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Mavis delivers the huge depth of sound Moog is known for in a compact, feature-packed instrument that is value priced and compatible with any Eurorack system.
Moog Music announces Mavis: a powerful, low-cost ($349 USD), build-it-yourself semi-modular analog synthesizer that invites creatives to begin their journey into the Moog ecosystem or expand their existing synth setup. With the legendary Moog sound and quality, Mavis delivers serious value in the form of an affordable, compact musical machine. Now shipping worldwide.
A Complete Moog Analog Synthesizer for $349 USD
On its own, Mavis is an expressive and inspiring analog synthesizer with patchable modular utilities and unmistakable Moog sound and quality. When removed from its enclosure, the instrument becomes a 24-point CV-controllable module (44HP) ready to be installed into any Eurorack setup or Moog semi-modular system. Perfect for first-time users and established synthesists alike, Mavis’s semi-modular design and one-octave keyboard allow for immediate musical exploration without the need for additional equipment (except for a speaker or headphones).
Mavis mixes the familiar with the exotic, featuring Moog’s legendary oscillator and filter circuits alongside a diode wavefolder—the first analog wavefolder to appear on a Moog instrument. Combining traditional subtractive synthesis with additive wavefolding and oozing with personality, Mavis’s clever presentation of synthesis modules and utilities makes for intuitive, creative experimentation and musical connection.
Assembling this synthesizer kit by hand invites the user to get closer to the circuits at the heart of this unique musical machine. The connection made with an instrument while building it is something inherent to the nature of all Moog synthesizers, and it has been since the days of the large format modular systems. With Mavis, users of any skill level can quickly build their analog synthesizer with minimal tools and experience (no soldering required) by using all the components included in the instrument’s carefully curated packaging. Once the instrument is built, the owner is guided on their journey with Mavis through a selection of patch books and educational materials that encourage creative patching and sound design.
Key Features
- 24-Point Patch Bay: Mavis is eager to play along with other voltage-controlled devices (especially with Moog’s other semi-modular instruments: Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Grandmother, Matriarch). Its useful collection of utilities and flexible control voltage routing allows for intricate dialogue between them.
- Full Range Analog Oscillator: Mavis’s Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) with pulse-width modulation (PWM), waveform mixing, and mod source mixing delivers rich harmonic character and motion.
- Voltage Controlled Filter: Sculpt your sound with the -24dB Moog Low Pass Ladder Filter, delivering the sonic power behind the distinct sounds of Moog basslines and leads.
- Audio Rate LFO and 4-Stage Envelope Generator: Mavis uses crossfaders in its modulation routing instead of switches, allowing you to blend between a variable shape LFO and 4-stage envelope generator for interesting and unusual modulation contours.
- Wavefolding and Modular Utilities: Mavis features Moog’s first-ever wavefolding circuit, allowing for additive synthesis to sit alongside traditional subtractive synthesis, unlocking sounds not heard from a Moog before. Mavis also features a broad modular utility section complete with attenuators, offsets, mults, and a flexible DC-coupled mixer providing the tools needed for creative patching and sound design.
- Patchable Sample and Hold (S+H) Circuit: This circuit generates a random CV pattern that can be patched to modulate other parameters, including setting Mavis into a “random sequencing” mode of performance.
- Protective Cover
Mavis includes a fitted protective cover for use during studio downtime or taking your instrument on the go.
Seamless Configuration with Eurorack Systems & Moog’s 60HP Semi-Modular Synths
A powerhouse on its own, Mavis was also designed to enhance any interconnected Moog semi-modular setup or Eurorack system. In 44HP, the synthesizer offers incredible value by adding two oscillators, full ADSR, a ladder filter, sample and hold, wavefolding, attenuators, a mixer, mults, and more for dynamic sound design and creative patching.
- Create a full techno set with DFAM and Mavis! Sequence Mavis from DFAM to add a heavy bass line to DFAM’s rhythms, and randomly modulate those rhythms with Mavis’s Sample + Hold.
- Add a full ADSR to Mother-32. Mix the VCO and LFO of Mavis in the mixer to add two oscillators to Mother-32 for a powerful three-oscillator synthesizer. Pan the Mother-32 and Mavis filters left and right for wide stereo sound.
- Use the polyrhythmic sequencer network of Subharmonicon to drive Mavis and add counterpoint and textural depth to your harmonic explorations.
Mavis owners have access to an array of creative materials designed specifically to guide them down exploratory paths of how to patch with other Moog semi-modular instruments.
Sound Samples: Lisa Bella Donna
From booming kick drums and FM bass to phase-folded leads, synthesist and Moog instrument expert Lisa Bella Donna demonstrates the incredible range of Mavis in a selection of short synth compositions. These audio samples are accompanied by a Mavis patch book, encouraging owners to create these same powerful tones at home.
Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/moogmusicinc/sets/moog-mavis-synthesizer-sound-samples
A Nod to Moog’s DIY Beginnings
Mavis isn’t the first DIY instrument from Moog; in fact, the company was built on the build-it-yourself kit.
In 1949, a teenage Bob Moog discovered a copy of Electronics World that featured an article with details on how to build an electronic musical instrument at home. Shortly after, he built his first model of the instrument, a theremin, from plans published in the magazine. By 1953, Bob and his father established R.A. Moog to market and sell theremin kits out of their home in Queens, NY.
Today, with the release of Mavis, Moog celebrates its roots by providing the end user with the unique experience of constructing their own instrument. With this, every Mavis is custom built and hand assembled—like the instruments Bob Moog built years ago and the synthesizers and theremins that Moog’s employee-owners assemble by hand to this day.
Now Available at Authorized Moog Dealers Worldwide
At only $349 USD, Mavis makes learning synthesis or expanding an already-advanced studio setup more approachable for anyone looking to explore classic Moog sound in a new way.
This compact yet mighty 44HP rackable synthesizer with classic analog circuitry, a built-in keyboard, 24 patch points, and an all-analog sound engine—complete with Moog’s first-ever wavefolding circuit—is available today at authorized Moog dealers worldwide.
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