The End of an Era | Moog Voyager

[@phable]

What are your thoughts about the Moog Voyager?

[@budfoon]

Still like mine. It sounded so much better after the slew rate mod - much more like a Model D...

[@phable]

@@budfoon cool, have you done it yourself?

[@budfoon]

@@phable No - Moog did it for me.

[@TheBigChoppa]

It's incredibly easy to find amazing sounds on the Voyager. The con of not being able to maintaining perfect tuning and locked in accurate settings is actually one of the best parts in my opinion. I find it is just the right amount to keep things subtle and entertaining to the ear. It breaths and feels how an instrument should. It has similar iconic sounds to other Moog instruments but I believe its value is overlooked by those trying to recreate. With popularity of the analog synths returning, I'm excited to find out how new creators/artists will use the voyager. Thank you for the in-depth video!! You rock!

[@phable]

@@budfoon Woah, didn’t know that Moog did it themselves!

[@1milanz69]

The Voyager is arguably one of the best synths ever. Absolutely classic status guaranteed to grow over the years.

[@phable]

You're absolutely right :)

[@1milanz69]

Thank you. I really mean it ;)

[@garysmith8455]

Thanks for bringing the Voyager back to the front with your presentation! I bought a very special, brand new one back in the day. And am the happy owner of one of the last 25 that Robert Moog hand signed. It is also a 50th Anniversary Edition in black ash finish with blue backlighting. While visiting Ashville, I hand delivered it to Amos at the old Moog factory for the memory upgrade. While there for my 'tour', I also purchased the external module that increases it's capabilities to integrate with modular systems, but never installed it, still in the box. I'll get around to it soon, as my keyboard studio is now almost finished. Thanks again!

[@RunFaster011]

Great video, definitely subbing to your channel! From a historical standpoint, I think it's an amazing thing to own the last synth Bob Moog had a hand in designing. From a man who spent his entire life with synthesizers, this was his swan song. I think this instrument will only keep going up in value when more people realize its significance. To me, it represents a Model D upgraded for the 21st century.

[@phable]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Bob worked on the Little Phatty.

[@starrifymusic]

The Voyager is an amazing Moog. We have a limited edition with the breakout boxes. I admit I got frustrated with it out of the gate not being a model D, and I ended up putting it away for a while in its box. Since purchasing it, I bought a source, a model D and a One, over several years and after going deeper and deeper on those synths I brought the voyager back out. I love the lack of buzziness, I love the softness of the synth, it totally lives in its own beautiful place amongst my synths. I prefer to use the CV and not use midi to arpeggiate it and there is something totally magical about this. The more I search its soft side the more I love it, it’s so lush. If you are a synth collector like me, it’s got a very special sound, all Moog and at the same time a roundness I was searching for that somehow lives between a D and say a Juno 60. I hope this synth finds its place in history, I’d love to own an XL!

[@daftdj123]

Never had the chance to test one (maybe one day) so thank you for this video

[@phable]

It’s a very „controversial“ synth. But I immediately fell in love.

[@Yawsounds]

Another banger! Looking forward to the before and after with the mod.

[@phable]

Thanks Papa! Really excited to hear it myself!

[@simccaffrey]

+1

[@suitandtieguy]

i'm really glad to hear someone has figured out how to fix the top end of the V'ger. i'm going to subscribe to your channel in case you go through with the mod.

[@phable]

Really happy that I can help out :)

[@phable]

@@gnthr7992 oh wow!

[@teashea1]

Glad you got one. I think you will enjoy it. I have three of them. They are so excellent.

[@phable]

You have three? :D

[@teashea1]

@@phable Yes. I have one Voyager with Bublinga wood. I also have a matched pair of white Voyager and Voyager XL.

[@PeperJaron]

Still very much in love with my Moog Voyager Old School 🙂

[@phable]

Oh wow, that’s a rare beauty! Congratulations!

[@TheDigitalManMusic]

Cool vid - I have a Voyager and a Voyager OS and love them. My OS ends up in pretty much every track I create.

[@phable]

Thanks! Have you noted any differences between OS and Original soundwise?

