Moog Source
The Moog Source is a monophonic Z80 microprocessor-controlled analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music from 1981 to 1985. The Source was Moog's first synthesizer to offer patch memory storage. The design was also the first (and only) Moog synthesizer to feature a flat-panel membrane keyboard to replace the standard buttons, knobs and sliders, along with multihued panel graphics that were very different from anything Moog offered at the time.
Moog Source
alejandro jofre · Flickr: Dunckel · CC BY 2.0
- Field
- analog synthesizer
- Period
- 1981
VALÉORINE Encyclopedia
VALÉORINE documentary reading
Documentary summary
The Moog Source is a monophonic Z80 microprocessor-controlled analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music from 1981 to 1985. The Source was Moog's first synthesizer to offer patch memory storage. The design was also the first (and only) Moog synthesizer to feature a flat-panel membrane keyboard to replace the standard buttons, knobs and sliders, along with multihued panel graphics that were very different from anything Moog offered at the time.
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Documentary evidence
Documentary basis
Authority files
wikidata · Q10588857 · wikipedia · Moog Source
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Synth Name — Source • Synth Manufacturer — Moog Music • Synthesis Type — Analog subtractive • Polyphony — Monophonic • Timbrality — Monotimbral • Oscillator — 2 • Filter — low-pass • Lfo — 1 • Keyboard — 37 keys • Left Control — * pitch wheel • mod wheel • Ext Control — CV/Gate • Memory — 16 patches • Dates — 1981 - 1985
Capabilities
Capabilities
In addition to the memory capable of holding 16 presets, the Source features a 37-note keyboard, and two VCOs that can be selected among three waveforms and three octaves. Programmed presets can be saved to an audio cassette interface to free up the onboard memory for additional new patches. The 24 dB/octave VCF has parameters for keyboard tracking, cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope amount. There are two fully analog ADSR envelope generators that can be set in single or multi trigger modes, one for the VCF and one for the VCA. For modulation, the Source features LFO and sample and hold. The unit also features a rudimentary sequencer. The Source was made in at least 2 versions the latter offering more voltage control options. After market modifications offers the addition of MIDI, increased memory, and other functions.
Notable users
Notable users
• Matt Sharp of The Rentals The instrument was used extensively on their album Return of the Rentals, as well as subsequent albums. • Devo The Source was used on their 1981 album New Traditionalists, and the band also appeared in early print ads for the keyboard. • Jon Lord • Toby Smith, keyboard player of Jamiroquai • Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode used it extensively during their tours from late 1981 to mid 1983 • New Order, especially on the track "Blue Monday", for which it provides the throbbing bassline heard throughout the song. • Harvey Bainbridge • Matthew Seligman, bass player for Thomas Dolby, he also prominently used The Source on his EP "Sendai" (with Jan Linton) • Minoru Mukaiya, keyboard player for Casiopea • Front 242, used on their 1982 album Geography • Randy Stern on Cameo's 1982 Alligator Woman LP • Damon Albarn • Michael Omartian • Peter Baumann
Chronology
Dated record
Chronology
Explore 1981
The full dated record · 3 entries
1981
Moog Source first recorded.
1981
Moog Source is recorded from 1981.
1981
Moog Source was established or created in 1981.
Context
Primary material
Context
The circumstances in which Moog Source stands. Recorded as a kind of analog synthesizer. Established or created in 1981. Manufactured by Moog Music. Within the Encyclopedia. Connected to 1 other published record in the VALÉORINE Encyclopedia.
Documents and archives
Primary material
Documents and archives
authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q10588857: Moog Source
General reference · Wikidata
reference work
- “Moog Source”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
References
Citations
References
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authority record
Secondary witnessreference work
Secondary witness
Connections
Knowledge graph
Connections
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Broader subject
1- analog synthesizerTerminology
Established from a fact already recorded on a verified source.
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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