electro-music.com   Dedicated to experimental electro-acoustic
and electronic music
 
    Front Page  |  Radio
 |  Media  |  Forum  |  Wiki  |  Links
Forum with support of Syndicator RSS
 FAQFAQ   CalendarCalendar   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   LinksLinks
 RegisterRegister   ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in  Chat RoomChat Room 
 Forum index » Instruments and Equipment » General Discussion
Moog Voyager. . .should I
Post new topic   Reply to topic
Page 1 of 1 [22 Posts]
View unread posts
View new posts in the last week
Mark the topic unread :: View previous topic :: View next topic
Author Message
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:58 pm    Post subject: Moog Voyager. . .should I Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Help me. I am very close in putting some money down towards a Voyager. Talk me out of this. I can get it at a very reasonable price (for a Moog). I have played on one, and I am very impressed. Yes, it monophonic. But it sounds very good to my ears. I think I can get some wacky sounds out of this beast, but it is still expensive. Any thoughts? Yes, I can hear you Nord folks, but the G2 just doesn't seem to beckon. I was on the verge of a V-Synth, but then I played on the Moog.
_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
seraph
Editor
Editor


Joined: Jun 21, 2003
Posts: 12398
Location: Firenze, Italy
Audio files: 33
G2 patch files: 2

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 3:34 am    Post subject: Re: Moog Voyager. . .should I Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Mohoyoho wrote:
Talk me out of this.

I played a little with it and wasn't very impressed considering its price and monophony but then again I am not an analog enthusiast so .....

_________________
homepage - blog - forum - youtube

Quote:
Don't die with your music still in you - Wayne Dyer
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
elektro80
Site Admin


Joined: Mar 25, 2003
Posts: 21959
Location: Norway
Audio files: 14

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

The Voyager is a great instrument. I am basically concerned with two things here, first the price.. and then the whole concept of memory banks.

The product seems to be very well made and the parts are of good quality. The price might be defendable, but at this price ( the RRP ) I simply feel I cannot recommend it. Go get it if you think you can afford it. On the other hand, if you can get it for like 50% of the RRP.. why not?

The presets/memory banks aren´t bad as such.. but these make more sense in a software emulation of the product where all the knobs and stuff can be set to the current values as stored in the patch.

_________________
A Charity Pantomime in aid of Paranoid Schizophrenics descended into chaos yesterday when someone shouted, "He's behind you!"

MySpace
SoundCloud
Flickr
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
mosc
Site Admin


Joined: Jan 31, 2003
Posts: 18197
Location: Durham, NC
Audio files: 212
G2 patch files: 60

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

elektro80 wrote:

The presets/memory banks aren´t bad as such.. but these make more sense in a software emulation of the product where all the knobs and stuff can be set to the current values as stored in the patch.


This is a key point, IMHO. When you change from one memorized patch to another, if the knobs are not set to the proper place, then it's quite difficult to use in in a live performance environment. The original Nord Modular had this problem. IMHO the biggest improvement in the G2 is that the knob settings are recalled when you change patches or variations.

Everytime I have seen Moog Voyagers used on stage, they seemed to be used for only one or two sounds - leads usually. The rest of the music was made with other synths. It's like a fancy miniMoog.

Moogs are top quality and will last a long time. They look beautiful too. If a two osc monophonic synth is what you need, then the Voyager will work. Have you considered an ION?

_________________
--Howard
my music and other stuff
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

I own an Ion. Love it! But I've played on the Voyager, and it sounds much livelier and fatter. I think it can be used for much more than just leads. I was unaware of the preset thing. That would be a pain. I can get the Voyager for about 2000.
_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
elektro80
Site Admin


Joined: Mar 25, 2003
Posts: 21959
Location: Norway
Audio files: 14

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

mosc wrote:
elektro80 wrote:

The presets/memory banks aren´t bad as such.. but these make more sense in a software emulation of the product where all the knobs and stuff can be set to the current values as stored in the patch.


