Moog Spectravox

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Semi-Modular Analogue Spectral Processor

10-Band Filterbank / Vocoder
Per band: Level control with CV input and envelope follower output
Audio input with preamplifier and clip LED for dynamic microphones
Instrument and line signals (XLR / TRS combo socket and 3.5 mm mini jack)
Analogue carrier oscillator with pitch control, sawtooth and pulse waveform and adjustable pulse width
Internal sound generator
Frequency of all bands can be modulated via spectral shift control and joint resonance control
Internal LFO with adjustable frequency and modulation depth
Adjustable decay time for master VCA and switchable drone mode
Patchbay with 19 inputs and 17 outputs for CV and audio signals for connection to other synthesizers or modular systems (3.5 mm mini jack)
Headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
Dimensions (W x H x D): 326 x 107 x 143 mm
Eurorack specifications: Width: 60 HP
Depth: 38 mm
Weight: 1.5 kg
Includes power supply unit (12 V DC, 2.0 A), 5 patch cables and preset overlays

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Available since May 2024
Item number 589875
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Design Desktop
Polyphony 1
Sound Generation Analogue
MIDI interface No
Storage Medium None
USB-port No
Effects Yes
Arpeggiator No
Number of Analog Outputs 1
Digital Output No
Display No
Optional Expansions N/A
Special Features Semi-modular

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299 €

-54% 30-days best price: 645 €

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The spectral Spectravox spectrum

The Moog Spectravox vocoder gives modern musicians a way to step back into the formative years of music technology, drawing inspiration from the collaborations between Bob Moog and Wendy Carlos in the 1960s, as well as Homer Dudley's pioneering invention of the vocoder itself in the 1930s. Like Moog's earlier 16-channel vocoder, the Spectravox is capable of utterly transforming an artist's voice, allowing them use it entirely new musical contexts. Unlike traditional fixed filter banks and vocoders, the Moog's frequency bands are variable and can be modulated with an LFO or CV signals, providing a near-endless range of sound-shaping possibilities. This desktop unit belongs to Moog's semi-modular family and, with the optional Accessory Kit, can be combined with other Moog synthesizers to create a personalised sound studio.

Moog Spectravox spectral processor, controls

Vocoder. Filter bank. Synthesizer...

The Moog Spectravox has two operating modes: Vocoder and Filter Bank, but in reality its capabilities go well beyond those of conventional vocoders and filter banks. This semi-modular spectral processor is built around a 10-band filter bank, which can be deployed in various ways. The carrier signal is generated by a genuine Moog oscillator, alongside a noise generator. Alternatively, the Spectravox can function as a monophonic synthesizer, using the filter bank to produce a whole host of unusual, even unique sounds. The ten frequency bands serve to minutely analyse the vocal signal in vocoder mode, although each of them can also be used independently as a filter bank to process any external signals: Users can adjust not only the bands' individual levels, but also alter them collectively using the Shift function. Finally, each band has an envelope follower, which can be patched together so the behaviour of one influences another, for countless modulation possibilities.

Nothing like normal

The Moog Spectravox is a sound-shaping tool for musicians seeking more than the familiar robotic vocoder voices. The fact that users are restricted to ten bands is effectively overcome by the Spectral Shift function, which also offers them entirely new creative possibilities: Used as a filter bank, the Spectravox becomes a versatile processor for instruments, sounds, and loops. Of course, vocalists will still get great joy with it transforming their voice, whether they use the results as a pure effect or blended with the original signal. As a synthesizer, the Spectravox may appear rudimentary, yet the filter bank provides distinctive creative options even in this role. The device's semi-modular design offers flexibility, but does require a certain level of technical know-how. To help less experienced users, Moog provides video tutorials demonstrating many of the practical applications of the Spectravox.

About Moog

The US manufacturer of synthesizers, based in Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the pioneers in this field and has legendary status. Robert Moog had been involved with electronic sound generation since the 1950s and his first experience was with the manufacture of theremins. The breakthrough came in 1968 with the Grammy-winning album "Switched-On Bach" by musician Wendy Carlos (then known as Walter Carlos), recorded in multitrack with a mono synthesizer. The Minimoog, released in 1971, became the most popular synthesizer of the 1970s and is still considered the benchmark for the quality of synthesised sounds. It and the following devices, like the Memorymoog, Polymoog, and Prodigy, shaped the sound of countless albums, from Stevie Wonder to The Police and from Saga to Kraftwerk.