[@TheDigitalManMusic]

@@phable Not too much. I've recreated sounds on both with identical settings and they are pretty close. I'd say the variance is due more to the age of the Voyager (the OS in newer and much less used). I prefer the OS due to the directness to the synth - same as my Model D and I find not having patch storage is oddly liberating. Also, the layout of the OS is much more spread out not having the touchpad in the middle - the little things in life eh :)

[@ChimeraGilbert]

I have two voyagers, the performer and the XL, so I'm definitely biased, but I think the name 'minimoog' doomed its reputation. People were expecting a flat out re-release of the model D (which ironically is what they're doing now). I agree the MIDI is kind of poorly implemented, but the whole sounding too soft thing is kind of petty in my opinion. It's not *that* much softer, and in a mix the difference will easily be truncated, especially with how easy it is to turn the high up on your mixer. Problem solved. That said, the most frustrating part for me is the menu has aged poorly and is annoying to use. Great video thanks for making it :)

[@phable]

Amen! Thank you for your feedback. We have to take the Voyager as it is. But each day, it becomes more and more a staple in my studio.

[@MagicMusicAdam]

I vought my Performer edition in Feb 2004. I've had it in the studio, gigged it, and it's been 100% stable, reliable and awesome. I didn't bother reading any of the opinions back then, I just went to Turnkey in London, played it for two hours, then bought it. Not one regret, I love it and will never part with it!

[@phable]

Wow, you made a friend forever! I hope mine parts never with me as well :)

[@MagicMusicAdam]

@@phable I'm sure you will, it's endless sonic pleasure!

[@p.meyerhiggins3157]

I miss Turnkey...

[@jeffjfindley4802]

Demo 5 is a film cue, brotha. Nice work!!

[@phable]

@@jeffjfindley4802 thanks mate!

[@genepozniak]

Yes! Slew rate comparison, please! :-)

[@phable]

Okay :)

[@supercompooper]

The Voyager is really cool. I love my electric green one. I had it re-cased in Lignum Vitae wood!

[@phable]

That’s a nice color!

[@supercompooper]

I never turn my voyager off and it's still in tune 20 years later!

[@phable]

Great, maybe it’s just an issue of my Voyager :)

[@sunnypedaal]

With slew rate mod and using it as a mono out 1 filter synth , it gets close to mix between a multimoog ( soundwise) and a model-d( layout etc). I own a fully upgraded signature and think it’s a very all round, high quality synth. Mini has been callibrated 20 years ago and still hold well

[@anthonyrothercom]

The Minimoog is awesome, the Voyager is the G.O.A.T. I had both and I kept the Voyager.

[@phable]

Couldn't agree more. Had to keep both :D

[@tobiasbraun7635]

Thanks a lot for this detailed video. Not so many good video content about the Voyager out there, even it it's such a great synth. I'm obsessed with it's sound and right now saving money for it. If I will not find one with the slew rate mod, where and how can I update it?

[@chizmo7]

I bought my first Mini model D in 1978. Still have it. Amazing. I bought a Voyager around 2005 and it is also amazing. Having a programmable Mini is awesome. I then bought a new 2023 Model D reissue. Also amazing. I could never sell any of them.

[@larrydavid6102]

People who compare the Voyager to the Model D are missing the point. It was designed as a performance synthesizer first and foremost, not a modern version of "that sound" of a Model D. If you want a particular iconic Model D sound, you're better off getting a Model D or modern clone. The Voyager touchpad is excellent and rarely commented on or demonstrated. It's very useful for expressive performances, easier to get two (or higher, depending on programming) dimensional changes with one finger, and multiple fingers can be used for even more control (tapping, spreading, etc.) The touchpad is almost like its own instrument. Voyager is also much more complex than the Model D; the stereo filters (two completely separate filters) are also often overlooked. You get two independent filters, with all their organic variations and subtle differences, in each channel. This can be further manipulated with FX and in the mix (CV panning, etc.) And the modular/CV integration is also very powerful. This synth is so much more than a bass or lead synth, which is what 90% of the videos you see of it are using it for. As for the sound, it's Moog through and through. I wouldn't say "soft"; I'd say beautifully musical, creamy, round, full, lush. There are already tons of harsh/crunchy sounding synths available (all the Arturia brutes, etc.). I love Moog's design choice in that aspect. And don't be fooled, you can get a Voyager to sound nasty if you really want it to, especially with some external FX (and who is going to run the thing completely dry anyway?). It's a sleeper for sure; all the haters have caused it to be undervalued IMNSHO. I can't think of a better sounding, more powerful normalled monosynth (i.e. not counting modulars). The Model D was a budget synth when it was in production, and it just happened to sound so good it became iconic, much like the 303 or 808. The Voyager was designed from the start to be an evolution of the Model D, better in almost every measurable way, so much more than what the original Mini had become - a lead/bass synth sitting on top of an electric piano with one sound per synth (picture Rick Wakeman with his pair, etc.) Bottom line is the Voyager is not a good clone/reissue/replacement of the Model D. It's a much better synth all around.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Enjoy for what it is 👍 Got a Subsequent,M32 and DFAM. Great stuff.

