Studio Techniques for Operating a Moog Synthesizer
The Moog synthesizer was the first analog modular voltage synthesizer created and used in the music industry. Dr. Robert Moog incorporated the transistor into a music module, which expanded the possibilities of different keyboard sounds that could be used in performance and studio recordings. Moog synthesizers are much smaller than their earlier counterparts and have more flexibility of use in a recording studio.
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Direct Line Input
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The latest line of Moog synthesizers can be recorded directly into an analog or digital mixer. Moog synthesizer equalization (parametric equalizers, filters and sequencing modules) are predominately set before using a direct line input into the mixer. Most Moog synthesizers are assigned to one channel in monaural mode, then remixed as a stereo input. Depending on the sounds that are used for the recording, a limiter can be added as a "side chain" device to control the peak sounds from the Moog instrument.
Low Pass Filter
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Moog synthesizers are known for their powerful bass oscillators. When used in combination with a bass guitar, the sound can come out muddled if the instrument is playing an alternate bass part. A recording technique for clear-sounding bass from the Moog is to apply a low pass filter between the Moog synthesizer and the mixer. A low pass filter is designed to "roll off," or minimize, muddled bass sounds between the 50 to 200 MHz areas. Moog synthesizers are very effective and distinct when the filter is employed to roll off frequencies at the 100 MHz area.
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Amplification Techniques
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Most musicians prefer to record their keyboards through an amplifier. The key is to record through a keyboard amplifier that handles the entire range of an equalization spectrum. This includes a dynamic range amplifier, which handles low, mid- and high frequencies. A compressor can be employed as a "side chain" device to control the dynamics of the sound coming from the Moog. A good dynamic instrument microphone can be centered or off-centered from the cone of the amplifier for certain sounds.
Alternate Filters
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Even though the Moog synthesizer has various sound modules, envelopes, oscillators and pitch controls, many musicians still use certain hardware that provides certain effects between the Moog and the mix board. For example, a "wah wah" device makes the sound of a guitar using a pedal for a distinct sound. The Moog can be programmed to use a "wah wah" sound module, which makes the Moog sound like a guitar. The latest Moog synthesizers can use MIDI to synchronize the instrument with the mix channel that it is assigned to on the mix board.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit keyboard image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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don't you mean a high pass filter on the low end?
