Moog Music Sub Phatty

You can read the specs on the Moog site or here on AF. What's most important is that this synth is fully analog with memories and a PC editor that works pretty well (even though it's not the easiest to use in the beginning).

The 25-key keyboard is not a big deal for me because I usually sequence using Live. If there were a rack version available I would've gotten that instead.

UTILIZATION

As for the use of the synth itself, one control = one function, so it's super easy as long as you know something about subtractive synthesis. The hidden functions really allow you to modify the behavior in depth, but they aren't always very clear (the use of internal memories is indispensable without the editor).

However, it was a real pain trying to get the editor to work as VST with Live. It seems to work perfectly fine on Mac with the USB, but on a PC you need to have USB + a midi in / out connector for it to really work. Once you've configured that, it's a delight, especially with Max4Live, which provides infinite modulation possibilities.

SOUNDS

Warn your neighbors! This was my first analog hardware synth and it's simple, it dwarfs every exiting emulation (except maybe for DIVA), especially when it comes to basses. It's simple I don't think it's possible to create such deep sounds. The multidrive allows you to create very aggressive and modern sounds, however you can also create creamy and sweet sounds without pushing it.

It's a delight for all types of electronic music, as well as for Sound Design. Combined with the processing power of computers you can play nearly any type of synthetic sound very quickly.

But, once again, where it shines brightest is with sounds that are heavy on lows.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it for 9 months and it was my first analog synth (a present for my 25th birthday) and I use it on every one of my songs.

It's expensive, but when it comes to music and audio, if you want the best tools you need to pay the asking price.

2-octave or 25-key keyboard
No effects (you'll need a delay, reverb and others for dub, for example).
16 presets that can be overwritten to save your own presets in the internal memory (that's for me ONE OF THE MAIN STRENGTHS, because it's pretty rare in the analog world). Playing 3 keyboards live, I don't see me recovering the exact settings or patching them on the spot!!
No sustain on the cues, but for $20 you can get a basic ROLAND pedal.
The sub phatty offers plenty of connection possibilities (audio in/out jacks, usb midi...)
Careful it's MONOPHONIC...so you can't make any chords (but playing with the frequencies you can obtain and save set intervals: Thirds, fourths, fifths...).

UTILIZATION

First analog for me, it's easy enough to understand how it works...what takes longer is testing all possible combinations you can do with it.
The manual is an easy read.
It's well done, there are examples to illustrate each part of the synth so you can see in real time what happens.
EDITING is über-easy, as easy and fast as on a NORD.

SOUNDS

I added the sub phatty (for its heavy dub aspect) to a NORD ELECTRO 4D and a KORG PA 3X to make reggae roots with a touch of DUB. And I'm very satisfied with this backline, which allows me to cover all my needs.
It makes no sense to talk about realism with an analog synth because it's not intended to "emulate and acoustic instrument." That's not the goal!
On the other hand, the sounds it produces are awesome and huge...in a very electronic registry. It's amazing for ELECTRO DUB hip hop EXPERIMENTAL... (but I think the MOOG is better for folk, rock or pop!)

OVERALL OPINION

I got it four days ago, I quickly decided to add DELAY and other types of effects to make it all sound...
Listening to the demos online, I hesitated a lot between the Arturia MINIBRUTE ($600!) the celebrated Korg MS20 MINI (but I'm not a fan of modular patching) and the MOOG. I don't regret my purchase! (but I would love to know what the minibrute offers for half the money, although the latter has no presets!)
You get your money's worth in terms of sound quality...the MOOG sound.

Moog's website is a better place to look up the technical features.
The control panel is well structured: Preset>Modulations>Oscillators>Mixer>Envelopes>Output
I think its clear, simple and logical. A nice point to start out in the analog world...
No external PSU, a good point!
And, even if it's something very personal, I think it looks very nice.

