Press AdminASHEVILLE, NC – October 7, 2014 – Today Moog announced the official worldwide release of the Werkstatt-01 Analog Synthesizer Moogfest 2014 Kit — a patchable analog synthesizer designed to inspire the exploration and modification of classic Moog circuits while delivering a myriad of vintage and new raw, mangled, and monstrous Moog tones. This highly-portable instrument is secured in a solid-steel chassis and features a harmonically rich Moog VCO, classic 4-pole Moog Ladder filter, wide-range LFO with audio-rate modulation capabilities, ADS envelope generator, and an analog patchable header for expansive sonic experimentation, manipulation, and decimation. To demonstrate the range and flexibility of Werkstatt’s classic Moog sonics, Moog has released a video featuring Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel, keyboard player for Atlantic Records’ band Chromeo, building an improvisatory electro funk track using only the Moog Werkstatt-Ø1 and a simple drum pattern (see video).
Today also marks the launch of WerkstattWorkshop.com (beta) — an interactive creative learning portal containing project ideas, mod tutorials (see video link), parts lists, educational lesson plans, 3D printer files, Arduino integration and control and many other dynamic resources for Werkstatt owners. This microsite also includes Moog’s new and on-going research surrounding the use of subtractive synthesizers in STEM and STEAM high-school classrooms. Lessons in these studies are focused on project based learning opportunities, and encouraging a creative deployment of practical skills in STEM fields. All lessons and associated materials are open source and available online free to educators across multiple disciplines.
“Analog synthesizers have long had their own maker culture born of curious engineers, musicians, and hobbyists alike,” said Moog Music CEO, Mike Adams. “Bob Moog got his start at the age of 15 by studying and modifying Leon Theremin’s designs. We’d like to share our legacy of learning, music, and electronics to empower a new generation of makers to expand on our work and take it to levels we can’t yet imagine.” Adams said.
In April 2014, the Werkstatt-01 Analog Synthesizer Kit was made available to Engineering VIP ticket holders at Moogfest 2014, Moog’s multi-day celebration of technology, art and music. The success of the workshop at the festival prompted Moog to release a limited number of Werkstatt’s to select US dealers. Starting today the Werkstatt-01 Analog Synthesizer Kit is available and in stock at all Moog Music dealers worldwide. MSRP of $329US