Animoog Z Synthesizer Reviews

by Rowens

I've been trying to get this VST3 (wrapper) to work in Live 11 (M1 Mac) for a while... wishing each update makes it whole. This VST 3 will load and work for about a minute or two, then the audio will drop out (for the channel with Animoog Z only). When I try to delete the instance of the plugin from the channel it completely crashes Live. I do love my Grandmother mono synth and view MOOG as an absolutely great company, but maybe they should just stick to analog :)

by Discotex.

AnimoogZSynthesizer does not work with iOS even after paying the $9.99 for the full unlock all features . I’ve tested it on two different DAWS Nanostudio 2 and Zenbeats. Recording is not possible using the didactic keyboard and the cube . Recording is only achieved by using the Daws built in keyboard but any morphing and modulation is bypassed rendering AnimoogZSynthesizer useless .
I really like AnimoogZSynthesizer as it comes with terrific sounds so I’m very much hoping this important issue can be fixed soon.

by Loaded656

I have presets and IAP’s as well as custom timbres etc from the original Animoog. It Will not open (immediate crashes) since new update which coincidentally merely advertised “the free” new version of “Z”. This would’ve been ok if in the “free” new version I could at least import those presets and timbres to use before being asked to spend more money.
Now, I remember during Lock down Moog stepped up and gave away apps and that was an awesome generous thing they did.

by Xzzy-tee

I’m seeing issues making my own timbres on an M1 iPad. Importing any wav file, regardless of source or being stereo/mono, results in a sample with an electric sounding buzz that sounds nothing like the file should. Recording from the mic does the same thing.

Other than that I love it. It’s the more mature version of Animoog that we’ve all wanted for years and I’ve already had a ton of fun mixing it with other apps with the auv3 support.

by BozoToo

Basically the "Z" model is the same as the original AniMoog. Some features are improved (the mod matrix, for example), while others are essentially the same (some of the effects, the scale programmer, etc.). The workflow is better after shelving the skewmorphic modular synthesizer look and feel of the original, where you had to scroll among "modules" to gain access to them. The Z axis does add some new wave table capabilities. But over all it is not fundamentally different from the original. The price is fair for what it is and the sound quality is very good.

Having said all of that, I have never been a big fan of the sound of the Animoog. It sounds very digital and most of the waves in the catalog sound far too similar. I prefer more analog sound qualities to the sterile sound of digital waves. But for those pieces when you want that digital sound, the AniMoog really excels. Very complex wave-shifting is easy and sounds more alive than standard, static waves.

Importing waves and preset from AniMoog is easy breezy.

I really miss the 4-track recorder, though. Perhaps Moog can bring that back in a future update.

So while Animoog Z is not a major new product or even a giant improvement over the previous Animoog, I am still happy I bought it. Its really fun to just experiment with. Its easily worth the price.

by OblivionToad

I’m not going to write much, because I’ve only been into it for about 15 minutes. And already, I like what I am seeing. An arpeggiator, more path editing features, and new sounds. The free parts are fun, but spring for the full version, it’s not expensive. I still need to wrap my head around the editing features.
Edited: Not only managed to pull my stuff over from Animoog, all that content is on my desktop and phone versions too. The import function is too easy. Thanks. My Adam Holzman presets are intact.

by Pzyklon

Trippers rejoice, it's not only on my m1 pro iPad, but also on the Mac. What a day. I'm thinking of switching purely to the Mac since all the best synthetic are now on the Mac with infinite more abilities in Ableton. Phew. The sound and in app purchase packs are spot on and instabuys like Korg module pro. Moog is following Korg into the Mac and it's a great path. Just give me AU now too on the Macs already.

by MakeyElliot

This is the truest synth on ios! Really brinfs such analog sound & the UI is inspiring :)

The timbres feature is great for getting a wavetable like experience out of any sounds & recordings!

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Small suggestions:

Timbres Section:
If the import timbres had an option to auto slice & fill all slots automatically. This would be incredibly useful for using field recordings & experimental audio as all source sound.

maybe like equal 3-10 second slices or slice into equal parts & there is a max time for each division so to not slow things down too much.

