Bonedo-Synthesizers Unleash the Moog Messenger

Moog has a new kid on the block, and it’s called the Messenger. Max Ravitz from Moog Music kicks things off at Superbooth 2025, eager to unveil this compact synth dynamo. First under the in-music umbrella, the Messenger flaunts a 32-key semi-weighted keyboard that marries portability with full-sized playability. A build for the road, its metal top and rugged plastic make it both lightweight and tour-ready. Ravitz highlights that while appearances and form are crucial, the true test is sound. And that’s Moog’s calling card.

Getting to the heart of any synthesizer, the sound engine, the Messenger comes alive, echoing its legendary predecessors like the Sub 37. Two oscillators lead the charge, plus a unique wave-folding twist inspired by Moog’s previous venture, the Labyrinth. As showcased, a single oscillator sings the anthem of rich Moog tones. Not content with mere basics, a sub-oscillator with wave morph capabilities – from triangle through square to pulse – adds formidable depth. Stack these with oscillator one and you stumble into soundscapes thick enough to swim in. But the coup de grâce? An evolved Moog ladder filter. Traditional 24dB soul, sans the low-end sacrifices, thanks to a clever bass compensation trick. Cue resonance, bass boost, and watch the room rumble. It’s a synth heartbeat that refuses to skip a beat with its striking 24dB and 12dB filtering options.

Moog’s Messenger isn’t just knobs and buttons; it’s a masterclass in modern integration. Ravitz dives deep, showcasing an arpeggiator that borrows brilliance from the Muse polyphonic series, adapted here for monophonic elegance. Sequencer functions come alive, with up to 256 slots begging for your presets. It’s an ode to the artist, a palette for the sonic painter. Onboard storage ensures that your hard-created patches are kept safe for re-use, enhancing onstage reliability. It’s not just a synth; it’s a portable production powerhouse ready to back you up, wherever the night takes you. Ravitz teases with potential music and sounds to come, a promise of the sonic adventures awaiting owners of this mighty, miniature Moog.