Over the last couple of years, Moog’s Grandmother and Matriarch semi-modular analog synthesizers have earned themselves a special spot in the hearts of collectors, enthusiasts, modular synth fanatics, and beginners. That’s why Moog decided to launch them in a special “Dark Series” design aesthetic that matches other popular Moog semi-modular synths, including the DFAM, Mother-32, and Subharmonicon. As a nod to gigging musicians, Moog has also released water-resistant, padded, semi-rigid cases to safeguard your Grandmother and Matriarch synths.
The Grandmother Dark is functionally identical to the original Grandmother, so for those who don’t already know…its foundation is a 32-note, velocity-sensitive Fatar keyboard triggering a semi-modular analog synth, which requires no patching to perform. It's built up by the inclusion of an arpeggiator, 256-note sequencer, and patchable spring reverb tank.
Speaking of patchable things, every "normalled" connection can be broken by manually patching, granting the power of full modular behavior. The 41 patch points—21 inputs, 16 outputs, and a four-jack mult—allow versatile internal signal routing, straightforward processing of external audio, and compatibility with other modular systems. You can even connect a guitar, bass, drum machine, or mixer directly to the 1/4" input. MIDI via USB and traditional DIN MIDI in, out, and thru jacks are provided for connecting to your computer or other synths and modules.
Two analog oscillators with selectable waveshape and hard sync, an ADSR envelope generator, and LFO with audio rate capabilities provide the core audio building blocks. Utilize the 4-pole ladder filter with a 10 Hz to 20 kHz range and a 1-pole high-pass filter to start subtly sculpting or drastically warping your tone. Though getting sounds is as easy as turning it on, the extreme manipulative possibilities ensure that you'll never get bored!
As you might suspect, the Matriarch Dark is also functionally identical to its original version, the Matriarch. In case you aren’t familiar with the features of this family, this semi-modular mammoth combines a 49-note Fatar keybed, a 4-note paraphonic analog synthesizer with an integrated sequencer and arpeggiator, a stereo analog delay, and 90 patch points, though no patching is required to produce massive sounds.
Its hard-synchronizable oscillators and dedicated full-range analog LFO offer selectable waveshapes, and an extra-simple LFO is provided for modulating VCAs, filters, and delays. You’ll find two analog filters with flexible modes such as parallel (HP/LP), stereo (LP/LP), and series (HP/LP), dual analog ADSR envelope generators, and dual analog VCAs. Plus, there are three bipolar voltage-controlled attenuators with ring mod capability and 2 x 4 unbuffered mults.
With 12 memory slots and 256 steps per sequence (each step can contain up to four notes), the onboard sequencer is not only a powerhouse for the Matriarch Dark, but it can be decoupled to independently sequence external gear. You can even run external audio sources such as guitars and drum machines through the synth’s analog circuits via the 1/4" external input. The stereo 1/4" output and Eurorack 3.5mm outputs enable you to utilize other Eurorack equipment for additional processing while routing the main output signal to a recorder or PA system. As if that wasn’t enough, the Matriarch Dark is fully controllable via MIDI.
The Grandmother and Matriarch are valuable instruments, and owning one should prompt you to safeguard them from damage. With the Grandmother SR Case and the Matriarch SR Case, you can not only protect them, but also easily carry them by hand, over the shoulder, or on your back, making them attractive for players who frequently travel between venues and studios. Each of these SR Series cases boasts a semi-rigid ABS shell with abrasion-resistant ballistic Cordura and water-resistant laminated zippers. Plus, front and rear zipper compartments enable convenient storage of a laptop/tablet, power supply, cables, and more. Adorned with Moog branding, these cases communicate the pride you take in selecting your synths.
There’s much to see about the latest gems from Moog. So, whether you are a performing musician, music producer, beatmaker, or synth aficionado, feel free to stop by the B&H SuperStore or peruse our website to learn more!
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