[@phable]

Truly do :)

[@jakedooom]

I have three Moogs, four if you count the subharmonicon too.. So with the Subsequent 37CV, the Matriarch and the Voyager, all brilliant sounding synths, the Voyager is the Rolls Royce. It has such a great tactile feel, the large knobs, their heft and smoothness, the key bed is the same size as the others, and the same “type” as the Matriarch, just feels better quality, the plastic feels more ivory-like and pearlescent. Sat in front of the three of them, the Voyager is such a soulful instrument, it’s the one I go to when I really want an instrument to sing.

[@gautrstafr]

I also have a Voyager, when I bought it second hand it also had the octave tuning issue. You need to tune it yourself using the trim pots in the back (you have to open it). Once you tune it, this should go away and it should be pretty stable. I've only tuned mine twice in 6 years

[@phable]

Thanks :)

[@nxn-analogxanalog5739]

I also brought my Voyager to Rudi for slewrate modification and Bank enhancement. It‘s really worthwhile! One hint: better also check aftertouch of your model: The AT of the older ones is oversensitive, acting like a digital gate (AT on or off… nothing in between…). Rudi can also modify it, so you can play it with finer resolution and it‘s getting usable.

[@Zemael]

Nice synth, books... some records... surely we could be friends. A hug from Brazil.

[@phable]

And I also do Capoeira. ;) Greetings from Germany!

[@GonzalesMichael-sx4sd]

MY VOYAGER IS PAIRED WITH MOOGERFOOGERS, CONTROL EXPANDER, AND A DEDICATED MOTHER 32 SEQUENCER... HOLY COW..COURT ADJOURNED ❤❤❤

[@Limbowski]

you also have a good taste when it comes to watches. love that sinn

[@phable]

@@Limbowski me too :)

[@AsherBKNY]

Thank you so much! Please do more videos on this synth 👍

[@phable]

Will do :)

[@synthpunkmusick1661]

Awesome video and breat information.

[@phable]

Thx ❤️

[@AllureMusicLab]

Please, I would love to hear a sound comparison with Slew Rate Mod! I have 3 Voyager RME and am considering equipping them with the Slew Rate Mod!

[@phable]

Very hard to do. But I maybe do a new video with the Slew Rate Mod

[@jlpower]

Great video. Been thinking about getting one for years. Slight correction, the pronunciation of his name and the company is MOHG.

[@phable]

Hahaha, noted ;)

[@jlpower]

Sorry, didn’t mean to ‘well actually’ you. Is that a Sinn U50, btw?

[@phable]

@@jlpower Haha, no problem! A fellow watch fanatic! Its an U1 :)

[@jlpower]

@@phable Yes! Synths and watches, what's not to love?

[@AtomNic]

Good video, and I find it funny that I was just about to pull a trigger on the slew rate mod and you’ve mentioned it in the video as well, just to reconfirm my intention. Did you do the mod already? The synth sounds great on it’s own, as soon as you try to fit it into the electro house or any other electronic music production it just doesn’t fit in the mix at all. Very dull sound but round in a nice way. Trying to bring out the brightest with the eq just doesn’t make it sound good

[@phable]

Yes, did it in summer. Worth every penny :)

[@comfysynth]

I considered a used voyager but….. ….. it was around the same time the model D was reissued by Moog. So I went all in and purchased a reissue Model D. I love it. It hasn’t got the modulation bus, the adjustable filter and stereo and midi capabilities of the voyager BUT it is the true classic

[@phable]

Like I said, both Moogs are different beasts and complement each other :)

[@comfysynth]

@@phable they are both awesome instruments. Can I ask. If you have both a model D and I voyager why would you mod the voyager? The softer sound is its unique thing.

[@phable]

@@comfysynth because even with the mod, the Voyager sounds unique. It adds more bite, but still maintains the unique character.

[@mackmccord3743]

Purchased my Voyager xl for my bEarthday in January and about a month or so later the the 2016 reissue was released so Eye traded my XL for the Model D. It has been my dream synth since a child. Couldn't be happier especially now having my matriarch and micro and the source to join it. The sound was beautiful and the capabilities were cool. But it was absolutely too huge for my home studio with all these synths and records and drums and drum machines and a fender Rhodes. There is and was no room for it anymore. Also very happy to have gotten the 2016 release versus the latest release.

[@dwmilo]

Yeah I’m considering either the new Model D 2022 or a Voyager. Love to hear a slew rate mod!

[@phable]

Video coming soon :)

[@ChicolaMusic]

thanks for the video !

