MOOG THE ONE 16 61-Key Analog Synthesizer

61-key Synthesizer

The MOOG THE ONE 16 is a tri-timbral, polyphonic 61-key analog synthesizer. It features 16 voices, with each voice offering three newly designed analog oscillators, two analog filters, a dual-source analog noise generator, a mixer with an external input, four low-frequency oscillators, and three envelope generators. Each of the three available timbral sections (Synth 1, Synth 2, and Synth 3) can be controlled from the keyboard in split or layer mode, utilizing the five-octave, velocity-sensitive and aftertouch-enabled keyboard; each timbral section has its own arpeggiator and sequencer. Thanks to a starry-spangled joint venture, the Moog One houses an Eventide effects section.
The cabinet is made of ash wood, and the brushed aluminum panel features 73 potentiometers and 144 switches for direct control of the most significant parameters. Additionally, each operational module has a "More" switch that tunes the full-color display to menus of additional parameters.
The MOOG THE ONE 16 uses Triangle Core oscillators. The output of each oscillator can be mixed in its triangular and sawtooth components, plus a pulse wave component with variable symmetry. Far beyond classic analog designs, the symmetry (i.e., the rise/fall ratio) in the triangle wave and the reset cycle in the sawtooth wave can be modulated in real-time to create complex and shifting timbres; the audio sum of tri/saw plus pulse allows for reinforcing the fundamental (in simpler conditions) or creating very complex sounds difficult to achieve through classic poly analog design. Hard sync is available to force the pitch of oscillators 2 and 3 to that of master oscillator 1; the Ring Modulator section can combine the signals of osc 1-2 or osc 2-3. Three modulation buses are activated: Wave Modulation, Frequency Modulation, and Pitch Modulation (lin ≠ exp).
Each Moog One voice includes a dual-generation noise section for mixing two different energy contents articulable through a dedicated AD/AR envelope generator. This makes it possible to build timbres with percussive attacks or progressive turbulence.
The analog mixer becomes a powerful timbral sculpting tool when intentionally used in saturation. It receives signals from the three oscillators, the noise section (or any external input connected to the device), and the ring modulator. Each source can be routed to one or both of the available analog filters.
There are two analog filters available in each voice of the MOOG THE ONE 16. The first is a 12dB/Oct multi-mode State Variable filter well-known to enthusiasts, offering low-band-high-notch behavior. The second is the equally classic Moog transistor ladder filter, configurable in 1-2-3-4 poles and low-high typology. The two filters can be connected in series or in parallel, their output levels can be balanced, and they feature dedicated Cutoff and Resonance controls, with a Link for simplified simultaneous control. Three modulation buses are enabled for LFO 2 Amt, EG Amt, FM Amt with independent SVF/Ladder enabling.
Four low-frequency oscillators with a wide range. They can be assigned to all possible modulation destinations, feature MIDI clock synchronization with clock divisions, start delay, number of repetitions, and freely programmable fade-in/fade-out times for the LFO.
Three assignable envelope generators: they have a Delay-Attack-Hold-Decay-Sustain-Release configuration. They can be synchronized to an external clock or to events decided by the musician, support Loop Mode for conditioned or unconditional repetition, have time and level scaling under modulation, and offer independently selectable log-lin-exp curves for each stage.
The MOOG THE ONE 16 manages modulations with the classic source-amount-destination system in a display matrix; for faster connections, it is possible to work directly on the control panel through source selection and destination selection buttons.
The MOOG THE ONE 16 features three different levels of audio processing: Synth Effect (there are three independent timbral Synth units in the machine), Master Bus Effect, and Eventide Reverb. Available algorithms include: chorus, delay, phaser, bit reduction, vocoder, Eventide Reverbs (Black Hole, Shimmer, Plate, Room, Hall). Effects can be applied as Synth Effects or as Master Bus Effects: in the first case, they work on the individual timbral units programmed in Synth 1, Synth 2, Synth 3; in the second case, they act collectively on all three possible synthesizers. The audio signal path remains analog, and only the effects section involves AD/DA conversion; when the effect is disengaged, the sound is entirely in the analog domain.
Tri-timbrality and Unison Mode
Tri-timbrality allows for managing splits, layers, and stacks of up to 48 analog oscillators. Each synthesizer is equipped with its own arpeggiator, step sequencer, and effects processor. The MOOG THE ONE 16 control panel can be tuned to the desired timbral unit (synth focus) via three dedicated buttons; if necessary, two or three timbral sections can be operated simultaneously from the same panel control (e.g., to open or close the filter of all three sounds).
The keyboard uses Fatar TP-8S 61-note (five-octave) mechanics with velocity and channel aftertouch sensitivity. The pitch and modulation wheels are made of milled aluminum, and next to them is a touch-sensitive X/P Pad.
Practically every panel module has a triangular "More" button located in the upper right corner; pressing it tunes the display to the parameters of each module that are not on the control panel.
The Preset saves the data of all three possible timbral layers, with their respective arpeggio, sequence, effects, and modulation data. The device can store tens of thousands of presets that are easily categorizable and annotatable; presets can be shared via USB. Up to 64 Presets can be organized into a Performance Set block instantly recallable through Bank/Preset button configuration.
The User Space takes into account not only the Preset, but also global configurations, MIDI, configurations for pedals and analog connection ports, the behavior of panel controls, LED brightness, etc. Multiple configurations can be saved, recalled at will, and transferred to a USB stick.
Pressing the Snapshot button captures the timbral configuration currently being edited, without additional levels of operational complexity.
Analog and Digital Connections
The rear panel features 2 assignable pairs of audio outputs, 4 assignable insert connections, and 2 external audio inputs with XLR and ¼” support. MIDI connections include In, Out, and Thru; there is a USB Type B connection for MIDI and data transfer. In addition, 9 configurable CV In and Out connections are available (for pedals, controls, and externally received voltages).

Specifications

• 16-voice polyphony
• 3 VCOs per voice with triangle/saw + pulse waveshape mixing and OLED display for resulting waveform visualization
• Unison Mode for working with 48 oscillators simultaneously (in the 16-voice model)
• 2 filters per voice with mix/balance (2 multimode State Variable Filters configurable as a single unit and 1 Transistor Ladder)
• 3 DAHDSR envelope generators with selectable curves for each stage
• 3-part multitimbrality
• Independent sequencer and arpeggiator for each timbre
• Chord memory
• Dual noise generator with dedicated AD/AR envelope generator
• Mixer with external audio input and independent routing for each source
• Ring modulator with selectable sources
• Oscillator FM and Hard Sync with selectable routing
• 4 assignable LFOs
• Fatar 61-note TP-8s mechanism with velocity and aftertouch
• Assignable, pressure-sensitive X/Y Pad
• Independent Digital Effects for Synth 1-2-3 and Master Buss
• Eventide Reverbs
• Selectable Glide types
• USB and DIN MIDI
• Presets can be saved, categorized, and organized into tens of thousands
• Creation of 64-preset Performance Sets for simplified management
• 2 headphone outputs
• 2 assignable ¼” audio output pairs with TRS and TS jack support
• 4 assignable ¼” TRS Insert inputs
• 1 ¼” audio input for external line signal
• 1 XLR+1/4” Combo audio input for external signal with level control
• 9 assignable CV/Gate inputs/outputs (five inputs and four outputs)
• USB support for system expansions and data backup
• LAN port for future expansions

Dimensions

• Dimensions: 1070 x 510 x 180 mm
• Weight: 20.4 Kg