Minimoog Model D Synthesizer Reviews

by Septimo73

I think this synth is amazing except for not really knowing what your parameters off the knob changes really are.. without a parameter window(monitor), while making parameter-knob changes, knowing what you’re doing will rely completely on ear as opposed to visually seeing it happen by the numbers and being able to dial in your desired results. I mean I know this is an older synth from the 70s, but if you’re gonna bring it into the present at 2018, then give it the benefit of present technology and evolve this platform instead of keeping it stagnant with the same limitations as the physical synth from the 70s.

Also, this needs way more in app purchases for sounds/patches.. maybe every couple of months a new batch??!?? Not everyone is a sound designer and could use more professionally made patches so they can focus on music creation instead of sound creation.

Moog, help us out here..

by Bongojak

Wow amazing app! I now have moog in my arsenal!... I would have rated 5*s but there is no midi mapping for the MOD WHEEL .. after emailing support, who very very quickly got back to me!! (Great customer service!) ...

they informed my that the mod wheel is set to standard CC#1 (you need to know that if you have a problem)

My issue was using the akai mpk mini, it has a joystick for pitch bend and mod wheel (X and Y axis) and if using the joystick to control the mod wheel it would not go back to original position (the joystick has a spring to bring it back to center).... so my conclusion was to go to the midi mapping of the akai midi controller... set the midi for all programs joystick to CC#2 value up and down to 0 (zero).

by Piano Quartz

Let me ask you a question: is the Roland JP-8000 a real Roland synthesizer? It’s a classic piece of hardware, even if inside is a digital recreation of the classic Jupiter sound.

And so here we have Moog's Minimoog app, a digital recreation of the classic Model D sound. And as far as I’m concerned, this is it. This is a real Moog synthesizer. If you want the lovingly-crafted hardware, you’ll have to pay a lot more, but if lovingly-crafted software fits your needs, it’s right here for an unprecedentedly low price.

Caveats: Preset management needs some work. Unlike Moog's Model 15 app, there’s no way to create your own folders, and weirdly, anything you save goes in the same category as the last preset you loaded (there’s no init patch). So create a bass after you loaded a pad preset, and there’s your bass patch, right next to all the pad factory presets. The AU works great, although the UI looks too small on an iPad Pro.

Still, even with these annoyances, this is an incredible instrument and an unbelievable value. If you love synths, you have to have to pick this up.

by JRSIV1975

True hardware synth devotees will always insist that the original vintage hardware is superior to any digital emulation. Well, I don’t own a real 70’s Model D, but whether it’s a 100% spot recreation or not, MinimoogModelDSynthesizer sounds incredible.

It’s no secret there has been another popular Model D clone on MinimoogModelDSynthesizer Store for a few years, and it sounds great. But the Moog is superior to my ears, there’s a warmth and ‘woolliness’ to the sound that captures some of that character the analog filters & transformers gave the originals.

I’m more of a Songwriter/Musician who leans towards guitar, but mess with synths a lot for atmosphere, pads, some leads, etc. Even in that limited capacity Model D’s potential for me is extremely exciting. For EDM, House, trap & hip-hop producers MinimoogModelDSynthesizer is a goldmine of excellent presets & full control over this great legendary synth. Highly recommended.

by Winj3r

That it would be possible to enjoy playing and experiencing a virtual Moog Model D on a “magical tablet”, I’d have suspected some sort of illicit lab-based substance was involved in that prediction!
Here it is though... it’s 2018 and not only have we moved beyond requiring hardware equipment but also the need for a computer 😃
The sound of this Moog Model D app is jaw-dropping, truly. I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of playing one in person but I have a feeling the sound wouldn’t be far off.
I love hardware synths but this is a no-brainer. It’s worth every penny trust me!

by Dalianguy

Still early in my study and practice of synthesis, I’d originally dismissed MinimoogModelDSynthesizer as kind of a novelty without the “serious” complexity of a modular system. I’m happy to find I was very very wrong. The breadth of sound design possibilities exhibited in the included patches of this “simple” synth is incredible—by deconstructing and reconstructing them, I’m picking up approaches quite different from what I’d learned so far.
I can see how it’s going to be bad for my wallet in the long term as my desire for hardware (maybe a Voyager?) is also growing stronger.

