The world of analog synthesizers is both vast and deeply nuanced, with each instrument bringing its own unique voice and character to the music it creates. The Moog Sub Phatty, with its gritty basses and soaring leads, is no stranger to the modern synth scene. This review aims to dissect everything the Sub Phatty offers to both the discerning professional and the enthusiastic hobbyist alike.

Introduction

Ah, Moog – a name that’s been synonymous with high-quality, lush sounding analog synthesizers for well over half a century. Founded by Robert Moog in 1953, the company has cemented its legacy in the music industry through iconic models like the Minimoog, the Voyager, and of course, the behemoth System 55. It’s with this illustrious back-story that we bring you to the protagonist of today’s review: the Moog Sub Phatty.

The Sub Phatty, released back in 2013, is a member of Moog’s contemporary Phatty family. Positioned between the affordable Minitaur and the more expansive Subsequent 37, it’s arguably considered the ‘middle child’ in Moog’s line-up. This compact, yet powerful monophonic analog synth, aims to bring the charm and raw power of Moog’s legendary synthesizers within easy reach of hobbyists and professionals alike.

• The Legacy : The Moog brand needs no introduction. From the pioneering modular systems of the 1960s to the portable performance machines of the present, it has set the bar for what analog synthesizers should be.
• The Sub Phatty : As a part of Moog’s current lineup, the Sub Phatty builds upon its predecessors’ strengths, offering a fresh yet distinctly “Moog” experience.

In this delineated review, our aim is to dig deep into the Sub Phatty, exploring the features and sonic prowess that define its character in great detail. We believe that whether you’re looking to invest in your first analog synth or you’re an experienced player seeking out a new piece for your collection, this synth warrants your attention. Now, buckle up and join us as we explore the engaging world of the Moog Sub Phatty.

Unpacking the Moog Sub Phatty

As soon as you lay your eyes on the Sub Phatty, — which is densely packed inside a sturdy box that reassures you of its safety during transit — Moog’s reputation for craft and quality shines through. The solid build quality of this synthesizer is immediately evident with its robust casing, a combination of rubberized panel and sturdy sides. The entire hardware screams durability, reflecting Moog’s notable attention to detail and commitment to long-lasting instruments.

The design is also instantly captivating. Boasting a bold aesthetic, the Sub Phatty strikes a balance between Moog’s classical vintage look and modern industrial design. On its face, it has 31 knobs and 13 switches – all robust and well-crafted. The backlit pitch and mod wheels add an eye-catching touch of sophistication.

Getting started with the Sub Phatty is ballistically easy, especially for first-time Moog users. The synthesizer comes with a power adapter and an owner’s manual. It’s highly recommended to familiarize yourself with this treasure trove of insightful information, as the Sub Phatty won’t reveal its true potential without a little intellectual curiosity on your part. Connect the power supply, press the power button on the back panel, and you are ready to venture into the world of Moog sounds.

In terms of the initial setup, the Sub Phatty’s panel is wonderfully direct and user-friendly. Each knob and switch has a dedicated function, providing instant hands-on access. You won’t find any menu diving here – while this means some functions are hidden behind key combinations, it reinforces the idea that the Sub Phatty is all about hands-on, straight-away control. The included Quick Start guide gives a rundown on these combinations, which seem intuitive after a little practice.

As a thoughtful touch, Moog includes a factory patch sheet, a helpful tool that gives you a framework for dialing in some bread-and-butter sounds while getting familiarized with how the knobs and switches interact. All in all, unboxing the Sub Phatty and setting it up is an exciting process that is sure to leave new users spellbound and long-standing synth enthusiasts thoroughly impressed.

To sum up, the unboxing process confirms the high expectations concerning any Moog product:

• Design : A blend of vintage and contemporary aesthetics.
• Build Quality : Rugged design with high-quality knobs and switches.
• Layout : User-friendly panel with one knob per function.
• Initial Setup : Easy and straightforward setup process, even for newcomers.

Once again, Moog has managed to create an instrument that feels instantly inviting, encouraging exploration, and promises extensive sonic capability — Sub Phatty has already started carving its niche through the unpacking itself.

Moog Sub Phatty Design and Build

Aesthetically, the Moog Sub Phatty demands attention. Decked out in a bold black chassis with contrasting white lettering, this synth is as appealing to the eye as it is to the ear. Its design offers a sleek and modern refinement to the vintage appeal of iconic Moog designs.

At the center of the Sub Phatty design are the 25 velocity-sensitive keys that exude a high-quality feel and response. These keys are semi-weighted and are satisfying to touch, especially for those expressive players who enjoy adding nuanced dynamics into their keyboard playing.