This is a key point, IMHO. When you change from one memorized patch to another, if the knobs are not set to the proper place, then it's quite difficult to use in in a live performance environment. The original Nord Modular had this problem. IMHO the biggest improvement in the G2 is that the knob settings are recalled when you change patches or variations.

Everytime I have seen Moog Voyagers used on stage, they seemed to be used for only one or two sounds - leads usually. The rest of the music was made with other synths. It's like a fancy miniMoog.


I really think the Voyager is a nice instrument, but to me it seems that the instrument really is designed to be a modern minimoog with presets and intended to be used the way rock keyboardists are using the polka boards. No need for live tweaking and patching. Store the sounds, recall the patches when you need them. I guess the brit synth.. that new Macbeth.. could be just as fun as the Voyager.. perhaps even more so. You seen that one?

_________________
A Charity Pantomime in aid of Paranoid Schizophrenics descended into chaos yesterday when someone shouted, "He's behind you!"

MySpace
SoundCloud
Flickr
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
mosc
Site Admin


Joined: Jan 31, 2003
Posts: 18197
Location: Durham, NC
Audio files: 212
G2 patch files: 60

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

elektro80 wrote:
that new Macbeth.. could be just as fun as the Voyager.. perhaps even more so. You seen that one?


Very cool. http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-3658.html Cool

Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.

_________________
--Howard
my music and other stuff
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

I have seen the Macbeth on the web, but never in person.

Now, I see the V'ger as a very hands on synth with quite a bit of patching capabilities. I own the Moog CV processor for my M'Fooger pedals which works well with the synth, and the V'ger has many CV inputs for modulating many parameters. Plus there is an inexpensive add-on that opens up all the internal CV outs to use with patch cables. Plus the V'ger has an effects loop built in between the filters and the amp outs.

_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
paul e.



Joined: Sep 22, 2003
Posts: 1567
Location: toronto, canada
Audio files: 2

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

ok...this may be of some help

i was in the same posiiton as you a month ago..

i spent some serious time playing around with various synths

triton, v-synth, phantom...all no good for me

then it came down to 2 special synths

the moog voyager and nord lead 3

i spent a lot of time on both of these synths

the moog is awesome...VERY MOOG...but...limited

the nord lead 3..has everything..it is a moog plus plus...and even one more plus

turns out,i could afford neither synth heheh..but i would have definetely gone for the nord lead 3 over the voyager

have you tried the nord lead 3 ?

_________________
Spiral Recordings
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

I have not tried the Lead 3. I have tried the Lead 2, and it's ok. I like my Waldorf Q and XT better.

That Macbeth is in preorder status and selling at 3995. It looks pretty cool.

What has got me on the Moog kick is the Arturia Moog Modular software. I love the sound. The Moog looks like it would be great to perform live with. I wouldn't be doing rock with it; ambient is what it would be used for.

_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
paul e.



Joined: Sep 22, 2003
Posts: 1567
Location: toronto, canada
Audio files: 2

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

i have never tried the NL2 so i cannt say how it compares to NL3...but i urge to check out the NL3..it sells at a fair price

somehow, the moog voyager does not strike me as ideal for 'ambient'. mainly due to the mono aspect and bass/lead sound bias it seems to have

_________________
Spiral Recordings
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
elektro80
Site Admin


Joined: Mar 25, 2003
Posts: 21959
Location: Norway
Audio files: 14

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Mohoyoho wrote:
I have seen the Macbeth on the web, but never in person.

Now, I see the V'ger as a very hands on synth with quite a bit of patching capabilities. I own the Moog CV processor for my M'Fooger pedals which works well with the synth, and the V'ger has many CV inputs for modulating many parameters. Plus there is an inexpensive add-on that opens up all the internal CV outs to use with patch cables. Plus the V'ger has an effects loop built in between the filters and the amp outs.


