User:Zc338609
| Slim Phatty | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Moog Music |
| Dates | 2011-Present |
| Price | $849 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | Monophonic |
| Oscillator | 2 |
| LFO | 1 |
| Synthesis type | Analog subtractive |
| Filter | 1 selectable 6, 12, 18 or 24dB/octave low-pass |
| Attenuator | ADSR |
| Aftertouch expression | no |
| Velocity expression | yes |
| Storage memory | 100 patches |
| Effects | none |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | no |
| External control | MIDI, CV/Gate, USB |
The Slim Phatty is a monophonic analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music since 2011. It is considered to be an entry-level synthesizer in the Moog family. Its design is based off of the Little Phatty, which in turn is a more modernized version of the Minimoog Voyager. It is among the first synthesizers created and produced following the death of Moog founder Robert Moog in 2005. The Slim Phatty is also the first Moog (beside the Little Phatty) that is capable of USB connectivity. It was infered that Moog would be releasing a new and possibly more stripped down synthesizer when reports surfaced that Moog had registered a trademark for the name "Slim Phatty".
Features[edit]
The Slim Phatty is able to make use of MIDI controller integration via out, in, and "thru" channels. The only other Moog synthesizers that can boast this capability are the Little Phatty, Minimoog Voyager, and the early Memorymoog+. It also features two robust oscillators, diverse tuning controls, and the patented “Moog Ladder” filters. Also included are a large number of patches or preset sound settings. Unlike many synthesizers, it does not possess a keyboard, so a MIDI or other sound input is required in order to create sound to modulate or filter. It is also small in size, and weighing in at roughly 5.5lbs. For these reasons, the Slim Phatty is useful in both studio recording and live playing.
Comparison to Little Phatty[edit]
As noted above, the Slim Phatty is essentially a stripped down version of Moog's Little Phatty. Moog removed the keyboard, as well as the pitch and modulator wheels, and compacted the entire setup into a unit that is only seventeen inches wide. For these reasons, many may find the control panel a little cluttered, although the use of smaller knobs and buttons helps alleviate this issue. Unlike its counterpart, the Slim Phatty possesses an "Overload" control, which acts a filter drive that "supercharges" the filter and sound. It also has more up to date firmware than the Little Phatty, which gives it more power and flexibility than it's bigger brother for the time being. Its lightweight and small size also give it an edge in regards to portability.
References[edit]
- Slim Fatty from Moog Music site
- Synthgear.com Trademark rumors
- Synth Museum - Moog The Synth Museum - Moog
- MusicRadar.com Gear Review
- Sweetwater.com Technical Specs
Misa Kitara[edit]
| Misa Kitara | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Misa Digital Instruments |
| Dates | 2011-Present |
| Price | $959 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | Polyphonic |
| Oscillator | yes |
| Synthesis type | digital |
| Aftertouch expression | no |
| Effects | 6 preloaded |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | 8 inch multi-touch display, 144 note-buttons |
| External control | MIDI, USB |
The Misa Kitara is a digital MIDI controller and musical instrument. It allows for a guitar player to produce a synthesizer sound. It is built in the shape of an electric guitar, complete with a full twenty-four fret neck. The name comes from the Finnish word for "guitar".
Design[edit]
The Kitara is an innovative design in the musical instrument world. Guitar synthesizers have been created since the 1970's, but the Kitara is the first to make use of, not only of cap-buttons for strings/frets, but an 8 inch digital screen. The player controls the guitar through this display as opposed to strumming strings. The display allows for comprehensive control as well as a wide-variety of noise/effect production. The produced sound changes based on the position, number, and movement of fingers on this display.
Sound[edit]
The Kitara comes with six preloaded effects setups, but there are hundreds of sounds programmed in that can be mixed and modified for a desired or unique sound. Also, the Kitara is powered by a Linux based CPU. Being that Linux is open-source, it is possible to reprogram the Kitara, modify existing sounds, and even program new ones. Despite its shape and operation, it is meant to produce the sounds of a synthesizer through the playing style of a guitar (a common misconception is the reverse).
References[edit]
- PC World PC World Article
- Misa Digital Kitara Technical Specs
- ReviewExplorer.com ReviewExplorer Article