Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Polyrhythmic Analog Synthesizer
Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Polyrhythmic Analog Synthesizer Reviews
The newest addition to the Moog Mother Ecosystem, the Moog Subharmonicon semi-modular analog synthesizer and sequencer brings all the Moog analog flavor with a rhythm entirely its own. First released in a limited run of 120 units in 2018, the Subharmonicon became an instant cult classic for its unique take on subharmonic synthesis and polyrhythmic sequencing. With two VCOs, each with two suboscillators and a four-pole resonant filter, the Subharmonicon produces creamy all-analog tones with basement-dwelling lows and scorching high-end. Its truly innovative sequencing capabilities use a combination of two four-step sequencers (one per VCO section) and a polyrhythmic generator to create wild, erratic polyrhythms and evolving harmonic chordscapes. Use it as a standalone semi-modular synthesizer or insert it into your Eurorack system for infinite sonic exploration. Synthesists at Sweetwater have been waiting to get their hands on the Moog Subharmonicon, and it was well worth the wait. For a sound design tool like no other, check out the Moog Subharmonicon today!
Math and Music Come Together
If your a synth enthusiast looking for something different and inspiring, then this is for you.
If you are just a person who enjoys math, then this is for you.
Why?
Once you get the hang of how to use this and get great results (and I mean great!) you will come to realize its all about math. Such a beautiful thing, where music and math converge, and this synth takes it to a whole new level.
25 years from now, people will be scrambling to find one of these synths, as it is certain to become a classic.
If you already own one of these, you might want to buy another and leave it untouched in the box for 20 years. (Hint, Hint)
Moog Subharmonicon
Moog created a very interesting synth. The sequencer allows poly rhythms to be programmed. It's a must have if using a DFAM or Mother 32 synth. All Moog products are high quality, very well made, it's oscillators sound amazing! I highly recommend it to anyone producing Electronica, Techno, Deep House, Drum N' Bass even Hip Hop. Sky's the limit. You'll love it's tone.
Moog Subharmonicon
I am glad I made the purchase. I am learning and having fun along the way. Gets even better when I pair it with my Moog Mavis. No regrets.
Fantastic Middle Man for your Moog Studio Collection...
The Moog Subharmonicon is the middle man in this trio of wonderful sound. For my ambient style of music I found that if I start with the DFAM Subharmonicon and build a nice harmony one piece at at time then add a nice melodic melody on top with the mother 32 that I can then use the DFAM to build a nice rhythm around it. It's amazing the ideas you can easily come up with these analog synths. Add a little reverb and delay and you have something that's recordable.
The Subharmonicon takes a little bit of time tinkering with to get used to how to what to set the scale amount I suggest starting small as it's easier at first. The unit is fantastic.
If you only have the Mother 32 you are going to want to add this to your arsenal.
Great Rhythmic Exploration
I love how weird this synth is. Classic Moog sound, especially with square waves and a little bit of resonance. It definitely takes a little work to understand how to find pleasing sounds and patterns, but once you have the hang of it there are so many ideas that I've found that I never would have thought of otherwise. Definitely an inspiration machine with no real competitor because of how unique it is.
Incredible
I can't really add much more than what has been said about the Subharmonicon. I can only agree with what has been said. It is truly an inspiring synth that can lead you almost anywhere you want to go, or wasn't planning on going but are glad you did! It is for sure not a "first time synth" buyer piece of equipment. You will need to have an understanding on how synths work to grasp this better. If you find a sound/rhythm you really like you best take a picture, write down the settings, or better yet, just record it. Once you shut the synth off you will lose what you just created. Add this in with the other Moog semi-modular synths, and you will have something out of this world.
Better Than I Expected
I'm familiar with Moog instruments and have been since the 1980s. This latest eurorack offering had me a bit perplexed. The Subharmonicon seemed like a proverbial one-trick pony and I wasn't sure of using it for anything other than some modular madness jam session.
The tones that the oscillators deliver and the 4-pole, low-pass filter quality are on par. I really like the idea of the two sub-oscillators per oscillator.
I was able to integrate the Subharmonicon with it's DFAM and Mother-32 siblings in a three tier rig and dial-in something usable in a few minutes. A gate input in the patchbay would be nice for external CV/Gate signal control beyond the polyrhythmic sequencer. But, it is a "semi-modular polyrhythmic analog synthesizer" and it fills that role exceedingly well.
3 words: Take Your Time
This thing sounds absolutely amazing, but you probably already know that. It has this Moog thing that only a Moog has...
However, this is by far the most frustrating instrument I ever owned. All these YT videos made me feel like it was impossible for it to sound bad but I couldn't be any further from the truth. Happy accidents don't come that often and are a lot more deliberate than you might think.
Took some time to really understand the logic and mechanics of the sequencers and rhythm generators but when it finally clicked... WOW
A dream of a 'happy accident'
What can i say? This machine is amazing. It isn't quite a traditional synth, but it is. There is a bit of a learning curve getting the knobs and your ears to agree -- but the payoff is very much worth it. I've heard the subharmonicon called a 'happy accident' machine and i agree whole heartedly. It encourages experimentation and rewards knob twisting with often unexpected results. That said, I would check out some reviews and tutorials online before considering this synth, because of it's peculiarity. If after that you find yourself intrigued I say go for it!
Great to trigger new ideas
A fun and inspiring tool for music creation!
Exotic Addition
The Moog Subharmonicon is a nice addition for those with an extra $... and an interest in playing with the mathematical relationships between rhythm and tone. That said, the concepts that underly the Moog Subharmonicon could be explored in much more expansive and complex structures with NI Reaktor or Cycling 74 MAX/MSP.
As an occasionally-guilty compulsive consumer and someone that owns more synthesizers that I could possibly use in a single project, the Subharmonicon is a novel and occasionally inspiring addition to my studio, but I would never spend $... on this if I didn't already have a very solid setup. It's a Moog, so it is a tad overpriced, but the build-quality is solid, and it's made in the U.S.
Fantastic
As advertised, unique and sounds great. Lovely polyrhythms and sub undertones.
Oskar Sala would be pleased...
Awesome synth!
Out of the box this synth is fun to play, easy to understand and use. It is great on its own but is a great addition to the DFAM and Mother 32. I've never been a big fan of my DFAM but with the Subharmonicon added to the family I can see some fun things happening with this family get together.
Inspirational
Gear that evokes melodies, ideas and experimentation....thanks much
Love it!
It sounds fantastic and is a blast to play!
Absolutely phenomenal!
First off, big thanks to Kevin for setting one of the first shipments aside! 2 days after it was releasedI was playing with this insanely unique beast.
There are many things I can say about this 'division' based synth, yet the biggest trait I've discovered within a few days of fiddling with it is just how well it plays with others. Using its sequencer to drive polyrhythmic patterns on the DFAM while utilizing another module to trigger its GIANT 6 voice sound is a beauty to behold. Ultimately, direct experience can't be communicated with words.
Top notch Moog build, sound, and care in the final product. This isn't like anything you have, unless you already have it....
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