A bunch of Moogerfoogers

The filter bank can produce a range of effects reminiscent of the brand's earlier Moogerfooger pedals. The program input for external signals offers a wide gain range, and can accommodate microphone, instrument, and line levels. With the device's patch points, producers can use an external signal in lieu of the internal VCO. By increasing the resonance and LFO modulation of the filter bands, phaser-like sounds can be generated, not unlike those of the MF-103 – of course, the levels of the individual bands remain freely adjustable. Limiting an effect to the first band's low-pass turns the Spectravox into a classic MF-101 filter with an envelope follower, with the low-pass cutoff frequency able to be further modulated with the Shift function. If musicians then go on to modulate the VCA, they can create a very effective tremolo, and with sufficient external CV signals controlling all ten bands, even rhythmic patterns reminiscent of the MF-105 Murf are possible.

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4.6 / 5

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5 Reviews

no firmware upgrades

nofirmwareupgrades 02.08.2024

does exactly what i wanted to do with it ,which was put some noodley bass synth in the sub channel that goes well with the effects .

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Gutes Konzept

seecnet 28.05.2024

Der Spectravox ist intuitiv zu bedienen, wenn man schon Erfahrung mit solchen Systemen hat. Vor allem ist er sehr flexibel, er ist Filterbank, Synthesizer, Vocoder in einem Gerät und lässt sich aufgrund der Patchbay gut in die modulare Welt einbinden. Zwar hat er kein MIDI, lässt sich aber über cv steuern, z.B. mit dem keystep, dem sq-1 oder auch dem DFAM. Der Klang ist gut, wie man es von einem moog erwartet. Klasse ist auch, dass man beim Vocoder den Carrier alternativ zur internen Klangerzeugung von extern zuführen kann, also z.B. ein Padsound aus einem polyphonen Synth. Was ich mir vielleicht noch gewünscht hätte, wäre die Möglichkeit, den Modulator im Original dazumischen zu können, das würde die Sprachverständlichkeit beim Steuern durch Gesang verbessern, so muss man den Umweg über das Mischpult nehmen.

FAZIT: Der Spectravox ist ein vielseitiges Gerät mit einem guten Klang und ist bereits nach 24 h eine Bereicherung für mein Studio.

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A new door to the universe of sound

jlanfran73 12.08.2024

The Moog Spectravox is a remarkable addition to my collection, being the fourth semi-modular synthesizer alongside the Moog DFAM, Subharmonicon, and Mother 32. Its high creative potential truly shines, adding new dimensions to my sound design and music. The Spectravox’s combination of classic Moog analog synthesis with spectral filtering has opened up endless possibilities for crafting unique and expressive tones (and I feel I have only "seen" the tip of the iceberg). It integrates seamlessly with my existing setup, rounding up an already powerful arsenal of tools. Nota bene: it also works perfectly as a stand alone "machine". For anyone looking to push the boundaries of sound, the Spectravox is an essential and inspiring choice I can only highly recommend!

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Nice addition

Jonas V 19.12.2024

This machine is very well built and I couldn't fault the quality of it. After all its a Moog gear. For me it hesitated a little if this was a keeper or not.. After all an instrument for me is a practical thing that you should use - not soothing that is just "fun to have". I ended up keeping it though. The reason is that the vocoder is not so nice. The most you can expect from the vocoder is a kind of robotic sound that barely make words intelligible - even if you tweak it as good as it gets.

The reason I kept it was that I liked the effect of the filter - especially with the overall frequency change and LFO connected to this. Connecting drums there made them sound very interesting. And I can see other applications where this synth will be very nice.

Also with band filtering of sounds this effect can make a saw-tooth sound like a oboe or other thin instruments or whatever you like.

I wouldn't buy it as a vocoder though.

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Moog Spectravox

Semi-Modular Analogue Spectral Processor