Spectravox joins Moog’s esteemed semi-modular family as a groundbreaking tool for auditory exploration. At its core, a visionary 10-band filter bank, paired with a robust analogue Moog oscillator and a dynamic white noise generator, forms the backbone of this versatile spectral processor. Spectravox is not just an instrument; it’s a portal into uncharted sonic realms, offering lively drones and colourful tonal sweeps that breathe life into any sound composition.
In 60HP format, Spectravox excels both as a standalone synthesizer and an integrative component in expansive Eurorack setups, providing unparalleled control over tonal shaping and spectral movement. With its dual-mode functionality, it is able to transform from a powerful synthesizer voice into a fully-featured 10-band vocoder. The integrated secondary filter bank meticulously analyzes the spectral makeup of incoming sounds, allowing users to imprint the timbral characteristics of external sources onto Spectravox’s rich analogue tones.
Whether it’s shaping the warm, resonant oscillations of Spectravox with the cadence of your voice or animating guitar chords with a drum machine to create mesmerizing, broadband percussive effects, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. The combo XLR/jack program input ensures that whether you’re hooking up a microphone or integrating other sound modules, Spectravox adapts seamlessly, enhancing its surroundings with resonant depth and psychedelic spectral movements.
This highly flexible instrument and signal processor boasts an extensive patch bay, inviting musicians and sound designers to dive deep into a world of innovative sound design and complex audio manipulation. Spectravox is more than a synthesizer — it’s an exploration and expansion of the traditional vocoder and filter bank topology, engineered to inspire and transform the landscape of modern music production.
From Historical Inspiration to Modern Innovation
In 1928, Homer Dudley developed the Vocoder at Bell Labs, fundamentally changing sound transmission. His insights into speech synthesis paved the way for the Voder, introduced at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, captivating audiences and inspiring future innovations in sound processing. Building on this legacy, Spectravox uses a similar 10-band filter architecture, allowing users to sculpt sounds with historical depth and modern precision.
The collaboration between Wendy Carlos and Bob Moog, which began at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, also significantly influenced the Spectravox design. Their exploration of vocoders led to new ways of merging electronic tones with human expressiveness, epitomized in the iconic soundtrack of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.
Designed to inspire through its analog engine and flexible modulation options, Spectravox is a powerful tool for live performance and studio recording alike. It transforms simple sounds into complex sonic landscapes, making it an instrument for anyone looking to explore new musical dimensions.
Key Features of Spectravox:
Semi-Modular Design: No patching is required to start, allowing immediate musical exploration. Dynamic 10-Band Filter Bank: Shift and shape frequencies to create everything from rich basses to ethereal pads. Extensive Connectivity: Integrate seamlessly with other Moog semi-modular instruments, Eurorack modules, and external sound sources. Innovative Modulation: Internal triangle wave LFO and external CV options for real-time control over filter movement and sonic texture. “Spectravox enhances Moog’s modular synthesis legacy by integrating a sophisticated vocoder alongside powerful analogue synthesis capabilities,” says Product Strategist, Max Ravitz at Moog Music. “This instrument is designed to give musicians comprehensive control over their sound, enabling detailed texture shaping and a broad spectrum of sonic experimentation.”
In a new video from Moog Music, Jamie Lidell invites you into the studio for a glimpse into his innovative use of the Spectravox synthesizer. Witness the artist’s creative process as he constructs an original piece, integrating the Spectravox with percussion, pedal steel guitar, and modular synthesizers to craft a unique sonic experience.
Throughout the making of “Awake and Alive,” Jamie demonstrates the versatility and sound-shaping capabilities of the Spectravox. From the outset, you can see a tape loop of Jamie’s vocals being intricately filtered through the Spectravox, setting the tone for the track. As the composition progresses, the Spectravox processes every element of the track — vocals, drums, pedal steel, and all synthesizers, infusing each with a distinct sonic character. Watch as Jamie manipulates its powerful 10-band vocoder to transform vocal harmonies and layers complex textures with its dynamic filter bank, showcasing the unit’s ability to bridge classic sound design with modern musical expressions.
Watch the debut of “Awake and Alive” by Jamie Lidell on Moog’s YouTube channel here.
Spectravox: Now Available for Order Worldwide
Spectravox is now shipping to authorized dealers globally at a price of $599 USD. Find a local Moog dealer to experience Spectravox first-hand and explore the vast sonic landscapes it offers.
The post Moog Music announces the release of Spectravox appeared first on Decoded Magazine.
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