The control panel is where this beast truly roars though. Dressed with a vast array of knobs, switches, buttons, and sliders synonymous with Moog, the Sub Phatty offers the hands-on, direct control that analog synth enthusiasts crave. There are 25 knobs and 31 switches , all of which sit comfortably within fingers reach on the center console, ensuring instant access to sonic sculpting. The intuitive layout fosters an experimental and creative approach to sound building.

Let’s not forget about the build quality. This synth, like other Moog products, is proud to sport an all-metal casing. It’s sturdy and robust, built not just for mild studio use, but designed to endure the rigors of gigging and touring. This thoughtfully engineered construction also ensures that the Sub Phatty has longevity, making it a worthy investment for the professional musician.

Here’s a quick overview of the key elements in its construction:

• 25 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys
• 25 rotary knobs and 31 switches
• All metal casing for durability
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• Backlit pitch and mod wheels for low-light visibility
• Multidrive circuit which is directly controlled by a knob for precise dialing

The knobs and switches of the Moog Sub Phatty aren’t just about aesthetics, they are directly connected to the heart of this synth, offering a complete hands-on, sonic sculpting experience. The robust build quality assures long-term reliability and endurance, whether you’ll be using it in your cozy home studio or on the bustling stage of a live concert.

Moog Sub Phatty Sound and Capabilities

The Moog Sub Phatty is lauded for its sonic characteristics, delivering both the vintage warmth and modern growl that Moog synthesizers are known for. At its core, the Sub Phatty’s sound engine is made up of two oscillators, a sub oscillator, a noise generator, and a unique wave-shaping circuit called Multidrive.

• Oscillators : Simply put, these are where the sound begins. The Sub Phatty comes equipped with two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) and one sub oscillator to provide a solid base for sound creation. The two main oscillators can generate triangle, sawtooth, square, and pulse waveforms, allowing for a wide variety of sonic textures.

• Filters : The Sub Phatty features a classic Moog Ladder Filter, responsible for the iconic warm and rounded tones the brand is known for. The filter cutoff is smooth and responsive, offering a 20Hz-20kHz range.

• Modulation Section : The synthesizer’s modulation options are streamlined and intuitive, including Filter EG (Envelope Generator) and LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) with Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, Ramp, and Sample & Hold options.

• Multidrive: What sets the Sub Phatty apart is the Multidrive feature. This circuit sits just beyond the Filter section and adds overdrive or distortion to the sound, from a subtle warmth to a gritty growl. This allows you to inject extra character into your sound, making it truly adaptable for different genres.

To truly unlock the Sub Phatty’s sonic potential, you can use these elements in combination. It can churn out robust basses, resonant leads, and otherworldly sound effects with equal finesse and flair.

Creating a thick, rumbling bass is easy when leveraging the Multidrive and low-end capabilities of the VCOs. Sculpting an all-consuming lead involves driving the Filter Cutoff while tastefully modulating waveform shapes. But the open-ended nature of the Sub Phatty’s architecture means the sky is truly the limit.

In summary, the sound capabilities of the Sub Phatty are nothing short of impressive, demonstrating robust low-end, piercing highs, growling overtones and smooth soundscapes. With its wide sonic palette and accessible controls, the Sub Phatty is more than equipped to bring your musical ideas to life.

Moog Sub Phatty In-Depth Feature Review

The Moog Sub Phatty isn’t a synthesizer you can judge by its modest size. This compact beast is packed with impressive features to shape your sound manifold, promising a rich playing experience.

Let’s start with the two Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO) that feed the synth’s core. VCO 1 offers a broad range including 16′, 8′, 4′, and 2′. The pleasingly comprehensive options do not stop there; VCO 2 goes further, adding a Low Frequency mode for sonic diversity. They can be combined, detuned, or synced for tonal variety, from fat basses to dissonant leads.

Following the tradition of all Moog analog synths, the Sub Phatty includes a mixer section, seamlessly blending the levels from both oscillators. This section also introduces a user-controllable Sub Oscillator and a Noise Generator , widening the sonic palette. By meddling these sources, you can deeply manipulate the raw sound before it’s shaped further.

An undisputed charm of Moog synthesizers is their low-pass ladder filter, and the Sub Phatty is no exception. The resonance control allows the filter to be driven into self-oscillation, extending the Sub Phatty’s sonic reach to percussion-like sounds.

One of the standout features is the Multidrive section. This portion of the circuit sits after the filter and provides a unique overdrive/distortion specific to the Sub Phatty. It varies from a gentle warmth to a wild snarling overload, giving the Sub Phatty a singular voice among the Moog family.

The Modulation section , with its flexible routing options, is another boon. Standard pitch, filter, and waveform modulations are easily dialed in, supplemented by the ability to ‘under the hood’ programming for complex modulations.