by P-Dub Assassins Reggae Band

Full disclosure, I as many of us do, have many digital pretenders to the venerable Mini Moog Model D throne. I do, in fact, love my iOs version by Arturia and have, over the years flirted with many hardware and software permutations of said analog classic. With that being said I have yet to be disappointed by any iOS product by Moog, and this awesome version by the very company that bears Dr. Moog’s name is no different. In short: this my friends, is the premier league. For $4.99 we shouldn’t even be having this conversation. — P-Dub (Predator Dub Assassins)

by Daveypassage

I recently poached pretty much every Arturia VST/AAX/AU in existence and I own their controller product the beatstep (basic). I mention this for context, so it seems like I know how to compare softsynths. For all their flexibility, complexity, programmability and truly top shelf aural quality, give me MOOG MODEL D ALL DAY. There’s enough of everything and nothing is wasted. Most softsynths (one person’s opinion) suffer from a common flaw in that they are built to do WAY MORE than the hardware they’re designed to emulate, which is cool in one way, but too many features, again, speaking only for myself, leads you to spend disproportionate time on exploring and playing around with the technical ability of the VST, and little else. For all the system requirements, the licensing process, etc. etc. etc. My time is more valuable than my money, BUT MOOG MODEL D wastes NEITHER.

by S Paul Andrew Maertens

I received this as a gift from Moog when they released it for free on MinimoogModelDSynthesizer Store at the start of the Coronavirus situation and it’s been a great joy exploring these sounds. Thank you very much. MinimoogModelDSynthesizer feels really solid and doesn’t have any weird bugs. It integrates well as an AUV3 into the DAW apps I use on my iPad, and I personally think that everything sounds great. I’ve been working on getting to the sounds I imagine by starting with an initialized settings and am learning the basics of sound synthesis.

by Justafed

Here's the deal: you spend $5, and you can turn your iPad into a Minimoog. That's it. If you want this, you really want this, the $5 means nothing, and you'll have more fun buying this than pretty much anything what in MinimoogModelDSynthesizer store.

If you don't want your own Minimoog Model D, well, then, don't buy this I guess.

In all honesty, I haven't had time to try all the things, but that's because there are essentially an infinite number of things you can do...a minute to purchase, but a lifetime to master.

by @trons_242

My first mood was a Micro. Loved it’s sleek tones and ease of programming. In 1975 I added the Mini to my sound. Solid piece of equipment. Spent many hours lost in monotonous Euro sample holds. One sad day came and I had to sell all of my Mini’s and Micros. Then came iPad Pro series of tablets. Guess what hell yeah I’ve got all my favorite synthesizers back except for. Yep your right where’s my Micro? Who knows maybe someday when I least expect it they’ll make one just for me and you. Buy this Mini model D and enjoy what it was like to have the real one. You will be amazed how genuine this model D is.
Hell yeah!

by Antny65

People don’t even realize what an achievement this free gem is, it’s hands down my favorite application I’ve ever used on any device, because when you investigate it thoroughly, it does everything, exceptionally, Ableton costs $800+, and this is still preferable to me. I love it more than anything on this Earth. Immediately download it, and if you spend time with it, your life will change forever for the better. 100,000 thumbs from all the generations of my human reincarnations way up.

by STRATOCASTER666

MinimoogModelDSynthesizer is so great. I’m a guitarist but love tinkering with synth apps. I setup my iPad Pro up with pro tools via a single usb c to usb cable which brings in the iPads audio and can send midi back and forth with my usb midi keyboard, turn on background audio and I have a whole bunch of synths running at once on my iPad including animoog another great Moog synth app. Great fun while locked up in my house during this crazy time in our lives. Can’t wait to hear all the presets Moog has to offer, buying them today.

by Zp0303

I love MinimoogModelDSynthesizer. I purchased it the day it was released in MinimoogModelDSynthesizer Store and have bought every expansion pack. I use it daily in my workflow as an external instrument controlled via MIDI controller and record it into Logic.

Sometimes when I’m searching for a place to begin I cycle through the presets until I find a sound that might fit my project. Currently each preset in the Model D app has its own BPM and when cycling through the presets I constantly have to adjust the tempo per preset to match what I have set in logic. Which honestly becomes an obstacle to inspiration when I have to stop and fiddle with the tempo on every preset.

It would be nice if in a future update I might be able to set a global tempo in MinimoogModelDSynthesizer ’s settings so that the bpm stays constant across each preset to match the bpm in my DAW.

Nonetheless, thank you guys so much for all the improvements made since original release and thank you for bringing this sound to iOS.

by Transcendentalaccidentalism

It’s not the Model 15, with its unpredictable and overwhelming array of attenuators that can drastically alter your projected sound in the most subtle ways, but it’s still all Moog and sounds like it should with all of the iOS features you could need. There’s less going on compared to the M15, which in simulation and irl would have more of what’s left to patching on the M15 underneath the board, which makes sense as one of the stage icons for a generation of musicians that exploited its comparatively more practical nature.

