The value of entry for a real-deal analog Moog synth isn’t significantly low. Aside from the limited-run Werkstatt-01, probably the most reasonably priced is the Minitaur, which is able to set you again $600. Now, that’s not unreasonably costly however for these seeking to dip their toes into the synth waters, it is likely to be a giant ask. Particularly when a Volca Keys may give you three-note paraphonic analog sounds for simply $170. That’s the place Mavis is available in, it’s a pseudo-DIY monophonic semi-modular synth that delivers basic Moog sounds for simply $350.
I say “pseudo-DIY” as a result of the entire core elements are already put collectively for you. There’s no soldering concerned right here. You’re merely placing the circuit board in a case and attaching it with some screws and nuts. It’s not significantly troublesome, however the tiny nuts could be irritating to get on the patch bay, and there are 24 of them to struggle with. Not nice for those who’re as shaky as I’m.
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As soon as assembled, although, you may have a legit Moog with all the essential options you’d count on, plus just a few extras. There’s a single oscillator that may morph between noticed and sq. wave, an LFO, an envelope generator and, in fact, Moog’s iconic 4-pole low go filter. There’s additionally a pattern and maintain circuit, a utilities part with mults, a mixer and an attenuator. Lastly, in a primary for a Moog synth, there’s a wave folder, one thing you’d be extra more likely to discover on West Coast-style synths, like these from Buchla. All of those components could be blended and matched, or mixed with exterior gear, utilizing the 24-point patch bay.
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Mavis even has a built-in one-octave keyboard so you can begin tapping out basslines instantly. However I extremely advocate you get an exterior keyboard or sequencer with CV controls, like one in every of Arturia’s KeyStep or BeatStep sequence. The keys on Mavis are tiny and rubbery and require a very good quantity of power to play. And the dearth of a sequencer or arpeggiator means you’d should play it dwell. It will get the job achieved for noodling round and auditioning patches, however I wouldn’t wish to use it for an precise efficiency.