Minimoog

The Minimoog is a compact, portable monophonic analog synthesizer produced by Moog Music. Introduced in 1970 as a self-contained, performance-oriented alternative to the larger modular systems, it helped define the standard for portable analog synthesis and remains one of the most influential instruments in popular music.

Design and features: The instrument comprises three voltage-controlled oscillators with selectable waveforms (including sawtooth, triangle, and square/pulse), a single 24 dB-per-octave ladder-style low-pass filter with resonance, and an ADS envelope generator that controls the amplitude through the VCA. The signal path is largely fixed: VCOs feed a mixer, then the VCF, and finally the VCA to the output. The front panel provides direct controls for oscillator levels, filter cutoff and resonance, envelope amount, and a glide (portamento) control. The Minimoog uses a 44-key keyboard and is designed for straightforward performance rather than patching, contributing to its ease of use and reliability.

History and impact: The Model D remained in production through the 1970s and into the early 1980s, acquiring iconic status among keyboard players. Its warm, fat, punchy timbres—produced by the three VCOs and the ladder filter—made it a staple in rock, pop, jazz fusion, and electronic genres. The Minimoog helped popularize portable, all-in-one analog synths and influenced countless contemporaries and later digital emulations.

Legacy and variants: Moog later released modern versions and faithful reissues, including a Minimoog Model D reissue, underscoring the instrument’s lasting influence. The Minimoog is widely regarded as one of the most influential synthesizers in popular music, with a design legacy that continues to inform contemporary analog synth development.