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Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:25 am
by peter1894
Hello Moog enthusiasts! ;)

I am writing a paper for my University course on the ways in which the physical constraints and affordances of the design of the Moog modular synth has affected compositional practices ( I'm using terminology here I've borrowed from writers like Paul Thebrege' and James Mooney who have written papers on compositional matters).
What methods of composition did they synthesiser encourage? Would notable users, such as Keith Emerson, Wendy Carlos, have realized their music differently on a Buchla synthesiser, for example?

I'm aware of the surface differences between Moog and Buchla machinery; I'm hoping to come up with original points that can't be found on a half hour google search around the topic; in order to do this I've had to teach myself a fair bit about voltage-control oscillators, potentiometers, subtractive synthessis and other things using the Computer Music Journal (Curtis Rhodes) amongst other books.

In terms of a particular model, I suppose I am aiming to talk primarily about the System 15.

I was wondering if anyone had a couple of minutes to shed a little light on particular modules which had features on note, or anything else that springs to mind on the topic? I was hoping to write in the style of Point-Evidence-Explanation:

"The low-pass filter of the Moog. has been noted as being a key part of the distinctive sound of the synthesizer. What was it that made the low pass filter unique?"

I'm trying to make my way through the the technical service manual, which I have attached. But it's dense reading! So if anyone can help me with this, then much appreciated.

I look forward to your responses! If anything I have said is unclear, then please let me know =)

Peter

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 12:58 pm
by MC
First post and you're asking us to write your thesis? Yes the technical service manual is a dense document, researching it is your job.

Good luck, what time tomorrow is it due?

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 3:10 pm
by Trigger
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:24 pm
by paramnesia
check original manuals over at http://www.synthfool.com/docs/Moog/modular/

you might search for the original 1981 ‘The Moog Modular Synthesizer Owner’s Manual’, 190pgs. I only have a PDF. It is an unabridged copy of the 1981 manual by Dan Wyman. It still carries the 1981 Copyright to Moog Music, Inc.

The Table of Contents is as follows:
———————————————

Preface {Robert Moog}
Acknowledgements

Ch1 An introduction to Modular Synthesis (p1-3)
--- Primary Modular System Standards
--- Servicing and Warranty Information

Ch2 For the Complete Synthesist (p4-11)
--- Some Suggestions on a Working Approach to Modular Systems
--- Connecting the Synthesizer to a Monitor System
--- General Setup Information

Ch3 Moog Professional Systems (p12-18)
--- Table of available modules {illustrated}

Ch4 Technical Descriptions (p19-85)
--- Sequencer (86-93)

Ch5 Making the Connections (p94-129)
--- Basic Operations of the Modular Systems
--- Special Notes on Patch Illustrations
--- Sound Generation Patches
--- Varying Control Voltages
--- Concentration on Individual Modules

Ch6 Larger Systems Operation (p130-154)
--- Control Panel Switching, System 35 and 55
--- Individual Modules Operation

Ch7 Sequencer Complement Operations (p155-174)

Ch8 Appendix (p175-188)
--- 951, 952 Keyboard Tuning Procedure
--- An Effective Notational System for Modular Patches
--- Definition of Terms {Glossary}

Ch9 Bibliography (p189-190)

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 3:40 am
by M00G
---

And MOOG Archives is always a great browse and lots of tech info...

http://moogarchives.com

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:47 pm
by EricK
Well, if you are going to write about the limitations that artists like Carlos faced, keep in mind she wasn't working with the System 15.

This topic sounds like it could be way more broad and technical than you might be prepared for.

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:40 pm
by peter1894
EricK wrote:Well, if you are going to write about the limitations that artists like Carlos faced, keep in mind she wasn't working with the System 15.

This topic sounds like it could be way more broad and technical than you might be prepared for.

I think the question/topic is possible. It requires some critical thinking and investigation on what the system 15 could and could not do in relation to it's successors.
It requires me to gain an understanding of quite a few fundamental things; I think the best thing would be for me to find first hand accounts or journals of notably creative practitioners. The fact that the choices of modules included were tailored to the user throws a spanner in the works, but surely

I do apologise, I am of course, very new to the subject of synthesisers in general; it must be somewhat painfull to read a post such as the above. I will try my best to accumulate knowledge and help out others on this forum when I have done so.

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2016 1:28 pm
by Flareless
Watch the documentary I Dream of Wires. You can find it on Netflix. It might help answer some of your questions.

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 6:15 pm
by peter1894
Flareless wrote:Watch the documentary I Dream of Wires. You can find it on Netflix. It might help answer some of your questions.
Personally I found this documentary very entertaining but lacking a bit of critical analysis

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 11:53 pm
by Vsyevolod
Get your hands on a Model 15 and compose with it for a couple of years. All your questions will then be answered. Problem is, you'll have even more questions than you started with.

Trying to write a paper about a synthesizer that you have little to no hands on experience with is like trying to write about dancing when you don't have feet.

Stephen




.

Re: Technical Limitations of Moog Modular Synthesiser

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2016 8:03 pm
by JnGd
Hi,

Sir,

listen to Klaus Schulze's "Mirage" album...some clues in there !