Moog Messenger: Exciting New Monosynth With Wavefolding and ‘Next-Generation’ Ladder Filter
Moog slides into your DMs with the Messenger, a monosynth with both classic and modern features.
3,5 / 5,0 | 
Moog Messenger · Source: Moog Music
Moog Messenger · Source: Moog Music
Moog Messenger · Source: Moog Music
The monosynth Moog Messenger is here with hybrid wavefolders, a multimode Ladder filter with resonance bass compensation, and loopable envelopes.
Moog Messenger
Get the message: Moog is back with a new synthesizer, an analog monosynth that builds on the legacy of its past mono glories like the Minimoog, Grandmother and Subsequent 37 but brings things firmly into the 21st century with expanded synthesis elements.
“With Messenger, we aim to honor 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.”
‘Significant Evolution’
Moog is calling the Messenger a significant evolution. So what’s new?
The two-and-a-half octave monosynth features two voltage-controlled oscillators, each with continuously variable waveshapes. A close look at the waveshape dial reveals that (moving counter-clockwise) it goes from pulse through square, reverse sawtooth, and triangle, ending in a an unusual Batman cowl shape. This is a hybrid wavefolder, and follows along after the Mavis and Labyrinth. The oscillator section also features a variable sub wave (but no wavefolding), frequency modulation, and sync.
Next-Generation Filter
The other big surprise with the Moog Messenger is the voltage-controlled filter, which has been ‘re-imagined’ for this new synth. A multimode Ladder circuit, it offers 4-pole lowpass, 2-pole lowpass, bandpass, and highpass responses. Surprisingly, Moog has also included resonance bass compensation, which preserves the bass at high resonance settings. Now you can get squelchy without losing the low end. The classic response is also available.
You also get keyboard tracking, frequency modulation via oscillator 2, and a feedback/external in volume amount.
The Moog Is the Message
The modulation capabilities of the new Moog Messenger are also intriguing. Have fun with two loopable ADSR envelopes, one for the VCA and the other for the VCF. The filter envelope can also affect oscillator 2’s pitch and waveshape or the sub wave.
There are two LFOs to play with as well, one with triangle, reverse saw, saw and square shapes that can control the filter cutoff, frequency of oscillator 2, waveshape of oscillator 1 and the sub wave. The other LFO is triangle-only and hardwired to the modwheel.
Other notable features in the new Moog Messenger include full-size and weighted keys, 256 presets, and a 64-step sequencer/arpeggiator with a variety of pattern modes.
Around the back, there are six CV patch points, external audio input to the filter, expression and sustain pedal inputs, and MIDI in/out via both five-pin DIN and USB-C.
Price and Availability
Moog Messenger looks like a lot of fun, with a nice combination of classic features and more advanced functionality.
Moog Messenger is slated to be released in early summer 2025. You can order it now at Thomann* for $899.
More Information
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