Moog Music Forum

A couple of very basic questions please. I just received my Model 15 (s/n 84) and 953 controller. I connected the 953 to the 1-2 input on the Model 15 as instructed. The trigger seems to be operating backwards to what the quick start sheet says for the 953. When I use Trigger 1, it only triggers on the second key press. When I use Trigger 2, it triggers on the first key press. Is that correct?

This leads me to my second question which is about setting the trigger to work with the Model 15 versus System 35/55. The quick start says to press and hold D3 for 2 seconds while powering up to set the trigger behavior for a model 15, do the same but with C3 to set it for a System 35/55. Which key on the 953 is D3? I tried what I thought should be D3, no difference. I then tried pressing each "D" and "C" on the keyboard while turning it on and have not noticed any difference in the trigger behavior.

What is the difference in the triggering between the system 35/55 and Model 15? Is this setting related to the first question I had above?

What an amazing instrument. Thanks Moog for bringing these systems back to life. Teenage dream come true.

David

I'm assuming you've figured it out by now.

If not, I can only add that I too have a Model 15 but do not have the 953. I play mine from a Liberation and direct patch (no barrel connector).

But I had a look at the doc which on the Moog web site and it could not be more confusing : )

I also have the original technical service manual from Norlin days and I cannot see a difference between the pinouts or wiring diagram on the Model 15 or 35/55 with the exception of a trig buffer which I assume is required for proper 'extension' via Trig 1 output.

If I had to guess, the correct key to press to configure the 953 is the center octave. On a Midi keyboard, with a centered logical switching of octave, the lowest C is typically bound to a Midi note which might be C2 (and the lowest midi is "C0") But on a CV keyboard, I would assume that C1 is the lowest key on your 953 therefore the middle octave is C3 and D3 respectively. I'm just guessing.

I can tell you that I've had a problem with my synthesizer.com keyboard in 'remembering' the initial setting. Note that the Moog says that your INITIAL setting will be remembered so it's possible that there is an issue. Obviously, the synthesizer.com keyboard has zero to do with the Moog keyboard but my point is that perhaps there is a firmware issue and your keyboard is permanently stuck on the 35/55 setting.

Best to just call tech support tomorrow when they re-open.

I've noted something similar with the Model 15/953 setup. Funny triggering.
- Haven't figured it out either...

Thanks for the help guys. I'll get hold of Moog.

David

I don't get any of these problems with either of my two 951's

Also, looks like they just raised the price by $300. If I'm not mistaken, it was originally $799 but some of the outlets such as Humbucker Music down in Rossville, GA still have it at this price.

In my opinion $799 was a good deal and the only thing that stopped me from buying one for my 15 was that it was 5 octaves, not 4 and was not covered in Tolex in a nice case like the original. Hopefully whatever problem or lack of documentation that might exist is fixed/clarified shortly.

Hi dingebre,

What sort of response did you get from Moog and/or how did you resolve the issue? I'm having the same issue, and I'm pretty sure I followed the instructions to the letter in terms of setting the keyboard for the Model 15.

Thanks,
Stefan

Update: I contacted Moog, and they recommended that I try the calibration procedure several times over, and voila! It finally triggered correctly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to remember the setting between restarts, so I need redo the procedure whenever I turn it on. But I can live with that.

Heyo!

Got my 953 a couple days ago and I’m having the exact same issue as dingebre with my Model 15, how was this solved exactly? By calibrating the controller over and over until the calibration works? Also, did we ever decide what octave was the correct octave to hold down the D?

Cheers!

OCI wrote:Heyo!

Got my 953 a couple days ago and I’m having the exact same issue as dingebre with my Model 15, how was this solved exactly? By calibrating the controller over and over until the calibration works? Also, did we ever decide what octave was the correct octave to hold down the D?

Cheers!

That's basically what I did (go through the procedure multiple times), although as I mentioned, I have to hold down the key every time I turn the modular on. I should also note that I hold the key down for much longer than the specified 2 seconds (maybe 5 or so). Pretty sure it's the 3rd D on the keyboard-- that's what's working for me.

Stefan

Awesome, I'll try that

Thanks for the help!!

Let us know how it goes!

Update:

So I'm going to send in my 953 for a repair which bums me out.. but its ok. I contacted Moog and they were super helpful and quick to respond and are paying for shipping etc, so not that big a deal. This stuff happens.

BUT, the reason I'm posting is I did get a final word on what octave is D3 is. The Keyboard starts at D0 so the 4th D on the 953 would be the correct D to press to calibrate it.. just if anyone has any issues with it in the future.

Cheers!

Ah ha! Thanks for the update!

Just FYI: I ended up sending my 953 in for service, and received a replacement keyboard that works perfectly (they wanted to investigate the failure of my original keyboard).

Stefan

I ended up sending my keyboard in for repair as well and Moog confirmed that it was not functioning properly. I will just say Moog was very easy to deal with. Responded to my emails within hours instead of days. They paid for the return shipping and I had a new keyboard in my apartment within a week. Very happy with their service.

This keyboard works perfectly. I did have to do the calibration procedure (ended up pressing the middle D, contrary to my previous post) and it worked.