Bob Moog Foundation Announces Winter Raffle For $20,000 Eurorack Synthesizer


The Bob Moog Foundation – an independent non-profit organization – today announced its winter fundraising raffle, featuring a prize of a one-of-a-kind Eurorack monster synth.

The Eurorack system being raffled was curated by vector synthesis pioneer and modular synthesis educator Chris Meyer (Learning Modular).

The system features 52 modules, by more than 30 Eurorack manufacturers, from over 10 different countries. The modules are housed in a custom walnut 15U cabinet, designed by Needham Woodworks for the Bob Moog Foundation. The system has a retail value of $20,000.

The winner of the raffle will also receive a copy of Patch & Tweak: Exploring Modular Synthesis, signed by Chris Meyer (author) and Kim Bjorn (publisher), free access to all Learning Modular online courses, as well as a gift pack of t-shirts and other items from Luigi’s Modular Supply.


“This wonderful instrument is a self-contained modular orchestra that also plays well with the outside world,” notes system curator Chris Meyer. “We began by building a collection of Eurorack format modules that were inspired by the original Moog modules, keyboards, and rack units. We then filled it out with a carefully chosen assortment of more contemporary modules and utilities with the goal of playing multiple, varied voices at once while keeping that classic Moog sound. We also incorporated a semi-modular Moog Mother-32, so its lucky owner could start making music immediately without having to first master how to patch a modular synth.”

At this system’s core are eight different filters, inspired by Bob Moog’s pioneering transistor ladder design. Three analog oscillators and a pair of digital oscillators are complemented by mixers based on the classic Moog CP3 design. There is also a trio of percussion voices, as well as a wide range of modulation sources.

Effects include a spring reverb, analog phase shifter, vocoder/filter bank, frequency shifter, and a digital multi-effect module, all combined with a stereo mixer. A pair of traditional Moog-style analog sequencers, plus wood-encased keyboard are paired with a MIDI interface and arpeggiator, allowing the owner to play this powerful instrument any way they like.

“The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to offer this stunning Eurorack synthesizer,” noted the Foundation’s Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa. “This system represents an exciting departure from the vintage analog synthesizers that we usually offer. We are deeply grateful to the community of Eurorack manufacturers for their wonderful support and for donating the various modules and components to us so that we could create this exceptional system.”

The system features modules by the following manufacturers:

The keyboard interface was provided by Synthesizers.com and the cables were provided by Luigi’s Modular Supply. The system was assembled by AVL Vintage Audio. Every component of the system was donated to the Bob Moog Foundation by the manufacturer.

The raffle ends Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:59 pm (EST). Tickets for the raffle are available for $20 each, 6 for $100, 14 for $200, and 40 for $500. The raffle is open internationally.

All proceeds benefit the three pillar projects of the Bob Moog Foundation:Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, and the Moogseum, and will help the Moogseum remain resilient among the long-term financial challenges caused by Hurricane Helene.

Synthesis Technology E430 Morphing SVF Now Available To Pre-Order


Synthesis Technology’s Paul Schreiber let us know that his new Euro-format E430 Morphing SVF is now available.

The E430 is Schreiber’s take on the classic Oberheim SEM 12dB/oct state-variable filter, with 3 added features:

  • Individual filter outputs: Low-Pass, Bandpass, Notch, and High-pass
  • Voltage-controlled Morph output: sweeps between LP-BP-HP or LP-Notch-HP via panel switch
  • Voltage-controlled Resonance

Schreiber notes that the original SEM circuitry was not “improved” or updated, adding that “Great care was spent through measurements and beta testing to duplicate the SEM’s unique sound.”

The design incorporates 40 year old circuits such as:

  • LM301 audio input op amp
  • LM741 resonance op amp
  • RC4558 audio summing op amps
  • Discrete JFET current buffers between filter sections
  • CA3080-class OTAs
  • No self-resonance unless patched externally

Other features includes 2 FM inputs (FM1 is a reversing attenuator) and user-programmable LED color for the Morph switch.

Synthesis Technology E430 Morphing SVF Video Demo:

The Synthesis Technology E430 Morphing SVF is available now to pre-order via Analogue Haven, with a MSRP of $339.

New Thumb Bar Controller Frees Your Left Hand For Playing


Developer Craig Jackson shared this sneak preview of the Thumb Bar Controller – a new synth accessory that offers an alternative to the traditional pitch bend wheel.

The Thumb Bar Controller is designed to let you play your synth with modulation control, using just one hand. With traditional pitch and mod wheels, soloing with modulation requires two hands. The Thumb Bar Controller lets you add pitch bend or mod expression using your thumb, freeing up your other hand to do other things.Jackson also notes that the Thumb Bar Controller can also be used as an enabling technology for people that may only be able to play an instrument with one hand.


The new MIDI controller will fit most 49-key or smaller synthesizers. The video demonstrates how the Thumb Bar offers two axes of expressive control, up and down for pitch bend and in/out for modulation.

Details are still to come at Jackson’s site, but he says that the Thumb Bar Controller will be available in 2025.