Moog Music
An Icon That Inspires
For over six decades, Moog synthesizers have profoundly influenced music culture, shaping genres from progressive rock and jazz fusion to electronic dance music. Pioneering artists such as Wendy Carlos, whose 1968 album Switched-On Bach showcased the synthesizer’s versatility, and bands like Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Kraftwerk, who integrated Moog’s distinctive sounds into their groundbreaking work, have cemented its legacy.
The Moog Messenger continues this tradition of developing innovative musical tools for forward-thinking artists. It represents a significant evolution in Moog’s synthesizer lineage, blending the company’s rich heritage with new sonic possibilities and enhanced playability. Designed for both aspiring and professional musicians, producers, and sound designers, Messenger provides an accessible yet powerful tool for creative exploration.
“With Messenger, we aim to honour Moog’s rich heritage while embracing the future of analog synthesis,” said Joe Richardson, Moog Music President and inMusic EVP, Chief Commercial Officer. “This instrument is crafted for musicians and producers seeking a portable, powerful monosynth that delivers the iconic Moog sound, enhanced with modern features and intuitive controls.”
Key Features of Messenger:
- Timeless and Intuitive Design: Building upon the DNA of Moog’s iconic monosynths—such as the Minimoog Model D, Voyager, Grandmother, and Subsequent 37—Messenger introduces innovative circuits within a familiar format, delivering classic analog sound with modern enhancements.
- Modern Wavefolding Oscillators: Two continuously variable-shape voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) with unique hybrid wavefolders, sync, and frequency modulation (FM) capabilities allow for rich harmonic textures and dynamic overtones. A sub-oscillator with a continuously variable waveshape further adds deep, powerful low-end.
- Next-Generation Ladder Filter with Resonance Bass Compensation: The legendary Moog transistor ladder filter has been reimagined with a unique pole-mixing design, offering 4-pole low-pass, 2-pole low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass responses. The resonance bass compensation (RES BASS) switch preserves low-end power at high resonance settings, ensuring full-bodied sound across the spectrum. The classic response is also available.
- Full-Size Keys with Expressive Control: Messenger features 32 semi-weighted full-size keys with velocity and aftertouch, providing a premium playing experience suitable for both performance and studio use. Its robust metal panel houses 256 presets, offering immediate access to a wide range of sounds and textures.
- Hands-On, Performance-Ready Layout: A knob-per-function control scheme ensures immediacy and ease of use, allowing musicians to shape sounds instantly without navigating complex menus.
- Integrated Sequencer and Arpeggiator: A 64-step sequencer with probability-based generative behavior and parameter recording, along with a versatile arpeggiator offering multiple pattern modes and rhythmic programming, enable real-time composition and dynamic live performances.
- Sound Design and Modulation Playground: Two loopable ADSR envelopes with velocity responsiveness and multi-trigger capabilities, along with two LFOs—one variable shape with sync and reset, and one triangle-wave tied to the modulation wheel—provide extensive modulation options for creative sound design.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Messenger integrates seamlessly into any setup with six analog control voltage (CV) patch points, an external audio input to the filter, expression and sustain pedal inputs, and MIDI In/Out via both 5-pin DIN and USB-C, ensuring compatibility with DAWs, modular systems, and other hardware synthesizers.
- Compact, Powerful, and Accessible: Delivering the depth and sonic character of Moog’s legacy in a compact, performance-ready format, Messenger is Moog’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date, making it an indispensable tool for musicians and producers alike.
“Messenger embodies our commitment to advancing analog synthesis while staying true to the Moog legacy and innovative spirit of Dr. Robert Moog,” said Erik Norlander, Director of Keyboard Product Development at inMusic. “Our goal was to create a synthesizer that invites immediate exploration—welcoming first-time Moog players and offering the depth and expressiveness that experienced musicians expect. With wavefolding oscillators, a dynamic shape sub-oscillator, a next-generation ladder filter, and comprehensive connectivity options, Messenger is as inspiring as it is accessible.”
To kick off the campaign, Akai Professional released “Arrival of the Messenger,” a short film introducing the MPC Live III as a catalyst for connection and creativity, where waveforms carry hidden messages and sound becomes a shared experience. “Arrival of the Messenger” features original music by Michael Stein, created using the new Moog Messenger.
To celebrate the launch, watch Lisa Bella Donna bring the new Moog Messenger to life in a dynamic analog performance—showcasing its depth, versatility, and next-gen take on the iconic Moog sound.
Availability and Pricing
The Moog Messenger is available at select retailers worldwide starting Monday, June 2 for $899 USD.
To learn more about Moog Messenger, please visit www.moogmusic.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @MoogSynthesizers on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and @MoogMusicInc on Facebook, and X.
The post Moog Music announces Moog Messenger appeared first on Decoded Magazine.