UTILIZATION

The one function - one control philosophy is very practical and makes the Sub Phatty easily controllable and intuitive. Especially as the pots in question seem to be of excellent quality and feel very nice. They are precise, "soft," regular, well-calibrated. There are hidden functions that you need to learn by heart. They are also accessible via the plug-in editor, which works fine.
Speaking of the (VST/AU) editor, I think it's well-made and effective. The plug-in allows you to save the presets, which can save you a lot of time. Nevertheless, it sometimes interferes with Logic Pro X's MIDI control, which can result in surprises. Consider adjusting the settings in the DAW.
The keyboard seems solid, it's velocity sensitive, without aftertouch. The shell (metal for the most part) and the connectors (metal and plastic) give a solid impression. The Moog know-how is obvious.

SOUNDS

The sounds suit me fine. It can sound fat for basses or be really acid and make itself heard in the mid/high ranges. The envelopes and filters are fast, which allows you to make percussive sounds. The sub does its job well and reinforces the low end of the spectrum. The possibilities are pretty wide and aren't limited to the basses and sub. This synth loves to roar under the effect of HardSync/Resonance/Multidrive…it's fantastic! Looking for a sound is a real treat with this synth, and you can expect some surprises...It has potential, that's unquestionable.
I modified my review after six months of use. I said I was a bit disappointed, but that's not the case anymore. This synth is definitely as fun as can be, it has a powerful sound and fits my songs perfectly, in all registers (lows, mids, highs). I'm not disappointed anymore, I've become a fan now after having used it more.
It has no built-in effects.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it for $1100, and I would buy it again.
What I like most is its "efficacy," you plug-in, play, you have (almost) all controls at your hand. Immediate, direct, physical access. No menus and sub-menus...And it sounds fine!
What I like the least is the integration with the computer world, it's OK but it can be perfected. The limited saving of presets without a computer. No screen.

https://www.moogmusic.com/products/phattys/sub-phatty

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use for someone who already practice the synthesis.
Manual in English, very clear, 30 minutes was go around and is ready to start.
Editing sound is very pleasant thanks to the number of knobs that make this synth its main asset for its price.

In addition a lot of the settings available Packs mode shift and Amos occuppe to update this mode frequently (why these commands are not written on the board I think, what appeared to be a negative test for Audiofanzine)

SOUNDS

I can not compare the sound to anything because this is my first analog synth and a comparison operator or Massive would be an insult.
Regarding the response of the keyboard it suits me, not knowing how to play the piano I will not comment on the point, but to my taste the quality of the keys is ample.

The sounds of the VCO are very good, excellent stability of those above.

The Multidrive brings a huge plus for people who want to have the Moog sound avecun small coterie Trashy more.

The VCF is ... how to say ... is the magical resonance can tour without background risk of unpleasant sound (I never used the resonance more than 2-3/10 Operator on because I think the horrible sound, its'm almost earache I would say, the opposite of the Sub Phatty.)

By the resonance and multidrive thoroughly on a triangular wave roar beautiful effects obtained by playing with the filter cutoff.

The envelope of the VCF and VCA slap very well for percussive sounds style.

When the modulations are certainly limited, but it can still be a big variety of sounds, playing with the assignment of the LFO on Waveshape can get closer to the sound of FM synthesis.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought this synth yesterday and I did not pick up.

This is the first synth that I put my fingers so the comparison is impossible, but I am 100% satisfied.

I remake that choice without hesitation, because for me this synth has everything I'm looking for, that is to say;

- Midi Over USB (For me it was an important argument)
- An impeccable quality of workmanship.
- A very good sound quality.
- A number of knobs that can have fun without taking head.
- The Moog filter coupled to Multidrive which allows for the Moog sound with a little more character.
- Envelopes that good spanking for percussive sounds.
- The price / quality ratio I am very satisfied, compared to Minibrute that my taste seemed super cheapos to the touch (I did not hear the sound)
- The presets.

If I had to say anything bad about this synth I can say 2 things, 16 presets is a bit light for people who play live piano (but apparently the app that will come in ten days it will be possible to replace quickly via computer), but personnaly do not mind me tremendously. And to my great surprise by opening the box I saw that the USB cable was not provided with .... Yes yes hard to say anything bad about this product that is in my opinion a very good investment.

However, as said above this is my first synth so consider this.

More Amos, seen on video Musikmesse meets the Moog forum has all your questions and is currently dévelloppé management program preset available in BETA on Mac only now (What I could not try because I'm on Windows 7). The final version should be available by June 15 on Mac and Windows.