Synth: Moog Source
Review by: Lx Rudis

Summary:  Moog's attempt at a "programmable minimoog"

Years Made: 1980-1983
Polyphony: 2 oscillator monosynth
Multitimbrality: no
MIDI: not native, but two midi kits exist
Other inputs/external control:
    CV/Gate:1v/oct, switch trig in
    Clock: some later units feature a strange compatibility with Roland
	Dinsync which requires both Dinsync input AND a trigger going to 
	the trig input
    Other CV: none
    Audio: none
    Proprietary (DCB, etc): see above under "clock"
    Programmer: none
Outputs:
   CV/Gate: 1v/oct, switch trig in
audio output: mono
Patch storage: ???
    Patch dumping (tape, MIDI, etc): tape interface
Voice architecture:
   2 vco: ramp, triangle, variable width pulse.  sync on oscillator 2
   noise generator
   lowpass vcf
   lfo: square, triangle
   2 adsr's-hardwired to vcf/vca
Interface: membrane touch pad with switches.  push on a switch and a big "q"
           knob is used to adjust values. can store16 patches.
Sequencer/Arpeggiator:two channel monophonic sequencer with storage of more
	than 120 notes.  24 note "arpeggiator" which functions more like a
	sequencer... also has "s/h" modes and auto clock feature triggering 
	adsr's off lfo
Keyboard/rack: keyboard
Known problems: membrane panel can be flakey.  it's custom and very very
	hard to replace
Accessories: none
Related synths/gear: moog prodigy is basically same synth with no
	programming, arpeggiator, sequencer or bells and whistles.  
Price range: current value of clean midi modded source is about $700 US.
	low end about $200
Availability: estimated production run of 6000 units
Comments: looks like it was designed to control a french fry cooker at
	McDonalds.  Encore electronics makes a midi upgrade which increases 
	storage to 256 programs and allows sysex transfer of programs.
    Strengths:  smooooooth fast programmable synth.  nice sound-not as fat
	as minimoog but still "moog" enough for most tastes.  a very flexible
	performance oriented synth.  good techno machine.
    Weaknesses: damn membrane pad-it'll absorb a lot of punishment but if
	it's toast you might as well kiss the synth goodbye.  lotsa discrete
	electronics in a small unventilated case, so it runs HOT.
    Overall:  I like this synth a lot.  it is very small and portable.
	good for live use as well as "guest" appearances at friends' studios. 
	with the Encore midi mod it is great for sequencing.  despite my nasty 
	comment about it's looks it is pretty in a sort of '70s "battlestar 
	Galactica" sort of way. mostly chrome and walnut with touches of blue 
	and orange...would look nice next to a Gleeman Pentaphonic Clear.. ;^)
	if you forced me to choose between it and a minimoog i'd be hard 
	pressed to decide.  it is quite a playable synth.
    Other:   if it wasn't for the Prophet 5 it would have sold better



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Lx Rudis                   [][][][]|8^)                415.882.1730  Voice
lx@fht.com                 Foley Hi-Tech               415.882.1733  Fax
http://www.fht.com         185 Berry Street            415.882.1735  BBS
ftp.fht.com                San Francisco, CA  94107    http://www.fht.com
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