Moog Music Intros Moog Modular Inspired Dark Series, New Firmwares & More

Moog Music pays tribute to the legendary Moog Modular System with the new Dark Series for the Grandmother & Matriarch Synthesizer, plus new firmware, sounds & cases

With the Grandmother and Matriarch, Moog Music ventured into a new world of interface design. Instead of relying on classic black or silver, both synthesizers were given a colorful interface. It was refreshingly new for Moog, but the design polarized. Many love it others not at all.

With its new Dark Series, they re-design their semi-modular beauties with a black finish. The accent is provided by silver borders, which are intended to remind you of something familiar from the past. As we know, both synthesizers are based on circuits from the Moog Modular System (VCO, VCF …) but repacked in a new format. With the redesign, they pay tribute to this legendary instrument. She turned out very noble and beautiful.

Inspired By A Legendary

Moog says:

Dark Series for Matriarch and Grandmother strikes the perfect balance between classic and modern, featuring an all-black aesthetic that invokes the timeless look of early Moog modular systems—with all the functionality and versatility these two state-of-the-art sound design machines are known for.The new visual twist for Grandmother and Matriarch is a nod to the modular control panel designs that inspired their very creation.

In 2018, when the first of these two patchable analog keyboard synthesizers was introduced, Moog explained that “Grandmother’s circuits, spirit, and spring reverb are inspired by the classic Moog modular synthesizers designed by Bob Moog during the 60s and 70s.” The instrument quickly became a staple in studio setups and live performance settings, a go-to first synthesizer for beginners, and a multifaceted creative tool for musicians of all skill levels to explore.

Following Grandmother’s success, Moog developed an even more expansive, expressive semi-modular analog keyboard synthesizer: the four-note paraphonic Matriarch.A complement to the distinct multi-colored artwork of the original Matriarch and Grandmother synthesizers, Dark Series presents a style option that celebrates the intersection of tradition and innovation.

New Patches & Firmware Update

Besides the new re-design, Moog Music also published new exploratory patches for registered owners of the Matriarch and Grandmother. (16 for Grandmother and 14 for Matriarch) are designed to guide your eternal experimentation and open your mind to each instrument’s unparalleled analog sound.

Further, they introduced a new firmware 1.2.0 for Matriarch & 1.1.0 for Grandmother. The updates feature a new sync engine that keeps the internal arp/sequencer, analog clock, and MIDI all tightly locked in phase; a new easy method to reset global settings to defaults; a new Envelope Multi-Trig mode for Grandmother; and many other firmware enhancements, new features, and bug fixes based on customer feedback for both instruments

Moog SR Series Cases

Along with the new look for Matriarch and Grandmother, the Asheville-based company unveiled Moog SR Series Cases, which are now available to pre-order for both instruments.

Developed with artists for artists, Moog SR Series Cases were meticulously designed based on conversations with musicians to protect these two instruments better than any other offering on the market. These durable, weather-resistant protective cases ensure that your Moog Grandmother or Matriarch synthesizer (original colorway or Dark Series) are safeguarded at home, in the studio, and away. Featuring generous padding around a semi-rigid ABS shell, water-resistant zippers, non-slip straps, and ample storage, Moog SR Series Cases offer complete protection, comfort, and convenience—so that you can continue to create with your favorite synths for years to come.