This is interesting - thanks for taking the time to do it! The problem with comparing 2 analog synths, is that it's ultimately subjective as there are so many factors affecting the sound. Love hearing people say the D sounds better. Kindof like saying Steinway sound better than Bossendorfer - they sound similar yet *different* but basically they both sound awesome in a performance. Bottom line is that although the D is/was an amazing synth, i love my Voyager and would keep it any day if forced to choose. People get so animated about analog vs digital, but at the end of the day it's all about the sound coming out, and how easy it is to modify that sound. The Voyager is pure analog sound (even has VCOs not DCOs) - you can use it like a D, but also has the ability to control those analog params and save them as patches. OK, you're only saving the nearest digital approximation of the settings, but that's good enough 99.9% of the time. It's like having a model D with a robot assistant who can set everything instantly, or assist you by turning knobs while you play. It has the both the flexibility of CV and the accuracy of MIDI. And it has lots of mod routing options. I think it's massively underrated compared to the D which carries insane prices these days. One day, the Voyager will be given the recognition it deserves alongside its more famous older brother :-)
Double Moog. You lucky b'stard! I love my Voyager OS but watching these I'd love to get a new Model D to stick alongside it like the old days. Cheers for the vidz.
Great video. Im just wondering if the model d and voyager have slighty diffenet values in the filter components. The way the mini d trims those harmonics off is like you say gorrge !!. Thanks for making this series of the vids.
Technically speaking, Both of them are Minimoogs: The Minimoog Voyager and the Minimoog Model D. There are even more Minimoog's, such as the Model A thru C, although these were never produced commercially.
MyBichSustained difficult to say yet. The mini is my new baby, but the voyager presets will definitely play a part in usefulness in the studio. I can see myself finding sounds in the voyager and attempting to recreate them on the mini during a session.
I've has in the past two minimoogs at different times and for reasons that make no sense today sold them. And have regretted it for a few decades. Dreaming about them waking up and being bummed it was a dream. Finally had enough sold my car and bought a voyager and a sub 37, and after plating the voyager it is the one I would pick again, not because it is better then the mini just little different and adds a few more things to add or play with the sound. Sound a lot alike, either choice would be the right choice. P.S. great video
Being pragmatic - the Voyager has much more to offer. Using the CV expander it can take centre stage of a modular rig, it has preset memories, a standalone and VST/AU editor/librarian. For the price of the mini you can almost get a Voyager and a Sub37. Listening to your head not your heart it's a no brainer really. I REALLY wanted a minimoog, and had no idea what the differences where (which is why I hope these videos can help others). Don't get me wrong.... it's great to have the mini, no presets, limited MIDI etc., it gives a whole new (i.e. Old!) perspective to synths in the studio and helps decision making. BUT.. the voyager has the edge in practicality.
Oh no.. it’s so long since I did these I can’t remember :). I do know the Voyager has 12k labelled on the filter and the S37 has 20k but can’t recall which sounded brighter. Love the Voyager for so many reasons..
Starsky Carr Yup, the Voyager is brighter, I checked your videos! The Minimoog Voyager was the synthesizer of my dreams up until a few weeks ago, when I finally got it. Now it’s the most loved piece of gear I’ve ever owned, can’t see myself without it. Cheers and keep on with all these amazing videos!!
It's really strange. I definitely hear a difference and prefer the sound of the model d -when I'm watching while listening-. When I put my phone away and just listen through headphones I still hear a difference between the sounds but I really have a hard time saying which one sounds better and which is which. Although, on that last riff the difference is very clear even while not watching. The model D is in another league, much more alive.
I remember in the mid eighties you couldn't give your minimoog away. But three and a half grand for a MONOPHONIC synth is beyond reason?! There are a million and one things more important than sounding "fat" ......still, people seem to buy into it. Nice demo though mate.
I`m not sure if its foolish. There`s something about playing a beautiful instrument that ups your game. Yeah, its pricey but there`s something about touching and playing it that elevates the experiences over say an NI Monark which is a great sounding VI but its just not the same. And you cannot argue with the Model D track record. Its nice to own a piece of history.
It certainly is. It also gives a new respect to the sounds and the control you have. It reaffirms how well a single sound can dominate a mix without the need for overblown production. I never spent hours tweaking the Arturia MiniV this much, never enjoyed playing with it anywhere near as much, even though I use MIDI control so the experience should theoretically be the same. It's just not. I think it's because the Mini actually does sound better (doing similar comparisons reveals this), and your ears recognise it as something special. Its hard to define, or explain, but you know what's going to sound good in a mix and what isn't. The real Mini has that pro sheen. I've not got a downer on VIs, but an upper on Mini. It's a joy to use. I'm a happy man :)
Starsky, Weren`t you comparing the Model D to the Sub37? I thought you mentioned around a month ago that videos were coming... Also, I`ve been comparing the NI Monark with the reissued Minimoog the last few days. Monark is close on a lot of things but I`m still not able to reproduce a lot of effects in Monark that I can do on the Model D. Any chance you can put up a video comparing the Model D with the NI Monark?
