The Moog Memorymoog stands as one of the most coveted and controversial synthesizers in the analog realm. Released in 1982 as the final instrument from Moog Music before the company's bankruptcy, this hefty polyphonic synthesizer was designed to deliver the power of six Minimoogs housed within a single instrument. The Memorymoog represents both the pinnacle of Moog's analog sound design and a cautionary tale about manufacturing reliability.

Originally conceived as a polyphonic version of the beloved Minimoog, the Memorymoog was developed without Robert Moog's direct participation. Despite its technical shortcomings, it has earned legendary status for producing some of the most powerful and rich analog sounds ever created, rivaling even Moog's early modular synthesizers in sonic impact.

The instrument's reputation is paradoxical - while it's capable of producing extraordinarily full, warm sounds that can single-handedly fill entire musical arrangements, it's equally notorious for its unreliability issues, particularly with tuning stability. This has created a unique situation where many who desire the instrument have never actually played one, while those who own them often have mixed feelings about their investment.

The Memorymoog excels particularly in creating lush pad sounds, brass ensembles, and string sections that seem to "pour out" naturally during programming sessions. Its sound is so rich and full that it can easily overpower other instruments in a mix, leading some to describe certain applications as "swamping" other sounds. The instrument offers surprising versatility beyond typical analog polysynth sounds, capable of both great power and delicate subtlety.

Technical Specifications

Architecture

• Polyphony: 6 voices
• Voice Architecture: Each voice contains 3 VCOs + VCF + VCA + 2 Envelope Generators
• Total Oscillators: 18 VCOs (3 per voice)
• VCO Chip: CEM3340 analog memory chip (differs from traditional discrete Moog VCOs)

Oscillators (per voice)

• Waveforms: Triangle, Sawtooth, Variable Pulse Width
• Selection: Individual or any combination of waveforms
• Special Features:
  • VCO2 can sync to VCO1
  • Oscillator sync and detune effects simultaneously possible
  • VCO3 can be switched to low frequency operation
  • VCO3 can be removed from keyboard control

Filter Section

• Type: Low-pass VCF (traditional Moog filter circuit)
• Configuration: One dedicated VCF per voice (6 total)
• Controls: Cutoff Frequency, Emphasis (Resonance), Modulation Depth
• Keyboard Tracking: Switchable - 0, 1/3, 2/3, or full keyboard control
• Character: Rich, powerful sound with slight distortion when VCO levels are at maximum

Envelope Generators

• Quantity: 2 per voice (12 total) - one for VCF, one for VCA
• Type: ADSR (called "Contours" by Moog)
• Special Controls:
  • Unconditional Contour: Full attack/release regardless of key hold time
  • Return to Zero: Cuts release of existing notes when new ones are played
  • Keyboard Follow: Shortens envelope times for higher notes
  • Release disable function
• Time Graduations: Marked on panel (though noted as inaccurate)

Modulation System

• LFO: Single LFO with rate control
• LFO Waveforms: Triangle, Forward Sawtooth, Reverse Sawtooth, Square, Random Sample & Hold
• LFO Destinations: VCO1/2/3 pitch, VCO1/2/3 pulse width, VCF cutoff
• Voice Modulation Sources: VCO3, VCF Envelope Generator
• Voice Modulation Destinations: VCO1/2 frequency, VCO1/2 pulse width, VCF cutoff
• Additional Features: VCF envelope invert, VCO3 modulation amount control from VCF envelope

Memory and Presets

• Preset Storage: 100 presets
• Chord Memory: Available
• Arpeggiator: Built-in function

Performance Modes

• Polyphonic: Standard 6-voice polyphonic operation
• Monophonic: Single voice operation possible
• Unison: All 6 voices triggered from single key (18 oscillators + 6 filters simultaneously)

Build Variants

• Standard Memorymoog: Original version
• Memorymoog Plus: Later variant with basic sequencer and primitive MIDI implementation

Known Issues and Limitations

• Reliability: Notorious for tuning instability and general unreliability
• Environmental Sensitivity: Tuning affected by temperature changes (heating systems)
• Modulation Limitations: Cannot send different amounts of modulation to different destinations
• Manufacturing Quality: Reports of poor assembly quality leading to frequent breakdowns

Upgrade Options

LAMM Modification: Available from Linntronics (Germany)

• Adds velocity sensitivity over MIDI
• Improved parameter resolution
• System exclusive capability
• Enhanced operating system
• Cost: Approximately EUR2000

Historical Context

• Release: 1982 (final Moog Music product before bankruptcy)
• Market Position&Target Market: Highly sought after at release, professional musicians due to high cost
• Price (original): approx. USD4750 (slightly less expensive than contemporaries like Roland Jupiter 8 or Oberheim OBXa)
• Legacy Impact: Became highly collectible, particularly among Japanese buyers
• Second-hand Market in 80s: Rapid sales when Yamaha DX7 caused analog synth selloffs
• Current Status: Rare collector's item with prices approaching 10-20K depending on condition