Moog Source

The Moog Source is a monophonic Z80 microprocessor-controlled analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music from 1981 to 1985. The Source was Moog's first synthesizer to offer patch memory storage. The design was also the first (and only) Moog synthesizer to feature a flat-panel membrane keyboard to replace the standard buttons, knobs and sliders, along with multihued panel graphics that were very different from anything Moog offered at the time. Sound wise it is considered to sound more like the original Moog Minimoog than any other synthesizer made by Moog and was introduced as its replacement. Though state-of-the-art at the time, the membrane panels may malfunction after extended use if one uses fingernails or abuses the panel. The membrane panel actually only needs a light touch and will usually remain reliable if not abused.

In addition to the memory capable of holding 16 presets, the Source features a 37-note keyboard, and two VCOs that can be selected among three waveforms and three octaves. Programmed presets can be saved to an audio cassette interface to free up the onboard memory for additional new patches. The 24dB/octave VCF has parameters for keyboard tracking, cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope amount. There are two ADSR envelope generators that can be set in single or multi trigger modes, one for the VCF and one for the VCA. For modulation, the Source features LFO and sample and hold. The unit also features a rudimentary sequencer. The Source was made in at least 2 versions the latter offering more voltage control options. A modification offered by Encore Electronics offers the addition of MIDI, increased memory and more sequence storage.

The instrument was used extensively by the band Devo on their 1981 album New Traditionalists, and the band also appeared in early print ads for the keyboard.

The Source was also used by Toby Smith, keyboard player from the band Jamiroquai, Depeche Mode and most notably by New Order, especially on the track "Blue Monday".