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The iconic Moog Minimoog Model D synth is back in production and looking better than ever.

Moog Music today announced the return of the classic Minimoog Model D analog synthesizer.

Considered by many to be the greatest synth of all time, the original Minimoog Model D was released in 1970. It remained on sale for just over a decade, before production ceased in 1981.

We are assured that this new version has the same sound engine and signal path as the original, with a few modern updates, while also retaining the modifications that were made for the 2016 reissue.

These include a dedicated analogue LFO with triangle and square waveshapes, a Fatar keybed with velocity and after pressure available via top panel CV jacks with onboard trimpots, MIDI integration, improved pitch wheel calibration, and a mixer feedback modification that enables you to overdrive the Minimoog Model D and make it scream simply by turning a knob.

New features for 2022 include a spring-loaded pitchwheel that will centre itself when it’s released and updates to the MIDI functionality.

The Model D is built by hand inside the Moog factory in Asheville, North Carolina, and each instrument is housed in a locally sourced Appalachian cherry cabinet with a legacy-inspired walnut stain and hand-finished aluminium chassis.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the Model D is built, from our coverage of Moogfest 2016:

Here’s a look inside the Model D, and some background on what was involved in recreating the original design:

To celebrate the reissue, Moog shared this performance by the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble of Archimedes Screw, a live performance by 11 musicians—with each of the 10 keyboardists using a Model D to add layers of sound to the composition as it builds.

Utilizing MIDI integration for the 2016 and 2022 reissues, and MIDI-to-CV converters for the vintage units involved in this performance, the Moog Ensemble highlights the modern features alongside the classic sound. According to the group’s musical director and composer, Will Gregory, the instrument’s enhancements expand Model D’s realm of sonic possibility.

In addition to reintroducing the Minimoog Model D, Moog announced that the Minimoog Model D app for iOS and macOS is now 50% off for a limited time, and announced new Minimoog accessories. The Minimoog Model D is available to pre-order for about $5,000.

Moog Music has announced that its Minimoog Model D app – originally released for iOS – is now available in a version compatible with all major macOS DAWs.

Free to all current Model D iOS app owners, or available at limited-time introductory pricing for new users of the instrument, the update makes the legendary sound of the Minimoog available directly in your DAW.

New Features & Integrations

The major update allows for seamless integration with Logic, GarageBand, MainStage, Reaper, and – through a free VST wrapper – in Ableton Live and Cubase. Minimoog Model D can also be used as a standalone instrument or effect.

In addition, Minimoog Model D App incorporates a number of features not found in the original hardware. This includes the ability to play chords with up to four-note polyphony, an easy-to-use arpeggiator for rhythmic pattern creation, a real-time looping recorder with unlimited overdubbing capacity, a tempo-synchronizable stereo ping-pong delay module, and the Bender—a wide-range stereo time modulation effect module.

The latest update also includes a redesigned preset management system for quicker navigation and adds a random preset generator function.

Key Features:

• Ships with over 160 presets (hundreds more available in the Minimoog Model D App Store)
• Up to 4-notes of polyphony
• Share presets and audio recordings with friends
• Arpeggiator module with note-hold and chord latch capability
• Stereo ping-pong delay effect
• Bender time modulation effect
• Real-time looping recorder with overdub and immediate sharing
• Selectable envelope shapes and triggering behaviour
• Effortless MIDI CC mapping
• Backup presets to iCloud
• Play mode for easier panel and keyboard interaction
• A new take on the classic feedback/overload path

The Minimoog Model D App for macOS is available individually for $24.9, or in a bundle with the Model 15 Modular Synthesizer App for $39.99.

Developer Julien Delgoulet let us know that a new batch of PCBs & panels for the MME, a Euro-format clone of the Minimoog Model D rev 2.0. are now available.

The MME is a DIY project that lets you build a Minimoog clone in 60hp, the same as Moog’s Euro format synths:

The MME offers several additions to the Minimoog Rev 2 design:

• VCOs PW
• VCOs PWM
• VCO1->VCO2 Sync
• VCO1->VCO3 Sync
• CV input for each VCO (allow to use the MME as a praphonic synth with the right Midi/CV-Gate interface)
• VCF-Env output
• VCA-Env output
• Mod-Wheel input that allows to use a CV to control the VCO-3/Noise modulation level.

You can read more about the development of the MME in a thread at Modwiggler.  A detailed build guide is also available.

The MME is available as a DIY project, with options starting with a barebones PCB set for €55.