JorbLovesGear Takes on Moog’s Messenger: A New Era?

Jorb, known for his gear expertise, kickstarts his exploration of the Moog Messenger, a two-oscillator monosynth promising a fresh take on the classic Moog vibe. With its deep arpeggiator, sequencer, and clever modulation routings, Jorb questions whether this instrument signifies a new era for Moog or merely a revamped old guard. His 45-minute breakdown promises a comprehensive look at why the Messenger might or might not be the revolutionary leap forward for Moog enthusiasts. The discussion touches on potential firmware tweaks that could enhance the Messenger’s usability, setting the stage for an intriguing deep dive into Moog’s latest offering.

Diving into the core of the Messenger, Jorb focuses on its oscillators. Oscillator one presents a classic sawtooth wave which smoothly transitions to a triangle and a pulse wave through a continuous control. What sets it apart is the inclusion of a wave folder, something of a rarity for Moog, hinted as a tribute to West Coast synthesis styling. Oscillator two introduces independent frequency control and modulation options, allowing explorers to create dynamic FM interactions. Jorb highlights oscillator two’s modulation potential that includes the filter envelope or even another oscillator, describing it as a playground for sound sculpting. This exploration unveils each oscillator’s potential, allowing the Messenger to roar with a unique character that’s both Moog and beyond.

As Jorb treks into the filter section, the classic Moog ladder filter plays its tune with a fresh twist: bass compensation. Gone are the days of losing low end with high resonance, as the Messenger compensates beautifully. With multiple filter modes, Jorb celebrates the two-pole low pass filter as a standout feature, giving Moog’s sound a fresh dimension. The addition of feedback and filter FM brings harsher, more textured timbres that challenge traditional Moog norms, making the Messenger a compelling addition to any sound designer’s arsenal. Jorb’s detailed walkthrough of these features reveals a balance between Moog’s legacy and its innovative ambitions.

In a deep dive into modulation, Jorb explores the Messenger’s dual envelope generators and LFOs. With ADSR routings to both filter and amp, they offer traditional and loopable settings. Jorb notes the velocity sensitivity curves, which could use tweaking to suit more intense playing. The second LFO, always ready for performance action via the mod wheel, targets pitch, cut-off, and amplitude with precision. Through advanced assignment techniques, Jorb showcases how to harness these modulation sources, emphasising both innovation and tradition. The LFO fade, albeit buried in a button combo, adds nuance to modulation possibilities. This section highlights how the Messenger upholds Moog’s hallmark of deep, expressive sound design with a nod to sleekness.