MOOG MULTIMOOG - The Synthesizer That Pushed the Boundaries of Expressivity

Moog Multimoog is a monophonic analog synthesizer, produced between 1978–1981, designed as an advanced version of Micromoog. Although it was created as a more affordable alternative to the Minimoog, the Multimoog introduced expanded modulation options, two oscillators, aftertouch, and a unique ribbon controller, making it one of the most intriguing Moog synthesizers of its time.

History and Development of Moog Multimoog

The Multimoog was developed as an enhanced version of the Micromoog, retaining its compact design while adding a second oscillator, a larger keyboard, and advanced modulation capabilities.

One of its greatest innovations was the introduction of aftertouch, a groundbreaking feature among analog synthesizers at the time. This system allowed dynamic control over parameters such as oscillator frequency, filter cutoff, or LFO speed, based on key pressure.

The Multimoog was designed to provide greater flexibility than Micromoog, while remaining more accessible than the Minimoog, making it an ideal choice for experimental musicians.

Technological Innovations – What Makes Multimoog Unique?

The Multimoog introduced several key innovations that distinguished it from other analog synthesizers:

•  Two VCOs – Each oscillator had independent tuning, waveform selection, and sync capabilities.
•  Aftertouch – Allowed smooth modulation of parameters based on key pressure.
•  Ribbon controller – Provided continuous pitch changes, similar to a theremin.
•  24dB/oct low-pass filter – A classic Moog ladder filter with rich resonance.
•  LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) with multiple waveforms – Triangle, square, and random
   Sample & Hold.
•  External audio input – Enabled processing of external sound sources via the filter and amplifier.

Oscillators and Sound Architecture

The Multimoog utilized two VCOs, offering continuously variable waveforms, including sawtooth, square, and pulse waveforms.Thanks to oscillator sync capabilities, it could generate aggressive harmonic effects, adding metallic timbres to the sound. The filter was a classic Moog low-pass, featuring its own envelope generator and frequency modulation via the oscillator, allowing complex tonal variations.

Modulation and Parameter Control

The Multimoog provided extensive modulation options, uncommon for synthesizers at this price point:

•  LFO with triangle, square, and random waveforms – Enabled modulation of oscillator
   frequency, filter cutoff, and amplifier levels.
•  Sample & Hold – Generated random modulations, adding an experimental character to
   the sound.
•  Aftertouch – Allowed smooth real-time control of parameters based on key pressure.
•  External CV/Gate inputs – Supported integration with other Moog synthesizers or modular
   systems.

Effects and Expanded Features

The Multimoog contained several unique functions, expanding its sonic possibilities:

•  Oscillator sync – Allowed aggressive harmonic effects between oscillators.
•  Ribbon controller – Enabled continuous pitch manipulation, similar to a theremin.
•  External audio input – Allowed processing of external sounds through its filter and amplifier.

Detailed Analysis of Aftertouch and Its Impact on Playability

One of the most significant innovations of Moog Multimoog was its introduction of aftertouch, which at the time was a groundbreaking element among analog synthesizers. Aftertouch enables dynamic control of parameters based on key pressure, adding expressivity and liveliness to performance.

How Aftertouch Works on Multimoog

The Multimoog uses sensors beneath the keys, detecting the force applied and allowing smooth modulation of various parameters.

Common uses include:

•  Oscillator modulation – Aftertouch can affect oscillator frequency, enabling expressive vibrato
   or smooth glissando.
•  Filter control – Key pressure can open or close the filter, adding dynamic motion to the sound.
•  LFO modulation – Musicians can alter LFO speed in real time, enabling live tremolo or rhythmic
   modulations.

Impact of Aftertouch on Playability

Thanks to aftertouch, the Multimoog became one of the most expressive analog synthesizers of its era. Players could influence the sound directly without external controllers, enabling a more natural musical experience. This feature was later implemented in many modern synthesizers, but at the time of Multimoog’s release, it was revolutionary.

Connectivity and Studio Integration

The Multimoog was equipped with CV/Gate inputs and outputs, facilitating connections with other analog synthesizers.

Additionally, it featured:

•  Moog Open System – A pre-MIDI system enabling connectivity with other Moog modules.
•  Cinch Jones connectors – Standard Moog S-triggering for external sequencer compatibility.

Comparison with Other Synthesizers of Its Time

The Multimoog was introduced during a boom in analog synthesis. How did it compare to competitors?

Multimoog vs. Minimoog

The Minimoog had three oscillators, while the Multimoog featured two oscillators, but added aftertouch and a ribbon controller.

Multimoog vs. ARP Odyssey

The ARP Odyssey provided duophonic capabilities, low-pass and high-pass filters and greater modulation posibilities. The Multimoog offered oscillator waveshape for smooth transitions between different oscillator waveforms (sawtooth, square, pulse) and classic Moog ladder filter.

Multimoog vs. Roland SH-2

The SH-2 produced a wide range of sounds, from smooth and gentle to aggressive and harsh. The Multimoog offered slightly less sonic variability but better modulation flexibility for live performance.

Multimoog’s Significance in Analog Synthesis History

The Multimoog became an important milestone in the history of analog synthesizers due to several key innovations that influenced later instruments.

First Analog Synthesizer with Aftertouch

The Multimoog was one of the first analog synthesizers to offer aftertouch, enabling expressive control over sound directly from the keyboard. This feature later became standard in many professional synthesizers.

A Bridge Between Micromoog and Minimoog

The Multimoog was designed as an advanced version of Micromoog while remaining a more affordable alternative to the Minimoog. This made it a favorite among experimental musicians seeking a flexible analog synthesizer with expanded modulation options.

Inspiration for Future Moog Instruments

Many Multimoog elements, such as aftertouch, ribbon controller, and extended modulation, later appeared in other Moog synthesizers, including Memorymoog and Moog Voyager. The Multimoog thus laid the foundation for modern analog synthesis, still used in professional music production today.

Artists Who Have Used or Continue to Use Moog Multimoog

The Multimoog became a favorite instrument among many musicians, admired for its compact size, flexible modulation, and classic Moog filter. Here are some artists who have used or still use it:

•  Jean-Michel Jarre – Used the Multimoog for experimental sequences and cinematic atmospheres.
•  Herbie Hancock – Used the Multimoog as a companion to the Minimoog, crafting funk basslines.
•  Gary Numan – His iconic new wave synth sound often included the Multimoog.
•  Devo – Used the Multimoog for aggressive synth riffs in their experimental music.
•  Klaus Schulze – Incorporated the Multimoog into ambient and sequencer-driven compositions.
•  John Carpenter – The legendary film composer used the Multimoog for dark, atmospheric
   textures.
•  Richard Barbieri – Member of Porcupine Tree, who employed the Multimoog for textured
   synth layers.

Conclusion

The Moog Multimoog is an analog synthesizer that left a lasting impact on the music world. Thanks to its extensive modulation capabilities, aftertouch responsiveness, and iconic Moog filter, it offered musicians both expressive depth and creative flexibility.

By combining advanced technology with classic analog principles, it appealed to both experimental players and producers seeking vintage analog character in a compact format. Its innovations, including the ribbon controller and oscillator sync, paved the way for future expressive synthesis, influencing later instrument designs.

Even today, it remains a source of inspiration for musicians and collectors who appreciate its unique combination of classic Moog sound and modern features, which add depth, dynamism, and character to musical compositions.