Moog Mother-32 a Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer Review
The Moog Mother-32 was developed and created in the classic Moog design with dark wood side panels on the side and legendary buttons. The case has a desktop format with an angled user interface with all its controls, switches, and plug-in options. Following Mother-32 the DFAM was launched. Both synths perform very well in combination. See also our DFAM review here: Moog DFAM Mutant Percussion Synth Review.
The Moog Mother-32 is the first semi-modular analog synthesizer from Moog. It has a voltage-controlled 32-step sequencer, a five-octave keyboard, and two voltage-controlled oscillators. The VCOs have a range of six octaves.
We all have those days when it feels like the creativity just isn’t flowing. The ideas aren’t coming, and the ones that do come are terrible. You know you should be productive, but you just can’t make yourself get started. It’s frustrating, and it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who struggles with this. But trust me, you’re not alone. Synths like the Mother-32 are sparkling creative ideas.
The Moog Mother-32 also comes with an impressive range of features that make it a powerful and versatile synth. It has an external audio input, a Eurorack power connector, a 1/4″ audio output, and a MIDI input. The Mother-32 is also “stackable” with other Moog synthesizers, such as the Minimoog Model D, the Moog Sub 37, and the Moog Subsequent 37.
The Mother-32 has a very classic sound that can be used for a wide range of music genres. It’s perfect for creating analog sounds and basslines, and it’s also great for sound design. The sequencer is easy to use and can be controlled with the buttons or with MIDI.
Moog Mother-32 Installation
There is not much to install, you unpack the box, connect the power and audio and you are ready to go. The included accessories and manual are in an excellent character. Combined with visual design and packaging.
Moog Mother-32 Sound
The sound of the Moog Mother-32 is very classic and can be used for a wide range of music genres. It’s perfect for creating analog sounds and basslines, and it’s also great for sound design. The sequencer is easy to use and can be controlled with the buttons or with MIDI.
The Semi-Modular Mother-32 is not a complex synthesizer. It is a comparatively modest constructed synth. Mother-32 possesses the signature Moog characters and tones. Alongside the famous Moog sound, you get at an average range price point some new synth in a convenient form factor.
The Vibe of the Mother-32
The vibe of the Mother-32 can be warm, dark, solid, or light, deep and mellow. If you take it further you can produce experimental and some rough and experimental tone. If you add external Pedals like the Strymon Big Sky you can create great sounding atmospheres and large obscure drone-like soundscapes. The more effects you can add the more possibilities to produce bombastic and powerful sounds you have. The blend with extra synthesizers, sequencers, effect panels and modular gives you boundless ways to express your creativity.
You might want a Mother-32 because it is a synthesizer. It is like other synthesizers.
- =>It can be warm, dark, solid, light, or deep and mellow.
- =>It has a signature Moog sound and is perfect for creating analog sounds and basslines.
- =>It’s easy to use and can be controlled with the buttons or MIDI.
- =>The vibe can be experimental and rough.
- =>You might want it because of its synthesizer capabilities. It’s like other synthesizers.
The Mother-32 is a great semi-modular analog synthesizer that’s perfect for creating analog sounds and basslines. You might want it because of its synthesizer capabilities. Additionally, the Mother-32 features a 32-step sequencer and a wide range of modulation options, allowing for intricate and dynamic sound design. Its semi-modular design also makes it a great option for those new to modular synthesis, as it can be easily integrated into a larger modular setup. Lastly, its analog circuitry gives it a warm and rich sound that’s perfect for mastering with analog vibe.
Moog Mother-32 User interface & Usability
Like with the Moog DFAM small changes can lead to dramatic results, so try it out. Semi-modular means that you can use the Mother-32 and use a patch cable to extend it. I do patch up my DFAM and Mother-32 with a longer patch cable. To be clear, you can use the Mother-32 without a single cable to plug. The necessary signal path is already connected.
The Mother-32 serves as a single voice, semi-modular tabletop synthesizer. It has 32 patch points that introduce you to modular probabilities. It is a semi-modular synth, similar to the Moog DFAM. You can with ease remove the stylish and fancy housing to install the synth into a Eurorack case (requires 60 HP).
If you want to combine a DFAM and Mother-32 you can use a 2 tier or alternative a 3 tier rack kit to accumulate the synths. I did install my Mother-32 and the DFAM into a 3 tier rack for a short period. I kept the two synths (DFAM and Mother-32) separate at the end.
Mother-32’s keyboard includes an octave with its 13 notes, a total of eight octaves to choose from. You can also use the midi port to connect the Midi keyboard. The Moog Mother-32’s step-sequencer and keyboard share the gray buttons on the bottom of the user interface. The step-sequencer has the most length of 32 steps per pattern. In total, Mother-32 has 64 pattern memory slots.
Different from the DFAM where the Midi port was missing you can attach a Midi controller to perform. Syncing a Mother-32 with a DFAM only requires a patch cable. Patch from the ASSIGN output jack on the Mother-32 Patchbay, into the ADV / CLOCK input on the DFAM.
If you are coming from a DAW and software Synths you need to learn that there are now presets available for your to use. You can not save the setting of a great-sounding groove. If you look at some of the “presets” in the manual keep in mind that the sound will be always different.
After the MPC Live and MPC X, the Mother-32 followed by the DFAM is key synth in my approach performing outside the box or DAW less. DAW less means that you no longer depend on a computer and a digital audio workstation (DAW). With Moog noodling around and performing for some serious tracks you will enjoy your compositions in a different way, possibly find the old feeling when you started your expert composition or producer journey.
Mother-32 Firmware v2.0
Mother-32 Firmware v2.0 a Major Updates for Moog Mother-32. April 2020: Moog released Mother-32 Firmware v2.0! This major instrument update provides access to a host of dynamic new features, including multiple sequencer directions, improved and expanded clocking options, CV-addressed sequencer control, selectable swing intervals, the ability to ignore start/stop messages, and more.
Conclusion
The Moog Mother-32 is a great semi-modular analog synthesizer that’s perfect for creating analog sounds and basslines. It has 32 patch points, which introduce you to modular probabilities and can be used with ease without any cables plugged into the device. The synth also includes an octave on its keyboard of 13 notes, as well as 8 other octaves to choose from when playing music or making new compositions.
This instrument update provides access to many dynamic features including improved clocking options and more! If these neural sales tips sound intimidating, feel free to reach out–our team of experts are ready and waiting to partner with you on your next SEO or marketing plan project by considering how our customers think about buying products online.
Rating: Five out of five stars
Moog’s Mother-32 Moog is an extremely versatile semi-modular analog synthesizer. Mother-32 has all to be an iconic and classic synth, certainly a strong market. The warmth, softness, and saturation vibe is unquestionably a Moog synthesizer. As you can expect from a Moog product it is of exceptional build quality and delivers the fabulous Moog sound combined with a truly compelling sequencer.
Mother-32 performs well with other Eurorack modules. It is an excellent base module as part of a modular system with all of its standard components. If you obtain similar modular elements you would face a much higher price point compared to the Mother-32.
