MOK Miniraze Synthesizer: free update 1.5 adds new features to the wave-slicing Synthesizer plugin

With Miniraze, MOK presents a new Synthesizer plugin that merges the futuristic wave-slicing synthesis with the classic Minimoog subtractive workflow.

Good news from Media Overkill, aka MOK. They have just released Miniraze 1.5, a free update for its unique wave-sclining wavetable Synthesizer.

The new 1.5 update gives users more waveforms to explore, now matching the number available in their flagship Waverazor Synthesizer plugin. It also includes the new formant filters and additional presets from professional sound designers.

Miniraze 1.5 is available as a free update for existing users from the MOK website. Miniraze is now on sale for $29/29€ instead of $99/99€.

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Article from November 11, 2021

MOK is a plugin company founded by Taiho Yamada, Rob Rampley, and Chris Compton. No unknown names in the synth industry. They were the designers and developers of the many vintage synths, including the Alesis Andromeda, Ion, Micron, Quadrasynth, Fusion, and more.

The Waverazor was the first product of MOK. A synthesizer plugin that introduces the innovative wave-slicing synthesis. A very futuristic instrument with a very striking design and distinct, almost bizarre sound. 

The adventure continues with Miniraze. Again with wave slicing tech, but differently implemented.

MOK Miniraze

Wavetables, VA, FM, samples? Too classic, yeah. Miniraze uses the innovative wave-slicing Synthesis, which premiered in the Waverazor Synthesizer plugin. A new way of creating rich waveforms.

Also available later as a Eurorack oscillator module. Miniraze uses the same technique but in a far more hands-on, subtractive instrument.

Taiho Yamada, co-founder of MOK, says: “Miniraze pays homage to Bob Moog by presenting MOK’s latest synth technology in a Minimoog-style top panel”. You can see that from the user interface, which is more classic and familiar. The features are also adapted to this, but everything at the beginning.

At the core of Miniraze are three streamlined wave-slicing oscillators. You can choose two waveforms from a list (100+) and combine them into a single, unique-shaped waveform. From here, you can then tune each one individually, use sync, ring mod, and set the Razor, aka the splice point, that sets the waveform ratio. Every oscillator has an enormous spectrum of sound possibilities. And in MR you have three of them inviting you on a wild waveform trip with almost infinite shaping fun.

Subtractive Approach

The classic more subtractive starts right behind the three oscillators. Here, you get an oscillator mixer, filter, effects as well as a solid modulation section. But Miniraze is not as feature-simple as a Minimoog. There are two filters with the FM option, each with 11 options, including more classic and generative types. Alternatively, you can set them up as a wavefolder, saturator, decimator, or compressor. An instant gateway into the West Coast synthesis side.

At the end of the signal, you have an effect processor with nine algorithms, including delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, distortion, and more. Modulation is a must, especially in such a futuristic synth.

And the developers didn’t skimp on modulators. It offers 4 synchronizable multi-wave LFOs and 4 ADSR envelopes.

The first is a fixed amp envelope with velocity modulation, while the other three are freely mappable. All this is managed by a more or less classic modulation matrix.

If you need more character, you can activate one of the 11 colors of noise or an “analog” button, giving your sounds a more vintage, organic character.

There is no sequencer, but it comes with an arpeggiator as well as multiple glide options. External audio input lets you also process instruments, voices, and other sounds through the engine. Nice addition

Additionally, users can translate the UI into 34 languages and choose from 18 color themes to make Miniraze their own. Ok, if I find my mother tongue, Luxembourgish, on the list, then I will hug you, Taiho, and the other guys at the next fair. Promised, okay just if it is allowed again.

Bob Moog Foundation

The interface of the Waverazor is very colorful and extraordinary. It catches everyone’s eye. Miniraze’s is no different, but it has a more familiar layout. Animation is completely missing in the synth, which is a shame.

So the interface looks a bit lifeless. Hope they can update it with more feedback elements.

To say Bob Moog thank you, MOK has teamed with the Bob Moog Foundation to release an exclusive Miniraze BMF sound bank featuring patches created by an all-star team of artists and sound designers.

All proceeds will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to support programs like Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, and the Moogseum in Asheville, NC.

Miniraze is a nice extension for the MOK plugin portfolio. It is certainly one of the most special and unique synthesizer plugins on the market. The wave slicing synthesis alone makes sounds possible that otherwise do not exist. MOK is here in its own space and sonic territory.

The developers (Taiho Yamada, Rampley…) promise warm, retro analog vibes to aggressive, futuristic sounds that have literally never been heard before. That’s sounds tempting. And for everyone who wants to know more about MOK, here is an interview with the team

MOK Miniraze is available now for $99/99€ in the MOK store. The Bob Moog Foundation 15th Anniversary Miniraze soundbank is available for $49. MOK donates 100% of it to the Bob Moog Foundation.

The plugin runs as a VST, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

More information here: MOK 

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