Moog Concertmate MG-1
Encyclopedia
Background
The Realistic Concertmate MG-1 is an analog synthesizerAnalog synthesizer
An analog or analogue synthesizer is a synthesizer that uses analog circuits and analog computer techniques to generate sound electronically. The earliest analog synthesizers in the 1920s and 1930s such as the Trautonium were built with a variety of vacuum-tube and electro-mechanical technologies...
manufactured by Moog Music
Moog Music
Moog Music is an American company based in Asheville, North Carolina which manufactures electronic musical instruments. The current Moog Music is the second company to trade under that name.-R.A. Moog Co. and the original Moog Music:...
in 1981. Though built by Moog, it was sold by Radio Shack
Radio shack
Radio shack is a slang term for a room or structure for housing radio equipment.-History:In the early days of radio, equipment was experimental and home-built. The first radio transmitters used a noisy spark to generate radio waves and were often housed in a garage or shed. When radio was first...
from 1982 to 1983 under their "Realistic
Realistic (brand)
Realistic was a brand produced by Radio-Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation, to market audio electronics for home use. The brand name is no longer in use by RadioShack and was largely discontinued by the early 1990s...
" brand name and it was produced without some standard Moog features, such as pitch and modulation wheels. This cost cutting was aimed at achieving a lower price for the consumer market. The synthesizer also featured a pair of pass-through RCA jacks, which allowed users to mix in the radio or their favorite records into the final output of the live synthesized sounds.
The Moog Concertmate MG-1 is the most widely owned of all vintage Moog synths, probably because it was produced in large quantities for the Tandy Corporation, and also it's relatively low price.
Design
It is a relative of the Moog LiberationMoog Liberation
The Moog Liberation was the first commercially produced keytar synthesizer released in 1980 by Moog Music. The instrument is comparable to the Moog Concertmate MG-1 and the Moog Rogue but it is most closely related to the Moog Prodigy; however, as a keytar the Liberation was designed to be played...
and the Moog Rogue
Moog Rogue
The Moog Rogue is a monophonic analog synthesizer produced by the original Moog Music in the early 1980s, but, was not designed by Bob Moog. Very basic in its design and use, the Rogue featured a 32-note keyboard and two VCOs. VCO number 2 is tunable between a half-step below to an octave above...
, and includes features such as:
- Two oscillators with syncOscillator syncOscillator sync is a feature in some synthesizers with two or more VCOs . One oscillator will restart the period of another oscillator, so that they will have the same base frequency...
& detune, one producing either a SquareSquare waveA square wave is a kind of non-sinusoidal waveform, most typically encountered in electronics and signal processing. An ideal square wave alternates regularly and instantaneously between two levels...
or Sawtooth waveformWaveformWaveform means the shape and form of a signal such as a wave moving in a physical medium or an abstract representation.In many cases the medium in which the wave is being propagated does not permit a direct visual image of the form. In these cases, the term 'waveform' refers to the shape of a graph...
, with the other producing either a PulsePulse waveA pulse wave or pulse train is a kind of non-sinusoidal waveform that is similar to a square wave, but does not have the symmetrical shape associated with a perfect square wave. It is a term common to synthesizer programming, and is a typical waveform available on many synths. The exact shape of...
or Sawtooth waveform. - One 24db/oct low pass filter/VCFVCFVCF may refer to:*Vaginal contraceptive film, a type of spermicide birth control*Valencia CF, a Spanish football club in La Liga*Vapor cloud fire, a deflagration fire*Variant Call Format, a standard for storing gene sequence variations...
, that can use the envelope generator, has three-position keyboard tracking, and is capable of self oscillation. - Three-part envelope generator, with separately adjustable Attack and Decay or Release, and selectable Sustain on or off. The Envelope Generator can be triggered by either the keyboard, or the LFOLFOLFO may refer to:* LFO , an English techno act* LFO , an American three-man pop/rap group** LFO , an album released by the American pop group LFO* Light Finding Operation, a form of mecha from the anime TV series Eureka Seven...
. - Oscillator 2 can be tuned independently or hard-synced to Oscillator 1.
- NoiseWhite noiseWhite noise is a random signal with a flat power spectral density. In other words, the signal contains equal power within a fixed bandwidth at any center frequency...
generator. (Digital Pseudo-Random Noise) - Ring modulationRing modulationRing modulation is a signal-processing effect in electronics, an implementation of amplitude modulation or frequency mixing, performed by multiplying two signals, where one is typically a sine-wave or another simple waveform. It is referred to as "ring" modulation because the analog circuit of...
