP will save presests, the CP won’t, and this might be a huge difference in the way you produce music.
First I would get used to using the LP in multiple ongoing songs, get a hang of this. The CP is probably a nice addition but is more difficult to implement in a production environment.
And besides that, even though the specs of the phatty seem underwhelmed. You’ll be amazed of the sound potential! (btw, the SP & LP have an sample & hold function)
I don’t agree that if this is your first synth you shouldn’t purchase anything else.
The whole thing about analog synthesis is knowing about voltages, where you send them and where they are going. If you purchased a cp251, The various product manuals will give you suggestions on things to try. You will physically send a voltage to a destination. What better way to learn synthesis than that? Now Synthesis techniques have quite a steep learning curve, and some things like the lag processor or the offset of the mixer might leave you scratching your head for awhile, but surely you will grow into the cp251.
In my opinion though, you might want to consider the RIngmod or Phaser because they also have LFO’s and will also process the audio of the SP. THe cp251 really shines when you have more than 1 voltage source or destination.
Order from novamusik as they have the cheapest prices on the Foogers around. Don’t settle for full price at sweetwater or anywhere else.
I love S&H though, I almost use it in every song I do lololol. WHatever you end up getting though it will just leave you yearning for more. If only the SP had the voltage outputs…
Ring Mod and Phasing can be had for cheap. No need to buy a fooger for those sounds IMHO… Personally I went with the CP-251 and it really IS easy to integrate in a production environment. I use it for adding a little white noise (just about audible) into the Phatty Audio input, and I also constantly find myself using the LFO on a slow setting via an attenuator and into the filter cv on the Phatty for moving filter effects. I have a foot controller via an attenuator (for range control) and into the Phatty Pitch CV for bends. This frees up my left hand for other tweeks while playing. The nice thing about the CP-251 is that it let’s you free up the internal modulation section in the Phatty. It is an essential and very good tool.
About the SP: Yeah, why didn’t they integrate the CV mod ? This omission put me off the whole thing eventually. I’d love to add a voice expander to my Phatty, but I’d want it to be a little more modular…
That’s personal indeed, but in the years I found out I preferred to begin small and then expand. This obviously is personal, but unless one has experience in working with outboard I wouldn’t recommend going all out at once. If you have experience please do get the expander, but I like to gradually expand.
ring mod is probably the best companion, it easily has the most expansive cv i/o, and w/ access to both the LFO and Carrier outputs you have A LOT of control in the modulation department for use w/ the LP. Oh, and you also get an analog ring modulator!
Phaser is a fun one too, LFO out and a fantastic phaser makes it a nice companion.
CP-251 is a bridge to the modular world. I don’t actually suggest getting it until you have at least 1 moogerfooger pedal, though. It’s use with the LP is great, but LP just doesn’t have many inputs; It’s much better with the Voyager. That said, a MF-102/103, LP, and CP-251 will take you to Saturn and back.