AndertonsKeyboardDept takes us on a deep-dive synth showdown, pitting the fresh Moog Messenger against some heavyweight champs like the Sub 37 and Bass Station II. Brace yourself for a bass battle that’ll rattle your subwoofers and shake the street food out of your hands.

24. May 2025
RILEY
Beefy Bass Synth Battle with AndertonsKeyboardDept
Moog Messenger, Moog Subsequent 37, Novation Bass Station II
The Battle Begins: Moog Messenger Takes the Stage
AndertonsKeyboardDept kicks off the showdown with Jack Duxbury at the helm, introducing three monophonic analog synths – the Moog Messenger, the Sub 37, and the Novation Bass Station II. All eyes (and ears) are on Jack as he dives into the presets. We’re talking keyboards with all sorts of key ranges, from 25 to 37 keys, ready to rumble in C minor. The Moog Messenger rolls in with a menacing growl, a newcomer in this bass world, aiming to dethrone the classics. Jack gives us a taste of the Sub 37’s flair, playing the first patch that oozes sophistication. Meanwhile, the Bass Station II stands by, setting the stage with its edgy presence. The air’s thick with suspense as Jack promises more sonic fireworks by exploring further patches.
Oscillators & Raw Waveforms: Stripping Down to Basics
In this section, Jack Duxbury takes us back to synth school, stripping these machines down to their ‘init’ patches. What’s it like under the hood? Jack’s like a kid in a candy store, layering waveforms and seeing what these beasts are packing. Each synth boasts multiple oscillators, and Jack’s stacking ‘em like they’re building blocks in a toy set. The differences in raw waveforms emerge, more distinct than an after-hours Chicago alley melody. Our guy Jack’s curious – he wants to add a saw wave here, detune there, and see what shakes out. What he discovers is a sound palette that’s not just diverse, but downright naughty, hinting at how rich these machines can get once you start pushing ’em past presets. It’s like he’s mixing a wicked gumbo, with just the right amount of sub-bass seasoning.
Playing Experience & Keybeds: Tactile Adventures
Jack doesn’t just stop at sound; he digs into how these synths feel to play. The Bass Station II might rock fewer keys, but it’s not shy with its aftertouch. The Sub 37, meanwhile, is the Cadillac of keyboards, with plush key action that Jack can’t stop raving about. It’s like comparing a street taco to gourmet dining – both have their place, but boy, do they deliver different experiences. The Messenger, though, attempts to bridge both worlds with streetwise charm and enough posh features to catch your eye. Despite being the newcomer, it impresses with its flexibility. Jack shows off the versatility by stretching away from basic C minor antics, diving into how these feel under the fingers. He paints a vivid picture of the tactile possibility, ensuring we get that playing these isn’t just about pressing keys – it’s about creating feel-good vibes.

"I dig the aftertouch sensor. It's one of the finest I've ever touched."
Resonance & Filters: Enter the Bass Zone

"We can hit the res bass switch. There we go."
This stage of the review is all about resonance and what happens when you push those filters to the edge. Jack cranks up the resonance, and we’re all ears as the bass begins to vanish – until the Moog proves its might. The Messenger’s got the trick with a bass compensation switch, holding onto those low-end notes while the resonance peeks. It’s like swapping out a tube TV for a high-def screen – suddenly everything’s in sharper focus. Jack’s enamored, hearing the subtleties that pop out and define the characteristics of each synth. It’s geek heaven when overdrive enters the mix, adding grit and texture, further defining that gnarly, grungy sound that can make or break a bass line. It’s a feature smackdown that sees the Messenger vying for champion status while the other synths hold their ground – a true bass ballet.
Final Thoughts: Synth Showdown Verdict
Wrapping up this epic synth battle, Jack Duxbury offers his final words on what truly matters in this showdown. The nostalgia-loving Bass Station II holds its ground with classic vibes, while the Sub 37 remains a symbol of luxurious playability. But the Moog Messenger steals the spotlight with its fresh antics and killer features. Jack lauds its responsive controls, expressive pitch bends, and that sweet resonance compensation, making it not just another synth, but a contender for the crown. It’s not all about the glitz, but how these bad boys make you feel and inspire your music-making. The Messenger might be new, but it’s vibing with something real, ready to take on the streets and the studio. Jack’s infectious enthusiasm makes this a battle to remember – and one that urges us to plug in and find our own groove.

"In terms of filth, the messenger wins, right?"
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