(called "Bell Tone" this is Amplitude ModulationAmplitude modulationAmplitude modulation is a technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AM works by varying the strength of the transmitted signal in relation to the information being sent...
of VCO 1 and 2). - Polyphonic oscillator. This is a divide-down square wave generator. It is routed to the VCF and the VCA.
- LFOLow frequency oscillationLow-frequency oscillation is an electronic signal, which is usually below 20 Hz and creates a rhythmic pulse or sweep. This pulse or sweep is often used to modulate synthesizers, delay lines and other audio equipment in order to create effects used in the production of electronic music. Audio...
that can modulate the oscillators and the filter using a TriangleTriangle waveA triangle wave is a non-sinusoidal waveform named for its triangular shape.Like a square wave, the triangle wave contains only odd harmonics...
, square or random Sample and HoldSample and holdIn electronics, a sample and hold circuit is an analog device that samples the voltage of a continuously varying analog signal and holds its value at a constant level for a specified minimal period of time. Sample and hold circuits and related peak detectors are the elementary analog memory...
waveform - Voltage controlled amplifier with Keyed, Hold, and Envelope modes (accessed via 3-way switch, misleadingly only labeled "Tone Sources" but also affects Poly signal)
- PortamentoPortamentoPortamento is a musical term originated from the Italian expression "portamento della voce" , denoting from the beginning of the 17th century a vocal slide between two pitches and its emulation by members of the violin family and certain wind instruments, and is sometimes used...
(called "Glide") - External Control inputs for pre-MIDI CV/Gate.
Even though it shares the exact same plastic casing as the Rogue, it's a different machine in many respects. First, the power supply is internal, whereas on the Rogue it is an external wall wart type. Second, curiously on the Rogue both oscillators share the same waveforms and octave range selectors, whereas on the MG-1 there are separate selectors for each. Third, the MG-1 offers "Bell Tone" (AM Modulation of VCO 1 and 2) not found on the Rogue. And lastly, the added square waveform only polyphony often mistakenly called "organ sound" not found on the Rogue. The Mod Wheel of the Rogue has been replaced by two independent sliders, one for VCF and one for VCO modulation, and the Pitch Bend Wheel has no equivalent on the MG-1.
Finally, it can be easily found since it was produced in great quantities for distribution in the consumer market Radio-Shack stores, and not just for specialized music stores, and is usually less expensive than a Rogue, despite actually offering more. Mainly because of the big "REALISTIC" name in white letters on the back instead of the letters "MOOG" and the lack of Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels. But in smaller print at the back, it clearly states: "Custom manufactured by Moog Music in U.S.A. for Radio-Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation".
Polyphonic Sound
The Polyphonic features of this synth are of particular interest, as it was a rare feature at the time it was released. The polyphony section is independently tunable, and acts as a third oscillator, sounding like a square wave (described as a "cheesy organ sound" by some, and well-used by others). All of the sound-generating features come together in a mixer, allowing the levels the monophonic oscillators, noise, ring modulation and polyphony to be adjusted independently. Since the polyphony section is independently tunable, it can function as a rudimentary third oscillator, allowing the user to create more complex tones than on similar 2-oscillator synths. It is a common misconception that the Poly signal is not affected by the Contour. In reality, the Poly signal can be affected by the attack or initial decay time. Because of the VCA gate design, the Poly signal is not "faded out" by the release section. Similarly, the signal is not "held" with the two VCOs when in Hold or "Constant" mode. The rest of the modulation, including the sample-and-hold, will affect the Polyphonic Signal via the filter section. One thing to note however, the LFO cannot be used to modulate the pitch to create a vibrato of the Polyphony section. And also the Polyphony is total, meaning all 32 keys can sound all at once.Contour Triggering
When the Contour (Envelope) is triggered by the LFO, it allows for periodic LFO-type waves to be applied to the VCF or VCA, depending on the Rise- and Fall-times. This allows the creation of Saw- and Ramp- waves, as well as asymmetrical Triangle waves and unusual trapezoids, not otherwise found through modulating with the LFO alone.Unique Modulation Options
Although this keyboard is often erroneously described as having "less" features than its Moog siblings, the Liberation and the Rogue, there is a patch which only the MG-1 can do: The LFO can have independent amounts sent to the VCOs and the VCF on the MG-1. The Liberation and Rogue have to route both through the Mod Wheel with the same amount level. This is the benefit of not having the standard pitch- and mod-wheels.Panel Layout
