Moog Mayhem: Metamyther Throws Down Sub 37, Messenger, and Mariana

Sound demos are where the gloves come off. The Sub 37 rips through classic basses and leads, showing off that signature Moog growl and a filter section that can go from creamy to downright nasty. Multi-drive and feedback combine for sounds that’ll shake your teeth loose—no effects needed, just raw analog muscle.

The Messenger brings new tricks, like wave-folded shapes and the res bass button that keeps your low end fat even when resonance is cranked. It’s a punchy, aggressive sound, and the FM options add a metallic edge. Mariana, despite being a plugin, holds its own with thick, beefy basses and a dual-oscillator setup that can get surprisingly hairy. If you want to hear these synths snarl and purr, the video’s demos are essential—words won’t do justice to the filth on offer.

The Sub 37’s reputation isn’t just hype—it’s a live performer’s dream, with everything at your fingertips and a build that could survive a riot. But it’s not perfect: no effects, limited presets, and it weighs more than your average dog. Messenger tries to modernise the formula with wave-folding, FM, and that all-important res bass, but loses points for a plasticky feel and a lack of a screen. Still, it’s lighter and easier to lug to a gig.

Mariana, meanwhile, is the wildcard. It’s got features the hardware can’t touch—dual synth engines, five filter types, built-in effects, and even CV I/O. But plugin workflow means you’re stuck clicking through pages, and there’s some annoying latency. Metamyther’s take? Each synth has its own flavour: Sub 37 is the classic street weapon, Messenger is the new contender with a few rough edges, and Mariana is the digital heavyweight for those who want Moog muscle without the backache.

Metamyther wraps up with a brutal scorecard. Sub 37 is the priciest and heaviest, but it’s still the live king if you can handle the weight. Messenger is cheaper, lighter, and brings modern features, but could use a firmware polish and a sturdier build. Mariana is the budget option—no physical weight, infinite presets, and a feature set that rivals hardware, but you’ll need to live with plugin quirks.

In the end, it’s not about which Moog is objectively best—it’s about which one fits your workflow and gig bag. If you want the full sonic carnage and Metamyther’s personal anecdotes (including synths that barely survived his studio), don’t just read—watch the video. Some things, like the sound of a Moog filter in meltdown, you’ve got to hear to believe.