Well, if you are thinking about getting all the extras and the moogerfoogers and whatnot.. then the Voyager is not a bad choice at all. The preset issue can simply be ignored.

_________________
A Charity Pantomime in aid of Paranoid Schizophrenics descended into chaos yesterday when someone shouted, "He's behind you!"

MySpace
SoundCloud
Flickr
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

I already own the M'Fooger Low Pass Filter, Ring Mod, Phaser and CV controller. They are outstanding. Put a percussion track through them and it becomes alive. What does concern me is that I already own a Q and Ion which are very good VA subtractive synths. The XT is a different animal altogether. I feel like I'm getting overloaded with subtractive synths. Perhaps an insane samplerish synth like the V-Synth might be more useful. But playing the Voyager the other day really impressed me.
_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
modulator_esp
Stream Operator


Joined: Feb 04, 2005
Posts: 2845
Location: Nottingham, UK
Audio files: 276
G2 patch files: 1

PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Sounds to me like you want something analog and modular, if you don't need patches why not try an analog modular?
_________________
Jez
music | adventures in sound | gear for sale
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Well, those are a bit pricey, and you are always adding to them. Plus I want something very portable for performance. (Although that MOTM in the mixer rack case sure looked good.)

Actually, you are all too late. I put a Voyager Anniv. Edition on layaway. I'm going to pay the balance when I sell my motorcycle. I got it new for $2150, which I think is a pretty good price.

I had some questions about the unit and called Moog in Asheville, NC (an hour from here) and was very impressed by the customer service. The proximity and quick phone service was another deciding factor. I was also impressed by the number of CV ins and outs and the ability to insert an effect within the synth. It doesn't bother me that it's monophonic because I have plenty of polyphonic VAs to use. To my ears the Moog just has a kick ass sound.

As far as my desire for a V-synth, I think I can wait a few years until the prices start to drop. Right now their street price is the $1800-1900 range.

_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
paul e.



Joined: Sep 22, 2003
Posts: 1567
Location: toronto, canada
Audio files: 2

PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

congratulations..

and yeah that is a good price for sure

the one i was eyeing was 4,000 CDN ..whixg is approx 3,000 US

so..yeah

_________________
Spiral Recordings
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
elektro80
Site Admin


Joined: Mar 25, 2003
Posts: 21959
Location: Norway
Audio files: 14

PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 4:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Mohoyoho wrote:
I put a Voyager Anniv. Edition on layaway. I'm going to pay the balance when I sell my motorcycle. I got it new for $2150, which I think is a pretty good price.


Very Happy

And you will of course tell us what you think about the new instrument when you finally get it? I am sure you will love it. If you add in all the extras and then some, you will have a very decent quasimodular system which will be an excellent ambient machine for live use. Too bad about the motorbike though.

_________________
A Charity Pantomime in aid of Paranoid Schizophrenics descended into chaos yesterday when someone shouted, "He's behind you!"

MySpace
SoundCloud
Flickr
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 6:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Thanks. Yeah, I'll miss my motorcycle. Coincidentally, it's a Yamaha.

I was impressed by all the CV mods on the Voyager. I put an expression pedal on quite a few to see how thhey react, and they were very responsive. I think when I plug my CP 251 control voltage processor into it the Voyager will be even more incredible.

_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 10:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Well I forgot all about this thread. I received my Voyager in September, and brought it to the MEMS show in Indy. This is truly a great synth. (By the way, Mosc, it has 3 Oscillators. Osc. 3 can also serve as another LFO or FM).

One of the issues we talked about above was when changing the presets, the knobs will jump from the previous setting to the new preset setting when moved. This is true, but there are easy ways around this when tweaking on the fly. When you touch the knobs they will tell you the preset setting and what setting you are currently on. If you are not playing a note, you can quickly and easily move the knob close to the original setting without making a jump in sound.