Additionally, the synthesizer's features aren't labeled using the usual synthesizer nomenclature, instead using more "laymen friendly" terms such as "Tone Source" for the oscillators, "Contour" for the envelope with "Rise Time" for Attack Time and "Fall Time" instead of Decay or Release Time. Portamento is called "Glide" and Ring Mod is "Bell Tone". Also the color scheme is more appealing and vibrant and helps distinguish easily between sections, again for an easier understanding by the general public not familiar with analog synthesizers. Remember that this was sold in Radio Shack stores, not music stores.The MG-1 in the Present
Still, this synthesizer is sought-after as an inexpensive way to get the famed "Moog Bass" sounds. It is also somewhat infamous in analog synth circles for having black polyurethane foam insulating the interior which did not keep well over time, turning into a black sludge which clogs the various moving parts in the synth (so much so that entire replacement switches and faders can be bought on eBay, specifically for this synth). As with many analog synthesizers, the MG-1's resale price is slowly rising as alternatives and working instruments become less common, and buyers and sellers congregate online.Fun Fact
Although there is a picture of Elton John holding the MG-1 on his arm in front of him in Radio Shack's 1982 and 1983 catalogs description of this synthesizer, he has never actually used it in any of his recordings or performances. It was strictly a publicity contract with the Tandy Corporation. That's why his name is not in the "Famous Users" list below.Famous users
- Math the BandMath the BandMath the Band is an American electronic band formed in 2003 in Westford, Massachusetts by Kevin Steinhauser. Justine Mainville was added to the lineup in 2007. They've released many full-length albums and various EPs...
- Peter GabrielPeter GabrielPeter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
- 808 State808 State808 State are a British electronic music outfit, formed in 1987 in Manchester, taking their name from the Roland TR-808 drum machine and their common state of mind...
- Remy ShandRemy ShandRemy David Shand is a Canadian R&B/soul singer, who released his debut album, The Way I Feel, on Motown Records in 2002.- Early years :...
- KMFDMKMFDMKMFDM is an industrial band led by German multi-instrumentalist Sascha Konietzko, who founded the group in 1984 as a performance art project...
- Questlove
- Jesse Johnson of Motion City SoundtrackMotion City SoundtrackMotion City Soundtrack is an American rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, formed in 1997. The band consists of founding members Justin Pierre and Joshua Cain , along with keyboardist and moog synthesist Jesse Johnson, bassist and backing vocalist Matthew Taylor, and drummer, percussionist and...
- Spokes from The Gutterballs
- Performer Andrü (in his band named Andrü)
- Davo from Pull Tiger TailPull Tiger TailPull Tiger Tail were an indie rock band based in London and originating from Stratford-upon-Avon and Edinburgh; they formed in 2006 while attending Goldsmiths College....
- The High LlamasThe High LlamasThe High Llamas are a London-based musical group, formed by the Irish guitarist and songwriter Sean O'Hagan after the demise of his group Microdisney. O'Hagan writes and arranges the music and the rest of the group consists of drummer Rob Allum, keyboardist/cellist Marcus Holdaway, and...
- Stefen Keen (Lake Baikal)
- No DoubtNo DoubtNo Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
- CluesClues (band)Clues is an indie pop band from Montreal, Canada formed by Alden Penner, Brendan Reed and Bethany Or. After Or left the band, local musicians Ben Borden, Lisa Gamble and Nick Scribner solidified the lineup.-Formation :...
- Motion City SoundtrackMotion City SoundtrackMotion City Soundtrack is an American rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, formed in 1997. The band consists of founding members Justin Pierre and Joshua Cain , along with keyboardist and moog synthesist Jesse Johnson, bassist and backing vocalist Matthew Taylor, and drummer, percussionist and...
- Robert SchneiderRobert SchneiderRobert Peter Schneider is one of the co-founders of The Elephant 6 Recording Company, along with Will Cullen Hart, Bill Doss, and Jeff Mangum...
(of The Apples in StereoThe Apples in StereoThe Apples in Stereo, styled The Apples in stereo, is an American indie rock band associated with The Elephant Six Collective, a group of bands also including Neutral Milk Hotel and The Olivia Tremor Control. The band is largely a product of lead vocalist/guitarist Robert Schneider, who writes the...
) - Sam Hughes (of The Spinto BandThe Spinto BandThe Spinto Band is an indie rock band from Wilmington, Delaware. They are currently signed to Park the Van Records.-Biography:The Spinto Band was originally formed as recording project by high school students in Wilmington, Delaware in the late 1990s...
)
External links
- Moog Concertmate MG-1 Video Demo
- Moog Concertmate MG-1 at Vintage Synth Explorer
- Detailed info and pics
- Detailed history of the MG-1
- Service Manual and User Manual
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9-ig2H8WMM