The Moog Labyrinth represents a fascinating departure from traditional Moog synthesizers, blending East and West Coast synthesis philosophies in a semi-modular desktop format. This 60HP wooden-cheeked unit fits seamlessly into Moog's desktop ecosystem while offering a uniquely complex sonic palette that encourages exploration and experimentation.

At its core, the Labyrinth features a dual-oscillator architecture where a sine wave VCO carries the primary melody while a lower-ranged triangle wave Mod VCO provides modulation capabilities. These oscillators can interact through frequency modulation, ring modulation, and various mixing configurations, creating complex spectral content from simple waveforms.

The instrument's most distinctive feature is its flexible signal routing, offering parallel processing paths through either a voltage-controlled wavefolder or a state-variable filter. Users can process signals through the wavefolder first then filter, filter first then fold, or run both paths in parallel and blend the results. This configuration provides unprecedented tonal flexibility, from subtle harmonic enhancement to aggressive spectral manipulation.

The wavefolder utilizes a diode-transistor hybrid design with VCW Bias control, capable of producing complex harmonics from basic waveforms. The state-variable VCF offers morphing between low-pass and band-pass modes with 2-pole slope and well-behaved resonance, providing a different character from Moog's traditional ladder filters.

Dual Generative Sequencing System

The Labyrinth's sequencing engine consists of two independent 8-step generative sequencers that Moog calls "Bits." These sequencers can operate independently or be chained into a single 16-step sequence. Each active Bit receives a random voltage value between +5V and -5V, with Seq1 normalled to VCO frequency and wavefolder position, while Seq2 controls Mod VCO frequency and filter cutoff.

The sequencers feature several innovative controls:

• Bit Flip: Manually toggle individual steps on/off
• Bit Shift: Shift entire sequences one step right with wraparound
• Length: Reduce sequence length from 8 steps down to 1
• Chain Seq: Combine both sequencers into 16-step sequence
• Corrupt: Introduces probabilistic mutations to notes and gates
• EG Trig Mix: Blends envelope triggering between sequencers

The Corrupt function provides particularly interesting results, offering mild note variations at lower settings (up to 25% probability) and full Turing Machine-style chaos at maximum settings, where each step randomly determines both its note value and gate state.

Modulation and Envelopes

The Labyrinth employs two decay-only envelopes ranging from 10ms to 5 seconds. EG1 can be applied to oscillator pitch, wavefolder amount, and filter cutoff with bipolar control, while EG2 is hardwired to the VCA. This approach emphasizes percussive, West Coast-style synthesis while maintaining the rhythmic focus appropriate for the instrument's groove-oriented design.

The Mod VCO serves double duty as both an audio oscillator and LFO, with normalled connections to the main VCO's FM input. Additional modulation comes from the sequencers themselves, envelope modulation, and the comprehensive patchbay.

Connectivity and Integration

A 32-point patchbay provides extensive connectivity options, including individual oscillator outputs, external audio inputs for the filter and wavefolder, envelope outputs, sequencer CV and gate outputs, and various modulation inputs. The patchbay includes a utility mixer normalled to the ring modulator and specialized inputs for Bit flipping, blend modulation, and independent sequencer clocking.

MIDI integration is provided via TRS input, supporting note input, MIDI clock, and transport controls. MIDI notes are routed through the sequencer system when oscillators are set to quantized mode (QTZ), allowing keyboard control while maintaining the instrument's unique character.

The Labyrinth integrates seamlessly with other Moog semi-modular units, particularly the DFAM and Mother-32, creating complex polyrhythmic compositions that leverage each instrument's strengths while the Labyrinth provides unique timbral colors and rhythmic corruption.

Technical Specifications

Sound Generation

• Primary VCO: Sine wave oscillator with through-zero FM capability
• Mod VCO: Triangle wave oscillator, LFO-capable (seconds range to audio rate)
• Ring Modulator: Fed by both VCOs
• Noise Generator: Variable level white noise
• Oscillator Mixer: Individual level controls for all sources with saturation capability

Signal Processing

• Voltage-Controlled Wavefolder: Diode-transistor hybrid design with VCW Bias control
• Voltage-Controlled Filter: State-variable design, morphs between low-pass and band-pass modes, 2-pole slope
• Dual VCAs: One for audio output, one for modulation
• Signal Routing: Parallel or series processing through wavefolder and filter with blend control

Sequencing System

• Dual 8-Step Generative Sequencers: Independent or chainable to 16 steps
• Quantization: 16 selectable scales, 1-10 octave range per sequencer
• Corruption Engine: Probabilistic note and gate mutation
• Sequence Manipulation: Bit shift, length reduction, individual step editing
• Trigger Mixing: Crossfade between sequencer envelope triggers

Modulation

• Envelopes: 2x decay-only, 10ms to 5 seconds range
  • EG1: Bipolar control over oscillator pitch, wavefolder amount, filter cutoff
  • EG2: Hardwired to VCA
• Modulation Sources: Mod VCO, sequencers, envelopes, external via patchbay

Additional Features

• Scale Quantization: 16 built-in scales for sequencer quantization
• Real-time Control: All parameters accessible during performance
• Preset System: Overlay cards for quick patch recall
• Integration: Designed as companion to DFAM and Mother-32

Connectivity

• Patchbay: 32 x 3.5mm jacks (20 inputs, 12 outputs)
• Audio Output: 1/4" TRS headphone or 1/4" TS instrument output
• MIDI Input: TRS connector supporting notes, clock, and transport
• External Control: Comprehensive CV/Gate connectivity via patchbay

Physical Specifications

• Format: 60HP Eurorack module (18mm depth)
• Construction: Wooden side panels, metal front panel
• Security: Kensington lock slot
• Build Quality: Traditional Moog construction standards maintained
• Included Accessories: Patch cables, overlay cards, setup poster

Power Requirements

• External Power: Wall adapter, barrel connection, center-pin positive
• Input: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz
• Output: +12VDC, 1200mA
• Power Consumption: 4.0 Watts
• Eurorack Draw: 290mA maximum from +12VDC (10-pin header)