Mod Section:
I feel a mod matrix similar to ApeMatrix by Apesoft or Factory by Sugarbytes. These matrices are so intuitive & the UI looks beautiful & I feel if you matched it to your current UI colors & visuals it would be really interesting :)
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Thanks to everyone on the team b/c its really a masterpiece!

by Arnj

This is not just another synthesizer app. This is a well-crafted and carefully thought-out musical instrument with the musician in mind. Love the expressiveness, as well as the MPE support with a 5D midi keyboard like the ROLI as well.

The tones and sounds are “super Moog”, and I enjoy this little app, in a lot of ways, as much as my physical Moog Subsequent37.

What this thing does is inspire. It “leads” you to new creative ideas, and in a special way. I think it’s great for musicians who are looking to expand their voice and find new ways to express and summon the muse.

Kudos to Moog for this excellent and inspiring creation! Keep it comin’.

by Shawn Leonhardt

This is easily accessible for new musicians and for those who want to dive deep into sound sculpting. Totally worth the money, not just for more access and presets, but because the designers deserve some compensation for a great instrument.

I personally use it in Logic Pro with the M1. It needs restarted and AnimoogZSynthesizer ran on stand-alone before it runs great in Logic. If you plug an iPad into the Mac you can enable it and sort of use it as a controller. An Animoog Z within an Animoog Z! Just bouncing presets off one another is hours of fun. Amazing for soundscapes and quick song ideas!

by Music-311

Moog clearly put a tremendous amount of work updating and upgrading Animoog and the new one is really, really good. The new synth gives you all the originality of version one with new sounds available in every direction, yet retaining the unique tone that Animoog was famous for. In my opinion this is a classic and I cant wait to see how they continue to improve it. Truly beautiful warm sounds if you want them and nasty sharp edged ones are easy to obtain as well. A synth work of art in my humble opinion. No question - 5 stars.

by Roxyamuseum

Drawing the orbits in 3D is kind of addictive. It’s like drawing and each added mark morphs the sound and with three dimensions it gets pretty trippy and beautiful. I think the layout on AnimoogZSynthesizer is pretty great on the iPad though the iPhone is cramped like Animoog, but it’s still just as enjoyable and I have a newer se (small screen), It’s half the price ($10) of Animoog for unlocking all the parameters. I’m not big on freemium but it doesn’t strike me as predatory just adding effects and other modulation for $5. It’s an enjoyable time killer on the bus. Worth it to me.

by Richardj6

I’ve had Animoog almost from when it came out and love it. Animoog Z picks it up with out missing a beat. I’ve had a ton of presets and Timbers in Animoog. The import of Animoog presets and Timbers to Animoog Z was flawless. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to even like it. Animoog Z does not disappoint. For me Moog hit a grand slam. Moog has also been good with updates.

by Tepid The Mediocre

Animoog Z literally takes the original Animoog (a classic in its own right) into another dimension. Endless sound design possibility sits behind an interface you can happily play with (or just stare at) for hours. Special mention to the new Effects tab—it’s great to see all the effects at once—and the modulation matrix. Easy LFO assignment FTW.

by Heebarow

I think that what Defines a GOOD SYNTH is that it leaves you Asking questions; what is this going to do, what if I hit this note here, can I get it to sound wrong or right or whatever negative or positive notions you have of sounds, it doesn’t tell you or make you believe it’s good or not, it lets you Define it with whatever capabilities it had or has or expands towards_ There’s no defining a good synth except by its limitations; if it has doors unlocked, pathways into infinity, definitive but ever expanding, it’s limitless, IT’S A WINNER!! 🙏🙏🙏😇🙏🙏🙏 I CONNECTED THE KEYSTEP PRO: NOW, I FEEL I AM THE LAWNMOWER MAN!!

by Asfdasfdasf

Great to see this new version of the classic "Animoog-iPhone". I have enjoyed the original version since it first came out. --

This new version completely refreshes and updates Animoog's look and features. --

With the many new features and interaction possibilities in the new Animoog Z, I will be spending a lot of time exploring and having fun with this synth.

by RustyFender

Absolute must-have for anyone who is into synthesizers. Moog has been a huge force in analog synths since the very start, and their foray into iOS synth apps has set the bar. Z takes Animoog to the next level. I’ve only scratched the surface, and am amazed.