Geddy Lee should have some preset patches available in addition to the New World Man one.

by Ncsoft Stole My Money

I purchased Animoog Years back great app. And that seems to be Moog’s way, offering quality products. Animoog with an Akai MPK is a combination that inspired me to look into purchasing a Moog synth and low and behold I found a Werkstatt DIY kit on Sweetwater around 2014. Long story short Moog don’t build no trash.
Model D is a steal to have this power and flexibility at this price point. Use it as an app to kill time. Or as a plug-in for your computer, with the proper sound card setup. Currently I’m using all my Moog apps with an iRig2 routed into an MPC One it’s working smoothly with a traditional 5-pin midi connection.

by BozoToo

I was never a big fan of the MiniMoog. Its minimalist voice structure, lack of modulation sources and destinations and heavy reliance on keyboard skills was just not my thing. But I do love so much of what others did with this classic instrument over the decades of its massive popularity. And it has a sound quality all its own.

Now we have the virtual MiniMoog to end them all and it sounds so much like the original that it is uncanny. It doesn't hurt that Moog wisely chose to add some expanded capabilities (effects & a much-needed LFO). I am now working on my keyboard chops to see if I can catch up with what this venerable classic instrument can do.

by Shea The Man

The issue I have here is, although it has polyphonic mode, notes will still cut each other off. It’s only polyphonic if you press multiple keys at exactly the same time. I guess a lot of people play solo style riffs, but I always play synths more like a marimba with the notes hanging after release. I have the same problem with the model 15. If there’s a setting somewhere let me know. If not, devs, please consider adding.

Edit: looks like this functionality was added! I contacted support a few months ago, and whether or not it’s a result of my efforts, model d now has normal polyphony, and has the best raw sound of any iOS synth.

by Tonyllama29

I have used several analog modeling synthesizers (including ones with physical keyboards) and this one is by far the most fun and best sounding. The controls are easy to get a grasp of and moog’s “knob per function” design language allows you to make brand new sounds quickly and easily. I also love the simplicity of the effects panel and the ease of navigation between different presets. It can also connect directly to GarageBand for iOS, which allows you to record synth parts and add them to larger projects. For its price, you couldn’t buy a used MIDI controller, much less a synthesizer as powerful and capable as this one. Couldn’t recommend enough!

by Rcolinray

The sound, interface, and presets are all fantastic. My only gripe about the interface is that legato and polyphony must be enabled from the settings menu and aren’t immediately accessible. It also took me a while to find the INIT preset (hold the save button). I was surprised that this wasn’t in an “Uncategorized” bank.

Controlling MinimoogModelDSynthesizer with a Seaboard RISE has proven difficult. If I put MinimoogModelDSynthesizer in MPE mode, then the Slide-axis of the Seaboard controls the mod wheel. If the Seaboard is in MPE mode, then the absolute position of you finger on the key will be sent as the CC value, causing the mod wheel to be engaged during normal playing.

MinimoogModelDSynthesizer also only supports a maximum pitch bend range of 12, meaning that you cannot do pitch bends across the full range of the Seaboard.

by Tenmitsu

The in app functionality is great, but I use my iPad as an instrument. Even in play mode, the in-app keyboard is useless. My solution was to run it as an audio unit, through GarageBand. Then starts crackle fest. Buffer underruns GALORE. It’s unusable. This should not be happening on the newest, most advanced iPad Pro. The reason I’m not giving 2, or even 1 star, is because the problem is intermittent (although more present than not), and I’m sure I can get around the issue with a midi controller. But that doesn’t save negate my need for the functionality of a virtual touchscreen keyboard with reasonably sized keys, which the Model D app does NOT offer.

by Sexytimejames

Using with iPad Air 1st gen and Yamaha ypg-625 keyboard: works even better than I had expected. I am blown away by the sounds that the legendary Moog Model D makes! The effects are extremely intuitive. I love how practical and timeless the layout of the buttons is from the original physical device. I only wish for two specific options: 1. Change the piano key width for those of us with thicker fingers; and 2. ability to minimize keyboard height (to zero if need be) for us midi players. Otherwise, I'm in audio heaven with headphones and the Moog Model D!

by Synthman Newman 01

No doubt! MinimoogModelDSynthesizer is Big Tyme Amazing! Not always do you find an app that can “Take You Back!” And “Enter The Future!” At the same time! Moog did that for us and does it again in MinimoogModelDSynthesizer!.... A must have App for you Synth Junkies and Future Music Producers. Not just a memory of a Sound Culture that defined a music generation but sound You Can help bring us into a New Sound Culture with your fresh young minds! We need your help with MinimoogModelDSynthesizer for that to happen... you are not alone... we got your back with MinimoogModelDSynthesizer!
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by Coffeejunkie1980

I love the Moog apps. This new app sounds so good! I have the Arturia iMini app as well, which gives you more fx than this, however, I think this one sounds closer to a real minimoog. Well worth the price.

There’s not a ton of presets, which may be disappointing if that’s your thing, but you can save your own. The knobs are rather hard to maneuver on the screen. Using a midi controller with MinimoogModelDSynthesizer makes it more fun in my opinion. All around I am very happy with MinimoogModelDSynthesizer. Definitely a great addition to my collection of sounds.