Moog keep ’em coming with the splendid Matriarch
Never failing to disappoint at the their annual Moogfest, Moog dropped the 49-key, four-voice Paraphonic synth masterpiece that is the Matriarch. Drawing inspiration from vintage circuity of classic Moog synth modules, there’s a vast universe to be explored across a relatively compact yet breathtakingly versatile control layout.
Semi-modular wonderment
Moog’s Matriarch is a patchable 4-note paraphonic analog synth with (from left to right across the top panel) built-in Sequencer, Arpeggiator, stereo Ladder Filters, Envelope Generators, and stereo Analog Delay. The beauty of its design is that you can get stuck into creating densely packed soundscapes without having to patch anything in. That being said, there are a whopping 90 mini-jack patch points along the top panel to get your creative juices flowing.
Paraphonic party piece
Boasting four oscillators, the Matriarch allows you to sequence and/or perform in mono, duo and 4-note paraphonic modes, giving you the ability to play chords and layer up lavish sequences as complex as you like. Each oscillator features independent frequency, tuning, and waveform dials to give you buckets of sonic potential.
Thanks to the stereo analog filter and voltage-controlled bucket brigade-based stereo delay, you can also create delightful ping-pong style panning effects, soaring filtering and mind-altering reverbs. The 100-percent analog signal path takes in everything from raucous overdriven monophonic bass to punchy paraphonic punctuations.
Enviable playability
Having dials, faders, knobs, and patch points to play with wouldn’t be anything without a comfortable velocity-sensitive keyboard to navigate and classic jogwheels for Pitch Bend and Modulation. With a 256-step sequencer you can run patterns aplenty, shifting them at will and utilising the patch point potential set out in front of you to cultivate epic sounds.
Happy alone, plays well with others
Though you can readily craft impressive compositions with the Matriarch alone, Moog equip it with more than enough connectivity to ensure that it can take its rightful place at the heart of the most elaborate setup. Whether you’re live on the stage or putting together your magnum opus, the Moog Matriarch is an ideal processor of external sound sources, giving you intricate keyboard control over DFAM, Mother-32, Grandmother or Eurorack modular systems.
Matriarch: Place / Time / Memory
If you want to hear what it is capable of, check out this stunning video where four artists/composer/multi-instrumentalists/producers/sound designers including Lisa Bella Donna, Sarah Schachner, Paris Strother, and Max Ravitz, put the Moog Matriarch through its paces in their own enigmatic styles.
| Standout Features | |
|---|---|
| Voice Mode | Mono, duo, and 4-note paraphonic playability |
| Analog Delay | Stereo analog delay w/ up to 700ms of MIDI sync-able stereo or ping/pong style repeats |
| Sequencer | 256 step sequencer w/ up to 4 notes per step and 12 stored patterns. Can be decoupled from Matriarch to independently sequence external gear |
| Arpeggiator | Arpeggiator with selectable modes (Order, Forward/Backward, Random) |
| Semi-Modular Design | Semi-modular analog synthesizer – no patching required |
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer |
| Sound Engine | 100% Analog |
| Number of Keys | 49 Full-Size Keys |
| Type of Keys | Velocity-sensing with Aftertouch (Velocity and Aftertouch are not hard-wired – available via MIDI, KBD VEL OUT and KB AT OUT jacks) |
| Other Controllers | Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Variable Glide, Expression pedal in to CV out, and Sustain Pedal in |
| Polyphony | Monophonic, 2-Note Paraphonic, and 4-Note Paraphonic |
Get in touch
Check out our selection of Synthesizers on the Dawsons Website. Alternatively, head to your nearest Dawsons Music store where our instore specialists will be more than happy to help you out.
If you’d like any more information, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Customer Service team via telephone on 01925 582420.
If you liked that then you might like this
We explore the features of the awesome Moog Grandmother: Things You Need to Know.
Jon is a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for inspiring others to get involved in making music. After spending many years playing venues here, there and – pretty much – everywhere, he joined the Dawsons’ Music Web Team before progressing into his current role managing the Dawsons Blog.