Modern digital synthesisers are great. You can get them in software form, they can have an almost limitless range of parameters, you can automate the lot and sometimes they’re not even that expensive. However, in my personal opinion, they still just don’t quite sound like the real thing; an analogue synth. And that’s where Moog comes in.
Everybody has heard of Moog, they’ve been making amazing sounding synths since the 1960s, and whether you’re aware of it or not you will certainly have heard one in action. It’s only been relatively recently though that it’s been possible to actually fit one into your bedroom, and the latest creation in the small but feature packed Moog is the aptly named Little Phatty. The version I’m using is the stage one, and has 2 oscillators, the usual Moog low-pass filter, a modulation section and envelope generators for both volume and filter cut-off. It also incorporates digital controls to all the parameters, which is a very handy feature and means you can have presets and digital memory.
When you turn it on the whole machine gives you a mini light display as it warms up, which is nice. It also comes with 99 presets that are great for starting you off. Upon actually playing the instrument you instantly realise what your set-up has been missing; that warm, thick analogue synth sound Moog do so well. The presets range from mighty, room-shaking bass sounds to face-melting leads and baffling electronic noise. The true beauty of the Moog transpires as soon as you start fiddling with all the buttons and knobs. It’s very intuitive to use, and in no time you’ll be locked in a synth trance creating all sorts of weird and wonderful analogue-y noises. The MIDI capabilities of the Moog allow you to hook it up to a sequencer or your computer, leaving you free to play with all the controls while the notes play themselves. The filter deserves a special mention; it’s the classic Moog four-pole low-pass filter and it sounds great. With the synth’s audio input you can even use it as a standalone effect too, allowing for even more sound-mangling.
There aren’t a huge number of features, it’s basically just a no-frills two oscillator analogue synth. This particular model went out of tune too, and needed recalibrating. This was fairly simple however and involved choosing an option on the small LCD display. The mod wheel was also slightly loose, and occasionally slipped when in use. These minor niggles are forgotten when you sit back and appreciate the sound of the thing though.
All-in-all this is a fantastic sounding little noise machine. The classic Moog sound is there for all to see, and packaged in a very easy to use and flexible synth. Although the price may seem slightly high, I think it’s worth it, especially when you consider what you’re buying: an analogue Moog synthesiser.
4.5 stars
The Little Phatty reviewed here is now in use at SoundShift studio, and is free for those renting the studio to use, you just have to request it first.
Free samples of the Little Phatty are in production and should be along shortly, so keep posted!
SoundShift is a professional recording studio in Potters Bar, just north of London. We offer a range of audio-related services at very reasonable prices, with friendly and highly experienced staff.
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