Unlike other synths which move towards digital preset systems, the Sub Phatty marches ahead with a hands-on, fully analog interface. It makes the process of sculpting or tweaking sounds engaging, and users will appreciate the clear layout and direct access to parameters.

Lastly, let’s talk about the preset system , coming in with 16 factory programs. It’s worth mentioning that an additional sub-bank of four user-editable presets is available. This practical approach doesn’t overwhelm users and lets them focus on the sound designing process, as opposed to worrying about where to store creations.

In essence, these features packed into the Moog Sub Phatty combine to offer a diverse range of sound-shaping tools, capable of both classic and novel tones. The intelligent design lets you dive deep into the realms of synthesis, tweaking your way to sonic satisfaction.

Moog Sub Phatty Connectivity and Integration

When it comes to connectivity options, the Moog Sub Phatty doesn’t disappoint. This little beast of a synth is equipped with all the necessary inputs and outputs that modern synth users have come to expect.

Firstly, it features a standard MIDI In, Out, and Thru for syncing with other hardware or controlling other synthesizers using the Sub Phatty’s keyboard. A must-have feature, especially for musicians who intend to use this synth as part of a larger setup.

Furthermore, the USB connection delivers a multitude of functionality including arpeggiator and swing functionalities, pitch bend and mod wheel assignments, filter poles, gate reset, and more. This allows for ease of integration with DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and gives you more control and flexibility over your performance or recording session.

On the analog side, the CV (Control Voltage) and Gate outputs allow the Sub Phatty to interact seamlessly with other vintage or modular synthesizers. For hands-on knob tweakers who prefer to get involved in the visceral connective experience, this is a worthwhile consideration.

As for studio recording and live performance, the Sub Phatty proves to be a highly adaptable companion. Compact in size and robustly built, it can withstand the rigors of touring and offers a versatile sound palette to meet the demands of studio-oriented tasks, where sound texture and detail are critical.

The integration aspect or how the Sub Phatty fits within different setups is impressive. Whether you’re running a full analog gear fest or combining the best of digital and analog worlds, the Sub Phatty has the flexibility to weave into your specific setup comfortably.

In summary,

• Features a standard MIDI In, Out, and Thru.
• USB connection for a vast range of functionality and DAW integration.
• Provides CV and Gate outputs for integration with other vintage or modular synthesizers.
• Compact and robustly built, making it excellent for both studio recording and live performances.
• Flexible in terms of integrating into various hardware and software environments.

The Moog Sub Phatty’s flexibility in connecting with various external devices and software is one of its advantages. This flexibility makes it a highly adaptable synthesizer ensuring that it can easily slide into any setup and perform its role reliably. Whether you’re a live performer looking to spice up your onstage sound or a studio producer seeking the perfect gritty bass or piercing lead, the Sub Phatty holds its own.

Moog Sub Phatty Comparisons and Context

When it comes to comparing the Moog Sub Phatty with other synthesizers, it’s vital to consider it both within the Moog family and across the broader synth market.

Moog Family

In the Moog lineup, placing the Sub Phatty beside juggernauts like the Minimoog Model D and the Subsequent 37 certainly provides perspective. While the Minimoog Model D stands as the iconic symbol of vintage Moog synths, including four-note paraphony and a rich, vivid sound, the Sub Phatty spots a more modern and grittier tonal characteristic. Its raw and slightly aggressive expression wouldn’t be mistaken for the gentler, warmer tones that the Model D is world-famous for.

The Subsequent 37 is a bold, assertive evolution of the Sub family, but it’s also significantly more expensive. It offers an extended key range, duo-phonic capabilities and additional room for patch storage more than the Sub Phatty. However, the signature raw, punchy sound and MultiDrive grit remain a shared characteristic.

Broader Synth Market

Now, if you gaze across the broader synth market, the three comparable synthesizers that pop right into mind are the Korg Monologue , Arturia MiniBrute and the Novation Bass Station II.

The Korg Monologue’s functionality and price point may appeal to beginners or those on a budget but expect a formidable shift in core sound aspects. Arturia MiniBrute, another worthy competitor, matches well in terms of raw power but the Sub Phatty’s sonic versatility is more expansive especially due to its semi-modular design.

In parallel, the Novation Bass Station II is an admirable option, offering two oscillators, a sub-oscillator, and a fierce acid filter. Yet, its digital nature cannot fully capture the rich, earthy tones that only a true analog synth like the Moog Sub Phatty can produce.

In essence, while the competition persists, the Moog Sub Phatty remains a distinguished choice due to its distinctive Moog legacy, classic analog design, potent sonic capabilities and unique combination of raw power and finesse. It offers a substantial synthesis experience that warrants its price tag, and it will be a rewarding addition to any synth lineup.