[@phable]

You‘re welcome :)

[@johnhigueradelmoral9964]

Nice Video chico! ❤🎉

[@phable]

Hahaha, danke!

[@muzicmanc945]

did you ever do the mod to slew rate? I wouldn't do it I prefer the Voyager over the Model D sound model d TO BUZZY for me BUT it'S nice ! I find Voyage more musical iIMO especially with outboard effects.

[@benhorne1540]

OT, but where did you get that wallpaper on the monitor? I have a voyager that I bought recently, but it has been in and out of the shop since I got it. Love it when it's working.

[@phable]

Its an old Gorillaz cover :)

[@StevenClements]

I saw Chick Corea with Return To Forever and he was playing the Voyager. Now Chick could have had any Moog on stage with him and he chose the Voyager. That in itself really speaks volumes.

[@phable]

Yep :-)

[@dalelaushman8749]

Hi, thanks for the video. I love my voyager xl. The only thing I wish it had was just a bit more high end presence. It’s workable tho. Other than that it’s totally amazing.m! did you do the slew rate mod? What are your takeaways from the slew rate mod? Best, Dale

[@muzicmanc945]

Had a limited edition Voyager sold it got Moog One ..guess what.. went back to Voyager XL. will never sell again! I Love the tone I don't like the buzzy Model D. they voyager has a much better Low end than the Model D but no one talks about that!!. Tim Shoebridge did a great video of the Voyager XL and showed how the initial settings of the are off on the oscillators. it can get close to model D but I don't ever want mine to sound like a model D. Voyager rules!!!!! great video btw :)

[@SuiSibi]

You don't need the slew rate mod. If you want the oscillators to sound more aggro, you can process them them with the mixer-out/filter in. The preamps on the Moogerfoogers make great overdrives/distortions for the Voyager's oscillators. The filter definitely "opens all the way". If it doesn't on a particular patch, it's because there's a setting going on behind the scenes that's feeding it negative voltage. There's a CV input, so you can always apply a DC offset as a measure of last resort (though why would you need to?). If you want the filter to sound brighter and buzzier, reduce the number of filter poles. One pole mode sounds huge. Here's what 100 tracks of Voyager sounds like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3-YaKmjpKeWgrs

[@phable]

The mixer insert and external input are on my list for a next video. Amazing capabilities, but the Slew Rate Mod is not about distortion. It’s actually more a subtle, yet distinguishable upgrade. We‘ll see what the future brings :)

[@eddy_sonik]

I LOVE ! 🧡

[@phable]

Me too :)

[@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135]

i have the Moog Grandmother and i love it

[@phable]

A great synth has well!

[@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135]

@@phable yours too 😎

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

My favorite Moog.

[@phable]

I'm still between this and the Minimoog. Both are just beautiful.

[@OperationChicago]

Good video, I am looking for a couple of " strong " baselines. Any chance you know of there names in the presets that you like ?

[@phable]

Almost any sound works for bass. The voyager is a beast ;)

[@XxChrisxXBedofRazors]

Didn't Moog stated that models made between mid-2010 - Jan 2013 or so were the ones with issues, which had bad boards? What about the first makes between 2002 - 2005? I heard that those made around the early years were reliable. Wondering cause I'm waiting on one that I've bought for a reasonable price, and it was made around the early years.

[@phable]

From what I heard, all models had problems. Everything is fixable, hence don’t bother too much.

[@XxChrisxXBedofRazors]

@@phable I know it's been months since this comment but, any chance you may be getting that Slew Rate Mod for the Voyager soon? It be awesome to hear the difference. I've been thinking of getting that mod too at some point. Also it would be awesome to do a patch comparison vid with the Model D.

[@phable]

@@XxChrisxXBedofRazors I already got it. Due to so many productions atm, I wasn’t able to do a proper review. The mod was totally worth it (around 150€)!!! Gives me exactly what was missing.

[@dadduorp]

I’d purchased a Voyager Select Electric Blue back in 2012 having always been inspired by Chick Corea and Jan Hammer, and while I love the feel and look of the Moog brand, I discovered that I’m more into polyphonic sound sculpturing and texturing/layering. Sad to say, the Voyager has just sat in my basement studio and after the initial excitement wore off, I’ve probably played it no more than a dozen times in the 10 years I’ve had it.

[@AvantsGarde]

That’s depressing to read as someone who really wants one of these things.

[@TennTones]

I have a Model D from 1973. Do I need one of these if I own a great model D? Thanks

[@phable]

Model D is in a league of it's own ;)

[@ratonme]

I have the Little Phatty Tribute Edition and I love it.

[@phable]

That’s an amazing synth as well!

[@MyBichSustained]

Does it have a arpeggiator and hold?

