Is The Moog One Worth The Money?

Moog recently released their new polyphonic synthesizer, the Moog One, which quickly garnered considerable buzz in the industry. But, is this “magnum opus” (as referred to by Sweetwater Sound) worth the money? The short answer is yes. Unfortunately, few people will have the opportunity to even try one of those. 48 oscillators is a lot to work with—without a fundamental mastery of synthesis the Moog One’s capabilities will be under-utilized.

We’ve put some cheaper options to the test over the past year, and a few of them have stood out to us as exceptional instruments with great value. This is our current list of our top 5 favorite analog synths under $1000.

5. Behringer Neutron Semi-Modular Analog Synth

• Eurorack-sized Analog Monosynth Module with 2 Oscillators, 56 Patch Points, Lowpass/Highpass VCF, Filter and Amp Envelopes, LFO, and CV I/O

This thing is fun! Even using it normalled, it has a lot of potential in its sounds. The included patch cables offer a lot of flexibility. Our only complaint is that the knobs are a bit small, but otherwise this is an incredible synth for the money.

4. Behringer Model D Analog Synthesizer

• Eurorack-sized Analog Monosynth Module with 3 Oscillators, Lowpass/Highpass VCF, Filter and Amp Envelopes, LFO, Portamento, A-440 Tuning Reference, CV I/O, MIDI In/Thru, and USB-MIDI

We’ve used an original Minimoog Model D and were seriously impressed with this little box. If you have any doubts look up demos on YouTube of tests against vintage synths.

3. Korg minilogue 4-voice Analog Synthesizer

• 4-voice Analog Synthesizer with 2 Oscillators per Voice, Switchable 2-/4-pole Lowpass Filter, Onboard Tape-delay Emulation, 16-step Sequencer, 8 Voice Modes, and MIDI and Sync I/O

Analog sound wrapped in a digital package. This synth has a substantial build, a true analog synth equal to many higher priced analog synths.

2. Moog Mother-32 Semi-Modular Eurorack Analog Synthesizer and Step Sequencer

• 60HP Eurorack-format Modular Monophonic Synthesizer with Voltage-controlled Step Sequencer, Voltage-controlled Moog Ladder Filter, and MIDI Input

This is a great unit to learn synthesis, make music, and grow with.

1. Moog DFAM Semi-modular Eurorack Analog Percussion Synthesizer

• Semi-modular Analog Percussion Synthesizer, with 2 Oscillators, Noise Generator, LP/HP Filter, 8-step Sequencer, and 24 CV Patch Points

DFAM is a top quality creative percussion synth, but it’s worth considering how you plan on using it. If you already own a Mother-32, then this should definitely be on your wish list.

What’s your favorite synthesizer? Let us know in the comments or on social media!