In January last year, Moog left many open-mouthed when they announced the reissuing of the mighty System 55, System 35 and Model 15 5U modular synths from 1973. Not only were these reissues perfect replicas of the 1970s originals, they were also priced beyond what most of us mortals could dream of affording. Just over a year later, and the smallest of these modular synths has just become a lot more accessible. Now, for only $29.99£22.99, you can own the Model 15 on an iOS device.
The video above shows Suzanne Ciani, one of the first and most influential female electronic music composers and synthesists, creating a short sonic sketch using the Moog Model 15 app.
The app is being touted by Moog as the first Moog modular synthesizer and synthesis educational tool created exclusively for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. What’s more, the app can operate in monophonic or four-voice polyphonic modes, making it a flexible tool for studio production and education.
Featuring meticulous recreations of the legendary Moog 921–series oscillators, 904A Low Pass Filter and the coveted 907 Fixed Filter Bank. Hear them all in Moog’s sound examples below.
In a bid to make all zooming, panning and modular patching throughout the application feel completely natural, Apple’s new Metal graphics technology has been used. This means that some older devices (namely those with 32-bit chips) won’t run the app, but if you have an iPhone 5S, an iPad Air, iPad Mini 2 or iPad Pro, or newer, you’ll be fine.
The Model 15 App is easily commanded via 4 seamlessly integrated controllers. Simple swipes and taps provide instant access to a traditional Moog keyboard, 1150 ribbon controller, 8-step sequencing arpeggiator and the award-winning Animoog keyboard with 22 built-in scales and polyphonic modulation capabilities.
Also included are extended features which expand the capabilities of the app beyond the traditional offerings of the hardware Moog Model 15. These include total MIDI integration, assignment for external control, use as a MIDI controller, dedicated Audio Bridge and MIDI Bridge modules, looping recorder module with overdubbing, a master ping-pong delay module and a new extension cabinet that includes additional amplifiers and voltage-controlled reversible attenuators that can be used for effects like ring-modulation.
