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Today, Moog officially announced the Messenger synthesizer at Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin.

The Moog Messenger is a powerful synth that blends so-called ‘East Coast (Moog)’ and ‘West Coast (Buchla)’ synthesis capabilities. They call it “Moog’s most accessible analog synthesizer to date”.

The Moog Messenger is priced at $899 and it is one of the most capable monosynths that Moog has ever made, introducing new synthesis capabilities, expressive performance options, knob-per-function control, CV/Gate connectivity and more.

With the introduction comes the coordinated release of embargoed videos from retailers, reviewers, performers and synthfluencers alike. Here’s a round up of the videos that offer the best introduction to Moog’s new synth.

The first video, embedded above, is an official Moog video that features synthesist Lisa Bella Donna performing (with multitracking) a complete track using the Messenger, with an extended solo at the end. It’s a great showcase of the range of the Moog Messenger and its live performance options.

In the next video, Andrew Huang shares his take on the Moog Messenger, along with his five outstanding features:

Host Ziv Eliraz – in his latest loopop video below – shares a really comprehensive review of the Moog Messenger, including his thoughts on pros and cons, and his tips for ‘DFAM mode’ & using it paraphonically:

Here’s producer Sanjay C‘s take on the Messenger:

“In this video, I walk you through everything you need to know: the analog wavefolder, looping envelopes, modulation matrix, built-in sequencer, Res Bass feature, and more. I’ll show you how it sounds, how it works, and how it stacks up to other synths under $900.”

The next video feature musician and visual designer Tycho (a.k.a Scott Hansen):

“I’m kind of Moog obsessed,” says Hansen. “My first Moog synthesizer was a Voyager, and I ended up getting a Minimoog, Source, Prodigy and Matriarch—which was the primary choice for my album Infinite Health, where I wanted synth and guitar sounds to overlap and connect in interesting ways.”

“The Messenger feels like a very playable instrument, as opposed to something you have to dive into with sound design,” he adds. “Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, the Messenger seems perfect for writing or live performance—and the patch memory is huge.”

If you want to hear the Messenger get a workout, check out Matt Johnson’s take, which emphasizes sound design and performing:

Hear what the Messenger sounds like, ‘No Talking’ style demo of the Messenger by Sweetwater synth guru Daniel Fisher:

Here, synthesist Sarah Belle Reid offers her take on the Moog Messenger, including her take on how the synth’s range extends beyond standard ‘Moog synth sounds’:

Reid’s video includes an overview of how Messenger works, plus a large number of audio demos and patch examples.

Has Moog released an affordable monosynth keyboard that actually pushes the envelope?

Watch the videos and share your thoughts on the new Moog Messenger in the comments!

Today, Roland releases a major update for the SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer, Version 2.0.

The new free V2.0 firmware update expands the unit’s original capabilities in a number of key ways.

v2.0 offers new sonic capabilities, with two expressive new OSC Models, pattern chaining for streamlined performances and workflow refinements.

Of particular note are two new OSC models, the introduction of pattern chaining and some slick workflow tight-ups including system-level FX and a new Sub-Step option for off-grid note entry.

The two OSC models are the main draws here though. Firstly there’s Step, a basic step-based LFO modulation that can conjure those more classic-sounding analog step sequencer-esque phrases and movements.

Meanwhile, Harmonic can be a bit more expansive, and – via a classic drawbar organ layout – can be used to carve anything and everything from rich pads to throbbing bass tones.

The new pattern chaining functionality makes it easy to graft distinct patterns together into song-arrangement esque structures.

Also of note, is the deeper system settings that allow the same effect parameters to span across multiple instrument layers (reverb, chorus and delay).

Here’s what’s new in SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer v2.0:

SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer v2.0 Features:

• Two new OSC Models
  • STEP for step-based LFO modulation to produce dynamic movement within tones. From rigid, classic analog step sequencer-inspired phrases locked into the groove, to experimental soundscapes with curves, swells, bleeps and bloops.
  • HARMONIC for rich, layered sounds with a classic drawbar organ layout. Prime for creating essential house bass tones, bell-like chimes, deep pads, and powerful organ sounds with hands-on control of four harmonically tuned drawbars.
• Workflow refinements
  • PATTERN CHAIN for streamlined hands-free performances and song construction.
  • SYSTEM-LEVEL FX options for consistent Reverb, Delay, and Chorus settings across all patterns for cohesive mixes in the studio as well as uninterrupted pattern switching while playing live.
  • QUICK OVERWRITE for saving tone and pattern data with less steps, never breaking creative momentum.
  • UNDO/REDO function now supported up to 10 times for worry-free experimentation when creating sequences.
  • New SUB-STEP options for off-grid note entry, shifting synth and drum hits behind-the-beat for looser grooves and greater variations when paired with Probability.
  • Extended MIDI control with improved program change implementation and new options for which MIDI data is transmitted to external devices.

The upgrade is free and available now for all SH-4d owners.

Visit the Roland site for details on SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer v2.0.

Host Ziv Eliraz  – in his latest loopop video – shares an in-depth review of the new Moog Messenger, a compact monophonic synth introduced at Superbooth 2025.

The Moog Messenger is a compact monophonic analog synthesizer that they say is “designed to deliver the iconic Moog sound to a new generation of musicians”.

In his review, Eliraz offers a comprehensive overview of the Moog Messenger and its capabilities, a discussion of how it builds on previous Moog synths, the keyboard’s performance capabilities, and his take on its pros and cons. Along the way, he shares lots of audio demos.

Check out the review and share your thoughts in the comments!

Topics covered:

0:00 Intro
1:20 Overview
2:05 Mod “matrix”
4:20 Build
5:10 I/O
5:40 Osc 1+2
6:30 PWM/Shape mod
7:00 Osc 2
7:50 Sub osc
8:10 Mixer
8:30 Feedback
9:15 Filter
9:45 Res bass
13:00 Filter mods
13:50 Envelopes
15:00 LFOs
16:30 Config menu
17:00 Arp
18:50 Sequencer
20:35 Param rec
21:45 Note prob
23:35 Gate prob
24:25 “DFAM mode”
27:00 Duophony?
30:30 Pros & cons
33:30 Sounds!