Moog Sub Phatty Pros and Cons

Throughout this review, the Moog Sub Phatty has displayed a balance of features, combining the familiarity of Moog’s signature sound with the modern convenience of integration and usability. However, all gear has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding both aspects of the Sub Phatty can guide potential buyers depending on individual requirements and expectations.

The Plus Side

One of the major strengths of the Sub Phatty is its impressive sound engine. With dual oscillators, a noise generator, and a unique sub oscillator, it offers far more depth and variety than most synthesizers in this price bracket. From thunderous low end to sizzling leads, the sound range is quite impressive.

The bold and warm tonality attributed to the Moog brand is something you can’t miss when working with the Sub Phatty, thanks to its analog signal path and Multidrive circuit. This grit and warmth round up the sound in a way that few other synths can match.

Another standout feature for many users is the Sub Phatty’s tweakability and hands-on design. Almost every parameter has its dedicated knob or switch, allowing for a great deal of control and real-time adjustments. The layout is also intuitive and easy to understand, making it quite accessible even for synthesizer beginners.

And let us not overlook the connectivity options. Besides the standard MIDI connections, the USB and CV/gate options make it extremely flexible for all sorts of setups, from analogue-driven live performance to digitally centered studio use.

The Downside

On the flip side, despite its power and versatility, the Sub Phatty isn’t without its drawbacks. Potential buyers should be aware of these as they weigh their purchase decision.

One of the main concerns comes in the form of limited polyphony , as the Sub Phatty is a monophonic synth. For those seeking to create lush and evolving pads or complex harmonies, this limitation could be a setback.

Then there’s the lack of a physical screen or display. Although this fosters the hands-on interaction, it might feel intimidating to some, especially when it comes to understanding the preset system and sound design layout.

Lastly, despite its robust feature set and standout sounds, the price point of the Sub Phatty might deter some potential buyers. However, it’s worth noting that the cost corresponds with the quality and range of sound it offers, not to mention the brand trust Moog has earned over the years.

Moog Sub Phatty User Considerations

Different types of users may weigh these pros and cons differently. Beginners or budget-conscious buyers might find the price steep, but it’s an investment that provides access to the quintessential Moog sound with plenty of room for experimentation and growth.

Experienced synthesists may already have similar capabilities from their existing gear, but the unique texture from the combined Multidrive and filter section would certainly add a new dimension to their palette.

Studio musicians would appreciate the detailed sound sculpting and recording possibilities, while its rugged build and tweakable interface would make it a solid choice for live performers.

In the midst of varying user considerations, the Sub Phatty does pose its own set of unique strengths and areas of improvement. Yet, it can’t be denied that it is a powerful and expressive instrument, capable of delivering the iconic Moog sound in an accessible and modern package.

Final Thoughts

As the curtain closes on this deep dive into the Moog Sub Phatty, it’s clear that this machine is a serious contender in the synthesizer world. The moment you start tinkering with the Sub Phatty, it becomes apparent that this synth holds a world of possibilities beneath its tactile control surface. From its meticulously crafted physical design to its profound sound engineering, this synthesizer is a true testament to Moog’s dedication to excellence in the realm of analog synthesizers.

Anyone seeking gritty, raw, and powerful sonic creation, better start clearing some space on their setup for the Sub Phatty. With its broad range of features and an iconic sound that pairs well with practically any genre, the Sub Phatty shines as a robust workhorse capable of delivering deep growling basses and soaring leads.

The wide-ranging feature set is impressive, with the multi-drive circuit, contributing to the rich, warm, and intense sound profile that has become the Sub Phatty’s emblematic trait. Its sturdy build quality also speaks volumes about its ability to weather the rigors of live performance and the demanding recording environments.

The Sub Phatty isn’t just a worthwhile investment—it’s a statement. It declares that you are serious about your sound and that you appreciate the nuance, warmth, and character that only a true analog synth can deliver.

However, given its price point and the depth of its features, the Sub Phatty might be considered as overwhelming for complete beginners. But for intermediate to professional-level synthesists, studio musicians, and live performers seeking that unmistakable Moog sound and character, the Sub Phatty is an excellent fit.

At the end of the day, purchasing a synthesizer is a personal decision, based not just on specifications and feature sets but also on how the instrument resonates with you on an emotional and aesthetic level. And with its sublime tonal palette, the Moog Sub Phatty has the potential to strike that sweet spot between musician and instrument, all culminating in that magic we call music.

To say the Moog Sub Phatty merely meets expectations would be simplifying things. This synthesizer not only meets but exceeds expectations, making it a powerful stalwart in the world of analogue synthesis. If you’re considering adding a new piece to your musical toolkit, the Sub Phatty certainly deserves your attention.