[@phable]

Sadly no :(

[@MyBichSustained]

@@phable Damn!Thanks,Man! I want one but now the desktop is more appealing!

[@justinpower4475]

I will agree with you that moog sync is usable on more subtle things than a skrillex track... haven't found the same with other synths.

[@phable]

Maybe the original Prophet 5 has a nice Sync. But other than that Moog all the way for me.

[@justinpower4475]

@@phable ah yeah I forget "Release the Beast" by Breakwater is a prophet 5 sync

[@GonzalesMichael-sx4sd]

Voyager and mother 32....😊

[@brianschiller4053]

I got mine right after they were discontinued, it’s a keeper. The only issue I have is that osc3 is very unstable, but the other two are fine.

[@phable]

That can be fixed easily :)

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Chick Corea's Voyager 61 should be valuing a fortune, then ! ❤

[@phable]

It should!

[@gktde9874]

Hab den Slew Rate Mod beim Rudi machen lassen. Erwarte keine "Kopernikanische Wende ". Es ist eine nette Ergänzung aber der Voyager Charakter bleibt (was auch gut ist). Um mir noch eine ordentliche Schippe "Dreck " draufzumachen hab ich noch einen TC electronic Mojo Mojo overdrive angeschlossen Ja, dann scheppert es schon ganz schön. 😊

[@phable]

Dessen bin ich mir durchaus bewusst. Doch manchmal ein wenig mehr Bite zu haben, macht gewisse Klänge für mich einfach besser einsetzbar.

[@ReinaldoCrespo]

How much did you pick it up for?

[@partymarty6969]

I bet they’ll reissue the Voyager … I feel like it’s a no brainer. Especially since the Model D lacks patch saving and rack-mount capabilities.

[@phable]

Would be really cool! Also I love the CV options.

[@guynamedowl1313]

I have the XL and a Moog One. Both carry their share of bad reputation. I can’t care less. Both are so deep, that think I will never completely master them.

[@phable]

Great that you are making up your own mind!

[@RayyMusik]

Moug, nicht Muug bitte! Ansonsten bin ich zufrieden mit meinem Subsequent 37. Der hat zwar nur zwei Oszillatoren + Sub, aber an Mod-Möglichkeiten dürfte er den Voyager noch übertreffen. An Patch-Speicher wohl auch. ;)

[@78thandSynth]

I want all the moog.

[@phable]

Me too :D

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Moog Matriarch is a great synth too.

[@phable]

Never had a chance to try it out :/

[@TheCanadianDreamEvergreen]

Hand me that thing, I’ll show you how it’s done

[@Jamie7-w]

If i were a rich man…i would own a voyager!

[@phable]

It's never too late ;)

[@Jamie7-w]

@@phable everything from moog is limited edition. It drives the prices up. I wish i had gotten another fooger before they stopped on those.

[@happenpappen6962]

SINN U1 ? nice

[@phable]

Good eyes ;)

[@malif4150]

Why the end of an era? is the hype over of classic snyths?

[@phable]

I das referring to Bob‘s death.

[@triplebeam23]

If you dont have the coin for one of these .. get a matriarch.. it has alot of the same features .. and dont have to worry about tuning iasues

[@shpongled587]

sheeple confuse pioneers with gods

[@GonzalesMichael-sx4sd]

HOOK YOUR VOYAGER THROUGH A FOCUSRITE ISA 430 AND YOU SOUND BETTER THAN A "D"😊

[@phable]

I really miss my 430…

[@victorvargas49]

Why??😢😢😢

[@phable]

Good question :/

[@victorvargas49]

moog model D is the king among kings, moog released 2 fantastic instruments Voyager and School and stopped production😰😰 I think it was a very bad marketing move to the detriment of the company and musicians. It's my opinion.

[@danield_sounds]

The biggest problem of the Voyager is the burden to be the Model D sucessor

[@phable]

True, that's the sad story about the Voyager.

[@jesse7967]

p̷r̷o̷m̷o̷s̷m̷

[@pedrogomis]

not reliable

[@phable]

You mean tuning?

[@pedrogomis]

@@phable texas instruments ic fail, modulation buses not working, ... I have mine at the shop to fix the mod wheel no longer working

[@phable]

@@pedrogomis yep, that TI issue is very well known. Means your Voyager is from 2008 or later if I’m correct. As much as it’s a PITA to have malfunctions, these can be repaired. Something very unusual in todays world.

[@pedrogomis]

@@phable 2013

[@pinocarella_00]

perchè sarebbe la fine di un'era?

[@phable]

It’s the last one designed by Bob Moog :)