Moog Music Forum

I have a performer edition w/lighted wheels. In the almost one year that I've owned it, a couple of things concerning the wheels has bugged me. Perhaps they have bugged other owners as well:

1. The thumb detent on both wheels should be larger, i.e. the radius of the detent should be bigger (check out the PB wheel on an Alesis Ion - that's an idea size IMO)
2. The PB wheel itself is too stiff. It requires so much pressure as to make quick movements difficult. Pitch bends ala Jan Hammer simply aren't doable with this wheel.
3. Both the PB and MW wheels should have a 'grippy' surface instead of the slick clear surface.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve on these? Has anyone done a mod to make any changes here?

1. The thumb detent on both wheels should be larger, i.e. the radius of the detent should be bigger (check out the PB wheel on an Alesis Ion - that's an idea size IMO)

For me I like the wheels and think the detent is fine, the wheels on the model D are much narrower : ) but also work fine for me. I haven’t really played with an ION too much, but the detent on the Motif is a little wider, and also works fine for me. It’s all what you get used to, for me I don’t mind going from one to the other, it’s part of each instruments character .

2. The PB wheel itself is too stiff. It requires so much pressure as to make quick movements difficult. Pitch bends ala Jan Hammer simply aren't doable with this wheel.

While they are a little stiff you can do some quick pitch bends with practice, also remember you can program the amount of pitch bend per patch, with a smaller amount programmed you won’t have to move the wheel as far.

3. Both the PB and MW wheels should have a 'grippy' surface instead of the slick clear surface.

Again, works fine for me A lot of times I’ll go from the Motif to the Voyager, or to the Korg Z ( has real small wheels : ) ) Or to a Roland that have a lever, for me it’s not a problem, but can understand others may like a different and or consistent feel between instruments.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve on these? Has anyone done a mod to make any changes here?

: ) Double stick tape : ), glue some rubber on : )...

You might be able to change the spriogs on the pitch wheel to something lighter, or remove them altogether.
I haven't looked on the Voyager, but I've done this on other synths.
If I remember correctly there are a couple screws on the panel holding the wheels. That would be where to look!

FreqOut

You may want to check with Moog before changing any springs, it could violate your warranty.

But if you do take it apart There are two screws up front, be careful not to move and of the adjustment pots when you take it out, also be careful of the ribbon cable when you put it back in.

Brian

Have you tried the trick of turning on Glide, set the amount for a small amount, use low note priority, the as you play hold a key ( say c) then while holding down that key do a quick trill on any key below it, changing the amount will affect how pronounced the effect is.
Brian

<Have you tried the trick of turning on Glide, set the amount for a small amount, use low note priority, the as you play hold a key ( say c) then while holding down that key do a quick trill on any key below it, changing the amount will affect how pronounced the effect is. >

Yep. It's a classic synth trick that's been around for a long time. Another is to patch the MMV output back into the Ext Input (watch that volume control!) to add 'beef' to the tone.

Right now, I'm using the Voyager's Mix Out Loop to provide insert effects prior to the MMV filter. If you haven't done this yet, you're in for a treat. Any effects pedal, filter, amp/cab sim, delay, reverb, etc. can be used here to modify the sound of the oscillators before they go through the filter. It takes the MMV into new sonic territory. To make it work, all you need is TRS 1/4" adapter plug that breaks out to seperate connections for the tip (send) and the ring (return). Worth checking out!

Yup, done it... also fun using the VX351 and CP 251. What's really fun is to MIDI two Voyagers together .

Brian