I have been doing some work for Moog, and have the whole line of products except for the MuRF and Theremin. This is quite an expandable synth and could be integrated into most CV systems.

And no, there are way more than two sounds to this synth, but it's forte is definitely bass. It can do some great FX and plenty of slinky and spacey leads as well as some nice percussive sounds. The beauty of this synth is the tweakiness of it. It begs to be modulated and is like a good sports car in those respects. This is a tremendous live performance synth and is right at home with ambient music. It works very well with midi sequencers. Probably its weakness is it's (or my) inability to do spacey pads. But I have my digital synths to handle that chore. There are no effects on board with the Voyager, but it sounds great dry. However the Moogerfooger Ring Modulator can really spice it up. I also love the Moog Analogue delay. The build quality if outstanding, and the customer service couldn't be better.

There are two add-ons: a CV processor and an outbox of most of its CVs, like filter env, vol. env., keyboard pitch, gate, LFO, mixers, etc. The V'ger comes with a bunch of CV inputs, plus there are quite a few modulations via the digital editing menu.

I'm very pleased so far, and I am amazed how deep this synth can get.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
mosc
Site Admin


Joined: Jan 31, 2003
Posts: 18197
Location: Durham, NC
Audio files: 212
G2 patch files: 60

PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 6:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Sounds great, Mark.

You can't expect to get too much in the way of pads from a monophonic instrument.

I'm looking forward to hearing it on the NYE event.

_________________
--Howard
my music and other stuff
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address
cappy2112



Joined: Dec 24, 2004
Posts: 2465
Location: San Jose, California
Audio files: 2
G2 patch files: 1

PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

mosc wrote:
elektro80 wrote:
that new Macbeth.. could be just as fun as the Voyager.. perhaps even more so. You seen that one?


Very cool. http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-3658.html Cool

[img][/img]


Thisis kind of intimidation just isn't fair! Smile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Mohoyoho



Joined: Dec 03, 2003
Posts: 1632
Location: Tennessee
Audio files: 8

PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 7:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote  Mark this post and the followings unread

Since this post has been resurrected, I just thought I would report on my feelings toward the Voyager.

I've had it now for about seven months, and I am still enthralled by it. It has definitely changed the way I approach my live performance. It is so hands-on and for the most part, well laid out. I am amazed at its response. It's like going from a sedan to a sports car.

I have had the latest board upgrade so now there are something like 850+ presets on it. I rarely use the ones that came with it, but some of them are useful as starting points for my own version of the patch. Another feature of the upgrade board is I can now navigate from one preset to another in a flash.

I've added the expander (VX351) which offers quite a few options. It really goes well with the CV processor (CP251) which allows you to mix and modulate a variety of CVs from the Voyager or any other source such as the Moogerfooger pedals..

I've added the Moogerfooger analogue delay to my setup. It's quite interesting. Wish it had stereo ins and outs. It's very different from a digital delay. Each has their unique character.

The service continues to be great. Since I have owned mine there has been two OS upgrades and a third is about to come out. So many times when a software upgrade is offered by a manufacturer, there are initially so many issues. That doesn't seem to be the case with Moog.

As far as what the Voyager has contributed toward my sound, I would say it has made me become much bolder and aggressive. Whether that is good or not is, of course, subjective. Prior to the Voyager, most of my live tweaking of a synth was tied to the modulation wheel and the volume control. With the Voyager, the whole board might get tweaked during a passage.

_________________
Mark Mahoney
Kingsport, Tennessee
http://www.reverbnation.com/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/markmahoney
www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mmahoneympeck2
http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic
Page 1 of 1 [22 Posts]
View unread posts
View new posts in the last week
Mark the topic unread :: View previous topic :: View next topic
 Forum index » Instruments and Equipment » General Discussion
Jump to:  

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Forum with support of Syndicator RSS
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Copyright © 2003 through 2009 by electro-music.com - Conditions Of Use