Building upon the success of the Mother 32 and DFAM semi-modular synthesizers, the Moog Subharmonicon is a Eurorack-compatible, semi-modular polyrhythmic analog synthesizer designed for the exploration of sequences that unfold and evolve over time, spiraling through 6-tone subharmonic chords and organic polyrhythms, making it well suited for producers and musicians working in the studio or performing onstage.
The sound engine is based on the music making approach developed during the 1930s and 1940s, where Joseph Schillinger’s avant-algorithmic concepts leverage music and math to create complex sounds and patterns using an easy-to-use interface.
Two analog VCOs and four subharmonic oscillators are combined for a total of six powerful sound sources. Each subharmonic tone is mathematically derived from one of the two main VCOs, offering well-defined chord shapes with a beautifully coherent quality. The onboard quantization provides perfect intervals every time with selections for multiple tuning systems. Choose between contemporary equal temperament settings, intervals of just intonation, or the unlimited freedom of no quantization at all.
Additionally, two 4-step sequencers animate the chord shapes. Each sequencer is clocked by any or all of four Rhythm Generators that output mathematical divisions of the master tempo. Layer multiple Rhythm Generators on top of each other to create complex polyrhythms and discover inspiring new patterns and styles. Delve into Subharmonicon’s dual Envelope Generators, Moog Ladder Filter, and analog VCA to call up dynamic articulations ranging from lush pads and blurred edges to percussive plosives and ritualistic rhythms.
The semi-modular design requires no patching to generate sound; however, the unit is equipped with a 32-point patchbay, which lends itself to tactile exploration and experimentation. There is a 3.5mm MIDI input that works with the included adapter to provide synchronization to MIDI signals. The Subharmonicon is fully compatible with Eurorack systems (60 HP) and ships with a power supply.
At a Glance
- Semi-Modular: No patching required
- 100% Analog: Unbridled sonic flexibility for a lifetime of inspiration
- Inspired by Joseph Schillinger’s mathematical system for musical composition
- Mixtur-Trautonium-based synth engine, which employed a series of subharmonic oscillators to generate electronic undertones
- Rhythmicon (developed by Leon Theremin): Capable of sounding multiple harmonically related polyrhythm generators simultaneously
- Two Analog Sequencers
- Steps: 4 steps per sequencer, selectable quantization
- Clock: Driven by any and all of the rhythm generators
- Four Rhythm Generators
- Rhythm: Derived by dividing the tempo by an integer value (1-16)
- Clock: 20 to 3000 BPM (1 pulse per quarter-note), MIDI Clock, Ext Clock
- Two Oscillators: Each oscillator features two sub oscillators. All oscillators generate sawtooth waveforms
- Analog Filter: Dynamically sculpt your sound with the classic 24 dB low-pass ladder filter
- Two Envelopes: AD envelope generators for VCF and VCA
- VCF EG: Voltage-controlled decay and selectable fast/med/slow attack times
- VCA EG: Voltage-controlled decay and selectable fast/med/slow attack times
- 32 Patch Points: Explore modular patching or connect to a Mother-32 to create a 3-oscillator leviathan
- 17 patchbay inputs
- 15 patchbay outputs
- Link Multiple Units: Rack up multiple Subharmonicon, DFAM, and Mother-32 units for evocative analog compositions
- Eurorack Compatible: Easily remove DFAM from its case and mount it into a Eurorack system (requires an optional 10- to 16-pin Eurorack cable)
Origins
- Inspired by Joseph Schillinger’s mathematical system for musical composition and is influenced by two analog innovations from the 1930s and 1940s: the Mixtur-Trautonium, which employed a series of subharmonic oscillators to generate electronic undertones, and the Rhythmicon (developed by Leon Theremin), an instrument capable of sounding multiple harmonically related polyrhythm generators simultaneously
- The Mixtur-Trautonium created subharmonics by dividing the frequency of its primary oscillator, while the Rhythmicon created polyrhythms that were multiplications of its primary tempo. These concepts of subharmonics and polyrhythms form the historic roots of the Moog Subharmonicon
- The undertone series, or subharmonic series, results from the division of an initial fundamental frequency (f) by successive integer values (unlike the overtone series, which results from integer multiples of the fundamental frequency). Where overtones are found to occur naturally in acoustic sounds, undertones must be produced through more extreme or novel methods, such as electronic circuitry
- Polyrhythms employ multiple rhythms playing at once to create complex, interweaving phrases. In the same way that a subharmonic oscillator divides the fundamental frequency (f) to create a musically related subharmonic, each rhythm generator in Subharmonicon uses an integer value to divide the current tempo value (t) to create a new rhythm
Key Features
- 100% Analog Sound Engine
- Two VCOs with Two Sub Oscillators Each
- Classic Moog Filter: 24 dB LP
- Two AD Envelopes (VCA, VCF)
- Two 4-Step Sequencers
- Four Rhythm Generators
- 32-Point Patchbay
- 3.5mm MIDI Input with DIN Adapter
- Eurorack Compatible, Skiff Friendly
- Includes Power Supply and Patch Cables
More Than Sound – It’s an Experience. Audio Shop Australia.
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