Moog Model D
The compact synth that took Moog's sound out of the studio and onto the stage, and the fat bass and lead sound of the seventies.
Monophonic synthesizer · 1970 to 1981
The story
Before the Model D, Moog synthesizers were large modular systems wired with patch cables. Moog hardwired the most useful path into one portable instrument with a keyboard, and it ended up on records from funk to prog to hip hop. Open it up and play it here.
From Parliament-Funkadelic bass lines to Kraftwerk and Dr. Dre, the Model D defined what a synthesizer sounds like. Moog reissued it in 2016 and again in 2022, and its ladder filter is emulated in countless software synths.
How to play
- Turn the sound on, then play the keys with your mouse or your computer keyboard.
- Lower the cutoff and raise emphasis for the classic Moog bass.
- Detune the second and third oscillators slightly for width.
- Slide the case open to see the circuit inside.
Inside the Model D
The parts in the order the sound flows through them.
- 1
Three oscillators
Three VCOs, slightly detuned against each other, give the Model D its thick sound. The third can also modulate the others.
- 2
Mixer
Blends the three oscillators, a noise source and an external input. Turning the levels up drives the filter harder.
- 3
Ladder filter
Moog's transistor ladder low-pass, 24 dB per octave. One of the most imitated filters in synth history.
- 4
Contour generators
Two envelopes, one for the filter and one for loudness, shape every note.
- 5
Output amplifier
Takes the shaped signal out to the world.
Model D at a glance
- Maker
- Moog Music
- Produced
- 1970 to 1981, reissued in 2016 and 2022
- Type
- Analog monophonic synthesizer with keyboard
- Oscillators
- Three VCOs; the third can act as a modulator
- Mixer
- Three oscillators, noise and an external input
- Filter
- Moog transistor ladder low-pass, 24 dB per octave
- Envelopes
- Two contour generators, one for the filter and one for loudness
Frequently asked questions
What is the Minimoog Model D?
The Minimoog Model D is a monophonic analog synthesizer made by Moog from 1970 to 1981. It packed the most useful parts of Moog's large modular systems into one compact instrument with a keyboard, which made it practical for stage and studio.
What makes the Moog ladder filter special?
The ladder filter is a 24 dB per octave low-pass built from a ladder of transistor pairs. It cuts high frequencies steeply while keeping the low end full, and with emphasis raised it adds a resonant peak. It is one of the most imitated filters in synth history.
Can I play a Minimoog online?
Yes. This page has a playable Model D that runs in your browser, free and with nothing to install. Turn the sound on and play with your mouse or your computer keyboard, then slide the case open to see the circuit inside.
Is the Minimoog Model D still made?
The original was made from 1970 to 1981. Moog reissued the Model D in 2016 and again in 2022.
Who used the Minimoog Model D?
Bernie Worrell of Parliament-Funkadelic, Kraftwerk and Dr. Dre are among the many artists who used it, on records from funk to electronic music to hip hop.
How can I turn Model D sounds into my own samples?
Record what you play here with Tape Sampler in Vibseek Studio. It captures the audio so you can trim it and use it as a sample in your own tracks.
Tape Sampler in Vibseek Studio
Record what you hear.
Like that bass? Capture it with Tape Sampler in Vibseek Studio and build a sample pack of your own.
Early access
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Listen and read further
- Minimoog
The full history of the instrument.
- Robert Moog
The engineer behind Moog synthesizers.
- Moog synthesizer
The modular systems that came before the Model D.
- Bernie Worrell
Parliament-Funkadelic's keyboardist and a defining Minimoog player.
- Ladder filter
How the Moog filter circuit works.
- Minimoog Model D at Moog Music
The instrument as Moog makes it today.
Sources
Last updated . An educational recreation made by Vibseek. Moog and Model D are trademarks of their respective owners. Vibseek is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.