MoogSubharmonicon Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer

Moog Subharmonicon

Once just a workshop instrument, the Moog Subharmonicon is now being released to the general public—so now all can venture into the world of subharmonics and polyrhythms and how they create unique relationships based on their interaction. It exists at the intersection of music and math. The Subharmonicon takes its roots from analog music inventions from the 1930's and 1940's, the Trautonium and Rhythmicon. The Trautonium created subharmonics by dividing the frequency of the master oscillators. While the Rhythmicon, designed by Leon Theremin, created polyrhythms derived from multiplications of the primary tempo.

The Subharmonicon features two VCOs, four subharmonic generators, two four-step sequencers, and four rhythm generators. A waveform contains the fundamental frequency of the note it is tuned to, such as A at 440Hz. Harmonically rich waveforms such as sawtooth waveforms, have a series of harmonics above that fundamental frequency—and the subhamonic series at work in the Subharmonicon inverts this natural order of overtones. The four sub-oscillators can be divided from the two oscillator's base frequency down to up to four octaves from the fundamental to create stacked, harmonically related tones. The two VCOs and four sub-oscillators can be tuned to create up to six note chords.

The sequencer section features two four-step sequencers, which may seem simple at first glance, but in reality are capable of advanced functionality. The sequencer rate is not only controlled by the tempo knob, but rather the subharmonic divisions. These can be divided by an integer from 1 (no division) to 16 divisions of the master clock. This means it will take 16 clock pulses for the sequencer to move one step. The subharmonic used to clock the sequencer can be selected using buttons. These subdivisions of the master tempo make the simple four-step sequencer perform much more complicated sequences. These may take quite a bit longer than you might expect to repeat. The sequencer can be routed via switch to affect the primary VCO pitch or the subharmonic frequency. Onboard quantizers allow you to constrain the sequencer notes to specific scales such as equal temperament or just intonation.

And of course, it wouldn't be a Moog synthesizer without a killer low pass ladder filter. This classic, full bodied low pass filter can be used to filter out harmonics present at the output stage. Harmonics can be removed using filtering and emphasized using the resonance of a filter which highlights the harmonics at the cutoff frequency via feedback. The VCA and VCF have independent envelope shapes with attack and decay stages.

The Subharmonicon is semi-modular and requires no patching in order to make sound. However, the functionality can be expanded with the 32-point patchbay. This allows you to patch program the Subharmonicon by rerouting the internal connections or integrate it with external modular or semi-modular gear such as the Moog Mother 32 or DFAM. Additionally, the Subharmonicon features a MIDI input, allowing it to be controlled from external MIDI devices.

With this instrument, Moog has ventured outside of what a traditional semi-modular device can be. Not just a monophonic bass line creator, the Subharmonic is capable of complex sequencing and rich tones derived from six oscillators. It challenges the end user to think about synthesis in new and exciting ways while retaining the parts of a Moog synthesizer that make them so loved.

Subharmonicon Features

• Subharmonic semi-modular synthesizer
• Two VCOs
• Four sub-oscillators that can be tuned to subdivisions of master VCO frequencies
• Two four-step subharmonically clocked sequencers
• Sequencers can affect VCO pitch or subdivisions
• 32-point patchbay for rerouting signals and integrating with external modular devices
• Moog low pass ladder filter
• Analog VCA
• MIDI integration
• Amp and filter two-stage envelopes