AudioPilz Takes on the Moog Sub-25: Punk or Pretender?

AudioPilz kicks off another whirlwind tour of the world’s most mocked audio tools, this time turning his sharp wit on the Moog Subsequent 25. This model, dubbed the embodiment of musical machismo for ‘aging bald guys’ is mercilessly dissected. The Austian YouTuber describes it as a toy for those ‘financially reckless.’ Right from the starting gun, he dismisses it as a cut-down version of its bigger sibling, the Subsequent 37. Yet, it’s the very limitations, Florian suggests, that make it a curious beast worth examining. In traditional fashion, Florian sets up his exploration with the familiar mix of memes and raw insight, laying the groundwork for a critical yet entertaining breakdown of Moog’s diminutive mono marvel.

Florian wastes no time in getting under the hood, and what he finds is characteristic of Moog’s classic dynamo brand. The Subsequent 25 boasts two hearty oscillators alongside a dedicated sub-oscillator, features that any proper synthesizer geek knows are the bread and butter of analog sound. The venerable Moog ladder filter is front and centre, capable of bringing out everything from sultry basslines to screeching highs. Not one to pull punches, he highlights the filter’s ability to aggressively obliterate bass at higher settings – something purists might either cherish or loathe.

He draws attention to the single LFO, a stark reminder of what’s been trimmed compared to the Subsequent 37. This limitation won’t faze the analog anarchists who relish a bit of chaos in their modulation. The deep dive into the panel’s shadowy corners reveals a labyrinth of hidden functionalities, echoing back to the convoluted menus of other Moog offerings. Despite its apparent simplicity, this synth has secrets, inviting the courageous to delve into its deeper settings to unlock features that aren’t advertised on the box. Florian relishes these eccentricities, drawing parallels to discovering intriguing surprises in a cramped London pub.

A nostalgic nod is paid to the 16 preset slots, a taste of convenience in a button-laden ecosystem. Yet, it’s the obscure ‘finish him’ button combinations that intrigue Florian most, unlocking alternate filter slopes and hidden pro features that almost feel like a gamer’s cheat code. His review gives the impression of an instrument that straddles the line between straightforward synth and mythical artifact, inviting enthusiasts to engage with its layered personalities.

With the niceties out of the way, Florian throws the 25 headfirst into a sonic pitfight. It’s time for the action as he wrings out jams that scream electro energy and epic synth sounds. Florian’s first encounter reveals the 25’s powerhouse hidden beneath its unassuming facade, extracting tones that hit like a shot in a dingy club at closing time. Despite the fiddly preset buttons, those iconic Moog sounds are tantalizingly close at hand, embodying a versatility that surprises even Florian himself.

He takes a swing at the duophonic mode, finding it a bit of a novelty. Here, the experimentation blooms with effects that transform mere notes into sprawling soundscapes of synth mayhem. Suddenly the barebones hardware doesn’t seem so lacklustre when Florian kicks in the effects pedals, turning the Moog into a beast ready to conquer any set. Manipulating those famous ladder filters with wild abandon, he harnesses their potential to carve out aggressive sonic landscapes that echo the rebellious spirit of a 70s punk set gone haywire.

The verdict from Florian is as bold as the sounds he evokes: sonically, the Subsequent 25 may be limited, but those limits are delivered with trademark Moog gravitas. Its Spartan design doesn’t hinder its power, but the subtle complexities offer plenty of exploration for those willing to dig deeper. It’s this metaphorical punk underdog status that adds unexpected charm – the small guy with big dreams and a sound to match.

AudioPilz wraps up his extended examination with a reflection that’s both sober and full of cheek. The Moog Subsequent 25, he concludes, is no tragic figure. It boasts genuinely solid analog roots, which he credits as the saving grace for this pint-sized powerhouse. In its compact form, it’s perfect for those tight on space – whether it’s on a cramped stage or a cluttered desk.

Yet, while it sounds the part, Florian can’t help but miss the expansive UI of its bigger sibling. The ungainly menu diving is a stumbling block that makes prolonged interaction with the 25 akin to a waltz with a broken dance partner – all form, little function. The lack of visual feedback is a heartbreaker, a theme that consistently surfaces in his review, much like the whispers of a bypassed opportunity.

Still, there’s a fondness in his tone, a recognition of Moog’s enduring charm. It’s a piece that appeals to the rebellious in us all, promising loads of potential for those willing to forgo comfort for genuine analog grit. In AudioPilz’s seasoned hands, the Subsequent 25 emerges as an icon of character, for better or worse, bravely shouting its presence in a sea of faceless gear.