Seriously, get AnimoogZSynthesizer. Buy the upgrades.

Did I mention that it’s AUv3, and universal for Mac too? Mind boggling.

by Joeybladb

The same sizzling and acerbic and complex timbral sound as the first, but in 3D. Nice improvements like a more modular signal path, and more modulation sources/destinations. I like how you can see the effect of modulation on the knobs themselves, and it be awesome if they would do the same for the LFOs, but still every attention to detail is incredible.

Great job to the developers over at Moog!

by Phosdesigns

For those complaining that there’s no recording, try the looper in the Fx section. This is the best Animoog version yet, the sound is classic moog and can be tweaked to my heart’s content, yeah u can try the free version but for 20 bucks I cannot think of any synth with more fun , maybe Synth One, but this is amazing if you know what the controls do, can’t wait to try it with my DAW.

by Greg.ni

1. I saw AnimoogZSynthesizer icon on AnimoogZSynthesizer Store the other day and I completely ignored it because I was 100% sure it was some kind of Simon Says game app icon is hideous. 2. why do good synthesizers leave out reverb. 3. preset navigation arrows are too small & too close together. 4. Can you make AnimoogZSynthesizer fit iPad Pro 11” screen without the black lines on the edges. My complaints are too minor to take any stars away five stars are well deserved 👏🏼

by Expermusic1

So, I saw that Moog added a new Z version of their app. I liked using the original so I tried it out. Didn’t see anything that exciting in the update but I thought, maybe later, However, today, an ‘update’ for the older version of Animoog downloaded and essentially crippled it. It will crash as soon as you open it. Pretty crappy, Moog.

by App Wonder And Tester

Just like Model 15, using this plugin in Logic 10.7.1 on Monterey loads the plugin, but shows a blank screen only. Doesn't seem to work with Monterey yet, even though in the details section it says it's compatible with my system.

by Piney Boy

I’ve Enjoyed the original for many years now and there’s always some new sound to find. This one looks like a cool update.

by VoidFeeder

Great work! Animoog has been a mainstay for my music since release. Loving the new version!
Can’t wait to keep exploring.

by Jaco_Pastor

Increidble depth of sound and now visually glorious. The presets show this beauty off in a big way. I didnt know how bad I needed this until now. And ots on all my devices AND my MacBook - so rad!

by Cenk

Lots of great presets, and lots of potential for deep sound design. It's great to have Animoog finally available as an Audio Unit, with a modern sound engine.

by Aka Monkey Dope

I fell in love with Animoog from day one . Now this new version! But since the original came out and blew me away I’ve been suggesting a true physical synth from Moog with this engine ! And complete with its screen and touch interface screen /XYZ axis and physical knobs etc . MPE ribbon control and I’m shelling out the money tomorrow.!

by WendellRM

Finally animoog is updated as an auv3 plus many new features. The best synth for a decade on ios (and frankly up there with most vsts) is now updated. Still sounds amazing. Such a unique synth. Don’t hesitate to purchase.

by Soundister

Only found one issue so far. When I used it in Nano Studio Animoog Z UI was so small I couldn’t adjust anything while playing.
Other than that, it’s another incredible app with limitless potential.

by Gtoddv

This is the most fun I've had with an IOS synth in a long time. Bought unlocked version within the first 10 minutes of playing. This is going to be a hard one to beat.

by Konamax123

This is sick! I just downloaded this started playing with it and an hour went by without noticing. I am just using the free version. I will definitely be purchasing the upgrade to support the dev team if nothing else. I 😍 you Moog

by BluesCliff

Finally brought to the Mac. Truthfully not a ton they could improve upon from the original, but still super welcome to see it supporting and evolving. Works fine in Logic 10.7.1 on Monterey, I think user forgot to load both component and software.

by Robb Monty

As a kid my first Moog was a real Mini-Moog back in 1980. Kids today can get the trill of Moog sounds for free and that is game-changing for bringing the next generation of songwriters forward. I love the didactic keyboard which makes it so easy to compose a new part in D# Lydian if I so desire. This is a dream machine. Support this dev team - they bring the joy.

by DJ Nonchalant

Coolest app ever! Moog continues to crush it! Thank you so much moog!